Chapter 25: It Seems Evidence Has Been Found

With the evidence laid out before them, and with Xia Jiujang herself admitting that the prescription was her own notes, the established facts left her no room for argument. Censor Zhou looked at Xia Jiujang and asked, “Princess Jin, is there anything else you wish to say?”

To others, Xia Jiujang still appeared stubborn, refusing to admit fault. She said, “These are indeed my handwriting, but I did not write the ‘ox tail grass.’ That is all I can say.”

Madam Wei, seeing Xia Jiujang unable to defend herself, revealed an odd, sinister smile.

Jun Qianye’s gaze was mocking. So it seemed Xia Jiujang was not so formidable after all, utterly powerless in the schemes of the Xia family.

Xia Yue’er, eyes red with emotion, looked at Xia Jiujang and said, “Elder sister, how could you do such a thing? No matter what, Chan’er is our younger sister. Isn’t this too cruel of you?”

Xia Jiujang glanced at Xia Yue’er, who was obviously performing for the crowd. Was it because Xia Yue’er felt ignored that she forced herself into the scene, desperate for attention?

Xia Jiujang said, “So, Yue’er, you too believe that I am the one who harmed Xia Chan?”

Her gaze was sharp and fierce. Xia Yue’er purposely leaned closer to Jun Qianye and replied, “I don’t know who to believe, but I trust in evidence.”

Xia Wentao, with a righteous air, spoke in anguish, “I never imagined the Prime Minister’s Manor would raise such a daughter—so heartless and ruthless, refusing to repent even now. If only you admitted everything, I might think you could be saved. But your refusal is truly disheartening.”

Xia Jiujang looked at Xia Wentao with cold eyes and asked, “So, Father, what do you intend to do?”

Xia Wentao unabashedly declared, “What should I do? Naturally, I will make everything public, clear Xia Chan’s name, let Prince Jin see your true colors, and prevent you from further harming the Jin Family.”

Xia Jiujang’s tone was disdainful: “Oh? And how does Father wish me not to harm the Jin Family any longer?”

Xia Yue’er frowned at Xia Jiujang. Even now, Xia Jiujang refused to yield. Did she not fear that, losing everything, her return to the Xia family would be a living hell?

Xia Wentao stated firmly, “If you request a divorce yourself, I won’t make things too ugly. But if you refuse, I will report to His Majesty Zong Kang. Such conduct—harming your own sisters—means you are unfit to be Princess Jin.”

So, they sought to force Xia Jiujang to divorce. It seemed Xia Jiujang had been flaunting her status as Princess Jin over the Xia family, making Xia Wentao deeply displeased. He could not stand her arrogance, and perhaps feared that, once empowered, she would pose a threat to the Xia family.

Jun Qianye said, “Since I was a witness to these events, I will report them truthfully. Princess Jin, I advise you to conduct yourself wisely.”

Xia Jiujang laughed with contempt. “Seventh Prince, you’d best not agree so quickly, lest you be embarrassed.”

Xia Wentao thundered, “At this point, your stubbornness is bad enough, but to be disrespectful to the Seventh Prince—truly outrageous. Even if Prince Jin shields you, the Emperor will not tolerate such cruelty.”

“Is that so?” Xia Jiujang suddenly smiled.

She spoke harshly: “Originally, Father asked me to treat Chan’er’s illness, and I stayed in the Xia manor out of concern for her health. But I never expected Madam Wei and Chan’er would rather ruin their faces to drag me down. Since that’s so, I have no reason to protect the Xia family’s reputation.”

Xia Wentao was stunned. “What do you mean, ‘no reason to protect the Xia family’s reputation’?”

Xia Jiujang turned to Censor Zhou and said, “I respectfully ask that Censor Zhou send his attendants to search the Qinlin Courtyard, to find the evidence left behind and clear my name.”

Censor Zhou was caught off guard by Xia Jiujang’s sudden request, staring at her in confusion.

Madam Wei exploded in anger: “What do you mean? Why should Qinlin Courtyard be searched?”

With a cold, piercing glance at Madam Wei, Xia Jiujang replied, “Since Madam Wei claimed I haven’t entered Qinlin Courtyard since diagnosing Xia Chan this morning, I could not possibly have planted any evidence there. If Censor Zhou’s attendants search Qinlin Courtyard, my innocence will surely be proven.”

Her words left Madam Wei momentarily speechless. Qinlin Courtyard? The prescription and medicinal residue were here; what could possibly prove Xia Jiujang’s innocence in Qinlin Courtyard? Madam Wei was utterly confused.

Madam Wei said, “You’re just stalling for time and trying to muddy the waters. What purpose do you have in asking Censor Zhou’s attendants to search Qinlin Courtyard?”

Xia Jiujang replied, “Father has repeatedly sided with Madam Wei and Xia Chan, never believing me. Who knows how many in the Xia family wish to tarnish my reputation? Censor Zhou arrived unexpectedly today, so only his appointed search would be credible.”

Seeing Xia Jiujang’s calm demeanor, Madam Wei kept worrying about what evidence might be left in Qinlin Courtyard. Her mind was a mess, and she bit out, “You… you’re clearly talking nonsense. Surely you intend to tamper with Qinlin Courtyard?”

Xia Jiujang found this amusing. “How could I tamper with it? The searchers are Censor Zhou’s men. Are you suggesting I’d collude with Censor Zhou to frame you?”

Madam Wei was rendered speechless.

Xia Jiujang laughed scornfully. “Didn’t Madam Wei insist I was the culprit behind Xia Chan’s misfortune? If I am so confident there is evidence in Qinlin Courtyard, it’s exactly what you want. Qinlin Courtyard is your domain—you know it better than anyone. If no evidence is found, my suspicion only grows. Why are you so afraid?”

Madam Wei clenched her fists, provoked by Xia Jiujang. “Fine! You want to search Qinlin Courtyard, then do it. I’m curious to see what tricks you’re planning.”

Censor Zhou said, “Since Princess Jin requests it, I shall not pass up the chance to investigate the truth. Men, search Qinlin Courtyard thoroughly.”

As Censor Zhou’s men headed to search, Princess Jin stood straight as a pine, her gaze unwavering, showing no sign of fear. Her bearing made Censor Zhou reconsider, feeling in his heart that Princess Jin was not the kind to play such lowly tricks.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Censor Zhou’s attendants returned to the main hall. Madam Wei, seeing their empty hands and assuming nothing had been found, smiled and said, “Princess Jin, it seems your calculations were off. Evidence in Qinlin Courtyard? Just a bluff. Clearly, there’s nothing there.”

The attendant approached Censor Zhou, pulled a sheet of pear-blossom paper from his sleeve, and said, “Reporting, Your Excellency: a piece of paper was found wedged in the books on the shelf in Qinlin Courtyard.”

Paper? What paper? Madam Wei’s complexion changed.

Xia Jiujang smiled lightly. “It seems the evidence has been found.”