The Double

Chapter 126 Retrial

Prince Cheng watched Ji Heng with an unsettled expression.

Ji Heng had no connection whatsoever with the Jiang family—at least, Prince Cheng’s spies had found no trace of any. Yet, at this critical moment, Ji Heng was speaking up for Jiang Li. The implications were deeply intriguing.

After a long pause, Prince Cheng laughed softly and said, “Duke Su certainly knows how to be chivalrous.”

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. “Of course.”

He was unafraid of Prince Cheng. In truth, Prince Cheng dared not take action against him. No matter how displeased he felt, he could only voice a few remarks—and even those had to be restrained. Duke Su was both ruthless and cunning; it was unwise to earn his resentment and risk him scheming behind one’s back, inviting unnecessary trouble.

“In that case, there’s nothing I can do to Second Miss Jiang either.” Though he dared not confront Ji Heng directly, Prince Cheng had no qualms about openly threatening Jiang Li. “I just wonder what the final verdict of today’s case will be. Second Miss Jiang seems so confident now—I hope she’ll still be smiling in the end.” Having made this pointed remark, he glanced at Ji Heng, turned, and swept away in a flurry of sleeves.

Ji Heng’s smile remained intact, as if speaking to Jiang Li or merely muttering to himself, “It seems he came prepared.”

Jiang Li collected her thoughts and bowed to Ji Heng. “Thank you once again for your assistance today, Duke.”

“I’ve never seen you so polite before,” Ji Heng remarked ambiguously, causing Ye Shijie, standing nearby, to glance curiously between them.

“Circumstances forced my hand in the past,” Jiang Li replied with a smile. “When the opportunity arises, I will express my gratitude properly.”

“Hmm, your words are as sweet as ever.” He blinked leisurely and asked, “What will you do now? Don’t say I didn’t warn you—Prince Cheng will surely meddle in the Xue family case. It’s easy to convict Feng Yutang today, but exonerating Xue Huaiyuan will be far more difficult.” He fixed his gaze on Jiang Li, as if speaking idly, “What matters most to you isn’t clearing Xue Huaiyuan’s name, is it?”

Jiang Li paused. Indeed, convicting Feng Yutang alone was not enough. Feng Yutang was a scoundrel covered in filth, and even implicating Princess Yongning would at most result in a charge of improper conduct. To unravel the conspiracy behind the Xue family case, she had to expose Princess Yongning’s deliberate framing of Xue Huaiyuan. But the accusations had already been heaped upon the Xue family, and the “evidence” was airtight. Under such circumstances, clearing Xue Huaiyuan’s name was exceedingly difficult.

Nevertheless, she still had one opportunity. Today’s hearing was less an interrogation led by Zhou Dezhao and more an Imperial Council controlled by her. The Hongxiao Emperor intended to use her as a weapon to weaken Prince Cheng and had actively given her this chance. She would make full use of it. As long as their ultimate goals aligned, what did it matter if she was used as a tool?

“He may have come prepared, but we’ve made ample preparations as well,” Jiang Li said with a smile. “Still, I am deeply honored that Duke Su would concern himself with my affairs.”Ji Heng said, "There's no need for sweet talk to please me. During today's interrogation, I can't say much anyway. But judging by your demeanor, you already have a plan to handle this. That's good." He spoke unhurriedly, "Your life is still in my hands. I'd hate to lose my debtor before collecting what's owed. Though I don't enjoy doing business, I never engage in losing ventures."

Jiang Li burst out laughing.

Sometimes she felt Ji Heng was as unpredictable as someone dwelling in eternal darkness, his moods shifting like the tides. Yet at other times, despite his sharp tongue, she found him rather amusing. Most importantly, he was intelligent enough to glimpse the edges of her secrets yet never presumptuous enough to probe deeper.

This was likely a matter of his pride, but it also reflected a certain nobility.

Although Jiang Li knew perfectly well that "nobility" and "Ji Heng" were fundamentally incompatible concepts.

Ye Shijie watched Jiang Li and Ji Heng conversing familiarly, listening quietly without interrupting. Ji Heng made no attempt to conceal their conversation from him—whether out of disregard for his presence or trust stemming from his status as Jiang Li's cousin. Yet Ye Shijie remained deeply puzzled about the relationship between Ji Heng and Jiang Li.

