Chapter 126 Rescue
Time passed quickly, and soon it was three days later.

During these three days, Jiang Li did nothing in the mansion. She just looked after Xue Huaiyuan with Ye Mingyu as she did in Tongxiang before. Every day, she also had to send people to the inn where the people of Tongxiang lived to see if they were all right.

As an important witness, Feng Yutang has been imprisoned by the Ministry of Justice, and the people must be well protected. Jiang Yuanbai, however, did not come to Jiang Li again, probably because he was also in distress. If the Xue family case really involved the right prime minister Li family, Jiang Yuanbai would naturally be in a dilemma.

Jiang Li didn't care that Jiang Yuanbai didn't help her. As long as Jiang Yuanbai didn't listen to Ji Shuran's words and create trouble to hinder her at this critical moment, it would be good enough. Of course, Emperor Hong Xiao promised to supervise the matter personally, so even if Jiang Yuanbai really wanted to stop it, he was powerless.

All we can do is wait quietly for the day of trial.

On that day, Jiang Li got up early. Emperor Hong Xiao said that if he wanted to handle the case in front of the emperor, Jiang Li had to go to the palace. This was different from the last time she went to the palace for the banquet. This time, she must have attracted the attention of King Cheng and Princess Yongning, as well as Shen Yurong. Princess Yongning was ruthless and might not dare to attack her in the palace, but she could not bring weapons into the palace. Even the dagger that Jiang Jingrui gave her could not be brought into the palace this time.

At this time, Jiang Li envied Ji Heng's fan. You know, Ji Heng could swagger into the palace with his fan, and the fan was so gorgeous and exquisite, but who knew it was a weapon that could take someone's life with just a flick of the wrist.

After all, the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it is, just like the owner of the fan.

Just as I was lost in thought, Tong'er smiled and said from behind: "Girl, now that you have combed your hair, how does it look?"

Jiang Li looked at herself in the mirror. Tong'er was skillful, but Jiang Li only let her comb her hair into a simple black gauze bun. There was no decoration on the bun covered by the black gauze. However, it made her face look white, her eyebrows and eyes beautiful, and she looked even more refined.

Tong'er, who originally thought Jiang Li's outfit was too light, became satisfied after looking at it and said, "The girl is really pretty. She looks good in any hairstyle."

Bai Xue came over holding her cloak, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Miss, isn't this too plain? Will the master be angry?"

Jiang Li took the snow-white cloak and put it on, saying, "Nothing, only this way can I show how seriously I take the Xue family case."

She turned around, wearing white clothes and black hair, looking inexplicably beautiful, and said, "Let's go."

Jiang Yuanbai's carriage was already waiting outside. As a court official, Jiang Yuanbai also watched the trial of the case. But his family members did not have to go to the palace together. As soon as Jiang Li left the yard, he saw Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao.

Ji Shuran paused and said to Jiang Li with a smile, "Li'er, you came to the palace so early?"

"It seems that my second sister can't wait to go to the palace to vindicate the Xue family," Jiang Youyao sneered, "I didn't know that there is a female teacher in our family who wants to be a judge? I hope she will bring disaster to our family."

"Youyao!" Ji Shuran stopped Jiang Youyao from talking and apologized to Jiang Li, "Youyao was just joking, Li'er, don't take it to heart."

Jiang Li smiled and said, "Nothing." She turned sideways, walked past the mother and daughter, and walked away without saying a word. However, the more she did this, the angrier Jiang Youyao became. She felt more and more that Jiang Li didn't take her seriously. She stamped her feet secretly and gritted her teeth and said, "Mom, look at her!"

"It doesn't matter." Ji Shuran's smile faded. Looking at Jiang Li's back, she said calmly, "Let's see how long she can be so arrogant."

Jiang Li continued to walk forward with Tong'er. After not seeing Jiang Youyao for a while, Jiang Youyao became more stupid. I don't know if it was because of the failure of the marriage with Zhou Yanbang, but Jiang Youyao's impatience was almost reflected on her face. Jiang Li had not forgotten that Ji Shuran sent people to attack her in Tongxiang. She originally thought that it would be best to live in peace, but now it was impossible.

