Chapter 95: Interrogation at the Security Office

With the intervention of Jun Buwen, both Gao Shanshui and Jun Qianye restrained themselves; not only did they refrain from appearing in the prison again, but the meals delivered were also meticulously inspected to ensure no foul play. Before long, the day of the public interrogation arrived.

The Zhen’an Office had intended this public inquiry to firmly establish Xia Jiujiang’s guilt. The common folk gathered in a dense crowd, and the news spread through every street and alley.

The very act of holding a public trial was meant to let Xia Jiujiang realize there was no chance of reprieve once the inquiry began. Yet, Xia Jiujiang flatly refused all of Jun Qianye’s demands.

As the Prime Minister, Xia Wentao was now reduced to a mere witness at the Zhen’an Office, observed closely by the gathered townspeople. His face was dark and filled with frustration. The Xia family had truly become notorious this time, losing all face.

Lin Baixue, Xia Yue’er, and Xia Mingxuan wore calm expressions, though beneath their composed exteriors, their hearts burned with fervent excitement. Lin Baixue exchanged a meaningful glance with Xia Mingxuan, who nodded slightly, signaling that everything was in place.

Xia Mingxuan had grown close with Gao Shanshui, both being part of Seventh Prince Jun Qianye’s faction, naturally united against a common enemy. Yet, Xia Mingxuan had not expected that their plan was merely one facet of Seventh Prince Jun Qianye’s broader scheme.

The interrogation began, but the seat of honor at the main table was not occupied by Gao Shanshui of the Zhen’an Office. Instead, it was held by Pei Xingzhi, the Minister of Justice, while Gao Shanshui sat beside him. Jun Buwen and Jun Qianye flanked them on either side, overseeing the proceedings.

Lin Baixue, noticing this, remarked with surprise, “How strange. Why isn’t Lord Gao the one interrogating this case?”

Upon hearing Lin Baixue’s words, Pei Xingzhi’s gaze shot sharply toward her. “Madam Xia, do you take issue with this official? Or is it that only Lord Gao can interrogate the Princess of Jin, and no one else is qualified?”

His tone was filled with interrogation and suspicion. If this was a case concerning the Princess of Jin, why must it be Lord Gao alone? Was there some hidden connection?

Lin Baixue hinted pointedly, “I mean no disrespect. It’s just that Lord Gao personally arrested the suspect at the Prime Minister’s residence and was the first to inspect the scene. Changing the interrogator at this moment might lead some to suspect that there is interference to protect the Princess of Jin.”

Her words were frank, nearly uttering the Princess’s name outright.

Now, with Pei Xingzhi unexpectedly taking the lead in the trial, alongside Princess Jin Jun Buwen and Seventh Prince Jun Qianye, all present were perceptive enough to see that something was afoot behind the scenes.

Pei Xingzhi sneered coldly. “Madam Xia, are you speculating on the Emperor’s decree?”

Lin Baixue, startled, bowed respectfully. “Your official is mistaken.”

Pei Xingzhi continued, “The allegations against the Princess of Jin for plotting against Madam Xia are widely known throughout the realm. The Emperor has expressly ordered this official to preside over the case. The Ministry of Justice typically handles criminal cases, but as the Princess is held at the Zhen’an Office, this official conducts the interrogation there. This does not imply interference. Does Madam Xia have any objections?”

Lin Baixue broke into a cold sweat. “It is my fault for overstepping.”

Pei Xingzhi mocked, “From what Madam Xia says, she immediately casts doubt on this official, insisting Lord Gao should conduct the interrogation. One wonders who is truly manipulating whom.”

Pei Xingzhi was no stranger to such attempts at bribery.

Gao Shanshui’s expression stiffened upon hearing this. “Lord Pei, such words must not be spoken lightly.”

Lin Baixue, feeling wronged, said, “Lord Pei, what do you mean? The Princess of Jin was caught in the act of harming Madam Xia, so why do you turn your scrutiny on me? I only questioned why you were presiding, and said nothing improper. Why is it me who is interrogated… What wrong have I done?”

Xia Wentao, anger rising, interjected, “Lord Pei, what is this meaning? You should be questioning the murderer of Madam Xia, not my wife!”

The scandal of the Xia family—its eldest granddaughter accused of killing her grandmother—was a crushing blow to their reputation. Xia Wentao’s fury was barely contained; he only wished for Xia Jiujiang to be swiftly brought to justice.

Pei Xingzhi remained unshaken, wielding the Emperor’s direct authority over the investigation. Glancing at Prime Minister Xia, he said, “I question Madam Xia because some matters are best spoken plainly. Prime Minister Xia need not fear misunderstanding; I, however, must be cautious. Madam Xia’s immediate suspicion of my role over Lord Gao’s naturally invites doubt.”

Xia Wentao bristled. “We shall see how you conduct this investigation without arousing suspicion.”

Pei Xingzhi replied sharply, “I shall judge this case with fairness and rigor, witnessed by so many commoners. Even if Madam Xia suspects me of being bribed, surely not all these onlookers could be bought?”

Jun Buwen spoke, “Madam Xia worries unnecessarily. With Seventh Prince present, justice will be served impartially.”

His words were pointed, clearly reminding Lin Baixue that Seventh Prince was the true power backing the Prime Minister’s household. Seventh Prince’s presence ensured Xia Jiujiang’s conviction, and no one dared shield her unless the evidence was incontrovertible.

Pei Xingzhi commanded, “Bring in the suspect.”

Xia Jiujiang and her attendant Lülü entered the hall calmly, their steps measured, showing no trace of fear, exuding composure and poise.

Though she had been confined at the Zhen’an Office for two days, with her hair slightly tousled and her clothes somewhat disheveled and soiled in places, her dignified bearing and confident presence made it hard to believe such a gentle and graceful woman could harm her grandmother.

“I never would have guessed the Princess of Jin would harm her grandmother.”

“There were rumors in the capital that the Xia family’s eldest daughter was a waste, but it seems that’s not entirely true.”

“Appearances can be deceiving. Who really knows the truth?”

“Now that I see the Princess of Jin, she’s truly beautiful. Standing beside the serene and elegant Xia Yue’er, she holds her own completely.”

When Xia Wentao saw Xia Jiujiang, he could no longer contain his rage. “Xia Jiujiang, why did you harm Madam Xia? She was your grandmother. No matter your grievances, you could not have struck so cruelly!”

Xia Jiujiang met Xia Wentao’s gaze coldly, no longer bothering to feign innocence before her family. Since Lin Baixue had caused the old lady’s death and now pinned the blame on her, Xia Jiujiang saw no reason to show them any kindness.

She did not believe that Xia Wentao truly mourned Madam Xia’s death. The scandal of a granddaughter killing her grandmother was notorious, sparking idle gossip and suspicion: “Could it be retribution for past abuses suffered by Xia Jiujiang at the hands of her family?”

“The Xia household has seen so many troubles lately—Concubine Wei, Third Miss, Chun’er—could this be karma?”

Whispers and speculation swirled endlessly, but one thing was certain: Xia Wentao’s poor management had led to this catastrophic disgrace. The Xia family’s reputation had been severely tarnished.

Now, on the stage of the Zhen’an Office, Xia Wentao’s outward display of grief was nothing more than an act before the commoners, crafting the image of a devoted son-in-law to salvage some dignity and to strengthen the case against Xia Jiujiang—killing two birds with one stone.