A duke and the daughter of a Grand Secretary—with no prior connection between the Ji family and the Jiangs, how had they become so intimate?

Jiang Li said, "Time is short. If we wish to chat, another day would be better. Today we have serious matters to attend to—let's enter the hall first."

Ji Heng made an "after you" gesture.

Jiang Li proceeded toward the hall with Ye Shijie.

However many questions swirled in his mind, now wasn't the time to ask them. Ye Shijie could only suppress his curiosity and follow into the hall.

The hall already contained numerous officials, all gathered for today's Imperial Council. Years ago, during the late emperor's reign, whenever the court faced weighty, undecided cases of great importance, ministers would be summoned for an Imperial Council. In those days, the council mostly consisted of imperial clansmen. In the late emperor's later years, as the imperial clan declined, the Imperial Council became more inclusive, allowing ordinary officials to participate.

Though today was merely an interrogation, it hardly warranted such ceremony. Yet after reviewing the memorial, the Hongxiao Emperor had specifically chosen to convene an Imperial Council and placed Jiang Li in charge—a decision ripe with implications. A mere county clerk's case hardly qualified as "significant." The unusual arrangement led astute observers to speculate about hidden complexities.

Ye Mingyu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Jiang Li enter with Ye Shijie. He'd been worried Prince Cheng might cause trouble for Jiang Li, and seeing her unharmed set his mind at ease.

Jiang Yuanbai also noticed Jiang Li and gave her a slight nod, though he had his own troubles to manage. This case had been stirred up by his own legitimate daughter, and many colleagues were watching both him and Jiang Li with meaningful glances.

Prince Cheng stood to one side, watching Jiang Li's group with cold eyes. His expression was chillingly cruel and menacing, showing no restraint despite the presence of Jiang Yuanbai and Ye Mingyu.

Many familiar faces were present—including Liu Xu's father, Official Liu Yuanfeng; Ji Shuran's father, Ji Yanlin; and Jiang Li also spotted Shen Yurong.Shen Yurong arrived rather late, but the moment he entered the hall, many court officials swarmed around him, greeting him warmly with an almost fawning eagerness. Wearing a gentle smile, Shen Yurong appeared handsome and refined, standing out like a breath of fresh air in the court, drawing everyone's attention.

Ye Mingyu stared intently and remarked, "Who is that young man? So youthful, yet he seems to hold a high official position, doesn't he? And he's quite handsome. A Li, if you and he..." Catching Ye Shijie's sharp glance from the side, Ye Mingyu abruptly swallowed the words "were together."

Even so, Jiang Li could easily guess what Ye Mingyu had been about to say, and she couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

With that face alone, Shen Yurong was indeed quite deceptive. Back when he was merely a scholar, many wealthy young ladies had been eager to marry him. Now, as an official dressed in luxurious robes, his demeanor had become even more distinguished, making him all the more appealing. No wonder Princess Yongning had been so captivated that she schemed to harm his lawful wife just to marry into the Shen family. Yet, to Jiang Li, this version of Shen Yurong felt even more alien, more detestable, and more contemptible.

Sensing someone's gaze, Shen Yurong followed it and spotted a petite young girl standing beside a scarred man not far away.

The girl was lovely in appearance, with a slender figure, embodying the fresh bloom of youth at fifteen or sixteen—like newly blossomed pear blossoms on a tree, pure and charming. Though not a stunning beauty, her brows and eyes carried a natural elegance and an open, composed air that made it hard to look away. There was something familiar in her gaze, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

Shen Yurong stared at Jiang Li, lost in thought.

Ye Shijie frowned. He was well aware of Shen Yurong, the Imperial Secretariat Scholar. They had crossed paths a few times during court sessions, and Shen Yurong had always been amiable and kind toward him, with a temperament that made everyone in the court eager to befriend him. Yet, for some reason, Ye Shijie didn't quite like this young Lord Shen, feeling that he was too smooth in his dealings. How could someone rise to the position of Imperial Secretariat Scholar in such a short time without making any enemies?

Having served as an official himself, Ye Shijie knew just how dark the political arena could be. Someone like Shen Yurong, who navigated it so effortlessly, couldn't possibly be entirely clean. Pretending to be upright and honorable while being otherwise struck him as hypocritical and fame-seeking.

