's arms.He held her tightly, his arms around her shoulders and waist, while her hands rested on his chest and arm.Pretending she wasn't deliberately touching him, those solid, smooth hands almost made...Chapter 1126: Worse Than Beasts

"I guessed it was him."

Apart from him, there's no one else who can command the mighty Jiang to do things.

Zong Bai swore solemnly, "I have already drafted a memorial and presented it to the emperor. I believe there will be a conclusion soon."

However, Fang Jinshu was not so optimistic.

"We've been in the capital for so long, and we haven't managed to catch Yuan Xiang's handle once. Given his cunning and devious nature, it doesn't seem like he'd leave himself with such a big problem."

Zong Baidao, “Actually, this matter has been suppressed by him for over a month. If it hadn't been discovered by his sister-in-law, no one in the court would have known about it.”

"Where's the evidence"

"Without evidence, there's no solid basis to convict Yuan Xiang."

"Those innocent civilians are the irrefutable evidence," said Zong Bai.

Fang Jinshu shook her head. "No, just the common people aren't enough. We need both physical and eyewitness evidence to ensure that Yuan Xiang is found guilty."

"Zong Bai, this matter has been reported to the Emperor. Will he send someone to investigate it"

This case involves high officials. Just relying on Zong Bai's single memorial, the common people's few accusations are far from convincing the court officials.

Yuan Buyu had been in high office for many years, with many influential supporters within the court. Dealing with him required utmost caution, ensuring a decisive blow. If they failed, they would face Yuan Buyu's frenzied reprisals.

Fāng Jǐn xiù had to be cautious.

His worries, she had no idea.

"Yes, as per usual practice, any case involving high-ranking officials in the court will be deliberated by Your Majesty and all the ministers. After careful consideration, three chief judges will then be appointed to thoroughly investigate the matter."

That is to say, Yuan Xiang has at least a one-third chance of getting himself off the hook.

There are so many of Yuan Buyu's followers in the court. If none of them were appointed to the tribunal by Your Majesty, it would certainly provoke a protest from Yuan Xiang and his faction.

Zong Bai was also helpless. "There's no other way. If we don't let Yuan Xiang and his party participate, they will definitely put pressure on Your Majesty. At that time, it's uncertain whether this case can be investigated."

Zhong Yu had been listening quietly all along, then suddenly spoke.

I will apply to Your Majesty to be involved in clearing up this case.

Fang Jinshi was stunned for a moment, and then she understood the meaning behind Zong Yu's words.

"That's right, Your Majesty appointed three people to investigate this case. There must be someone he trusts among them. You are bedridden and at odds with Yuan Xiang, making you the ideal candidate."

With General Zhonge Yu involved in this case, Your Majesty needn't worry about Yuan Xiang and his faction running rampant.

Zong Bai nodded and followed with, "With Big Brother participating, we won't have to worry about Yuan Xiang's people helping him escape punishment. This is excellent."

“Now all that's left is to gather compelling evidence.”

Zong Bai volunteered, "I'll take charge of gathering evidence."

Fang Jinshi and Zong Yu unanimously rejected.

"No."

Zong Bai looked at the two of them in surprise.

Zong Yu said, "You can't go, it's too dangerous."

Fang Jinshu hurriedly chimed in, "That's right, Yuan Xiang's people are all ruthless and vicious, top-notch assassins with powerful martial arts skills. You don't have any martial arts, how could we possibly feel at ease leaving you and your older brother"

"There are more than just you in the court who hold official positions. With your older brother there, you shouldn't concern yourself with this matter."

Zong Bai was a little unconvinced, but he didn't dare to retort.

It doesn't matter if he can't fight, he can just bring more guards.

But he would also know that since his elder brother and sister-in-law said so, they definitely wouldn't agree to let him go. If he argued with reason, he might even be dragged out by his elder brother for a beating.

Thinking about the scene, Zong Bai felt ashamed. Now that he held an official position, being seen by his subordinates being lifted up and scolded by his elder brother would be too embarrassing.