After finishing the Xue family case, she must make sure to settle things with Ji Shuran.

Only after getting rid of these troublesome little devils can she truly let go and fight for Princess Yongning, Shen Yurong, and King Cheng.

When they arrived at the gate of the mansion, Jiang Yuanbai's carriage had already parked.

In the carriage at the back, Ye Mingyu poked his head out and greeted Jiang Li in a low voice: "A Li!"

Jiang Li smiled and replied, "Uncle."

Ye Mingyu and Xue Huaiyuan were in a carriage, and Xue Huaiyuan had to go to the palace today. Jiang Li was afraid that something might go wrong along the way, and if Xue Huaiyuan appeared right under the nose of the murderer Yongning, Jiang Li was afraid that Yongning would use some means. Now that Ye Mingyu knew that Princess Yongning was the mastermind behind the incident, he also thought that the matter was of great importance, and promised to stay with Xue Huaiyuan and not give Princess Yongning any chance to kill him.

Jiang Li got on the carriage.

Tong'er opened the carriage and was almost blinded by the snow outside. She said, "Miss, it's snowing so heavily outside."

Jiang Li glanced outside. It was true. Beiyan had always had strong winds and snow in winter. Today was particularly heavy. The heavy snow was blowing diagonally, and the sky and the earth seemed to be connected.

"Just wait until the wind comes." Jiang Li said with a smile.

When the wind comes and blows away the chaos, all the truth will be revealed.

……

The road to the palace was not actually far, but Jiang Li felt that today was very long.

Perhaps she had waited for this moment for too long. When she was Xue Fangfei, she waited until her death but still could not wait. Now the injustice of the Xue family was finally pulled out from the bottom of the water. With a glimpse of daylight, the false corner was torn off and the truth was revealed. Jiang Li felt that even on a cold winter day, her blood became hot.

After an unknown amount of time, the carriage stopped.

A voice came from outside: "Master, we're here."

Jiang Li got off the carriage, and Jiang Yuanbo was already standing outside the carriage. He looked at his daughter with a complicated expression. Sometimes he felt guilty about her, sometimes he felt angry, but now he felt more confused and unfamiliar, and also powerless. He couldn't control Jiang Li's thoughts, and even many times he couldn't control Jiang Li's actions - Jiang Li could always find other ways to achieve her own goals.

"I have to go see the emperor first." Jiang Yuanbai said to her, "You and your third uncle have to go see the official from the Ministry of Justice. The servants will take you there." After a pause, he added, "You...be careful."

Jiang Yuanbo also realized that the complexity behind the Xue family case would put Jiang Li in danger. As Jiang Li said, the person behind this matter was indeed the right prime minister Li Zhongnan. Li Zhongnan must take out this evil on Jiang Li. There were so many unjustly killed souls in the palace, and Jiang Li was his flesh and blood after all.

"I know, thank you, Dad." Jiang Li smiled and said, "Don't worry, Dad, Uncle Mingyu is with me, nothing will happen."

She actually trusted the Ye family very much. Jiang Yuanbai felt inexplicably uncomfortable in his heart, so he left without saying anything more.

Ye Mingyu helped Xue Huaiyuan get off the carriage and said, "What did your father say?" Jiang Yuanbai couldn't stand Ye Mingyu, and Ye Mingyu also couldn't stand Jiang Yuanbai, so he tried his best to avoid talking to Jiang Yuanbai. If it wasn't necessary, Ye Mingyu would not even want to meet Jiang Yuanbai on weekdays.

"Nothing, just let us be careful."

"Is there someone in the palace trying to attack us?" Ye Mingyu became nervous. "No way, who would be so bold as to stand before the emperor?"

