allonlinenovel Chapter 259: Falling on His Head
Chapter 259: Falling on His Head
How could the ministers not know what Yuan Shao had done? It was just that the emperor had not made a statement, so everyone could only remain silent and pretend to be ignorant.
Understanding their thoughts, the emperor was furious and slammed his fist on the table.
"What use are you to me?!"
He frowned, his face turned cold, and his gaze swept over the assembled ministers below.
"Your Majesty!" At this moment, the Imperial Censor Zuo slowly walked out, bowed respectfully, and spoke softly.
"What are your thoughts, Lord Zuo?" The emperor frowned slightly.
"I believe this matter must be thoroughly investigated. It must not be shelved because of the Empress. The city is already in an uproar. If Your Majesty does nothing, the people's resentment will boil over. I urge Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"
The Left Censor immediately knelt down, showing the utmost respect.
The emperor narrowed his eyes, snorted coldly, and said, "Who does the Left Censor-in-Chief think is the most suitable person to investigate?"
Nobody is a fool, except for the Left Censor, who is utterly loyal.
He was an upright man who cared deeply for his country and its people. If it weren't for him, no one else would have told me this!
"Your subject is willing..." The Left Censor instinctively wanted to speak, but before he could finish his sentence.
One person stepped forward. This person was the Vice Minister of Revenue. However, everyone in the court knew that he belonged to the Yuan family faction, and naturally, he was also part of the Empress's faction.
"Your Majesty, I believe that since this matter was initially proposed by Princess Jinglie and she also filed a lawsuit against Yuan Shao, it would be better for Prince Jinglie to investigate thoroughly. I think the prince would not accept bribes in the process."
When Vice Minister Yuan said this, everyone was stunned. Did this mean he was really going to completely break with Prince Jinglie's mansion?
"Summon King Jinglie and Queen Jinglie to the palace."
Li Jingyang had always wanted to be a carefree prince, so he naturally didn't want to get involved in these matters and left after the morning court session.
No one said anything more, and they naturally dispersed.
Lin Rusi and her companion quickly received the news and entered the palace. At this time, the Empress was also there, kneeling in the main hall, her eyes full of pleading and resentment.
Lin Rusi pursed her lips slightly upon seeing her, her disdain only growing stronger.
"Prince Jinglie, I want you to investigate this matter. What do you think?" The emperor spoke frankly, without any intention of hiding anything.
Li Jingyang frowned slightly, but before he could say anything, Lin Rusi spoke first.
"Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate. It was I who filed the lawsuit against Yuan Shao. If others knew that it was the prince who investigated this matter, they might not be convinced."
He paused, then continued, "Besides, this matter concerns me, and I think it's best to avoid suspicion."
Lin Rusi naturally refused, not wanting to continue the matter.
She knew that the emperor wanted to teach the empress a lesson, but if he was doing it through Li Jingyang, she naturally couldn't just stand by and watch.
Thinking of this, Lin Rusi pursed her lips slightly, her expression unfriendly.
At this moment, the Empress also slowly looked over and sternly stopped her: "No! Your Majesty, I believe that it is most appropriate for Prince Jinglie to investigate this matter!"
Lin Rusi frowned, her face darkening, realizing that the Empress's intention was to target her.
She wasn't surprised by this.
Could it be that she's trying to sabotage the investigation?
For a moment, this was the only possibility Lin Rusi could think of.
"I believe that Prince Jinglie would never have any intention of harming Yuan Shao, nor is there any question of him protecting him. Moreover, since Princess Jinglie has accused Yuan Shao, I think Prince Jinglie should be even more diligent in his efforts. However, I also have something to say!"
The Emperor nodded, signaling her to continue. The Empress respectfully said, "I misspoke that day, which caused a misunderstanding between me and Princess Jinglie. However, it would be too much to make false accusations and wrongly accuse Yuan Shao because of this!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Rusi's face also turned cold. She was not afraid at all, and sneered, "Is that so? Does Your Majesty wish to see if the scars on my body have healed? With so many people present, are you making baseless accusations?"
Lin Rusi retorted, pressing her relentlessly, but the Empress today seemed like a completely different person, showing no fear whatsoever.
"So what? Your Majesty, I can explain this matter. Yuan Shao was in a hurry to be summoned that day, so he rode his horse in the street. But he has already been imprisoned and punished. As for the other matters, it was just Princess Jinglie's wild words, framing Yuan Shao and deliberately seeking revenge!"
The empress's eyes immediately reddened, and she began to sob, wiping away her tears as she lowered her gaze.
Seeing her expression, Lin Rusi's eyes grew even colder, and she laughed out of anger: "Your Majesty, you are talking nonsense! Do you think that with the people's resentment boiling over, everything that is happening is the work of this humble woman?!"
She spoke with conviction, neither humble nor arrogant.
Even in front of the Empress, he maintained a cold expression, showing no fear whatsoever.
Upon hearing this, the Empress was slightly taken aback, but quickly came to her senses, and large tears fell from her eyes.
"How can Princess Jinglie convict Yuan Shao based on this? If there is no evidence, or if there is some misunderstanding, what will the Princess do?"
The Empress questioned, her slightly lowered eyes concealing a hint of coldness, just as she was about to say something.
The emperor was enraged and slammed his hand on the table: "Enough!"
The group fell silent instantly, and the hall fell quiet.
The emperor, his face cold, said in a low voice, "I think this matter should be investigated by Prince Jinglie. Since the princess is convinced that Yuan Shao was responsible, she may assist in the investigation. However, Prince Jinglie will be in charge of this matter!"
Lin Rusi opened her mouth, her expression somewhat annoyed.
Li Jingyang's warm, large hand suddenly grasped hers, and he spoke softly yet firmly, "Your Majesty, I will investigate this matter thoroughly. If the Princess Consort is mistaken, I will present her with precious treasures and personally visit her to apologize."
These words completely absolved Lin Rusi of responsibility.
Lin Rusi's eyes darkened as she suppressed her anger.
"Hmm, find the evidence, then come and tell me about this matter." The emperor waved his hand, dismissing the men.
Lin Rusi was unwilling, but she could only leave with Li Jingyang, while the Empress was not in a hurry.
"Your Majesty, they have no evidence; they cannot be convicted so arbitrarily!" The Empress's eyes were filled with urgency. Hearing this, the Emperor only murmured, "I will not wrong others so easily!"
After he finished speaking, he waved his hand, signaling the Empress to leave.
The Empress wanted to say something more, but she could only suppress her feelings.
Soon, the group left.
……
Back in her palace, the empress's face was contorted with rage.
She glared fiercely at the old woman beside her: "How's the matter I asked you to investigate going?!"
“Your Majesty, there is indeed certification regarding this matter…” The old woman hesitated, after all, Yuan Shao’s actions were all true.
"That's enough. Send someone to find those certifiers. Spend some money, use other means, whatever you want, just don't let them testify. But if they don't obey..."
The Empress narrowed her eyes and tapped the table lightly with her hand. The nanny, receiving the order, withdrew.
At this moment, Lin Rusi had already left, her expression slightly unpleasant.
Seeing that she remained silent, Li Jingyang reached out and patted her head, saying softly, "Sisi, there are witnesses to this. Besides, there are many things that even the Empress cannot hide, so don't worry."