Ye Shijie stepped sideways to shield Jiang Li, then cupped his hands in salute to Shen Yurong and said, "Lord Shen."

Shen Yurong snapped out of his reverie and returned the greeting, but his eyes remained fixed on Jiang Li.

He had seen Jiang Li before—back at the Mingyi Hall assessment when Princess Yongning was injured. He vaguely recalled that Jiang Li played the zither skillfully, rivaling even Fangfei. She was the legitimate eldest daughter of Jiang Yuanbai. He also knew a bit about her past: she had been sent to a temple for allegedly harming her stepmother, yet within a few months of her return, she had firmly established herself in the Grand Secretary's residence. Clearly, she was no fool.Speaking of Jiang Li's connections, the man Shen Ruyun was now set to marry, Zhou Yanbang, had originally been engaged to Jiang Li after several twists and turns. Now that Jiang Li had intervened in Xue Huaiyuan's case, Shen Yurong felt a strange sensation—though Jiang Li should have had no relation to him whatsoever, it seemed as if an invisible thread was pulling them together, making her presence felt in every matter.

He looked at Jiang Li, and she looked back at him. For a woman to gaze so directly at an unfamiliar man was quite bold. Yet Shen Yurong could clearly sense that there was not a trace of admiration in Jiang Li's eyes—only the coldness one would show a stranger, with perhaps a hint of something else hidden beneath. But when he looked again, he could no longer discern it.

While Shen Yurong was still hesitating whether to greet Jiang Li, she had already averted her gaze, treating him as if he were an insignificant person unworthy of even a moment's attention. Shen Yurong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed at himself in self-mockery.

Indeed, Jiang Li was not Fangfei, nor was she Princess Yongning. To her, he was merely an unimportant stranger, so this reaction was only fitting. Yet for some reason, Shen Yurong couldn't help but glance again at Jiang Li, who was speaking with Ye Shijie, feeling that something was amiss.

But he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Just then, the eunuch Su Gonggong emerged from behind the hall with his attendants—the Hongxiao Emperor had arrived.

The court laws of this dynasty were lax, and the rules for court assemblies were not as strict as they had been under the previous emperor. Some said this was because the Hongxiao Emperor was weak and isolated, and others had no fear of him, uncertain how long he would remain on the throne, thus acting with impunity.

Previously, Jiang Li had thought that although the Hongxiao Emperor was not as mediocre as he appeared on the surface, he was hardly a rare and wise ruler. But after learning of Ji Heng's intentions, Jiang Li realized that her judgment of the Hongxiao Emperor had likely been gravely mistaken. Though Ji Heng controlled court affairs and manipulated power, he was exceedingly proud and arrogant—bowing to a useless figure was something he could never do. Among the three factions, he had chosen to support the Hongxiao Emperor precisely because the emperor was worthy of his backing. If Ji Heng aspired to the highest position, the Hongxiao Emperor would eventually become his rival. If the emperor were incompetent, choosing such an opponent would be an insult to Ji Heng.

If Ji Heng did not aim for the throne but had other plans, then whether the Hongxiao Emperor was a tool to be used or an ally standing on the same side, he would not be an ordinary man.

This emperor had been playing the fool to deceive the tiger all along—he was far from simple.

As the Hongxiao Emperor took his seat on the high throne and the other officials arranged themselves in their positions, the silence in the Golden Luan Hall seemed to last only an instant.

At the request of Zhou Dezhao and with a petition signed by a hundred citizens of Tongxiang, an Imperial Council was convened to retry the Xue family case.

Jiang Li's heart stirred with excitement. As the civil and military officials bowed in gratitude for the imperial grace, her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly into fists.

Success or failure hinged on this moment. Today's battle was the key to clearing the Xue family's name and uncovering a corner of the truth. She would spare no effort, and even if Prince Cheng stood in her way, it would be a fight to the death!The palace stood majestic and grand. Among the civil and military officials gathered in the court hall, some were unfamiliar to Jiang Li, while others she recognized well. Some had once been her most intimate companions but were now mortal enemies; others had once been strangers but were now bound by blood ties.

High above, the Hongxiao Emperor looked toward Zhou Dezhao and said, "Minister Zhou, you may begin."

