The Double

Chapter 177: Sacrificing the Chariot

The case of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao, after so many years, had been brought to light with great fanfare. Yet the outcome of the joint trial by the three judicial departments proceeded far more smoothly than anticipated.

This was largely due to the overwhelming evidence Xue Huaiyuan had managed to present. The officials of the Court of Judicial Review were astonished that, having regained his senses for just over a month, he could uncover so many crucial clues. It was as if someone had already begun investigating the case of the Xue siblings long before.

Jiang Yuanbai’s involvement further facilitated the resolution of the case. The undeniable fact that the Grand Secretary’s daughter had been discovered in Princess Yongning’s private prison left no room for argument. While Princess Yongning might have tried to deflect blame regarding Xue Fangfei, she had no excuse for Jiang Youyao’s imprisonment.

Operating a private prison in her residence, conspiring to harm officials’ families, colluding with court officials to cause the deaths of commoners, manipulating the bureaucracy—count by count, the charges piled up. Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong were left with no defense, found guilty of capital crimes, and sentenced to execution in three days.

When the verdict was announced, all who knew the details felt a profound sense of justice served.

The Magistrate of the Capital, who had abetted the crimes and contributed to Xue Zhao’s death, was also punished: stripped of his position and exiled for life. As for Xiao Deyin, though she had not directly caused Xue Fangfei’s death, she had handed her the drugged wine that facilitated the plot against her. She was sentenced to fifty heavy strokes. For a woman, such a punishment was brutal—whether she survived or not, she would be left clinging to life, unlikely to live many more years.

Yet, for Xiao Deyin, the number of strokes or the years she had left were not the greatest torment. What truly agonized her was the knowledge that, once her deeds against Xue Fangfei became public, countless people would revile her for her viciousness and hypocrisy. Xiao Deyin had spent her entire life enslaved by her reputation, maintaining a facade of virtue. Now, with her name utterly ruined, life held no meaning for her.

After the joint trial concluded, guards escorted Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong to the imperial prison. Xue Huaiyuan sat quietly, as if all his strength had been drained from him in an instant, unable to move.

Jiang Yuanbai rose to his feet and couldn’t help but glance at Xue Huaiyuan once more. His own daughter, Jiang Li, had shown Xue Huaiyuan such care and concern, even surpassing the regard she held for her own father. Initially, Jiang Yuanbai had been displeased, but upon seeing Xue Huaiyuan, he had to admit that the man was more composed and capable than he had imagined.

Without exchanging words with Xue Huaiyuan, Jiang Yuanbai stepped out first. Princess Yongning had met her deserved end, and in a way, Jiang Yuanbai had avenged Jiang Youyao. Yet, he felt no satisfaction. Jiang Youyao’s life was irrevocably shattered—there was no returning to what once was. The past remained the past.

Haitang came forward to support Xue Huaiyuan and guide him outside. As they reached the main gate of the Ministry of Justice, they were stunned by the scene before them. The citizens of Yanjing City had crowded the entrance, packed so tightly it was impassable. Upon seeing them emerge, the people began chanting, “County Magistrate Xue!”In a very short time, the events that transpired in the public court spread widely. People naturally came to learn how Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had conspired to frame Xue Fangfei for adultery, causing her to miscarry, then administered poison and even strangled the poor woman to death. Not only that, they had also killed Xue Fangfei's brother—a gentle, sunlit youth—and attempted to murder Xue Huaiyuan. If not for a twist of fate that brought Second Miss Jiang to Tongxiang, the entire Xue family would have vanished from this world, and no one would ever have known of the injustices they suffered.

The common people possess empathy. They may not be particularly clever and are easily deceived, but many among them are kind-hearted. Their innate goodness makes them naturally resent evil and sympathize with the weak. The Xue family instantly became the object of widespread compassion, while curses against Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong echoed everywhere.

Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu were outside waiting to receive Xue Huaiyuan. As Xue Huaiyuan stepped into the carriage, he was surprised to find Jiang Li already inside. He paused for a moment and said, "Miss Jiang."

"County Magistrate Xue." Jiang Li smiled faintly.

Jiang Li had gone to the Ye family early in the morning and ridden with Ye Shijie to the entrance of the Ministry of Justice. They couldn't enter the premises, so like the commoners outside, they waited for the final outcome. Until the very moment the verdict was announced, Jiang Li's heart had been tightly clenched, far from the calm she outwardly displayed.

This day was one she had waited for far too long.

Xue Huaiyuan noticed a glimmer of moisture at the corner of Jiang Li's eyes, as if she had been crying. Yet, he still couldn't comprehend why Jiang Li, who could be considered the Xue family's savior, showed such profound concern. While many strangers might extend a helping hand out of kindness or other motives when they see others in distress, Jiang Li's actions felt as natural as if it were her duty.

Why? She was the Second Miss of the Jiang family, originally having no connection to the Xues.

Xue Huaiyuan said gently, "Miss Jiang mentioned before that one day you would tell me why you reached out to help the Xue family. Now that the villains have been punished, is it time?"

His tone was earnest, like a sincere inquiry. Jiang Li hesitated, a wave of sorrow suddenly washing over her. This time, Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had indeed met their downfall. The true culprits behind the deaths of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao were finally exposed to the world. The justice she had sought for so long had not vanished, but this justice had come at the cost of lives—it was not easily won.

She still couldn't reveal the truth to her father, for her own future remained uncertain.

"Not yet," Jiang Li swallowed her grief and replied. "But there is something County Magistrate Xue might wish to know."

"What is it?" Xue Huaiyuan asked.

