Chapter 233: Repelling the Enemy Fifty Miles

Chapter 233: Repelling the Enemy Fifty Miles

Naturally, Lady Liang did not accept General Xiang's statement. Pointing at Xiao Yuming, she retorted, "He left your residence with two attendants, General, that you can confirm. But can you prove that he didn't arrange for someone else after leaving?"

General Xiang pursed his lips, saying nothing. Duke Tang spoke up, "Lady Liang, I understand your sorrow over the loss of the Second Prince and your desire for revenge. But Xiao Yuming, even if he were foolish, wouldn't resort to such a clumsy method. If he really wanted to kill the Second Prince, he wouldn't have needed to show himself at all."

"Your Majesty," Duke Tang knelt down again, "I implore you to discern the truth. Find the real culprit to avenge the Second Prince and clear Xiao Yuming's name."

The Emperor remained silent, while Lady Liang wept softly, "Duke Tang, you are a venerable elder of two dynasties, with abundant achievements. The old Marquis of Yongning and the Marquis sacrificed greatly for Da Qian, their contributions immense. With your backing, Xiao Yuming can act with impunity. But my son must not die in vain! Your Majesty, our Jingming died so tragically!"

Tang Shuyi now saw through their act; the Emperor and Lady Liang were playing a double act. The Emperor put on a facade of grief and dilemma, while Lady Liang was creating a ruckus. In the end, it would likely be that the Emperor, seemingly with no other choice, would have Xiao Yuming executed.

But she wouldn't allow it.

"Your Majesty," Tang Shuyi also knelt again, "I understand Lady Liang's maternal feelings. However, this case is riddled with doubts, and I request that it be handed over to the Court of Judicial Review."

"But isn't the Court of Judicial Review filled with your people?" Lady Liang retorted. "The presiding judge is from the Sun family, who are in-laws with the Wu Yang Earl's household, which is the maternal family of the late Marquis of Yongning's wife. If they handle the review, wouldn’t it be biased in your favor?"

Tang Shuyi was on the verge of cursing; the woman was infuriatingly obstinate!

"His Majesty is a wise ruler, and he would certainly not execute someone without just cause," Tang Shuyi complimented the Emperor, placing a figurative crown upon his head.

But Lady Liang countered, "This isn't about executing without cause. It's clear that your son killed my son first."

"Lady Liang, where is the evidence?" Tang Shuyi pressed.

Lady Liang responded, "Your son was fighting with Jingming at the time, what more evidence is needed?"

"The Second Prince died from an arrow, while Yu Ming wields a blade, proving that the Prince's death was not by Yu Ming's hand," Tang Shuyi retorted.

"Regardless, Jingming's death cannot be disconnected from Xiao Yuming."

The look on Consort Liang's face plainly screamed for Xiao Yuming's death; Tang Shuyi had to restrain herself from running her through with a sword.

"Enough," the Emperor finally spoke, his gaze laden with sorrow as it swept over Tang Shuyi and Duke Tang, "Please try to empathize with the Consort's feelings. My heart aches too. As the Consort said, regardless of who caused Jingming's demise, Xiao Yuming cannot be absolved of involvement."

He turned towards Xiao Yuming, saying, "Xiao Yuming, for the crime of..."

"Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty."

The voices of the Dowager and Jiao Kangsheng rang out in unison, and Jiao Kangsheng swiftly approached, whispering urgently to the Emperor, "Lord Xie, Xie Boyuan has arrived."

The Emperor's gaze sharpened as it fell on Tang Shuyi and Duke Tang. When had they conspired with the Xie family?

At that moment, the tyrannical part of him stirred. Wasn't it just the killing of a man? As the sovereign of a nation, must he heed others' opinions and consider their feelings in carrying out a death sentence?

"Your Majesty." Jiao Kangsheng's voice interrupted his thoughts, and the Emperor regained his composure, then commanded, "Let him in."

Jiao Kangsheng promptly exited to fetch the guest. Soon after, a middle-aged man dressed in crow-black robes entered. "Xie Boyuan pays his respects to Your Majesty."

As he lifted his robes to kneel, the Emperor said, "Please, Lord Xie, no formalities."

Without hesitation, Xie Boyuan took a seat to the side. "My younger brother had a profound friendship with Lord Yongning, Xiao Huai, in his youth. After Lord Yongning sacrificed his life for the nation, though my brother traveled afar, every letter home mentioned to look after Lord Yongning's orphan. Hearing of a mishap involving Young Master Xiao today, my father dispatched me to assess the situation."

Hearing this, the Emperor let out a deep sigh, appearing too stricken to speak. At this moment, Consort Liang, with tears in her eyes, asked, "Is Master Xie here to judge the matter?"

"Not exactly to judge," Xie Boyuan clarified, "I merely heard that Young Xiao ran into some trouble and came to see for myself." His intentions were clear—he was here to support Xiao Yuming.

Consort Liang glanced at the Emperor, and seeing his drooping eyelids and his silence, she bit her lip and then said forlornly, "I come from humble origins, incomparable to the noble birth of Lady Yongning. My son, too, lacks the powerful support that Xiao Yuming has; it seems he was fated to be ruined by Xiao Yuming. But as his mother, my heart cannot reconcile with this!"

"Your Highness," Tang Shuyi's knees ached from kneeling. She shifted slightly and said, "The Second Prince is His Majesty's son, his status more esteemed than anyone. There's no need for self-deprecation."

It's you who belittle yourself; it has nothing to do with others.

"Indeed, my son is the Emperor's son." Consort Liang wiped her tears and, pointing towards Xiao Yuming, declared, "When the sovereign commands, a subject must obey even unto death. Today, I demand Xiao Yuming's death."

The room fell silent until Tang Shuyi spoke: "When the sovereign commands, a subject must obey even unto death, that is indeed true. But Your Highness, are you the sovereign, or was the Second Prince the sovereign?"

The room fell silent once again, then Consort Liang let out a wistful smile, "I lack the eloquence of the Marchioness of Yongning, and I can't avenge my son, so I might as well die with him."

As she spoke, she quickly walked forward, intending to smash her head against the Emperor's desk. Tang Shuyi, seeing this, hurriedly grabbed the hem of her robe and pulled with all her might, causing Consort Liang to lose her balance and fall to the ground.

With a loud thud, Consort Liang's hair ornaments scattered far and wide, indicating the severity of her fall.

"How dare you!" The Emperor suddenly stood up in a rage and looked around at everyone present with a fierce gaze, about to pronounce, "Xiao Yuming is guilty of..."

"Urgent news from the border!" A rough voice interrupted from outside, followed by Jiao Kangsheng rushing in, bending over and saying, "Your Majesty, there is an urgent dispatch from the northwestern frontier."

The Emperor glanced at Xiao Yuming and ordered, "Let them in!"

Jiao Kangsheng immediately stepped out, and a dusty soldier in military attire entered. He knelt before the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty."

"What's happening in the northwest?" The Emperor asked eagerly.

"Marquis Yongning, Xiao Huai, has personally slain Marshal Rouli and led his troops to repel the enemy by fifty li."