"We must be on guard against others." Jiang Li said, "But there shouldn't be any danger, let's go first." She was not without her guard, but she changed her mind and thought that there should be Ji Heng's people in the palace. Since Ji Heng promised that he would take her life personally, he would not let others kill him. In a way, he was the most reliable guard.

Even if there is any danger, Ji Heng will show up.

Upon hearing this, Ye Mingyu said nothing and walked inside with Jiang Li following the palace servant who was leading the way.

Xue Huaiyuan's current mental state is that of a five or six-year-old child. On the way to the palace, he looked around from time to time, and was very curious about the surrounding environment. With Jiang Li around, he was not very scared. Ye Mingyu was entering the palace for the first time, but he tried his best to show that he didn't care and was very stable.

Lord Zhou Dezhao of the Ministry of Justice is in charge of this case. Jiang Li will meet with Lord Zhou first as a witness together with Ye Mingyu.

The palace servant who led the way was very tight-lipped. Ye Mingyu wanted to get some information from him, but after a long time, he was helpless. When they arrived outside a temporary palace, the palace servant stopped. A man who looked like a guard walked out, looked at Jiang Li, and said, "Second Miss Jiang, Lord Zhou is waiting in the room."

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu looked at each other and went into the house.

Zhou Dezhao was about the same age as Jiang Yuanbo, with a thin body, a square face, and a square chin. He looked resolute at first glance. He looked at Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu, and then glanced at Xue Huaiyuan who was still playing with the rattle in his hand. Without saying a word, he got straight to the point and said, "Second Miss Jiang, the emperor has shown me the memorial on the Xue family case. Do you know who is involved in this case?"

"Princess Yongning." Jiang Li said calmly.

Zhou Dezhao was stunned. He didn't expect Jiang Li to speak so calmly, as if she was not a princess of a country, but a commoner on the street. When Emperor Hong Xiao personally told him about this, Zhou Dezhao couldn't hide his surprise. You know, he has seen many dirty and weird things in the court, and he has also seen many unsolved cases of people suing officials, but this is the first time that the daughter of the prime minister sued the princess of the court.

"Miss Jiang Er has solid evidence in her hands," Zhou Dezhao said, "The emperor is also willing to redress the injustice of the people of Tongxiang, but because this case involves the princess, the forces are complicated. Miss Jiang Er must think it through."

"Once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back," Jiang Li smiled. "The emperor is personally supervising this case. Jiang Li is grateful enough. I will definitely do my best to get to the bottom of this case."

Jiang Li emphasized the words "the truth comes out" particularly hard.

"But this case is not impeccable," Zhou Dezhao said, "If the person behind the scenes is really related to the princess, this case alone cannot really solve the source. Instead, it will put Miss Jiang Er in danger. Even so, Miss Jiang Er will not change her mind?"

"Master Zhou, there is no need to test me." Jiang Li smiled and said, "If I had the intention to retreat, I would not have to do these things. Besides, the emperor is personally supervising the matter, and I still have reservations. Isn't it a crime of deceiving the emperor?"

Zhou Dezhao was an honest official, but he was not someone who did not know how to adapt to changes. Reminding Jiang Li of this case would not bring down Princess Yongning, but would make her hate him. It was not known whether he reminded her out of testing or out of kindness. But Jiang Li thought that it was useless to say all these.

Seeing that Jiang Li was determined, Zhou Dezhao couldn't say anything. Jiang Li was Jiang Yuanbo's daughter after all, and he had to give Jiang Yuanbo some face. This case would definitely offend Princess Yongning, but the emperor had said so himself, so he had no other choice. In a way, he and Jiang Li were the same.

"Okay." Zhou Dezhao nodded and said, "Miss Jiang Er, please tidy up. We will go to the palace later." After a pause, he said, "Princess Yongning will not go to the palace today, but His Royal Highness Prince Cheng will be there."

King Cheng is Yongning's biological brother, so it is possible that Jiang Li would be made difficult by King Cheng.

