Chapter 58: Lodging an Official Complaint with the Emperor
Jiang Qingshi slaughtered my entire Jiang Family!…

“This is quite nice,” Xie Qinghe remarked, casting a sidelong glance at Jiang Qingshi. “I find Jiang Zhimiao’s temperament far superior to yours—quick-witted and adaptable, beloved by all.”

“Everyone says that, though I’m not sure what charm this child possesses,” Jiang Qingshi replied, though inwardly pleased. “But he is inherently kind-hearted. If he can walk the right path in life and find peace and happiness, that will be enough.”

After three busy days, Jiang Qingshi and Xie Qinghe reached the Lantern Festival. In Da Liang, this festival was a rare occasion when the emperor celebrated alongside the common people. The emperor lifted the curfew, and the streets bustled with vibrant markets offering all kinds of goods, making it the happiest time of the year for the populace. No matter how busy official duties were, officials would set aside their work to spend time with their families and admire the citywide display of festive lanterns.

Though Emperor Jingrui was in poor health, he mustered his energy to tour the festivities, watching folk performances and allowing the people to catch a glimpse of their sovereign.

Marquis Xie, advanced in years, preferred to avoid the crowds, so Xie Qinghe joined Jiang Qingshi’s family for the outing. Jiang Zhimiao, now quite tall, eagerly pulled Xie Qinghe’s hand as they weaved through the lantern displays. The streets glowed like a river of stars, illuminating the striking beauty and noble bearing of the pair—one tall, one young—who looked almost like brothers.

Many young women passing by turned back repeatedly to gaze at them. Though Xie Qinghe wore a cold expression, the soft glow from the hanging lanterns softened the sharp edges of his features, making his handsome, aloof face even more captivating. Most young maidens were reserved, too shy to openly express their admiration, so they could only glance back again and again, imprinting the image of this elegant youth in their hearts.

Yet, it was Jiang Qingshi who drew the most attention.

Amid the dazzling fireworks and silver-lit streets, he stood out in an apricot-colored gold-threaded round-collared robe with a cloud pattern. The swirling golden patterns gently reflected on his robe, as if the elegance of pine trees and moonlight had stepped into the mortal world. His jade-like demeanor and radiant presence made it impossible to look away.

His expression was stern, but his slender fingers firmly held Lin Guilan’s hand. Watching Jiang Zhimiao dart around like an energetic monkey while tugging Xie Qinghe along, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Jiang Qingshi’s lips.

Lin Guilan, however, felt somewhat embarrassed. Though straightforward by nature, she was shy about openly displaying affection in public… Yet, the dry warmth from Jiang Qingshi’s palm gradually steadied her heart. As she noticed the varied glances around them—some envious, some jealous, some approving—she grew accustomed to facing all gazes with composure. Everyone they encountered tonight was merely a passerby in the flow of life; after this day, they would scatter to their own corners of the world, and the night’s enchanting splendor would remain only in memory.

This was a warm, intimate moment for their family. To have such a husband and such a son was her pride.

From having nothing to now enjoying a happy family and opening one branch after another, this was a path she had carved out through her own efforts.

She was well aware that many nobles in Jingshi mocked Jiang Qingshi for marrying a merchant’s daughter—a woman with large feet who did not speak in soft, delicate tones.

So what? She had accompanied her husband from nothing to everything, and she was never inferior to him.

She was a woman fully capable of standing by her husband’s side, shoulder to shoulder.

“Husband, this little rabbit festive lantern is so lovely.”

Lin Guilan rarely showed her girlish, charming side, gazing at Jiang Qingshi with a shy and bashful expression.

“If my lady likes it, we’ll buy it,” Jiang Qingshi replied with a gentle smile. “Usually, we spend your money, but today I finally have some free time to accompany you. Whatever you want, just ask—don’t hold back with your husband. Although my salary isn’t high, I’ll do my best to satisfy you. As for Miao Ge’er, if he wants anything else… well, let Xie Qinghe buy it for him. Today, my purse is open only for my lady.”

Jiang Zhimiao, walking ahead, heard every word clearly.

Hah, men.

His father definitely hadn’t considered that he possessed the Eavesdropping Ear skill, allowing him to overhear his father’s irresponsible remarks.

It seemed parents were the true soulmates—the moment they were in love, they’d immediately toss their child to someone else.

Jiang Zhimiao looked up at his brother Xie Qinghe, about to say a few unflattering things about his father, when he noticed a dazzling procession ahead: decorated carriages slowly making their way forward.

“Qinghe brother, is that the Emperor’s carriage?” Jiang Zhimiao exclaimed excitedly, grabbing Xie Qinghe’s hand and pulling him along. “Let’s go join the fun!”

Caught off guard, Xie Qinghe was dragged along. He smiled helplessly but indulgently. He wasn’t one for crowds, but he was more than willing to accompany Jiang Zhimiao.

On the Lantern Festival night, Jingshi was ablaze with lights, as if a river of stars had poured down. The capital’s streets were packed with people, the entire city seemingly emptied into the main thoroughfare, their laughter and cheers merging into a roaring stream. At the forefront was an exquisitely adorned carriage, upon which stood a woman in a grand gold-threaded brocade ceremonial dress. Her beauty was ethereal, yet her expression was solemn. She stood tall, her hands folded in front of her, her posture as dignified and untouchable as a sacred goddess.

“Who is that?” Jiang Zhimiao asked curiously.

“That is Chengle Princess, also born of the Empress, and the elder sister of the Crown Prince,” Xie Qinghe explained without holding back, never treating Jiang Zhimiao as an ignorant child. “This princess is a remarkable talent. Sometimes, when His Majesty is unwell, she assists him in handling official documents. On important occasions like this, where the royal family celebrates with the people, it’s usually this princess who makes an appearance. She is highly capable and enjoys great prestige among the populace.”