Zhou Dezhao rose and stepped forward, bowing respectfully in acknowledgment. After giving a brief order to those behind him, Feng Yutang, clad in prison garb, was soon brought into the hall.

"The criminal official Feng Yutang, during his tenure as the county magistrate of Tongxiang, abused his power for personal gain, oppressed the innocent, and committed every conceivable evil. He framed the former county magistrate Xue Huaiyuan, leading to his imprisonment. His crimes are heinous and have been duly recorded in the case files." He turned to Feng Yutang and demanded, "Feng Yutang, do you admit your guilt?"

Compared to his former self as the county magistrate of Tongxiang, Feng Yutang now resembled a stray dog—disheveled and grimy. He let out a cold laugh and replied, "This humble man admits his guilt. During my time as county magistrate, I did indeed abuse my power for personal gain. However, the accusation that I framed Xue Huaiyuan is utterly baseless. Back then, Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned for embezzling disaster relief funds—the evidence was irrefutable. This matter has nothing to do with me. As the saying goes, 'Give a dog a bad name and hang him.' These trumped-up charges—I will not admit to them."

"How dare you!" Zhou Dezhao roared in anger. "In the Golden Luan Hall, how can you resort to such cunning arguments!"

Feng Yutang hastily knelt and pleaded that he would not dare.

Jiang Li watched coldly, her mind clear. Feng Yutang knew he could not escape death. By stubbornly insisting that all the blame lay with him, he could at least die a swift death. If he were to implicate Princess Yongning, not only would his own death be agonizing, but his concubines and children would also be wiped out.

Feng Yutang was by no means a selfless man willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. It was simply that, in his eyes, the fear of Princess Yongning's influence outweighed his fear of the emperor, compelling him to act in this manner.

"Minister Zhou," Prince Cheng interjected leisurely from the side, "all the details are recorded in the case files. Feng Yutang's crimes are undeniable, and the evidence is conclusive. However, the charges against Xue Huaiyuan were also thoroughly investigated in the past. In the case of Xue Huaiyuan's embezzlement, the silver was found in his residence, along with account books and witness testimonies—both material and human evidence were present. We cannot declare Xue Huaiyuan innocent simply because Feng Yuyang is guilty. In all matters, we must rely on evidence. Before His Majesty, we cannot resort to extracting confessions under torture. I urge you not to waste any more time."

These words, spoken directly in front of the Hongxiao Emperor, were exceedingly blunt. Although all officials were permitted to speak during the Imperial Council, Prince Cheng's attitude made it clear that he was biased in favor of Feng Yutang.

Other ministers, unaware of the underlying dynamics, assumed that Prince Cheng was merely stirring trouble or acting out of hostility toward the Jiang family—especially since it was a daughter of the Jiang family who had brought forward the Xue family's case. But to the Hongxiao Emperor, Prince Cheng's words carried a deeper meaning.

In the memorial submitted by Ye Shijie, the case implicated Yongning. Had Prince Cheng not acted as he did today, the emperor might have wondered if there was some misunderstanding. But with Prince Cheng's behavior, the emperor could immediately conclude that the matter was indeed connected to Yongning and was far from fabricated. Prince Cheng's attitude made it evident that he was privy to the inside story.

Yet the Hongxiao Emperor said nothing. He sat inscrutably, observing the various arguments put forth by his ministers below.Before Zhou Dezhao could speak, Prince Cheng turned his spear toward Jiang Li, looking at her with a feigned smile and saying, "Since this case was brought forward by Second Miss Jiang, and she personally traveled to Tongxiang, it seems she knows many details and evidence unknown to others. If you wish to exonerate Xue Huaiyuan, please present the evidence."

"Indeed," this time, it was actually Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan who spoke. Li Zhongnan cupped his hands and said, "Second Miss Jiang, a heroine no less than any man, possesses a clear and righteous will. She has traveled a long distance with the people of Tongxiang to sound the grievance drum at Chang'an Gate, suggesting there must be a grave injustice. A grave injustice would not be so simple. All of us here, like His Majesty, are willing to listen. Please speak quickly."

