The Double
Chapter 360 - 127: Retrial_3

Chapter 360: Chapter 127: Retrial_3

Speaking of the relationship with Jiang Li, Shen Ruyun was about to marry Zhou Yanbang, who, after several twists and turns, was initially betrothed to Jiang Li. Now that Jiang Li had involved herself in Xue Huaiyuan’s case, Shen Yurong developed a strange feeling. It seemed that he and Jiang Li were originally unconnected by even the faintest ties, yet somehow, an invisible rope had entangled them together, and thus, in every matter, the shadow of Jiang Li lingered.

He looked at Jiang Li, and Jiang Li looked back at him. For a woman to gaze so directly at a strange man was considered quite bold. But Shen Yurong could clearly sense in Jiang Li’s eyes not a trace of affection. All he saw was the indifference one reserves for strangers, and perhaps hidden within, something else. But when he looked again, he could not discern what it was.

While Shen Yurong hesitated about whether to greet Jiang Li, she had already shifted her gaze, treating him as if he were an insignificant person, unworthy of even a sliver of her attention. Shen Yurong was taken aback for a moment before he laughed in self-mockery.

Indeed, Jiang Li was not Fangfei nor Princess Yongning. To her, he was truly an insignificant stranger. Such a reaction was only proper. Yet for some reason, Shen Yurong couldn’t help but steal another glance at Jiang Li as she spoke with Ye Shijie—something felt amiss.

But he couldn’t pinpoint why.

Just then, Imperial Attendant Eunuch Su and his entourage approached from behind the hall; Emperor Hongxiao had arrived.

The rules of the imperial court were lax compared to the reign of the former emperor, even the protocols of court attendance were not as strict. Some said this was because Emperor Hongxiao had limited power and no one feared him, unsure how long he would remain on the throne, hence, their brazen attitudes.

In the past, Jiang Li also thought that although Emperor Hongxiao wasn’t as mediocre as he appeared to be, he wasn’t a once-in-a-millennium sage either. But after learning of Jih Heng’s plans, Jiang Li realized her assessment of Emperor Hongxiao was entirely mistaken. Although Jih Heng controlled the court and manipulated power plays, he was too proud-hearted to willingly bow to a useless figure. Among the three factions, he chose to support Emperor Hongxiao because he deemed him worthy. If Jih Heng aspired to the highest position, then Emperor Hongxiao would be his adversary. Picking such a rival would be an insult to him if the emperor proved to be incompetent.

If Jih Heng’s ambitions didn’t lie with the throne but elsewhere, then Emperor Hongxiao, whether a tool for exploitation or a partner on the same boat, would never be a mere nobody.

This emperor had always feigned weakness to deceive his enemies; he was likely not as simple as he seemed.

Emperor Hongxiao seated himself on the throne, and the ministers took their respective places. The silence in the Golden Throne Hall seemed to last only a moment.

At the request of Zhou Dezhao, a hundred citizens of Tongxiang had petitioned collectively, calling for a court assembly to retry the case of the Xue Family.

Jiang Li’s heart stirred with emotion. As she and the civil and military officials knelt to express gratitude for the emperor’s grace, her hands hidden in her sleeves clenched into fists.

Success or failure hinged on this very moment. Today’s battle was key to proving the Xue Family’s innocence and revealing a corner of the truth. She would give it her all, even if it meant a relentless fight against Prince Cheng!

The palace was majestic and awe-inspiring. Among the civil and military officials standing in the imperial audience hall, some were strangers to Jiang Li, others familiar. Some had been intimate companions and were now sworn enemies, while others had once been mere passersby and had become kin.

High above, Emperor Hongxiao gazed down at Zhou Dezhao and said, "Honorable Zhou, begin."

Zhou Dezhao rose to his feet and respectfully acknowledged. He then ordered those behind him, and in a matter of moments, Feng Yutang, clothed in prison garb, was brought forth.

"The criminal Feng Yutang, during his time as Tongxiang County Magistrate, abused his power for personal gain, bullying both men and women, committing all manners of evil. He once framed the former county magistrate Xue Huaiyuan, sending him to jail. His heart deserves condemnation and has been recorded in the official scrolls." He looked at Feng Yutang, "Feng Yutang, do you confess to your crimes?"

Compared to his days as the Tongxiang County Magistrate, the current Feng Yutang looked like a beaten cur. Disheveled and dirty, he sneered, "This commoner admits his guilt. While serving as county magistrate, I indeed sought personal gain through power, but the accusation of framing Xue Huaiyuan is utterly baseless. Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned for embezzling the fund of disaster aid, and the evidence was irrefutable. That case had nothing to do with me. It is easy to find an excuse to blame someone, but I refuse to accept such a groundless charge."

"Audacious!" Zhou Dezhao shouted angrily, "You dare to make clever arguments here in the Golden Throne Hall!"

Feng Yutang hurriedly knelt and claimed he dared not.