"Whoever he is," Ye Mingyu couldn't listen any longer, "he wouldn't do anything too extreme in front of the emperor, would he?" Jiang Li and Zhou Dezhao didn't say anything. Ye Mingyu was far away from the court, so he naturally didn't know, but King Cheng's power and arrogance didn't happen overnight. Emperor Hong Xiao had to keep a low profile and avoid the sharp edge. On the surface, he pretended to be friendly and respectful to his brothers, but in fact, there were undercurrents.

Jiang Li sighed softly, not knowing whether she should sympathize with the current emperor of Northern Yan. Not to mention that there were many people eyeing his throne, his most trusted minister Ji Heng also had his own plans.

"Master Zhou, let's go." Jiang Li put away her thoughts and said.

Zhou Dezhao nodded.

Xue Huaiyuan couldn't immediately follow Jiang Li to the palace, fearing that he would be unconscious and disturb the emperor, so he had to be watched over until the right time to see the emperor. Therefore, only Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu followed Zhou Dezhao to the Golden Palace. Estimating the time, the ministers who came to watch the trial today should have arrived one after another.

When they were almost at the Golden Palace, some ministers saw them and cast appraising glances at Jiang Li.

Now Jiang Li is considered a famous person in Yanjing City. All the officials in her family know Jiang Li's name. Jiang Li's actions are the first among the noble ladies in Yanjing. But no one can guess her thoughts. She doesn't want to be a good lady, but gets involved in this storm, showing her face outside just for an irrelevant person. No one knows what she is trying to do.

As he was walking, a voice suddenly came from behind him: "Master Zhou."

Zhou Dezhao and Jiang Li turned around and saw a young man slowly walking towards them from behind the garden.

The man was dressed in luxurious brocade clothes and had an extraordinary bearing. The entourage around him did not look like ordinary people. He looked handsome, but his eyes were deep and shrewd. When he looked at people, he looked a little sinister.

Although he called Zhou Dezhao, he was staring straight at Jiang Li, looking at her without any scruples. Ye Mingyu on the side was a little annoyed. How could he stare at a little girl like that?

Zhou Dezhao bowed and said, "This humble official greets His Royal Highness Prince Cheng."

Jiang Li also bowed.

What Zhou Dezhao said has now come true. Jiang Li didn't want to meet King Cheng here, but she didn't expect to meet King Cheng here before entering the Golden Palace.

King Cheng said, "This is Miss Jiang Er." He smiled slightly, "I saw Miss Jiang Er's grace at the inspection field a few days ago. She was charming. I never thought that after not seeing her for so many days, Miss Jiang Er's ability has become even greater. She really surprises me every day."

What he said was really frivolous. Ye Mingyu's eyes were filled with indignation. Jiang Li was afraid that he would cause trouble here, so she said to Zhou Dezhao: "Sir Zhou, please go into the palace with my uncle first. I will have a few words with His Royal Highness King Cheng and will be here soon."

"How can this be possible?" Without waiting for Zhou Dezhao to speak, Ye Mingyu objected first, saying, "Let's go together." It was obvious that King Cheng was not a good person. Ye Mingyu also heard that the target this time was Princess Yongning. King Cheng was Yongning's brother, so how could he not vent his anger for Yongning. Moreover, what King Cheng said just now was quite arrogant. He really didn't feel comfortable with Jiang Li and King Cheng being alone together.

Zhou Dezhao was also a little surprised. At this time, Jiang Li did not quickly find a way to avoid King Cheng, but actually took the initiative to meet him. Isn't she afraid of King Cheng?
Jiang Li was indeed not afraid. She looked calm and explained to Ye Mingyu calmly, "It's okay, uncle. His Royal Highness Prince Cheng and I are just a few steps away from the Golden Palace. There are people coming and going here. His Royal Highness Prince Cheng and I will not be in danger. I just have something to say. I will come in soon. Uncle, if you are here, it will delay Lord Zhou's business, won't it?"

Before Ye Mingyu wanted to say something, Zhou Dezhao had already bowed and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave first." He gestured to Ye Mingyu, who was still a little hesitant. Seeing Jiang Li winking at him, he paused and reluctantly went into the hall with Zhou Dezhao.

