Chapter 171: Didn’t I tell you not to see me off?

Chapter 171: Didn’t I tell you not to see me off?

In the imperial court, the Emperor was unusually troubled.

Looking around, at least five high-ranking officials were missing from court, likely detained and interrogated by the Ministry of Justice for their involvement in the Crown Prince's consort's affair.

The courtiers were all on edge, but the officials from the Censorate were the first to step forward: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's consort raised troops in Qizhou, causing nearly ten thousand casualties. This matter concerns the stability of the state. We urge Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

As soon as these words were spoken, two other officials from the Censorate also stepped forward to support the proposal.

However, they only spoke of a thorough investigation, not daring to mention the word "treason" directly.

He An and Ji Lingchuan stood on either side. The Emperor asked, "Minister He, how do you think this matter should be decided?"

"Your Majesty is wise. The grain hoarding in Qizhou has been fully investigated. The stockpiling of tens of thousands of dan of grain in Qizhou is highly unusual.

Moreover, the He family in Jiangnan is also involved. The connections are complex, and many details still need to be inquired into. A final decision can’t be made yet."

"I have heard that traitors were found within the Jiangnan garrison?"

Ji Lingchuan stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the former Jiangnan garrison general embezzled military funds and secretly colluded with the He clan. Before the battle, fortunately, the current general enforced military discipline and screened out nearly two hundred spies hidden in the army."

"Good, good. Our Dongzhao army once fought outnumbered a hundred to one. It has been only a little over ten years of peace, and they’ve become so lax." The Emperor was deeply distressed.

His gaze fell on the Crown Prince: "Crown Prince, what’s your take on the Jiangnan situation?"

The Crown Prince replied: "Your Majesty, I believe that Jiangnan is Dongzhao’s most prosperous region, with thriving commerce and abundant crops. Over the years, the power of local clans has risen, and in extreme cases, they can even control local officials. If this continues, it will become a cancer for Dongzhao and must be dealt with seriously."

"The Crown Prince's consort is a daughter of the He clan. If so, then conduct a thorough investigation. If the He family is indeed involved in treason, deal with them harshly."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Emperor looked weary. Eunuch Xu called out: "If there’s anything to report, speak now. If not, the court is dismissed."

Jiang Jie, who had remained silent, stepped forward with a protective tablet in hand: "Your Majesty, the embezzlement case in the Ministry of Revenue has been resolved. Those involved have been sentenced according to the law. The former Minister of Revenue, Qi Yuanchang, used his position for personal gain and has been sentenced to exile in the north. Eight others accompanying him are also guilty of the same crime."

"Hmm, handle this matter as you see fit. If there is nothing else, all may retire."

**

When leaving the palace, Jiang Jie passed by He An and Ji Lingchuan, his demeanor was extremely cold.

If not for knowing he was a friend rather than a foe, Ji Lingchuan would not dare to underestimate this man, given his cunning and complex schemes. Moreover, his sinister nature was the most frightening.

"He openly tried to save Qi Yuanchang, and the Emperor actually approved it. What kind of thing is this?"

This trip to Jiangnan, though a meritorious deed, actually carried a heavy burden.

Matters concerning imperial power and a prince's rebellion—who would want such merit?

Jiang Jie, on the other hand, stayed leisurely in the capital. They worked hard and got results, only for him to seize the opportunity to conclude the case.

He An: "The Emperor is also going with the flow. The matter of Lucheng cannot be brought up again."

He knew what Jiang Jie was scheming. He An did not want to get involved in the Qi family's affairs, so let him be.

Ji Lingchuan was somewhat annoyed: "If this case is not concluded, how can I go to Jiangnan to bring Chu Li back?" He thought that once the person was brought back, the task would be completed, but now it seems that it won't be so easy.

He An paused and gave him a speechless look.

What kind of look was that, so disdainful? Ji Lingchuan, unwilling to accept it, deliberately brought up something that would annoy He An: "I don't believe you don't want to go and fetch Madam."

He wanted to as well, but he had to wait until everything was settled: "Do you really think they would wait for us to pick them up?"

Ji Lingchuan: "..."

That was a wake-up call. Knowing Chu Li, she probably wouldn’t be so compliant. But given the complexity of the situation, what if there’s danger along the way?

He An: "I've sent a letter to Senior Xu. If official protection attracts too much attention, hiring some martial artists would be more discreet."

Ji Lingchuan: "..."

Well, looks like he already had it all planned out.

**

The day of exile came quickly. At the city gate, over a dozen officials were escorted out of the capital.

Qi Siwei stood by the roadside with her mother and brother. Mrs. Qi, clad in simple clothes, looked worn out, and Young Master Qi, stripped of his usual pride, leaned dejectedly against a rundown carriage.

He complained: "Now that my sister’s wealthy, she doesn’t care about our family’s fate."

Mrs. Qi glared at her son: "Enough, stop it. We’re at this point now, so rein in your temper."

Qi Siwei didn’t argue: "Mother, to avoid attracting attention and causing trouble, you’ll have to endure some hardships on this trip."

"The carriage might be old, but it’ll still keep you sheltered from the elements. I’ve brought some silver, which should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your days. Once you reach the north, leave everything about the capital behind."

Mrs. Qi’s eyes welled up with tears. Having been through it all, she could see how hard her daughter’s life in the Jiang residence had been.

"My child, it’s been tough on you."

Qi Siwei smiled bitterly: "I used to hold a grudge, but now I’ve let it all go. I just hope you can travel safely and start fresh."

"Siwei, why don’t you come with us?"

"I’m the wife of a minister. If I just leave, what would happen to the Jiang residence? Mother, don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. Once you head north, we might never see each other again."

With that, Qi Siwei knelt on the ground and bowed three times to her mother: "The debt I owe for your care is something I can never repay in this lifetime. Please don’t hold it against me."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Qi cried even more sorrowfully: "I know in my heart, given your father’s crimes, exterminating the nine clans wouldn’t have been excessive. Now that we’re exiled to the north, it’s already the Emperor’s mercy, and it’s all thanks to Minister Jiang. Siwei, marriage is fate, try to accept it."

"I understand."

Not far away, the convoy escorting the prisoners was getting closer.

The journey north was long. Qi Siwei had arranged some things with the escorting officers, the last thing she could do for the Qi family.

The leader of the escort, knowing she was Minister Jiang’s wife, naturally didn’t dare to be careless: "Madam Jiang, rest assured, we will do our duty and ensure these people reach the north safely."

"Thank you."

The carriage slowly started moving, the afterglow of the sunset casting its light, but it could no longer brighten the path of these people's lives.

At least they were safely leaving the capital, the last thing she could do for the Qi family, fulfilling this familial bond.

With everything settled, many things could also come to an end.

She didn’t know how long she had been standing there, the road in front of her now empty, the wind drying the tears on her face.

Yun Yi advised: "Madam, it’s time to go back."

The sound of hoofbeats came from behind. Qi Siwei turned to see Jiang Jie, his face filled with anger, already in front of her, immediately questioning: "Didn’t I order you not to see them off?"