The Double
Chapter 363 - 128 - Discovery

Chapter 363: 128 Chapter Discovery

A single word "slow" made Prince Cheng’s heart sink.

Although he was not afraid of Emperor Hongxiao in his heart, he could not refute Emperor Hongxiao’s opinion in the face of all the civil and military officials. And clearly, Emperor Hongxiao now seemed to favor Jiang Li. Although he knew that Emperor Hongxiao wanted to implicate Princess Yongning with the case involving the Xue Family, at the moment, Jiang Li’s statements were indeed convincing.

Mixing reason with sentiment, to exonerate Xue Huaiyuan, where "reason" was insufficient, "sentiment" supplimented, Jiang Li employed such an irresistible tactic, step by step washing away the injustice from Xue Huaiyuan.

The ministers who had understood what was happening looked at Jiang Li with unusual eyes, such a court debate was truly breathtaking to witness.

Jiang Yuanbai stared at his own daughter as if he didn’t recognize her. He knew Jiang Li was clever, perhaps the cleverest among the younger generation of the Jiang Family. But such maneuvers in the imperial court were excessively cunning, and Jiang Yuanbai even began to wonder if there was someone highly skilled behind Jiang Li’s actions today. Otherwise, it would be impossible for a sheltered daughter to exhibit such political acumen.

Others would not think that this was a method thought up by Jiang Li herself, they would pin this matter on Jiang Yuanbai’s head. They would think that it was Jiang Yuanbai who instructed Jiang Li to speak thus in the hall, recognizing Jiang Yuanbai’s scheming at an even deeper level, considering him to be the ultimate sly old fox.

"You may continue," Emperor Hongxiao said to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li bowed deeply, her voice clear, "The words your female servant wished to say have all been spoken. The Tongxiang County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan is guilty, guilty of serving for dozens of years, and while embezzling disaster relief funds, he remained detached from desires, dedicated to his duties, with a heart as clear as water and integrity as firm as Qingfeng. It’s rare to find such a corrupt official in this world; surely he must be plotting something far more profound. Serving for many years, transforming Tongxiang County to something unrecognizable, harboring ulterior motives. His family’s wealth is meager, its whereabouts unknown; your servant believes that the crimes of Xue Huaiyuan cannot be forgiven. I earnestly request that Your Majesty punish Xue Huaiyuan with a thousand cuts!"

Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan closed his eyes, knowing that as Jiang Li spoke these words, Xue Huaiyuan’s guilt was being fully cleansed.

Turning the truth into irony, turning the truth into irony, Jiang Li’s speech was utterly compelling, leaving no room for rebuttal.

A long silence filled the hall.

After some time, Emperor Hongxiao’s voice arose, "So it seems, Xue Huaiyuan is without fault, rather he has merits. A minister who has been meritorious five times has deepened his guilt, there may be injustice present. In the case of Feng Yutang, Feng Yutang is undoubtedly guilty, but the corruption of Xue Huaiyuan is highly questionable. Zhou Dezhao, I want you to reinvestigate this matter thoroughly!"

As the final word was uttered, Jiang Li’s heart felt as if it was doused in hot water, gradually boiling with emotion.

Yet she only bowed once more, and again said, "Your female servant once again requests, bring the Tongxiang County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan to the hall. Magistrate Xue is also a witness; Your Majesty may wish to see Magistrate Xue’s current condition first."

"Bring Xue Huaiyuan here," Emperor Hongxiao ordered.

Zhou Dezhao busied himself summoning people to bring Xue Huaiyuan, not without giving Jiang Li another glance. The matter of today initially seemed to favor Prince Cheng and the Right Chancellor, but now, Jiang Li had completely led the proceedings by the nose. Regardless of whether this plan was conceived by Jiang Li or Jiang Yuanbai, the Jiang Family could not be underestimated. It was believed that in the imperial court, the power of the Jiang Family was waning, especially during the period when the Right Chancellor’s influence was growing. But now it seems, the skinny camel is still bigger than the horse, not to mention the power, but just with this level of cunning, Jiang Yuanbai did not lose to the Right Chancellor one bit.

At this rate, it was unclear who the eventual loser would be. Nevermind, all these onlookers may have to start reconsidering their future alliances.

Xue Huaiyuan was quickly brought forward.

He was dressed in clean garments and had washed his face, clutching a rattle-drum tightly in his hands. The Imperial Guards protected Emperor Hongxiao, preventing Xue Huaiyuan from suddenly attacking. But when Xue Huaiyuan suddenly saw so many people, he was terrified, shrinking into himself, seeking refuge by running helplessly toward Jiang Li.

Jiang Li gently patted Xue Huaiyuan’s shoulder. As his hair and beard were completely white, similar in age to Jiang Yuanbai, yet already appearing like an old man, Jiang Li’s actions did not seem inappropriate. However, her patience seemed particularly irritating in the eyes of Jiang Yuanbai.

He always felt that Jiang Li never had such a tender gaze for him, her own father.

Xue Huaiyuan clearly depended a lot on Jiang Li; with her by his side, he calmed down, not making a fuss and quietly playing with the rattle-drum in his hands.

Jiang Li addressed Emperor Hongxiao, "Your Majesty, this is the Tongxiang County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan. Due to being tortured in every way by Feng Yutang in the dungeon, he now has a muddled mind, appearing like a small child. It’s pitiable that a clear-sighted and loyal official has ended up this way. If word of this spreads, how many honest and loyal officials will be disheartened, and how many others will still serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty?"