"Regarding Xue Zhao's grave," Jiang Li said. "When Xue Zhao passed away, Haitang had already been expelled from the Shen family, so she didn't know where he was buried. Moreover, because it was during the time when Xue Fangfei was being slandered, Xue Zhao's funeral arrangements were kept extremely discreet, and others didn't know the burial site. I have asked around and found the location." She looked at Xue Huaiyuan. "Now that the true culprits have been exposed, County Magistrate Xue can share this good news with Xue Zhao. As for whether to bring Xue Zhao back to his hometown, that decision is entirely yours."Jiang Li wanted Xue Zhao's spirit to return to his homeland, rather than remain in this unknown place of Yanjing City. Apart from herself, there wasn't even anyone to offer sacrifices or burn paper money for him—it was so desolate and lonely. Her father already knew about Xue Zhao's death... he should also pay his respects to Xue Zhao.

"Very well, thank you for your trouble, Miss Jiang," Xue Huaiyuan said, his voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor. "Ah Zhao would be very happy, very happy to know this."

Jiang Li turned her head away.

Happy? She only felt deep sorrow and helplessness.

...

The decision regarding Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had spread throughout Yanjing City.

The common people all clapped their hands in approval. If there was anyone who was angered and dismayed by this, it was only Consort Liu and Prince Cheng in the palace.

Consort Liu had long cried her eyes red. At her age, she had always arrogantly commanded others—when had she ever been in such a wretched state? Tugging at Prince Cheng's sleeve, she said, "Ying'er, go help Yongning. Save your sister—your sister cannot die like this!"

When she first learned that Xue Huaiyuan had accused Princess Yongning, Consort Liu hadn't taken the matter seriously. Even if Princess Yongning was demoted to a commoner, that Xue Huaiyuan was still nothing. Crushing Xue Huaiyuan would be easier than crushing an ant. Besides, who knew whether the evidence was real or fake? With just a few words to the lower officials, the matter could be suppressed. The only thing to consider was the gossip among the common people, but even that wasn't without solutions.

Who would have thought that Jiang Yuanbai would also be dragged into this? That Princess Yongning had set up a private prison in her residence was something neither Prince Cheng nor Consort Liu had known. When they learned that Princess Yongning had even imprisoned Jiang Yuanbai's daughter, Jiang Youyao, in her private prison, Consort Liu nearly fainted and immediately knew things had taken a terrible turn.

With the Grand Secretary involved, there was no way this case could be suppressed. Sure enough, everything happened too swiftly to prepare for. Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong were quickly arrested, and the Hongxiao Emperor personally ordered a joint trial by the three judicial departments to thoroughly investigate the case.

On ordinary days, when his interests weren't threatened, this emperor with limited power would turn a blind eye. But everyone knew that their relationship had grown increasingly tense over the years. Since this case had been brought before the Hongxiao Emperor, he certainly wouldn't mind portraying himself as a wise ruler who "places righteousness above family loyalty and upholds justice." And Jiang Yuanbai would undoubtedly spare no effort to ensure Princess Yongning had no chance of recovery.

Consort Liu tried to plead with the Empress Dowager, but after listening, the Empress Dowager merely replied indifferently, "I cannot help," and dismissed Consort Liu. No matter how much Consort Liu pleaded until her lips were parched, the Empress Dowager remained unmoved. Consort Liu had no choice but to turn to the Hongxiao Emperor, but he was even harsher—Consort Liu couldn't even get an audience with him.

As Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong faced imminent execution, Consort Liu finally realized that this time, perhaps no one could save her daughter. She could only weep and complain to Prince Cheng."Stop crying, Mother," Prince Cheng said, his mind in turmoil from Consort Liu's weeping. "It's not that I don't want to save Yongning, but no one can save her now! Yongning was far too reckless—she set up a private prison in her residence and even imprisoned Jiang Youyao. By offending Jiang Yuanbai, she ensured he would show no mercy. How could he possibly spare her? If Yongning had shown even a little caution back then, things wouldn't have come to this!"

Consort Liu retorted angrily, "How can you speak of your sister like that?" Then she began crying again. "I told her long ago that Shen Yurong was no good match, no decent man. Your sister was dragged down by that Shen Yurong! And you—you knew what kind of person Shen Yurong was. Why didn't you stop your sister from associating with him? You share some responsibility for her downfall!"

"Enough!" Prince Cheng shouted, his own frustration boiling over. At this critical juncture, with their plans nearing fruition, there was no room for error. Yet Yongning kept causing trouble from behind the scenes—first breaking ties with the Li family, which led to Li Xian resigning his post and Li Zhongnan growing distrustful of him. Then her relationship with Shen Yurong was exposed, causing Shen Yurong to resign as well, stripping him of another ally. Now, to make matters worse, the Jiang family was watching him like a hawk, Yongning's reputation was in ruins, and he was being dragged down along with her. Having such a sister was nothing but a curse.

Startled by Prince Cheng's outburst, Consort Liu stopped crying abruptly, as if jolted back to her senses. She looked at him despairingly and asked, "Ying'er, is there really no way to save Yongning?"

Prince Cheng gazed at her, a pang of pity in his heart, but in the end, he replied, "Mother, your son is powerless. However," he shifted his tone, "the Emperor has been too ruthless in this matter. I see no benefit in delaying further. It might be better to move our plans forward. Once I storm the palace and take the throne, I will avenge every humiliation Yongning suffered from those people. Then... Yongning can rest in peace."

His words were filled with venom, his voice echoing ominously in the empty chamber. Consort Liu stared at him for a long moment, as if finally resigning herself to fate—like reluctantly discarding a cherished possession. She said softly, "Very well."

(End of Chapter)