Jiang Li has always had her own ideas when doing things, and Ye Mingyu was afraid that he would be rash and disrupt Jiang Li's plans.

After Ye Mingyu and the other two left, King Cheng narrowed his eyes and looked at Jiang Li with a meaningful look.

Jiang Li's words to Ye Mingyu to reassure him were actually meant for him. This place was just a few steps away from the Golden Palace, and there were people coming and going. He would definitely not be able to do anything to Jiang Li. It was precisely because she had calculated this that she had the courage to talk to him alone here.

"Miss Jiang Er is very courageous," said King Cheng. "Prime Minister Jiang has always been steady, but I didn't expect his daughter to be quite brave. I admire her."

Jiang Li smiled slightly: "Your Highness, thank you for your praise."

He actually accepted it openly.

King Cheng was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter and said, "Miss Jiang Er always surprises me. I don't know why she is always so confident. Is she really sure that today's incident will involve Yongning, so she is so fearless?"

Jiang Li suddenly looked up and stared at King Cheng, her heart sinking slightly.

Jiang Li had known for a long time that Prince Cheng had his own power in the palace. After all, how could someone who aspires to that position not plant pawns everywhere? However, the memorial he wrote should be very covert. Prince Cheng knew about it now, which shows that there is a spy of Prince Cheng around Emperor Hong Xiao. And to be able to access such a covert matter, the spy must be someone close to Emperor Hong Xiao.

"What is Miss Jiang thinking about? Are you wondering how I know this?" King Cheng went a step further, and suddenly lowered his voice, saying viciously: "There is nothing in this world that I don't know. Miss Jiang is too naive to try to deceive people under my nose. Even your father doesn't dare to do this. You are a young girl, but you are quite brave."

When he wasn't smiling, the gloom on his face was not a disguise, it was truly scary. If Jiang Li was the real Second Miss Jiang, or if it was another little girl who came here, she would be really scared by King Cheng. But it happened to be Jiang Li, she even estimated in her heart that although King Cheng was powerful, his nature was similar to his mother, Concubine Liu, who really didn't know how to restrain himself, was too arrogant, and had a proud personality. He would inevitably suffer in the future. In terms of character and planning alone, he was not as powerful as Emperor Hong Xiao.

Seeing that Jiang Li did not show a panicked expression as expected, King Cheng was even more displeased. He said, "Second Miss Jiang is very brave, but I wonder how long this courage can last? Do you know that if you offend me, even your father can't protect you!"

"Your Highness King Cheng." At this moment, a voice suddenly came from not far away.

Jiang Li and King Cheng looked towards the voice together, and saw a young man walking quickly not far away, and respectfully bowed to King Cheng again: "Your humble servant greets His Royal Highness King Cheng."

Jiang Li was startled. This person was none other than Ye Shijie.

Now Ye Shijie is the new member of the Ministry of Revenue. Because he was appointed by the emperor and seems to be related to the Jiang family, the chief minister, and he is a capable person, he has done a good job. Among the newcomers in the court, everyone is willing to give him a face, and Emperor Hong Xiao also appreciates him.

Jiang Li frowned slightly. She didn't expect Ye Shijie to stand up at this time. Ye Shijie had just entered the court not long ago. If he was embarrassed by King Cheng because of this matter, it would be bad. After all, she was a girl. If King Cheng really wanted to catch her, he could only start from the inner house. Jiang Li could handle it if she was careful. But Ye Shijie was still young as an official. How could he compare with those experienced people? As long as King Cheng's men made things difficult for him in official business, it was possible that Ye Shijie would fall for no reason.

This young man is a good person, but he is still very young and still a little impulsive, just like Xue Zhao in the past.

