Chapter 22
The group exchanged glances, secretly feeling pleased. After all, this was a rare opportunity to appear before the Emperor. Especially for people like Chunyu Shuang and Wei Yuan, who desperately needed a victory to strengthen their influence—they were genuinely happy.
Only Jiuque felt troubled.
Once inside the palace, it seemed there were many restrictions. She remembered staying there for just one night before, seeing palace staff constantly bowing and kneeling. As a young person raised in the new era under the Red Flag, Jiuque couldn’t help but feel sympathy for their knees.
But these were the rules of this world. If she suddenly burst out with something like, “Everyone is equal—why do we have to keep kneeling?” the palace staff would be the first to rush over and punish her.
On the other hand, the palace cuisine was truly delicious. Perhaps, to not waste the effort of the imperial chefs, she should meet the old Emperor more often.
She just didn’t know whether the old Emperor would naturally invite her to eat…
Before Jiuque could dwell on this, news had already reached the old Emperor, who sent someone to find them. Not an outsider, but none other than Wei Yuan’s foster father, Jiu Fu.
This long-standing powerful eunuch smiled warmly, appearing kind and approachable. Yet no one ever truly treated him as a gentle elder. He was one of the Emperor’s most trusted agents—anyone who underestimated him would be courting death.
Like now, everyone present, no matter what they thought, kept their posture low.
“Everyone, rise. You’ve had a long day; don’t be so formal,” Jiu Fu said with a warm smile. His slightly squinted eyes scanned the room, finally resting on the quiet Jiuque. This was an unpredictable ruler, and even now, Jiu Fu didn’t understand why the Emperor valued a previously unknown young woman so highly.
Always cautious, Jiu Fu did not dare offend anyone lightly.
“Greetings, Lord of Rui’an County. You’ve worked hard investigating the case,” he said.
Jiuque was slightly surprised that such a powerful eunuch would speak to her directly. Though she had been titled a county lord, even a princess didn’t rank high before Jiu Fu, as princesses rarely stayed by the old Emperor’s side daily.
Now, under the curious gazes of others, Jiuque greeted him confidently.
“It’s no trouble. Doing work for a… benevolent and righteous ruler is my duty. But you, during this chilly spring weather, should wear an extra layer—you’re underdressed. May I ask why you’ve come…”
A flicker of surprise crossed Jiu Fu’s eyes. He had seen countless people who outwardly appeared respectful but secretly scornful, and some trying to attract attention by feigning indifference. Those were all fake, and he couldn’t bear to look at them.
Yet this young county lord genuinely treated him as a normal person.
Having a physical disability often heightened sensitivity, and Jiu Fu was certain he wasn’t mistaken. Now he realized the little things the county lord had done to ease others’ burdens were genuine.
Although unspoken, Jiu Fu’s attitude softened slightly.
“The Emperor has summoned you all to the palace to conclude this case.”
So that was it—they were already prepared to enter the palace, and it was not too late.
Thus, the group proceeded inside.
The imperial palace was as resplendent as ever, and even the old Emperor shimmered in gold. Perhaps because, before becoming Emperor, Jing Tai had been a commoner scraping by, so once crowned, he surrounded himself with gilded splendor, even dressing like a shining golden ingot.
This ostentation was the most criticized point by the ministers, yet Jiuque, being an ordinary person, found it rather impressive. After all, as the ruler of the world, should he not enjoy the finest things?
[Those sour ministers always say the old Emperor is extravagant, but I think this dragon robe looks great! The taste is excellent! And it’s embroidered with gold thread—not bad at all!]
The old Emperor, who had intended to maintain a formal demeanor, felt secretly pleased. Those pedantic ministers didn’t understand; they even had the audacity to lecture him on morality. Pfft! After all he had sacrificed and endured, why shouldn’t he enjoy himself?
Some ministers did speak fairly, but who could tell whether their loyalty was genuine?
But Jiuque was different. A child wouldn’t lie or scheme. Look at how careful and cautious she appeared—truly a good person! And she even had taste! The gold-threaded dragon robe had been her suggestion.
Because she was genuinely good, her aesthetic sense matched his.
Thus, in Jing Tai Emperor’s eyes, Jiuque became a top-tier, honest, and good person.
“Ahem. How is the investigation of the case going?”
Jiuque had decided to let Chunyu and the others take the lead, so she remained silent.
Grateful for her trust, Chunyu Shuang presented the facts concisely and without personal emotion:
“…Nine concubines used herbs to nourish Yu Lang’s body… Yet Yu Lang consumed Qi- and Blood-boosting pills by himself, overstimulating his heart, and ultimately died.”
Chunyu’s calm voice fell silent. Yet the Emperor remained quiet. In the vast palace hall, it seemed as though only the sound of his own heartbeat filled the space.
After a long pause, the Jing Tai Emperor spoke in a tone revealing no emotion:
“So Yu Lang brought this upon himself? My top scholar, such an unworthy and incompetent man?”
Everyone fell silent. How could they respond? They wanted to say yes, but it couldn’t be said so bluntly. And from this remark, did His Majesty still have any fondness for Yu Lang?
Jiuque felt bored.
[No way… the old Emperor doesn’t truly love Yu Lang, does he? Then again, if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have chosen him as the top scholar. Tsk tsk—there were many young and talented candidates better than him.]
The old Emperor nearly choked. Who said he had true feelings for Yu Lang? Just thinking of Yu Lang’s shamelessness disgusted him. He was merely asking a question!
But why did Jiuque dwell on that top scholar? Could it be… she liked him?
The Emperor stroked his beard, thoughtful.
“Hmm… what about Xin, the third-ranked scholar? After all, Yu Lang was his father. He must be informed.”
Thus, the imprisoned Xin was brought forward, dressed neatly. Initially puzzled, the young scholar turned pale upon hearing the full story.
Jiuque listened quietly, certain of her judgment.
[Yes, Xin really is seething with rage! Tsk tsk, Yu Lang truly failed as a person.]
