The Double-Chapter 353 - 126: Relieving the Siege

Time flew by, and soon the third day arrived.

In these three days, Jiang Li did nothing at the house, only caring for Xue Huaiyuan with Ye Mingyu as if they were back in Tongxiang. Every day, she also had someone check on the inn where the Tongxiang villagers stayed to make sure they were all right.

As a key witness, Feng Yutang had already been taken into custody by the Ministry of Punishment, and it was crucial to keep the villagers safe as well. Jiang Yuanbai, uncharacteristically, had not come to visit Jiang Li, likely troubled by his own concerns. If the case of the Xue Family truly implicated Right Chancellor Li’s Family, Jiang Yuanbai would also be caught in a dilemma.

Jiang Li wasn’t bothered by Jiang Yuanbai’s lack of support, as long as he did not heed Ji Shuran’s whispers and cause trouble at this critical moment, it was already good enough. Of course, since Emperor Hongxiao had personally pledged to oversee the case, even if Jiang Yuanbai truly wished to interfere, he would be powerless.

All she could do was wait quietly for the day of the trial to come.

On the day, Jiang Li woke up early. Emperor Hongxiao had said the case would be held in front of him, so Jiang Li had to enter the palace. This was different from the last banquet; entering the palace this time would certainly have caught the attention of Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning, as well as Shen Yurong. Princess Yongning, mad and heartless, might dare to strike at her in the palace, yet one could not carry weapons inside. Even the dagger given by Jiang Jingrui had to be left behind this time.

At that moment, Jiang Li found herself envious of Jih Heng’s fan. After all, Jih Heng could swagger into the palace with his fan that was so extravagantly beautiful it barely seemed like a deadly weapon that could take one’s life on opening and closing.

Indeed, the more beautiful things are, the more dangerous they tend to be, just like the fan’s owner.

Lost in thought, Tonger laughed from behind her, "Miss, your hair is done, how does it look?"

Gazing at her reflection, Jiang Li saw her hair skillfully done by Tonger in a simple wusha bun covered with a black veil, devoid of any ornaments, which made her complexion appear pure and her features outstandingly elegant, as if she were ethereal.

Initially worried that Jiang Li dressed too simply, Tonger, upon further inspection, was pleased and said, "Miss looks truly beautiful, any hairstyle suits you."

Bai Xue approached, holding a cloak, and hesitated before asking, "Miss, isn’t this attire too plain? Won’t the master be displeased?"

Jiang Li took the white cloak and draped it over her shoulders, "It’s fine, only by dressing this way can I show the importance I place on the Xue Family’s case."

She turned around, with her white clothing and black hair, she looked pure and inexplicably elegant, "Let us go."

Jiang Yuanbai’s carriage was already waiting outside; as a court official, he was to watch the trial as well. However, family members did not need to enter the palace together. Just as Jiang Li left the courtyard, she encountered Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao.

Ji Shuran paused, smiling at Jiang Li, "Lili, entering the palace so early?"

"It seems the second sister can’t wait to enter the palace to vindicate the Xue Family," Jiang Youyao said sneeringly, "I didn’t realize that our family had a lady scholar who wants to play the upright judge. Let’s hope she doesn’t bring disaster upon us."

"Youyao!" Ji Shuran stopped Jiang Youyao and apologized to Jiang Li, "Youyao is joking, don’t take it to heart, Lili."

Jiang Li smiled, "It’s fine." She side-stepped past the mother and daughter and walked away without another word. Yet the more she did so, the more furious Jiang Youyao felt, perceiving that Jiang Li was disregarding her. Stomping her foot in secrecy and grinding her teeth, "Mother, look at her!"

"No matter," Ji Shuran’s smile faded as she watched Jiang Li’s departing figure, murmuring, "We’ll see how long she can remain arrogant."

Jiang Li continued forward with Tonger, and after not seeing Jiang Youyao for a while, she seemed to have grown even more foolish. Whether it was due to her failed marital arrangement with Zhou Yanbang or something else, Jiang Youyao’s impatience was all too evident on her face. Jiang Li had not forgotten Ji Shuran’s attempt on her life back in Tongxiang. She had once hoped to avoid conflict, but now that seemed impossible.

As soon as the current case with the Xue Family was settled, she would have to conclude matters with Ji Shuran once and for all.

Only by removing these troublesome adversaries could she truly commit to the struggle against Princess Yongning, Shen Yurong, and Prince Cheng.

By the time she reached the gate of the residence, Jiang Yuanbai’s carriage was already in place.

From behind in another carriage, Ye Mingyu popped his head out and quietly greeted Jiang Li, "Jiang Li!"