Chapter 362 - 127: Retrial_5
Prince Cheng and Emperor Hongxiao were also very puzzled; the former was bewildered, while the latter was skeptical.
Only Shen Yurong and Jih Heng, their expressions significantly different from those of the other officials.
Shen Yurong had a strange look on her face as she contemplated Jiang Li with deep thought, as if she was seeing Jiang Li for the first time. Jih Heng, on the other hand, showed no concern for Jiang Li. In fact, he wasn’t surprised at all, as if Jiang Li’s reaction was within his expectations, only a trace of amusement visible in his eyes.
"Continue," commanded Emperor Hongxiao.
Jiang Li bowed deeply and continued in a soft voice, "Though the office of the Tongxiang County Magistrate, Xue Huaiyuan, is minor, it represents an official of the Northern Yan Dynasty. Minor details can reveal major problems, and the impact is far from negligible. Xue Huaiyuan has been an official for decades but was only last year found guilty of embezzlement. It’s likely that over the past ten years, there have been acts of embezzlement as well. Where these silver taels have gone, why no trace can be found, and why the archives have no record of this, there are many questions. Perhaps he was engaged in the trafficking of military horses, there may even be suspicion of treasonous collusion with the enemy. Such matters cannot be left uninvestigated before execution."
"Investigate," Emperor Hongxiao said, moving his fingers slightly, "but the evidence is all in the archives, and that is all there is."
Jiang Li bowed again, "That is precisely why I brought the people of Tongxiang to the capital. I request to call witnesses."
"Bring the witnesses," Emperor Hongxiao declared with a wave of his hand.