Unintentional Surprise (GL) - Chapter 12

The evidence—both testimonial and physical—was conclusive, and the sequence of events was logically interconnected. This murder case had clearly reached the point of resolution.

The second and third place laureates of the imperial examination, Wang and Li, were deeply implicated and had little hope of clearing their names.

After all, they were personally appointed to the top three by imperial decree. A scandal like this—whether it involved murder or hiring an assassin—would surely provoke the Emperor’s displeasure. Having heard most of the case, the Emperor quickly deduced the underlying motive—

Nothing more than the usual jealousy and resentment.

With that, he lost any desire to continue listening.

“Wu Xuyan,” the Emperor addressed the Minister of Justice, “interrogate this case thoroughly. I want a resolution that clears my top scholar’s name and convinces all.”

“I accept the order, Your Majesty,” Wu Xuyan replied with all due ceremony.

“Enough. This case bores me. Jiang Qing, walk with me.” The Emperor rose as he spoke, ready to leave.

Wu Xuyan hesitated, trying to protest: “Your Majesty, Jiang Shunyao cannot leave—she is the plaintiff in this case…”

“Why shouldn’t she leave? Isn’t the case already clear? Or do you expect me to stay and help you interrogate further?” the Emperor said with a tone that was half amused, half stern, making it plain that Jiang Shunyao would accompany him.

The Emperor’s will was law. Wu Xuyan had no choice but to obey and dared not protest further.

Jiang Shunyao, for her part, showed no worry—no concern that her departure would affect the case’s outcome. She bowed respectfully to Wu Xuyan: “I entrust this to you, Lord Wu. Please see justice done and my name cleared.”

Wu Xuyan quickly wiped the sweat from his brow and bowed in return, not daring to accept her formal courtesy.

The Emperor stepped away from the bench and down the stone steps, coming to Jiang Shunyao’s side and pulling her by the sleeve of her scholar’s robe.

Jiang Shunyao didn’t panic. She allowed herself to be led and followed quickly behind.

The imperial sedan chair waited just outside the Ministry of Justice.

Still pulling her along, the Emperor clearly intended for Jiang Shunyao to ride with him.

With so many onlookers—the public watching from the alleys—Jiang Shunyao did not hesitate and stepped into the sedan chair.

Some might say it was a display of imperial favor for the top scholar. Others might criticize it as improper, a breach of decorum.

But no one could have guessed what transpired inside the sedan chair—

As soon as the Emperor entered, he shed his stern, regal air and affectionately called out, “Sister, dear sister! I’ve been holding this in for so long…”

Who would have thought that the ruler of an empire could act like such a spoiled child in private?

Jiang Shunyao remained composed and respectful, though her gaze now held a warmth and fondness. “Calm down. Speak slowly. I’m listening.”

“I personally awarded Wang and Li their ranks, and yet they dared to plot against you! Don’t worry—I’ll issue a secret decree to Wu Xuyan to make sure they’re punished. Harshly punished!”

It was no surprise the Emperor was clingy and affectionate—after all, he had ascended the throne at just fifteen years old.

Jiang Shunyao smiled, quietly accepting the young Emperor’s anxious concern.

“Oh! Sister!” the Emperor suddenly exclaimed. “There were too many people around earlier, so I didn’t get to ask—how did you realize someone at the banquet meant to poison you? And how did you gather all that evidence? Tell me—I want to hear it!”

Jiang Shunyao flushed a little, a trace of shyness crossing her face as she coughed twice to cover it. Still, she didn’t hide the truth. “I must thank Wen, the head musician at the ‘Fuxian Lingyin Pavilion.’”

“Wen Dinglan? I’ve heard of her. She’s proud and aloof… I heard the Prime Minister’s son, Che Kuiyuan, offered her a fortune just to dance for him, and she refused—but she performed for you at the banquet?” The young Emperor, though still in his youth, had begun to grasp the subtle emotions between men and women.

Jiang Shunyao seemed ready to explain. “That wasn’t it. She used her music and dance to warn me of the poisoned wine and the dangers lurking around us.”

Whether the young Emperor took in her hasty explanation was unclear.

He only grinned brightly, his voice full of mirth, half teasing, half serious, as he said, “Sister, you… you’re blushing.”