The case of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao, after so many years and with such grand proceedings, had a result from the joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices that was much smoother than expected.
It was truly because the evidence Xue Huaiyuan could produce was remarkably abundant. So abundant that even the ministers of Dali Temple were surprised that Xue Huaiyuan, having only regained consciousness for about a month, could find so many useful clues. It was as if long before this, someone had already begun investigating the case of Xue Fangfei and her brother.
And Jiang Yuanbai’s involvement made resolving this case extremely smooth. The Chief Minister’s daughter being discovered in Princess Yongning’s private prison was an undeniable fact. While Princess Yongning might still argue about Xue Fangfei, regarding Jiang Youyao she could find no excuse.
Setting up a private prison in her mansion, murdering officials’ family members, colluding with court officials to conspire in killing common people, manipulating the official world… one matter after another, tallied up—Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun’s crimes were irrefutable. They deserved capital punishment and would be executed in three days.
When the result was announced, all who knew felt immensely satisfied.
The Capital Magistrate, as one who had aided the tyrant in his cruelty and caused Xue Zhao’s death back then, naturally also received punishment—stripped of his official position and exiled for life. As for Xiao Deyin, although she hadn’t directly killed Xue Fangfei, in the matter of Xue Fangfei being framed, she had handed over that cup of drugged wine. She was sentenced to fifty heavy strokes. She was just a woman—after fifty heavy strokes, who knew if she would still have her life? Even if she survived, she would likely be barely alive, unable to live many more years.
Of course, for Xiao Deyin, how many strokes she received and how many years she lived weren’t the most important things. What tormented her most was probably, after the matter between her and Xue Fangfei spread, how many people throughout the world would curse her behind her back for having a vicious heart and putting on an act. Xiao Deyin had been burdened by reputation and pretended for a lifetime. In the end, her reputation was completely ruined. For her, living had no meaning anymore.
After the joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices ended, soldiers escorted Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun down to the dungeon. Xue Huaiyuan sat quietly, as if all his strength had been drained from him in an instant. He couldn’t move at all.
Jiang Yuanbai rose and stood up, unable to help glancing at Xue Huaiyuan once more. His biological daughter Jiang Li had taken great care of Xue Huaiyuan, even exceeding how she treated him, her own father. Originally Jiang Yuanbai had been quite displeased, but after seeing Xue Huaiyuan, he also felt that Xue Huaiyuan was more composed and capable than he had imagined.
He didn’t greet Xue Huaiyuan and walked out first. Princess Yongning ending up in such a state—logically speaking, Jiang Yuanbai had also avenged Jiang Youyao. But Jiang Yuanbai didn’t feel the slightest bit happy about it. Jiang Youyao’s life was already ruined and could never return to how it was before. The past was the past.
Haitang came over to help Xue Huaiyuan up and walked outside. Just as they reached the main gate outside the Ministry of Justice, they were stunned by the scene before them. The common people of Yanjing City had blocked the outer gate so tightly that not even water could trickle through. Seeing them emerge, they all called out “County Magistrate Xue.”
In a very short time, what had transpired in the courtroom had already spread. People naturally also learned how Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun had framed Xue Fangfei for having an illicit affair, causing Xue Fangfei to miscarry, then using drugs, even strangling that poor woman to death. Not only that, they had also killed Xue Fangfei’s younger brother, a youth as warm as sunshine, and had tried to kill Xue Huaiyuan. If not for a fortuitous accident—Second Miss Jiang going to Tongxiang—the entire Xue Family household would have disappeared from this world, and no one would have known of the injustice they suffered.
The common people had empathy. They might not be very intelligent and were easily fooled, but there were also many kind-hearted people among them. Their inherently good nature made them naturally hate evil and sympathize with the weak. The Xue Family immediately became an object of sympathy, with curses against Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun everywhere.
Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu were outside to receive Xue Huaiyuan. Xue Huaiyuan boarded the carriage, and as soon as he got in, he discovered Jiang Li was also there. He was startled for a moment and said, “Miss Jiang.”
