Unintentional Surprise (GL) - Chapter 9

Just as Dong Qing had recounted—

Jiang Shunyao arrived at the gates of the Court of Judicial Review in full ceremonial display: both hands gently supporting the official sash around her waist, her black court hat properly secured, every step measured precisely two to three feet apart, her crimson robes making a bold and conspicuous statement all the way to the entrance.

A passerby asked her, “My lord, where are you headed?”

She did not answer, not even sparing a glance in their direction.

When she finally came to a halt at the gates of the Court of Judicial Review, a cacophony of murmuring voices rose around her. The chatter was noisy and relentless. The most outrageous rumor being whispered? That “she was here to turn herself in.”

She still didn’t respond, continuing her actions as if the world around her didn’t exist—

She raised her hand and beat the Drum of Injustice. And once she started, she beat it for a full half-hour.

The drum echoed loud and fierce, each beat silencing the rumors and evoking sympathy for the scholar-official who had yet to speak a single word of her own injustice;

The drum echoed clear and sharp, so much so that the presiding official, Lord Wu Xuyan, hurriedly donned his formal robes and rushed out the main gate to receive her, full of unease and anxiety.

But Jiang Shunyao wasn’t just waiting for Wu Xuyan.

The Court of Judicial Review was close to the Imperial Palace. It wouldn’t take long for the court’s disturbance to reach the inner palace.

She was not afraid of being accused of arrogance due to imperial favor. She was not afraid of becoming the target of scheming factions and hidden undercurrents again.

What she sought was justice and righteousness. What she demanded was simply to right a wrong.

And just as Jiang Shunyao had predicted, half an hour later, His Majesty himself arrived. He did not come in disguise, but dressed in full imperial regalia, accompanied by royal guards and horse-drawn carriage, making his way directly to the Court of Judicial Review.

The citizens crowded along both sides of the official road, blocking every exit, some eager to glimpse the emperor’s presence, others curious about the unfolding case… In any case, no one who had drawn near was willing to leave.

The Emperor dismounted. The first thing he did after dismounting was walk steadily to Jiang Shunyao’s side and, with his own hands, took hold of the drumstick she had been using to beat the Drum of Injustice.

“Your subject greets Your Majesty,” said Jiang Shunyao, bowing together with Wu Xuyan. Compared to Wu Xuyan, Jiang Shunyao was far calmer and more composed.

“Does Jiang Qing have a grievance?” the Emperor asked.

Jiang Shunyao’s expression left no room for doubt. “A grievance most grave.”

The Emperor turned his head slightly and repeated to Wu Xuyan, “Jiang Qing has a grievance.”

Wu Xuyan, terrified, knelt to the ground and swore hurriedly, “This minister will give his utmost, even unto death, to help Lord Jiang clear her name!”

The Emperor, hearing Wu Xuyan’s bold declaration, gave no further instruction, striding directly into the court. Jiang Shunyao followed. And only after them came Wu Xuyan, the presiding official.

Inside the Court of Judicial Review’s main hall.

There was no question—the Emperor seated himself at the central desk, in the position of highest authority. Jiang Shunyao, as the plaintiff, stood in the center of the hall, before the desk but below the dais. Wu Xuyan, who should have been seated at the judge’s bench, could only stand humbly beside the Emperor, not daring to sit.

“This courtroom is your domain. Conduct the hearing as you see fit,” said the Emperor, his tone unreadable, causing sweat to stream down Wu Xuyan’s back.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Wu Xuyan replied, then called out loudly, “—Court in session!”

“Court—in—session!” the court officer echoed with booming voice, helping Wu Xuyan regain a shred of dignity.

Trying to steady his nerves, Wu Xuyan waved his sleeve and finally turned to question Jiang Shunyao with a stern face: “Lord Jiang, what grievance do you bring?”

What grievance? It could all be declared now—before the Court’s chief, before the authority of the Emperor himself.

Jiang Shunyao wasted no time, her voice forceful and resonant, each word firm and unmistakable:

“I, Jiang Shunyao, accuse this year’s second-place and third-place imperial exam laureates of colluding like snakes and rats, disregarding the law, and attempting to poison and harm me!”

She named two people in one breath—and both were prominent figures selected through this year’s imperial examination.

Even the Emperor, seated on high, could not help but show a slight change in expression.