"Oh? The reinforcements are here." King Cheng looked at Jiang Li, then at Ye Shijie, and said, "It seems that Miss Jiang's cousin and Miss Jiang have a very good relationship. Mr. Ye," he fixed his gloomy eyes on Ye Shijie, "If you were smarter, you wouldn't have jumped out so hastily today. What a pity," he said with regret, "I really don't want to lose such a promising talent like you."

After hearing this, Jiang Li's heart tightened. It was clear that King Cheng had set his sights on Ye Shijie!
No matter what was in his heart, Ye Shijie still looked respectful on the surface, and said: "Your Highness is joking. It is a blessing for me to be favored by Your Highness."

Although he was young, he was no longer the kind of person who would argue with others on the street over a painting. When faced with provocation, he knew how to avoid the attack and act crazy and stupid.

King Cheng did not get angry but laughed instead, saying: "You two are not afraid of me. I will definitely make you regret it..."

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by a light laugh. Someone's voice floated from the back of the garden, with a casual laziness and a bit of a smile, saying: "Hey, isn't this King Cheng?"

Someone else is coming.

When Jiang Li heard the voice, she was delighted. She looked up and saw the person in the snow, a touch of red. Even in the deep palace with heavy palace walls, her brilliance was not dimmed at all.

His clothes were bright and eye-catching, his appearance was enchanting, and the guards beside him held an umbrella for him, so the snow would not fall on him. His voice was hoarse and charming, but there was a kind of gloating of watching the fun, and he said: "What are you arguing about so early in the morning?"

It is Duke Suguo Ji Heng.

King Cheng was also startled. After a long while, he said to Ji Heng, "Duke Su."

According to etiquette, Ji Heng should also salute him. But Ji Heng never salutes him, and King Cheng does not dare to force him. In King Cheng's heart, he is more afraid of Ji Heng than Emperor Hong Xiao. He once wanted to pull Ji Heng to his camp at all costs, but failed. But Ji Heng did not join the camp of Emperor Hong Xiao and the Jiang family. It is precisely because he always maintains a neutral attitude that King Cheng is on guard against him and will not take the initiative to attack him.

He didn't want to get himself into any unexpected trouble.

"I heard you talking about life and death from a distance. What's going on? Is someone going to be in trouble?" He asked with a smile, his hands folded in his sleeves, his face showing no concern.

Jiang Li bowed to him and said, "It was my cousin and I who angered His Royal Highness King Cheng, and His Royal Highness King Cheng is furious."

This time, King Cheng and Ye Shijie both looked at Jiang Li.

What was going on? Jiang Li was actually trying to sow discord in front of King Cheng? And who was he trying to sow discord against? It was Ji Heng! The Duke of Su, who only knew how to watch the show, actually had a subtle, soft accusation in his words, as if Ji Heng was an elder who came to mediate, a great master who could make the decision for Jiang Li.

Is she crazy?

King Cheng sneered, "Miss Jiang is good at shirking responsibility. I'm afraid you didn't annoy me, but offended me. No one in the world who offended me has ever had a good ending."

He did not avoid Ji Heng's presence. No matter how moody Ji Heng was, he would not dare to do anything to a prince. He said this in front of Ji Heng, as if he wanted to test Ji Heng's reaction and see what kind of relationship Ji Heng had with Jiang Li.

Ji Heng's beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his lips. He said lightly: "Children are ignorant, why should the king care about it? Forget it."

He actually...tried to make peace?
Ye Shijie and King Cheng stared at Ji Heng in disbelief. Ji Heng's unapologetic apology truly showed his attitude: he was defending Jiang Li!
Jiang Li's eyes widened as well. She had deliberately dragged Ji Heng into this, and wanted to use Ji Heng to make King Cheng afraid, but she had never thought that Ji Heng would speak for her in front of King Cheng!
This person is used to acting according to the situation. Even the occasional true feelings in dealing with each other are just a fleeting glimpse. The moonlit night has passed and it is daytime again, and everyone puts on their own disguise.

But at this moment, he actually felt it for once.

　Duke: Launch an attack.

　　Ahri: Just develop slowly, don't be reckless.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)