The Double
Chapter 344 - 124 Opponent_2

Chapter 344: Chapter 124 Opponent_2

Emperor Hongxiao adored her for the very quality of her lighthearted detachment, her disinclination to meddle in court affairs, which made her presence the most relaxing for him.

But... Consort Li’s expression wavered as she mused over the matter concerning Jiang Li and the Xue Family. She could not discern Emperor Hongxiao’s reaction. If you were to say he was infuriated, his demeanor was clearly not one of fury, but neither could it be said that he was supportive. With each year passing, the Emperor grew more inscrutable in his emotions; oftentimes, she too found it hard to interpret his thoughts.

As a daughter of the Ji family, she was aware of the troubles Ji Shuran had encountered in the Jiang Residence due to Jiang Li. Naturally, Consort Li did not wish for Jiang Li to succeed, and even shared Ji Shuran’s hope that they could take this opportunity to dispose of Jiang Li without shedding blood.

Yet, in the palace, despite the Emperor’s favour, she had to exercise even greater caution; she could not act rashly and had to take things one step at a time.

Emperor Hongxiao settled into the Imperial Study Room.

Imperial Attendants kept coming in, meticulously reporting to him the situation at Changan Gate. When they mentioned Jiang Li’s remark that "there were not just one, but a hundred commoners beating the Drum of Injustice, and if all were to be beaten with fifty strokes, it would amount to no more than a stick and a half", even his taut countenance couldn’t help but break into a smile, as he cursed with amusement, "That old fox Jiang Yuanbai has raised a daughter just as cunning!"

Eunuch Su watched from the side. Although Emperor Hongxiao spoke thusly, not a trace of rage appeared on his face. He understood then, that at least to Emperor Hongxiao, Jiang Li leading the commoners of Tongxiang to beat the Drum of Injustice at the capital was not a cause for his anger. The Emperor held no blame towards Jiang Li in his heart.

"Your Majesty, it’s been over a decade since anyone has beaten the Drum of Injustice at the foot of the Emperor’s throne..." Eunuch Su said, "This time Miss Jiang the Second has truly caused a major event in Yanjing City. Countless eyes are watching."

"Eunuch Su, what do you think of her actions?" Emperor Hongxiao inquired.

"This... this humble servant wouldn’t dare to speculate." Eunuch Su replied, "It’s just that I wonder whether Lord Jiang is aware of Miss Jiang the Second’s actions."

"Of course, he’s unaware." Emperor Hongxiao chuckled, "This daughter of the Jiang family didn’t even return to the Jiang Residence; she hurried to Changan Gate to beat the Drum of Injustice. If it had been truly urgent, she would have had time to return home first. If it were Jiang Yuanbai, he would never have allowed her to be so hasty. Clearly, Miss Jiang the Second was afraid of unforeseen changes, which could have been obstructed by Jiang Yuanbai, prompting her to act first and report later."

Eunuch Su looked at Emperor Hongxiao and laughed, "Miss Jiang the Second is quite astute. Your Majesty even rewarded her on a previous occasion. It’s just that her boldness is quite excessive. Which noble daughter would dare to do such a thing? And to mix with commoners."

"What is wrong with mixing with commoners?" Emperor Hongxiao said, "The world is, after all, composed of commoners; without the people, there would be no realm. As for the daughter of the Jiang family’s estate, the Assistant Minister of Revenue Ye Shijie has already presented it to me, and I have seen it! Had I not seen it, I wouldn’t have known, but upon looking, I’ve realized my realm, right beneath the Emperor’s feet, still harbors such audacious bandits!"

Speaking to this point, his voice suddenly turned cold, and Eunuch Su no longer dared to add to the conversation, yet he was puzzled inside. Assistant Minister of Revenue Ye Shijie? When did Ye Shijie present a petition to the Emperor?

Since Ye Shijie had already presented a petition about the Xue Family case to the Emperor, and the Emperor’s attitude was such, the situation now became much clearer: at least with regards to the Xue Family case, the daughter of the Jiang family was likely to come out ahead without any trouble.

Emperor Hongxiao looked at the petition in front of him, the complaint presented by Ye Shijie, which naturally was filled with the Tongxiang County Magistrate Feng Yutang’s crimes, as well as the details of Xue Huaiyuan’s wrongful imprisonment. Honestly, just by reading it, he, as the Emperor, was enough to be incited to great fury. However, while it was permissible to beat the Drum of Injustice, to seek an audience with the Emperor on this matter seemed excessive. Jiang Li brought so many people from Tongxiang to the capital, and the commoners of Yanjing City were all watching intently; if this case were mishandled, he as the Emperor would be seen as having lost the people’s heart. Thus, Jiang Li had indeed caused him trouble.

Considering the pros and cons, Emperor Hongxiao shouldn’t pay too much attention to this case, and he should even hint to Jiang Yuanbai to discipline his daughter properly. After all, what does the matter of the Tongxiang County Magistrate have to do with her? She doesn’t bear the Xue surname.

But within the complaint Ye Shijie presented, there was also an obscure mention of a quite significant matter. It hinted that behind Feng Yutang were the shadows of Princess Yongning from Yanjing City, and that the imprisonment of Xue Huaiyuan was also by Princess Yongning’s instruction.

Princess Yongning was the biological sister of Prince Cheng; Emperor Hongxiao couldn’t help but suspect whether targeting the Xue Family was at Prince Cheng’s instigation. On the surface, Princess Yongning seemed to have no connection with the Xue Family; without cause, why would she harm Xue Huaiyuan? Xue Huaiyuan, residing in Tongxiang, couldn’t possibly offend Yongning, who lived in Yanjing.