The Double-Chapter 355 - 126: Relieving the Siege_3

"Princess Yongning," Jiang Li said calmly.

Zhou Dezhao was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Jiang Li to speak so frankly, as though she were not a princess of the nation but rather an ordinary person from the streets. When Emperor Hongxiao personally discussed this matter with Zhou Dezhao, he too could hardly conceal his surprise. Know that from the audience at court, he had seen many dirty and strange affairs, and also numerous unresolved cases where the public sued officials, but this was the first time that the Chief Minister’s Daughter had filed a lawsuit against a princess of the current reign.

"Miss Jiang the Second’s evidence is conclusive," Zhou Dezhao said, "The Emperor also intends to redress the grievances of the people of Tongxiang, but this case is complex due to the princess’s involvement. Miss Jiang the Second should consider this carefully."

"There’s no turning back once the bow is drawn," Jiang Li smiled, "With the Emperor personally supervising the case, I’m so grateful that there’s no time to express it, and I will undoubtedly do my utmost to ensure that the truth of the case comes to light."

Jiang Li emphasized the words "comes to light" with particular force.

"However, this case isn’t flawless," Zhou Dezhao said, "If the person behind the scenes truly has ties to the princess, relying solely on this case won’t resolve the issue at its root. Instead, it could put Miss Jiang the Second in danger. Even so, does Miss Jiang the Second have no intention of changing her mind?"

"Lord Zhou need not test me any longer," Jiang Li laughed, "If I had any intention of backing down, I wouldn’t have bothered with any of this. Besides, with the Emperor personally supervising the case, if I still held anything back, wouldn’t I be committing the crime of deceiving my sovereign?"

Zhou Dezhao was considered an honest official, but to have reached his position, he wasn’t someone who couldn’t adapt. He reminded Jiang Li that the case would not topple Princess Yongning but rather might cause the princess to bear a grudge. It was unclear whether he spoke as a test or out of kindness. But Jiang Li thought it was all pointless to say these things.

Seeing Jiang Li’s determination, Zhou Dezhao found it harder to say anything further. Jiang Li was, after all, Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, and he had to show some courtesy toward Jiang Yuanbai. Offending Princess Yongning was inevitable in this case, but with the Emperor’s direct command, he had no other choice. In some respects, he and Jiang Li were in the same position.

"Very well," Zhou Dezhao nodded, "Miss Jiang the Second, please prepare yourself, and we will proceed to the court shortly." After a pause, he added, "Princess Yongning will not attend court today, but His Highness Prince Cheng will be present."

Prince Cheng was Princess Yongning’s own brother, and it was possible that Jiang Li might face difficulties from him.

"No matter who it is," Ye Mingyu interjected, unable to listen any further, "he surely won’t do anything too outrageous in front of the Emperor."

Jiang Li and Zhou Dezhao remained silent. Ye Mingyu, being removed from court affairs, naturally did not understand, but Prince Cheng’s influence and arrogance were not established overnight. Emperor Hongxiao had to tread carefully, maintaining an appearance of brotherly respect while subtle currents flowed beneath the surface.

Jiang Li sighed softly, not sure whether to feel sympathy for the current emperor of Northern Yan; setting aside the fact that many others covetously eyed his throne, his most relied upon minister, Jih Heng, had his own plans.

"Lord Zhou, let’s go," Jiang Li said, gathering her thoughts.

Zhou Dezhao nodded in reply.

Xue Huaiyuan could not immediately accompany Jiang Li to the court in case his disheveled state disturbed the Emperor, he needed to be looked after until the right moment to present himself. Therefore, only Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu followed Zhou Dezhao towards the Golden Throne Hall. Judging by the time, all the other ministers who had come to observe the hearing should have arrived by now.

As they approached the Golden Throne Hall, some of the ministers spotted them, all casting scrutinizing glances at Jiang Li.

By now, Jiang Li was quite well-known in Yanjing City; there was hardly any official’s family that didn’t know her name. Jiang Li’s actions had made her a trendsetter among the noble ladies of Yanjing. Yet everyone was still puzzled by her thoughts; instead of enjoying her status, she was embroiled in this controversy, publicly exposing herself for someone who had no relation to her, and it was unclear what she was really after.

As they walked, a voice suddenly came from behind them: "Lord Zhou."

Zhou Dezhao and Jiang Li turned around, only to see a young man slowly approaching from the garden.

This man was dressed in splendid brocade and carried himself with extraordinary bearing; his attendants did not look like ordinary individuals either. He was quite handsome, yet his deep and astute eyes gave a slight sense of menace when scrutinising others.

Although he verbally addressed Zhou Dezhao, his gaze was fixed intently on Jiang Li, unreservedly scrutinizing her, much to the annoyance of Ye Mingyu, who thought it inappropriate for someone to stare at a young lady in such a manner.

Zhou Dezhao bowed and said respectfully, "This subordinate has seen His Highness Prince Cheng."