It’s just a pity… the princess is a woman, and the Crown Prince is of mediocre ability, unlikely to uphold the throne in the future. Da Liang is not particularly strong now and often faces harassment from external enemies. If the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne, Da Liang would likely become even more precarious.

Xie Qinghe sighed inwardly.

If the princess were a man, able to inherit the throne, perhaps the situation would be much better.

Jiang Zhimiao nodded, only half-understanding. He had heard his father speak of the current political situation, and seeing how the people cheered enthusiastically for the princess, it was clear she truly commanded high regard.

After the princess’s carriage made a brief appearance, the Emperor’s bright yellow palanquin followed—the main event of the evening. Surrounded by elite guards, the palanquin moved slowly through the streets, eliciting waves of cheers from the people.

Amidst this universal celebration, a gaunt figure clad in mourning robes suddenly darted out from the cheering crowd like a specter. With resolute determination, she threw herself to her knees about ten feet before the imperial carriage, holding high a written accusation as her mournful cry tore through the air:

“Your Majesty—! This humble woman, Yuan Yuexian, bears grievances as deep as the sea! I beg Your Majesty to grant me justice!”

Her shrill, piercing voice instantly overwhelmed the surrounding clamor. The guards half-drew their swords in unison, their cold steel gleaming as they encircled the kneeling figure. The festive crowd fell silent at once, countless eyes converging on the scene.

Jiang Zhimiao’s heart seemed to stop. What? Yuan Yuexian? Had he heard correctly?

Was this the same troublesome woman Yuan Yuexian he knew?

Jiang Zhimiao rubbed his eyes fiercely and stared wide-eyed at the figure that had suddenly emerged.

The imperial palanquin halted, its curtains slightly parted by a eunuch. Emperor Jingrui coughed lightly before revealing his calm, scrutinizing gaze from behind the carriage curtains.

The Yuan Yuexian kneeling on the ground bore no resemblance to the shrewish, domineering woman she had been in her hometown. Dressed in coarse mourning garments, her face appeared as pale as paper. Her hair was disheveled, her face smeared with mud, and strands of hair clung to her tear-streaked cheeks. Her body trembled like a leaf in the autumn wind.

Yuan Yuexian kowtowed heavily, her forehead striking the ground with a dull thud. When she raised her head again, a red mark was visible on her forehead. Tears fell like broken pearls, her voice trembling in a way that chilled all who heard it:

“Your Majesty! This humble woman is from Jiangping County in Linzhou! My late husband was Jiang Wenjiang, the second son of the Jiang Family! I accuse the current Hanlin Academy Compiler Jiang Qingshi—this heartless, beastly creature! He… he conspired with the South Ridge bandits to slaughter my entire Jiang Family not long ago, then framed the Yu Country for the crime! I narrowly escaped death and have been begging my way to the capital, all to expose this wolf in sheep’s clothing! Your Majesty is benevolent and compassionate, the parent of all under heaven—you must grant me justice! You must seek retribution for my murdered parents-in-law, husband, son, and daughter!”

Her words sent shockwaves through the entire street.

Jiang Zhimiao couldn’t help but clench his fists. If Xie Qinghe hadn’t been holding him back tightly, he would have rushed forward immediately to tear Yuan Yuexian’s mouth apart!

Why? Why couldn’t the Jiang Family leave them alone even now? Why couldn’t they leave his father—who had risen through the ranks solely through his own efforts—in peace? Now here in the capital, amidst all this splendor and the common people’s joyous laughter, Yuan Yuexian had to appear at this very moment! Before everyone’s eyes, she had chosen this precise timing—clearly someone had orchestrated this to harm his father!

Such news would spread like wildfire, and during the year’s most festive occasion, it would inevitably leave his father vulnerable to public criticism!

Yuan Yuexian’s acting was masterful. Always cunning, she knew exactly how to manipulate emotions. Without waiting for anyone to rebuke her, she broke into uncontrollable sobs, appearing utterly grief-stricken and on the verge of fainting. Yet she persisted, mustering all her strength to continue her accusation:

“That night, flames lit up the sky, blades flashed and swords clashed… My parents-in-law, my husband… they… they died so tragically!” Her voice suddenly rose sharply, filled with terror and agony, her hands flailing wildly in the air as if trying to dispel the nightmare of that night. “I hid among the corpses and barely escaped with my life… Had I not personally overheard those people conspiring in private using the Da Liang dialect, I would have truly believed it was Yu Country ruffians coming to provoke trouble. Jiang Qingshi not only settled personal grudges but also attempted to stir conflict between Da Liang and Yu Country! For both family and country, what vile intentions lie in his heart!”

She kowtowed heavily again, blood from her forehead mingling with streaming tears, presenting a pitiful sight: “Jiang Qingshi has defied human morality, slaughtered his own kin, all to retaliate for past mistreatment by the Jiang Family. While appearing magnanimous on the surface, he secretly eliminates every root and branch, not even sparing innocent children! Now he enjoys high position and generous salary, while the souls of over a dozen wronged members of my Jiang Family find no peace in the underworld! They gnaw at my ears day and night! I beg Your Majesty to see clearly! Eradicate this traitor to the state, and avenge my Jiang Family, my unjustly slain husband, and my child—!”

Prostrate on the ground, she wept bitterly, shoulders shaking violently. Her heartrending grief moved many commoners in the crowd to pity, sparking hushed discussions.

“Can this be true?”

“Lord Jiang doesn’t seem like such a person…”

“One can know a man’s face but not his heart. This woman’s misery appears genuine…”