Seeing the Li family take advantage of the situation to kick someone who was down, Jiang Yuanbai frowned. No matter how bold or clever Jiang Li was, she was still only a fifteen-year-old girl. The imperial court was not like one's own backyard, where one could speak without restraint. A single misplaced word could not only arouse the emperor's suspicion but also offend many people. Prince Cheng and the Right Prime Minister were clearly targeting Jiang Li's youth and inexperience, trying to lure her into speaking and falling into their trap. Just as Jiang Yuanbai was about to speak up for Jiang Li, she herself spoke instead. And what she said stunned everyone in the hall.

She said, "Your Majesty, I have traveled a long distance and brought the people of Tongxiang to sound the grievance drum at Chang'an Gate to accuse the corrupt official Feng Yutang. And... I beg Your Majesty to convict the former Tongxiang County Magistrate, Xue Huaiyuan!"

"Convict?" The Hongxiao Emperor paused and asked, "What do you mean by convict?"

"As everyone knows, Tongxiang County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan embezzled disaster relief funds. The evidence is conclusive—he is a parasite of the court. Your Majesty advocates frugality and integrity, yet a mere county magistrate dared to be so audacious, showing disrespect to the imperial family. Merely imprisoning and beheading him is not enough. In my opinion, he should be sentenced to death by a thousand cuts!"

Ye Shijie was stunned. Feng Yutang, who was kneeling, forgot to lower his head and stared straight at Jiang Li. Everyone knew that Jiang Li had been working tirelessly for Xue Huaiyuan, standing on his side. Yet now she was saying that beheading was not enough and that he deserved death by a thousand cuts. Had she gone mad? Or had she never been on Xue Huaiyuan's side from the beginning?!

Ye Mingyu was also shocked, never expecting Jiang Li to say such a thing. He had personally witnessed Jiang Li's care for Xue Huaiyuan along the way—it was even closer than her relationship with her own father, Jiang Yuanbai. How could she say such a thing now? Ye Mingyu almost doubted whether the Jiang Li before him was his niece or someone disguised as her.

Prince Cheng and the Hongxiao Emperor were equally perplexed. The former was confused, while the latter was suspicious.

Only Shen Yurong and Ji Heng wore expressions entirely different from those of the other officials.

Shen Yurong looked peculiar, his gaze at Jiang Li thoughtful, as if he were seeing her for the first time. Ji Heng, however, showed no concern for Jiang Li whatsoever, nor was he surprised. It was as if Jiang Li's reaction was within his expectations, though his eyes held a hint of amusement.

"Continue," said the Hongxiao Emperor.Jiang Li bowed deeply and continued softly, "Although Xue Huaiyuan, the County Magistrate of Tongxiang, holds a minor position, he represents the officials of Northern Yan court. From small matters we can see greater implications - the impact of his actions is far from insignificant. Xue Huaiyuan has served as an official for decades, yet it was only last year that he was discovered for embezzlement. It stands to reason that over the past ten-plus years, he must have engaged in similar corrupt practices. Where did these embezzled funds disappear to? Why have they left no trace? The case files contain no records of this, leaving numerous suspicious points unanswered. Perhaps he was involved in selling military horses, or even suspected of colluding with the enemy and committing treason. He cannot be executed without thorough investigation."

"Investigate," Hongxiao Emperor moved his fingers slightly. "But the evidence is all in the case files, nothing more than that."

Jiang Li bowed again: "Precisely for this reason, this subject has brought the common people of Tongxiang to the capital. I request to call the witnesses."

"Summon the witnesses," Hongxiao Emperor waved his hand grandly.

Zhou Dezhao hurriedly ordered the servants to bring the witnesses forward.

Soon, the witnesses were brought in. Those brought forward were all commoners from Tongxiang - Dai Yun, Ping An, Mo Wenxuan, Zhang Tufu, Chunfang Shěnzi, and others. These Tongxiang residents were visiting the capital for the first time, entering the palace for the first time, and seeing the emperor for the first time. Facing the civil and military officials, they were already pale with fear, their legs trembling so badly they could barely rise from their kneeling position.

Jiang Li then said, "Witnesses, please speak about County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan's embezzlement case."

These witnesses were commoners who had received Xue Huaiyuan's kindness. They had come to the capital specifically to clear their county magistrate's name—how could they possibly speak ill of him? One by one, they recounted Xue Huaiyuan's past deeds. He loved the people as his own children, was kind-hearted, fair and just, and showed compassion to his subordinates. During his tenure in Tongxiang, he initiated water conservancy projects, taught farmers irrigation techniques, and seemed omniscient and omnipotent. In just a few decades, he transformed Tongxiang from a place where people couldn't afford shoes into the prosperous, peaceful community it was today.