“County Magistrate Xue.” Jiang Li smiled slightly.
Jiang Li had gone to the Ye Family early in the morning and had driven with Ye Shijie to the entrance of the Ministry of Justice. They couldn’t go inside and, like the common people outside, waited for the final result. Until she heard the result, Jiang Li’s heart had been tightly clenched, not at all as calm as she appeared on the surface.
She had waited for this day for far too long.
Xue Huaiyuan noticed that the corners of Jiang Li’s eyes seemed to have a bit of moisture—she looked as if she had cried. But Xue Huaiyuan still didn’t understand. To their Xue Family, Jiang Li could almost be called a savior who gave them new life. But when many strangers see others struggling in fire and water and extend a helping hand, it might be because of kindness or perhaps something else. Yet what Jiang Li displayed came so naturally, as if it were her responsibility.
Why? She was Second Miss of the Jiang Family, originally having no connection whatsoever to the Xue Family.
Xue Huaiyuan said, “Previously, Miss Jiang said that one day you would tell me why you extended a helping hand to the Xue Family. Now that the evildoers have received their punishment, is it that time now?”
His tone was very gentle, as if seriously inquiring. Jiang Li paused, and a feeling of desolation suddenly arose in her heart. This time, Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun truly had no way out. The true culprits behind the deaths of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao were finally revealed to the world. After searching for so long, justice had finally not disappeared. But this justice, which perhaps had to be repaid with lives, did not come easily.
She still couldn’t tell Father the truth because her own future was uncertain.
“Now is still not the time.” Jiang Li swallowed the sorrow in her belly and said, “But there is one matter that County Magistrate Xue might want to know about.”
“What matter?” Xue Huaiyuan asked.
“Regarding Xue Zhao’s grave.” Jiang Li said, “When something happened to Xue Zhao, Haitang had already been expelled from the Shen Family and therefore didn’t know where Xue Zhao was buried. Also, because at that time it was right when Xue Fangfei was being gossiped about, Xue Zhao’s funeral arrangements were handled very secretly, and others don’t know where he was buried. I’ve already had people inquire and found the location.” She looked at Xue Huaiyuan. “Since the true culprits have been revealed to the world, County Magistrate Xue can tell Xue Zhao this good news. As for whether to let Xue Zhao return to his hometown, that’s entirely up to County Magistrate Xue’s own decision.”
Jiang Li wanted Xue Zhao’s soul to return to his homeland, rather than remain in some unknown place in Yanjing City. Aside from herself, there wasn’t even anyone to worship and burn paper money for him—so cold and desolate. Father had already learned of Xue Zhao’s death… he should also gradually see Xue Zhao.
“Good, thank you for taking the trouble, Miss Jiang.” Xue Huaiyuan said. In his voice was a trace of barely perceptible trembling. “Ah Zhao would be very happy to know about this, very happy.”
Jiang Li turned her head away.
Very happy? Yet she felt only deep sorrow and helplessness.
The judgment regarding Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun spread throughout all of Yanjing City.
The common people all clapped their hands in satisfaction. If there were any who were furious and lost their composure over this, it was only Consort Liu and Prince Cheng in the palace.
Consort Liu’s eyes were already red from crying. At her great age, she had always arrogantly commanded others. When had she ever been in such a wretched state? Clutching Prince Cheng’s sleeve, she said, “Ying’er, go help Yongning. Save your younger sister. Your sister cannot die like this!”
When she first learned that Xue Huaiyuan had accused Princess Yongning, Consort Liu hadn’t taken the matter seriously. Even if Princess Yongning had been demoted to commoner status, that Xue Huaiyuan was nothing at all. Crushing Xue Huaiyuan would be simpler than crushing an ant. Moreover, regarding that evidence, who knew what was true and what was false? Just casually giving a few instructions to the officials below, this matter could be suppressed. The only thing to consider was the common people’s gossip, but there were ways to resolve that too.
