The Double-Chapter 611 - 177: To the Thin Courtroom_2

"Very well, I won’t hide it from you, Sir. Even though this matter is not initiated by me and has nothing to do with the Chief Minister’s Residence, this case has almost been a done deal,"

Xiao Deyin’s eyes brightened and he asked, "Why is that?"

"With witness testimony and physical evidence, the proof is as solid as a mountain. Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong won’t be able to escape this time. Though the Xue Family’s case has nothing to do with our Jiang Family, it is true that my youngest sister was imprisoned in Princess Yongning’s private prison, and my father will certainly not let this go unchallenged. Just on this point alone, our Jiang Family will not allow Princess Yongning any chance to escape," she looked at Xiao Deyin with a smile, "But of course, your testimony would be even better. Although the County Magistrate Xue has evidence in hand, we still lack a piece regarding how exactly Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning took action to harm Xue Fangfei. If you could come forward, I can guarantee on behalf of the Jiang Family that Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong will only face the death penalty for murder in this joint trial."

The last four words deeply stirred Xiao Deyin. She had always believed that when cutting weeds, one must eliminate the roots, just as after all this time, Princess Yongning was desperate to have someone end her life. Xiao Deyin herself couldn’t wait to eliminate such a threat. If she could cause the demise of Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning this time, then everything concerning Xue Fangfei would truly be a thing of the past.

Whether Xue Fangfei’s innocence could be cleared or not, the dead cannot be brought back to life, she would not return. The events of that year would remain unknown to anyone.

"Sir, you may come forward with peace of mind, our Jiang Family will ensure your safety, and no one would dare to harm you. After this, I’m afraid everyone in Yanjing City will praise you for your righteousness, remembering your friend after so many years, and caring about clearing your friend’s false charges, showing true nobility and integrity,"

Xiao Deyin found deep truth in his words. Jiang Li painted a picture that erased all unpleasant aspects of her involvement in the event, leaving only the beautiful. She thought to herself, well, even if it’s the last thing I do for Xue Fangfei. Although she was the one who harmed Xue Fangfei that year, if she could make some sacrifices to vindicate Xue Fangfei now, it would be considered helping her.

With debts settled and grudges cleared, she no longer needed to bear the shackles of conscience.

"Good." Xiao Deyin looked at Jiang Li: "But how exactly should I come forward to testify?"

"That’s very simple." Jiang Li, as if she knew he would respond this way, answered with a smile, "On the day of the joint trial, Sir, you just need to come forward as a witness and tell the truth you know." She bowed to Xiao Deyin, "I thank you on behalf of Miss Xue for your great kindness and mercy."

"I dare not accept such praise," Xiao Deyin quickly stepped aside, "Fangfei is my good friend, it’s only right that I do this."

Jiang Li smiled lightly.

She would "thank" Xiao Deyin properly.

...

On the day of the joint trial, Yanjing City was practically deserted.

The citizens had long been fiercely interested in the truth of this case, and the streets outside the Ministry of Punishment’s courthouse were packed with people. The soldiers kept driving the citizens away, and some of them even climbed onto their own rooftops to gaze from a distance and catch a glimpse of the scene inside the courthouse.

Minister of Punishments He Qin, Minister of the Dali Temple Wei Mingyan, and Imperial Censor Hou Yan were all under the direct command of Emperor Hongxiao to thoroughly investigate the case. Since the case involved the Mayor of Jingzhao, none of them dared to be negligent. However, all three were aware that given the evidence presented by Xue Huaiyuan and the new evidence uncovered, the guilt of Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong was almost a foregone conclusion.

During the joint trial, Jiang Yuanbai had especially requested Emperor Hongxiao to allow him to observe. As the father of Jiang Youyao, who was privately imprisoned and hurt by the current princess, his paternal feelings were understandable, and Emperor Hongxiao granted permission.

When Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong were brought into the courthouse, both were in a sorry state.

Princess Yongning shouted angrily, "What are you doing, release me at once!"

During these days, she had been forced to spend many days in the prison, but thanks to Prince Cheng’s help, her time wasn’t too unbearable. Her food and clothing were manageable, which made Princess Yongning somewhat hopeful that everything was temporary. As long as Prince Cheng remained Prince Cheng, and her mother remained Empress Dowager Liu, they would find a way to save her. And when Princess Yongning regained power, those who had wronged her would meet with no good end.