This sounded less like an indictment of Xue Huaiyuan's crimes and more like a eulogy praising him. Both Li Zhongnan and Prince Cheng frowned, realizing the situation was developing in a direction they did not want.

Based on evidence alone, Jiang Li could not completely exonerate Xue Huaiyuan. Ultimately, the final decision at the Imperial Council rested with the emperor himself. But in such a council, the scales of public opinion had clearly tipped in Xue Huaiyuan's favor, and the civil and military officials were gradually beginning to sympathize with him.

Jiang Li remained unmoved. Instead of joining the commoners in pleading Xue Huaiyuan's innocence, she shook her head and said, "How could a corrupt official work so diligently for the people? These people are full of lies—pay them no mind."

One by one, the witnesses were dismissed, and new commoners from Tongxiang came forward—not a single one spoke against Xue Huaiyuan.

Seeing the unfavorable turn of events, Prince Cheng sneered, "This county magistrate of Tongxiang is adept at deception. To embezzle such a large sum, he must not be underestimated. He uses these petty favors to win people's hearts—even with ironclad evidence, there are still those who speak for him."

"Your Highness Prince Cheng is absolutely right," Jiang Li said. "However, this county magistrate's embezzlement of disaster relief funds could not have been a one-time occurrence. Feng Yutang, in just half a year of his tenure, has already embezzled a considerable amount. Half a year ago, when Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned and his family property confiscated, I requested the Censor-in-Chief to disclose the seized assets of both the Xue and Feng families. Let everyone see how vile Xue Huaiyuan is compared to Feng Yutang!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Yutang began trembling like a sieve.

What kind of person was Xue Huaiyuan? The embezzlement charges were fabricated. Xue Huaiyuan's own family assets amounted to very little, whereas Feng Yutang, in just half a year, had already squeezed the people to the extreme. A comparison would naturally reveal the oddity!

Sure enough, when the Censor-in-Chief disclosed the assets of both families, the results astonished everyone. Aside from the embezzled silver, Xue Huaiyuan's family had almost nothing—little better than a bare house. Even his meager salary was often depleted from aiding the common people. Feng Yutang, on the other hand, in just half a year, had amassed dozens of times more than everything Xue Huaiyuan had accumulated over more than a decade.

Everyone fell silent.

Jiang Li said, "Don't you find it strange, esteemed officials? A convicted minister like Xue Huaiyuan, in ten years of service, turned out to be more honest and upright than many officials in Yanjing City. If other corrupt officials could be like Xue Huaiyuan, our Northern Yan would have no worries about prosperity."

"Clever words and a glib tongue," Li Zhongnan snorted coldly. "But he still embezzled!"

Jiang Li smiled. "Summon the witnesses."

This time, the witnesses called were Xue Huaiyuan's former subordinates: Peng Xiao, He Jun, Gu Da, and Gu Er. Burning with righteous indignation, they had waited for this very moment to clear Xue Huaiyuan's name in their lifetime. Without waiting for Jiang Li to speak, they immediately knelt and began recounting in detail the hardships Xue Huaiyuan had endured over the past ten-plus years.No one understood Xue Huaiyuan better than them, for they had accompanied him for decades. Thus, their words resonated deeply with everyone. When they spoke of how Xue Huaiyuan was framed and imprisoned, and how they, as government officers, were brutally tortured in the Mine by Feng Yutang's men, even these seven-foot-tall men couldn't hold back their tears.

It was all blood and tears.

The Hongxiao Emperor seemed moved. Prince Cheng sensed danger and decisively declared, "Regardless, the fact remains that Xue Huaiyuan embezzled funds. As Second Miss Jiang suggested, let Xue Huaiyuan face death by a thousand cuts." He couldn't allow Jiang Li to continue speaking.

"Wait," the Hongxiao Emperor said.

This chapter's technique of Ali speaking truth through irony has a historical prototype: the defense strategy used by Qin Dynasty Chancellor Li Si to rescue Zheng Guo in the Zheng Guo case.

Interested treasures can look into it~

(End of Chapter)