Who knew that Jiang Yuanbai would also get dragged in? That Princess Yongning had set up a private prison in her mansion—this matter neither Prince Cheng nor Consort Liu had known about. When they learned that Princess Yongning had even imprisoned Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter Jiang Youyao in her private prison, Consort Liu nearly fainted and immediately knew this matter had gone terribly wrong.
Concerning the current Chief Minister, this case could in no way be suppressed. As expected, everything came so swiftly and caught them off guard. Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun were quickly arrested, and Emperor Hongxiao personally ordered a joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices to thoroughly investigate the case.
Ordinarily, when his interests weren’t touched, this emperor with weak power would turn a blind eye and let things pass. But everyone knew that relations between them had become increasingly tense over these years. Since this case had been delivered before Emperor Hongxiao, he would definitely not mind creating an image of a “righteous emperor who eliminates relatives for the greater good and is fair and clear-minded.” And Jiang Yuanbai would certainly spare no effort in helping to ensure Princess Yongning had no chance of making a comeback.
Consort Liu had tried to petition the Empress Dowager, but after hearing everything, the Empress Dowager only said flatly “I can’t help” and sent Consort Liu away. No matter how much Consort Liu talked until her mouth was dry, the Empress Dowager still maintained an indifferent appearance. Consort Liu could only turn to petition Emperor Hongxiao, but who knew Emperor Hongxiao would be even more ruthless than the Empress Dowager—Consort Liu couldn’t even see Emperor Hongxiao’s face.
Seeing that Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun were about to be executed, Consort Liu finally realized that this time, there truly might not be anyone who could save her daughter. She could only weep to Prince Cheng.
“Stop crying, Mother Consort,” Prince Cheng said, annoyed by Consort Liu’s crying. “It’s not that I don’t want to save Yongning, but right now no one can save her! Yongning’s courage was also too great—actually setting up a private prison in her mansion and even imprisoning Jiang Youyao, offending Jiang Yuanbai. Jiang Yuanbai will naturally be relentless. How could he possibly let her have a way out? If only Yongning had shown even a bit of restraint back then, things wouldn’t have reached this point today!”
Consort Liu said angrily, “How can you speak of your sister like that?” Then she began crying again. “I said long ago that Shen Yurun was not a good match, not a good person. Your sister was dragged down by that Shen Yurun! And you—you knew long ago what kind of person Shen Yurun was. How could you not stop your sister from associating with that person! Your sister falling to this state today—you also bear responsibility!”
“Enough!” Prince Cheng shouted loudly. He was also vexed and frustrated now. Right at the critical moment of the uprising, there was no room for even the slightest error. Yet Yongning dragged him down like this from behind—first breaking with the Li Family, causing Li Xian to resign from office, and making Li Zhongnan have different intentions toward him. Then her relationship with Shen Yurun became known to the whole world, Shen Yurun also resigned from office, and he lost another support. Now even better—the Jiang Family regarded him with hostility, Yongning’s reputation was ruined, and even he had been implicated. Having such a sister, Prince Cheng had truly had terrible luck.
Consort Liu, being shouted at by Prince Cheng like this, suddenly stopped crying. As if waking up, she looked at Prince Cheng and said despairingly, “Ying’er, is there really no way to save Yongning anymore?”
Prince Cheng looked at Consort Liu. Feeling somewhat unbearable, he finally said, “Mother Consort, this son is powerless. However,” he changed his tone, “in this matter, the Emperor acted too ruthlessly. I think dragging it out any longer isn’t a solution. Instead, why not move the timing forward? Once I storm the palace and sit on the high position, those who humiliated Yongning back then—I will recover everything for Yongning one by one. At that time… Yongning can also close her eyes in peace.”
His words were utterly sinister. The sound echoed in the empty sleeping hall, eerie and chilling. Consort Liu looked at him, stunned for a moment. As if finally resigned to fate, reluctantly discarding a beloved object, she said, “Good.”