Chapter One Hundred Fifteen: Turmoil in the Court

Page (1/3)

To think that Lord Xue Zuo of Yingguo, a scholar and literary master, would become so furious over the matter concerning his nephew, his hair bristling with rage.

“Today’s affair must be thoroughly discussed in court and clarified without ambiguity. We cannot allow baseless gossip to ruin the reputation of a noble heir of a duke’s house. Such conduct is improper, illogical, and flagrantly against the law—utterly unacceptable!”

Xue Zuo recalled his youngest sister, so pure and lovely, and her husband, a brave and honorable man. He would never allow their only son to suffer such an unjust accusation. Even if it meant risking everything, he would demand justice today.

The Censor Yan Jin was equally unyielding. “It’s not merely idle rumors. The Imperial Inspector submitted a report today confirming that just yesterday, numerous malevolent creatures were discovered outside the gates of the Duke of Wei’s estate, along with many other eyewitnesses.”

“Hmph!” Xue Zuo shot a disdainful glance.

“Lord of Yingguo, what do you mean by that?” Yan Jin’s eyes reddened with anger as he retorted.

Xue Zuo ignored him and bowed once more. “I have also heard that last night the Imperial Inspector’s quarters were indeed bustling. Many outsiders jointly petitioned the court, demanding a thorough investigation into the Inspector’s failures and expressing deep suspicion about the integrity of some within his office. In that regard, the Inspector’s claims may not be entirely truthful.”

“Do you have concrete evidence for such statements?”

“There are dozens of joint petitions, numbering over a hundred, to support this.” Xue Zuo produced a sheet of white paper from his sleeve, and a palace eunuch immediately stepped forward to present it.

“However, joint petitions without concrete proof do not count as evidence under the law. Even if submitted to the Ministry of Justice, they are insufficient to proceed with a case,” Yan Jin exhaled sharply.

“Then, the accusations you mentioned earlier about the Duke of Wei’s estate harboring malevolent creatures—are those based on solid evidence?” Xue Zuo countered.

“As I have said, those are merely rumors. I cannot guarantee they are true.”

“If that is so, why does Censor Yan publicly assert them so confidently in court as if he is certain? Isn’t that misleading the servants? Moreover, this court is a place for national affairs, not a forum for idle gossip. If such reckless talk causes serious harm, can you, Censor Yan, bear responsibility?”

Xue Zuo unhesitatingly pinned this heavy accusation on Censor Yan.

Though Yan Jin was not unfamiliar with Xue Zuo’s quick wit and stubborn nature, he insisted on uncovering the truth. He would not let accusations pass without evidence, even if the emperor himself pleaded for leniency.

“In the art of sophistry, I cannot match Lord Yingguo. But where there is smoke, there is fire. If the heir has truly been slandered, a thorough investigation can only help clear his name. What say you, Lord Yingguo?”

“You!”

Page (2/3)

Rising to address the throne, Yan Jin said, “Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei’s estate is the maternal family of the Empress Dowager, a royal kin closely watched by the common people. With such rampant rumors, it is imperative to investigate thoroughly and restore justice to the Jiang family and clarity to the populace. Right and wrong must be determined by fact, not by the disputes of this court.”

At that last sentence, Yan Jin deliberately glanced at Lord Xue Zuo, noting the restrained anger on his face before lowering his head in a gesture of concealed victory.

Below, the Lord of Yingguo and the Censor were locked in a tense exchange, while above, the political atmosphere swirled unpredictably.

Since the young emperor’s ascension, two new seats had appeared in the main hall: one just below the emperor’s position, occupied by the Prince of Anping, and another behind the emperor, reserved for the Empress Dowager.

“I believe Censor Yan has a point,” said the Prince of Anping. “Before the truth is clear, it is best to investigate thoroughly. Mother Empress Dowager, what is your view?”

Jiang Ke, rolling a jade bead between her fingers, paused and looked out from behind the beaded curtain at the hateful face she had endured for over a decade. “Your Highness, the reasoning is indeed unclear, but the matter itself is different.”

“Oh? I am but a simple man; please, Empress Dowager, enlighten me—how is the matter different?”

The Prince of Anping raised his alluring peach-blossom eyes toward the figure behind the curtain. Such an unabashed gaze was highly improper.

Jiang Ke felt the brazen stare; she clenched her fist but then relaxed it again.

“We are debating the rumors regarding the Duke’s estate—first the imprisonment, then the assassination attempt, and now, the accusation of harboring demons. I must ask, will the next court session be about impeaching my family for treason?”

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself. We have no such intention,” the court erupted into noise, with many quickly kneeling in hopes of appeasing the Empress Dowager.

“Such authority, Empress Dowager! Are you using your influence to suppress this rumor?” the Prince of Anping smiled even more seductively at Jiang Ke’s anger.

“Your Highness, why would I use power to silence anyone?”

“Does that mean I am blind, Empress Dowager? Are the kneeling ministers of both civil and military affairs meaningless to you?”

“Your Highness is indeed sharp. One word from you easily offends the entire court. It’s hard to tell who harbors ill intentions.”

“Why resort to veiled accusations? If your only concern is the realm’s stability, then why protect your own family so fiercely? Are you not afraid of the endless whispers of the people?”

“Are they the people’s whispers, or merely your own baseless conjectures? I believe everyone sees the truth clearly.”

Page (3/3)

“Then, does the Empress Dowager forbid investigation?”

“Investigate? Why not!” Jiang Ke’s jade bead spun again in her hand.

The crowd wiped their brows nervously—this political maneuver was truly terrifying. Over the years, the Prince of Anping had committed many breaches of decorum, and fearing his military power, the Empress Dowager had often tolerated him.

Now, for the sake of one heir, she openly confronted the Prince of Anping in court. Had it not been for today’s spectacle, many might have forgotten the Empress Dowager’s once dazzling talent and enduring patience. Clearly, she had not changed; this heir was indeed fortunate.

“But the investigation cannot be conducted by the Imperial Inspector,” Jiang Ke added.

“What does Your Majesty propose?” Chen Mian looked toward the beaded curtain. Everyone knelt, and no one dared to challenge the Empress Dowager’s authority.

The young emperor, observing from the side with a smiling face, quietly moved to a corner of the throne to block the Prince of Anping’s gaze.

“I have an excellent suggestion,” the young emperor said.

As a loyal and patriotic minister, Yan Jin naturally fit the bill.

“Hear the imperial decree.”

For some reason, the Prince of Anping signaled to his close aides, and many in the court echoed his sentiment.

Now, it was up to the Empress Dowager’s faction.

“In my view, summon the abbot of the White Horse Temple outside the city to oversee a fair investigation into the Duke’s estate’s affairs and clear the heir’s name. What does Your Majesty think, Mother?”

Jiang Ke nodded. “We shall follow Your Majesty’s decision.”

The Empress Dowager finally relaxed, and with that, all debate in the court ceased.