Chapter 363 - 128 - 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.