freenovelworld Chapter 113 The Emperor's Decision
Chapter 113 The Emperor's Decision
"Lord Jiang Yu, you don't really think this has nothing to do with you, do you?" Lady Tini wiped away her tears of joy as Jiang Yu finally spoke. This big fish had finally taken the bait.
"Logically speaking, Lord Chen Xin's absurd deeds haven't affected you yet. Whether you intended it or not, you haven't caused any indelible harm to my poor nephew, Zhong Qin, so of course it has nothing to do with you."
“You’re just protecting your friend; instead, your loyalty to friendship should be celebrated.” Mrs. Tiny’s smile widened.
"But why would you, from the distant Ocean Empire, recommend the 'Owl' organization to Lord Chen Xin? May I ask why and how you contacted and traded with the 'Owl' organization?" Seeing that everyone's surprised and suspicious gazes finally focused on Jiang Yu, Madam Tini was finally somewhat satisfied.
"Since it has nothing to do with Zhong Qin, then what exactly is the content of your deal with the 'Owl' organization?"
“Madam, such words cannot be spoken lightly. If you have no evidence, this is the most serious slander.” Fan Qingyin said coldly, enunciating each word clearly. “I will not allow my wife to be accused of such absurd crimes by others, even if the other party is royalty.”
"Divine Envoy, please don't be hasty or agitated." Lady Tiny looked Fan Qingyin up and down, a look that disgusted Fan Qingyin. "If this matter spreads to the Aurora Empire, it won't be fun. And since I can say this, of course I have evidence."
"Zhong Qin, take out the letter I told you to carry with you and show it to everyone. That will save people from always accusing me of making baseless accusations against others without any evidence."
Zhong Qin's face showed a hint of reluctance. Whether it was an act or not, he hesitated before speaking, "Madam, Lord Jiang Yu..."
"I'm telling you, child, you're just too soft-hearted and kind-hearted. That's why you've been bullied like this," Mrs. Tinie said, exasperated. "Give it to me now!"
Then, with a pained expression, Zhong Qin pulled a thin letter from his clothes.
Lady Tinie snatched it away, and without even glancing at it, handed it to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, please take a look."
The emperor looked down carefully, and his expression quickly became serious. "General, Lord Jiang Yu, and Lord Chen Xin of the Forest Empire. Come to my side."
Jiang Yu watched her father walk forward, and then walked with Chen Xin to the emperor's side.
The emperor didn't say much, but simply handed the paper to them. Jiang Ren took it, quickly glanced at it, and said to Chen Xin with a serious expression.
"Lord Chen Xin, please take a look. Is this your handwriting? Did you write this letter yourself?"
The moment Chen Xin saw the letter, a great sense of unease arose in her heart. It was indeed the kind of letter paper she often used, and it was made for her by Zhong Qin himself.
Because the Forest Empire had so many flowers, one day she had a new idea: to press flower petals inside letter paper. This would not only give the paper a floral fragrance but also make it look more beautiful.
At that time, Zhong Qin was completely obedient to her. Or rather, he acted as if whatever she said was right. After hearing her thoughts, he actually spent a lot of time and effort making such a piece of paper for her.
Her hands trembled slightly as she took the paper and examined it closely. It was indeed her handwriting; it was definitely written by her own hand.
This piece of paper is clearly a page or section from a letter; after removing the beginning and end, it's obvious that Zhong Qin secretly kept it. It turns out his scheming against her had already begun back then.
When Chen Xin saw the message, "Xiao Yu, the 'Owl' you provided is really useful! This owl's organizational efficiency is excellent, but the price is too high," she closed her eyes, a wave of immense despair washing over her. She had barely managed to recover slightly from the grief of Zhong Qin's betrayal, and now she felt utterly devastated.
Seeing Chen Xin's silence, everyone understood immediately. The Emperor asked in a deep voice, "So it's true, Lord Jiang Yu, that you really have a secret connection with 'Owl'?"
"Your Majesty!" Fan Qingyin spoke up hurriedly. Jiang Yu understood perfectly well that he was trying to take the blame upon himself.
So she calmly interrupted Fan Qingyin: "That's right. In order to investigate some unbelievable things, I had no choice but to use means to make a deal with 'Owl'."
Upon hearing her affirmative answer, the reactions of the crowd varied. Fan Qingyin's usually composed expression changed instantly, while Jiang Yu's father and mother also looked panicked and uneasy. Chen Xin was so anxious that tears were almost falling.
Mrs. Tini and Zhong Qin could hardly contain their smiles. They never expected that with the perfect timing, location, and people, this label would be pinned on them so smoothly.
The emperor's face suddenly darkened. He had always presented himself as a kind and approachable elder in front of Jiang Yu.
“Even if you were sickly in your youth, as a nobleman of the empire, you should understand how unforgivable it is to deal with these heinous underground organizations. Didn’t your father and mother tell you that?”
The emperor's tone was stern, radiating the unique imperial authority of the supreme ruler. Although Jiang Yu was intimidated by his imposing presence, he felt no fear. This was because, while his actions were somewhat unspeakable, they had not violated imperial laws, nor jeopardized the empire's security or order.
“I will not deny what I have done. But if someone tries to add fabricated charges against me, attempt to kill me, or harm those close to me, I will not let it go and will never sit idly by and wait for my death.”
Jiang Yu raised her head, looking directly into the emperor's eyes. For some reason, she had always held this emperor in high esteem and with great trust. She believed he wouldn't let this matter pass easily and would certainly investigate to obtain the fairest result, even if the plaintiff was his wife.
Perhaps it was the trust conveyed in her eyes that allowed the emperor to perceive her clear conscience. The emperor's expression softened slightly.
"Since that's the case, there's no need to waste everyone's time any longer. I will personally investigate and give this matter a reasonable and fair explanation." The emperor stood in the middle of the pavilion.
"Until the truth comes out, Lord Jiang Yu and Lord Chen Xin will be staying in the palace temporarily. The palace will provide the highest level of hospitality, so please rest assured, family members. We also ask for your understanding, as the 'Owl' organization has been gaining too much influence lately. Not only our Ocean Empire, but the other two great empires also regard it as a thorn in their side."
"Since this has happened to our noble class, I must use this as a starting point to properly punish and discipline them, so that they will not become more and more reckless and damage the security and order of the empire."
No one objected to the emperor's words.
"The rest of you can go back to the ball. Lord Jiang Yu, Lord Chen Xin, I will send someone to take you to rest." This was a disguised form of house arrest.
Now that the dust had settled, Xiang Lan, who had been blocked outside, was finally able to rush in. As he entered, he quickly and respectfully bowed to the emperor and the nobles present. Then he rushed to Chen Xin's side.
Chen Xin's tears, which had been threatening to spill, finally broke free and flowed uncontrollably upon seeing Xiang Lan. She threw herself into Xiang Lan's arms and began to sob.
"Xin Xin, oh my god, what on earth happened?!" Xiang Lan felt both heartbroken and helpless seeing his wife crying so bitterly. Unfortunately, no one present could explain what had happened to him right now.
"This must be Lord Chen Xin's husband. In that case, the husbands of both lords may temporarily leave the palace and return home. You two lords can rest assured that you will remain in the palace," the emperor said, looking at Xiang Lan.
"The investigation won't take long. The two lords will be back home soon." He then turned to Fan Qingyin and said, "Please, Divine Envoy, follow the General back to the Jiang family first."