The Double-Chapter 361 - 127: Retrial_4

Jiang Li watched coldly, her mind clear. Feng Yutang knew he could not escape death, so by bluntly admitting all faults as his own, he hoped for a quicker end. If he implicated Princess Yongning, he feared not only a worse death for himself but the annihilation of all his concubines and offspring.

Of course, Feng Yutang was not a man of great love, preferring to sacrifice the individual for the greater good. It was simply that in his view, the fear of Princess Yongning’s power was even greater than the fear of the Emperor, thus leading him to make such a decision.

"Lord Zhou," Prince Cheng spoke leisurely, "All the records are noted in the case files. Feng Yutang’s guilt is undeniable, with solid evidence. However, the charges against Xue Huaiyuan have already been reviewed before. In the case of corruption involving Xue Huaiyuan, all the silver taels were found in his residence, along with the account books and witnesses to testify, both human and material evidence is present. Just because Feng Yutang is guilty, it doesn’t prove Xue Huaiyuan’s innocence. Evidence must be respected, and in front of His Majesty, you can’t just extract confessions through torture. Please don’t waste time any longer."

To say such a thing in front of Emperor Hongxiao was exceedingly impolite. Although during court discussion, all ministers are allowed to speak, Prince Cheng’s stance clearly showed a bias towards Feng Yutang.

The other ministers didn’t understand, thinking perhaps that Prince Cheng was only stirring up trouble or disliked the Jiang Family. As it happened, it was Miss Jiang the Second from the Jiang Family who brought up the case against the Xue Family, hence his aggressive approach. Yet to Emperor Hongxiao’s ears, these words had a different implication.

Ye Shijie’s report involved Yongning, and if it weren’t for Prince Cheng’s actions today, Emperor Hongxiao might have suspected a misunderstanding. However, with Prince Cheng’s behavior, he could instantly confirm that the matter was related to Yongning, and it was no falsehood. Prince Cheng’s attitude clearly indicated he was aware of the case’s details.

But Emperor Hongxiao said nothing, sitting inscrutably and observing the statements of his ministers below.

Zhou Dezhao had not yet spoken when Prince Cheng turned his spearhead toward Jiang Li, his smile cold as he looked at her and said, "This case was brought forward by Miss Jiang the Second, who personally visited Tongxiang and seems to know many details that others do not, holding evidence unknown to many. Since you wish to exonerate Xue Huaiyuan, please produce the evidence."

"Indeed," this time, it was the Right Chancellor, Li Zhongnan, who spoke. Li Zhongnan bowed and said, "Miss Jiang the Second is not inferior to men, her aspirations are noble, as she led the people of Tongxiang on a long journey to beat the Drum of Injustice at Changan Gate. There must be a great grievance to be addressed here. A grave injustice won’t be this simple. We all, alongside His Majesty, are eager to listen, so please share swiftly."

The Li Family was actually kicking her while she was down, at this time, Jiang Yuanbai frowned, and even if Jiang Li was bold and clever, she was still but a fifteen-year-old girl. The imperial court was no place like one’s own backyard where one could speak freely without concern, a careless word could provoke the emperor’s suspicion or even offend many. Prince Cheng and the Right Chancellor were clearly taking advantage of Jiang Li’s youth and naivety, hoping to trap her with their words. Jiang Yuanbai was about to speak up for Jiang Li, but at that moment, she started to speak, and what she said stunned everyone in the hall.

She said, "Your Majesty, as a female servant, I traveled long distances, leading the people of Tongxiang to beat the Drum of Injustice at Changan Gate to accuse the corrupt official, Feng Yutang. And I also request... that Your Majesty condemns the former Tongxiang County Magistrate, Xue Huaiyuan!"

"Condemn?" Emperor Hongxiao paused, and then asked, "What do you mean by condemn?"

"It is well-known that Tongxiang County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan embezzled the silver taels meant for disaster aid, with the evidence being clear. He is a pest in the imperial court. Your Majesty advocates for integrity, yet a mere county magistrate dares to be so audacious, disrespecting the imperial family. Mere imprisonment and beheading are insufficient punishments, in my view, he deserves to be subjected to death by a thousand cuts!"

Ye Shijie was taken aback, Feng Yutang, still kneeling, forgot to lower his head, staring directly at Jiang Li. Everyone knew Jiang Li had tirelessly campaigned for Xue Huaiyuan, clearly supporting him, but now she was saying beheading was not enough for him, insisting on a thousand cuts; had she lost her mind? Or had she never been on Xue Huaiyuan’s side to begin with?! freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Ye Mingyu was also shocked, never expecting Jiang Li to utter these words. He had witnessed firsthand how Jiang Li had cared for Xue Huaiyuan on their journey, even more closely than she did for her own father, Jiang Yuanbai. How could she now say such a thing? Ye Mingyu almost doubted if the person before him was truly his niece or someone else in disguise.