"Well, it's getting late, so I should get going."

"Big brother, you also have to take care of yourself."

Zhong Yu nodded.

After Zong Bai left, the couple chatted about what had happened recently.

Fang Jinshu told Zongyu about purchasing a large amount of salt crystals from the merchants of Wumeng. Zongyu stared at her in surprise.

"How did you think of stockpiling salt"

He had never doubted her abilities. He knew salt crystals couldn't be eaten directly, but since she was running this business, she must have a way to turn them into edible salt.

Today, at court, a local official submitted a petition stating that there was a shortage of salt in the region and that the price of salt had risen significantly compared to previous years.

Da Xi's salt trade has always been managed by the Ministry of Revenue, and they are also responsible for controlling salt prices. The emperor is old, and unless there is a foreign enemy provoking war, he doesn't have much energy or interest in dealing with other matters.

Most of the time was spent studying how to live a long and healthy life, how to prolong one's reign on the dragon throne.

This matter was only discussed briefly and then passed over, instructing the Ministry of Revenue to strengthen the regulation of salt prices in the civilian market. This matter can be considered both trivial and significant. If the people run out of salt, a large number will fall ill.

If salt prices are too high, it could also lead to riots.

Zongyu told Fang Jinxiu about this, and Fang Jinxiu was a little angry after hearing it.

"This emperor is way too irresponsible!"

"Salt is something that every commoner eats every day. If the common people can't afford salt, it will cause a large number of people to get sick. They don't care about this at all, they simply don't regard the lives of the people as important."

Zong Yu's expression was solemn, his eyes lowered in thought. He didn't speak, as if contemplating something.

"The Daxixi court is truly an eye-opener, facing both internal and external troubles."

"At this rate, they won't even need an enemy to destroy them. They'll tear themselves apart in no time. Believe me."

Fang Jinxiu did not have much reverence for the royalty. She could revere heaven and earth, but she didn't hold rulers who didn't care about their people in high regard. They weren't worthy of her respect, nor was it worth sacrificing herself for them.

"You can't believe everything that old emperor says, he might just throw you out as a scapegoat one day." She angrily reminded Zongyu.

After all, Ah Yu is a native of Daxia. He himself doesn't know his full background. If the royal family knew that he was the descendant of the late emperor and the princess of Xixia, they would definitely try to eliminate him.

The rest of the clan would likely suffer the same fate.

"Alright, I'll do as you say," Zongyu smiled.

Ai, Fang Jinshu was truly unable to laugh. How could she feel a sense of stillness before the storm

After a few days, the person in charge of investigating the case was selected.

Zongyu proactively volunteered to participate in the thorough investigation of this case. The emperor was overjoyed and sighed with relief, feeling that Wuding Hou had finally come to his senses and was willing to help him share the burden.

The other two were as expected: officials from Yuan Buyu's faction, including Bingbu Shilang Wen Xiong.

When she heard the name Wen Xiong, Fang Jinshi was still a little surprised.

"Him, was he taken in under Yuan Buyu's command"

Zong Yu nodded. "Wen Xiong sent his own daughter into Yuan Xiang's manor as a maidservant, as a sign of sincerity."

Well, Fang Jinxiu was speechless with a look of disbelief on her face.

Wen Xiong's daughter was initially supposed to be engaged to Yuan Buyu's grandson. The maidservant explanation is just a pretext; in reality, Wen Xiaorou was offered up by her father as a sacrifice of loyalty to Yuan Buyu, becoming his plaything.

"Such a cruel heart, even her own daughter could be sacrificed like this."

To maintain his reputation for integrity, Yuan Buyu only had two concubines in his household and no others.

"At his age, he should be ashamed of himself for mistreating a young girl."

"Worse than beasts."er man, I would have dodged long ago. How could he possibly come over and disregard his reputation"Wang Tiezhu is really a surprise. He's grown so big and never heard a woman confess to him before.The...