Unintentional Surprise (GL) - Chapter 10

Wu Xuyan stared anxiously at the Emperor’s expression, the most panicked person in the room.
“You… what did you just say? Accusing whom? Of what crime?”

There was ample reason to doubt the state of the top-ranking scholar—had he drunk too much? Was he spouting drunken nonsense?

But Jiang Shunyao was more serious than ever. This time, she lifted her robe and dropped to her knees before the plaque above the main hall that read “Upright and Impartial,” and declared clearly:

“Your servant Jiang Shunyao formally accuses the current second- and third-ranking scholars of attempted murder!”

The crowd was once again shocked by this news, their ears buzzing in disbelief.

Jiang Shunyao gave no one time to recover. She pulled a petition from her sleeve, raised it high above her black official hat.

“Minister Jiang,” the Emperor pondered for a moment before reminding her,
“Once a formal accusation is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn. Be sure of your decision before you hand it in.”

Be sure—make absolutely certain you have indisputable evidence—before you proceed.

How could Jiang Shunyao not understand?

Yet the petition she held did not waver, radiating confidence and pride. She looked up solemnly.

Wu Xuyan stepped down from the dais, accepted the petition from Jiang Shunyao, examined it carefully, then placed it upon the imperial desk in front of the Emperor. Understanding that this case was no ordinary matter, he gradually resumed the dignified bearing of a courtroom official.

“Jiang Shunyao, now recount the time, place, and persons involved in this case, truthfully and without embellishment, in the presence of the Emperor. If what you say is verified, under the light of day, the Emperor and the Court of Judicial Review will certainly see justice done.”

Jiang Shunyao was fully prepared, clearly having done her homework before coming to strike the grievance drum:

“Ten days ago, I was graciously invited to a banquet at the Prime Minister’s residence. The poisoning incident occurred during that time.”

“If it happened ten days ago, why did you not speak out sooner?”

The Emperor was, of course, puzzled. Ten days was quite a long delay—many details would now be difficult to verify.

Jiang Shunyao soothed the Emperor’s doubts:
“Your Majesty, I kept silent to avoid alerting the culprits. During these ten days, I have gathered both witness testimony and physical evidence, and now respectfully await Your Majesty’s and the High Justice’s inspection.”

Eyewitnesses and physical evidence—she had them both?

All by her own efforts?

“Where are the witnesses?” the Emperor asked, hand resting on the petition. Reading could wait—direct questioning was quicker.

“Summon the witnesses!” Wu Xuyan proclaimed.

Three individuals stepped into the courtroom.

One held a ceremonial blade with respect; another knelt in fear; the third, defiant, wore shackles.

The man with the blade was Song Tianlang, an inner palace guard; the kneeling and shackled individuals were strangers to both the Emperor and Wu Xuyan.

They awaited Jiang Shunyao’s explanation.

With the Emperor’s nod, Jiang Shunyao stood and gave a signal to Song Tianlang. He immediately began his testimony:

“During the night banquet, I was standing directly behind Minister Jiang. I witnessed firsthand the corrosive effects of the poisoned wine.”

Though now Jiang Shunyao’s personal bodyguard, Song Tianlang had previously served as an imperial sword-bearing guard—a position granted by royal favor. He would never lie.
If he said it was poisoned, then it was unquestionably poisoned.

The Emperor trusted him. No one dared object.

At that moment, another official brought forward a tray. Upon it sat the wine vessel in question.

The wine jug was verified by a court official. Inside, the poison had corroded a copper coin placed within.

With eyewitnesses and physical evidence presented, the case was now formally established.

Wu Xuyan, seasoned in judicial proceedings, immediately ordered:

“Summon the current second- and third-ranking scholars. If they resist, they are to be brought by force!”

The accuser was present—so the accused must be present as well.

Once all the key figures in the case were assembled, only then would the court hear how Jiang Shunyao would identify the culprits.

Do you like this personality?