The Double

"Princess Yongning," Jiang Li said calmly.

Zhou Dezhao was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Jiang Li to speak so frankly, as though she were not a princess of the nation but rather an ordinary person from the streets. When Emperor Hongxiao personally discussed this matter with Zhou Dezhao, he too could hardly conceal his surprise. Know that from the audience at court, he had seen many dirty and strange affairs, and also numerous unresolved cases where the public sued officials, but this was the first time that the Chief Minister’s Daughter had filed a lawsuit against a princess of the current reign.

"Miss Jiang the Second’s evidence is conclusive," Zhou Dezhao said, "The Emperor also intends to redress the grievances of the people of Tongxiang, but this case is complex due to the princess’s involvement. Miss Jiang the Second should consider this carefully."

"There’s no turning back once the bow is drawn," Jiang Li smiled, "With the Emperor personally supervising the case, I’m so grateful that there’s no time to express it, and I will undoubtedly do my utmost to ensure that the truth of the case comes to light."

Jiang Li emphasized the words "comes to light" with particular force.

"However, this case isn’t flawless," Zhou Dezhao said, "If the person behind the scenes truly has ties to the princess, relying solely on this case won’t resolve the issue at its root. Instead, it could put Miss Jiang the Second in danger. Even so, does Miss Jiang the Second have no intention of changing her mind?"

"Lord Zhou need not test me any longer," Jiang Li laughed, "If I had any intention of backing down, I wouldn’t have bothered with any of this. Besides, with the Emperor personally supervising the case, if I still held anything back, wouldn’t I be committing the crime of deceiving my sovereign?"

Zhou Dezhao was considered an honest official, but to have reached his position, he wasn’t someone who couldn’t adapt. He reminded Jiang Li that the case would not topple Princess Yongning but rather might cause the princess to bear a grudge. It was unclear whether he spoke as a test or out of kindness. But Jiang Li thought it was all pointless to say these things.

Seeing Jiang Li’s determination, Zhou Dezhao found it harder to say anything further. Jiang Li was, after all, Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, and he had to show some courtesy toward Jiang Yuanbai. Offending Princess Yongning was inevitable in this case, but with the Emperor’s direct command, he had no other choice. In some respects, he and Jiang Li were in the same position.

"Very well," Zhou Dezhao nodded, "Miss Jiang the Second, please prepare yourself, and we will proceed to the court shortly." After a pause, he added, "Princess Yongning will not attend court today, but His Highness Prince Cheng will be present."

Prince Cheng was Princess Yongning’s own brother, and it was possible that Jiang Li might face difficulties from him.