Ch 263: Brothers-in-law Are Meant To Be Taken Advantage Of!
Jiang Jie’s face turned green, then his heart was overjoyed.
He didn’t know about Sister’s affair, but Sister, your affair was good, your affair was wonderful! Your affair saved my brother’s life!
Otherwise, if that unlucky brother-in-law found me, I’m afraid even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn’t wash away my guilt!
Jiang Jie knew that this rebellion would inevitably fail.
Princess Xi He could eat melon; it wasn’t omniscience, but it was close enough.
The Imperial Court knew all their cards; where was there any chance left!
He had to protect himself in this rebellion, so he wouldn’t be implicated by his unlucky brother-in-law.
He knew that his current achievements, his ability to serve as an official, were mainly due to the Emperor’s promotion of him because of his brother-in-law.
However, his brother-in-law had already become a traitorous official. Even if he could avoid being implicated, after this, he’d have no backer. Would the Emperor still allow him to continue serving as an official?
Right now, only one path remained for him.
To side with Your Majesty, and betray his brother-in-law!
His brother-in-law was simply there to be used!
The court officials all felt this was a major event, their expressions turning solemn.
After discussing some other matters, the court finally adjourned.
Shen Biluo felt that she should remind Father Emperor and Second Brother about this matter. She was still thinking about how to remind them when Emperor Shen Xingyao and Jiang Jie went to the Hall of Diligent Governance after the court adjourned. She decided to go to the Hall of Diligent Governance as well.
The court officials knew that His Majesty must have gone to deal with the rebellion. They also wanted to be present to listen, but couldn’t, feeling incredibly distressed!
Shen Biluo arrived at the Hall of Diligent Governance in a sedan chair.
The Emperor asked her to sit down. Subsequently, Jiang Jie and Shen Xingyao also arrived; the Emperor did not offer them seats.
【Let me think, how can I let Father Emperor know about this? How can I tell Father Emperor about this?】 Shen Biluo said in her heart.
The Emperor motioned to Shen Xingyao and Jiang Jie with his eyes.
Shen Xingyao looked for a long time, but didn’t understand.
The Emperor suppressed his anger; the veins on his forehead throbbed.
Could he still keep this son?!
Jiang Jie understood; he immediately knelt down and said, “Your Majesty, your humble servant has something to report!”
The Emperor narrowed his eyes, feigning ignorance: “What do you have to report?”
“Your humble servant is reporting General Wan Liangxin for participating in the rebellion!” Jiang Jie said.
Shen Biluo widened her eyes, 【Whoa, didn’t Jiang Jie not know? How did he find out?!】
Jiang Jie secretly glanced at Shen Biluo, then continued to say impassively, “It was my sister, General Wan’s wife, who told your humble servant! Sister discovered letters detailing his conspiracy to rebel in General Wan’s bedroom!”
The Emperor feigned surprise: “Such a thing actually happened! Unbelievable!”
He deliberately didn’t ask Jiang Jie how his sister discovered the letters, because he knew it wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny.
Jiang Jie and the Second Prince marveled at the Emperor’s superb acting.
The Second Prince only realized the situation after hearing Jiang Jie’s words.
“Father Emperor, your humble servant also has a report! The Prefect of Yuanzhou, Shi Jia, intended to rebel! With General Wan Liangxin!”
Shen Biluo’s mouth could fit an egg.
【What’s going on? How come my Second Brother suddenly got so smart, able to discover everything?】
Shen Xingyao’s mouth twitched slightly after hearing this.
Why is it that when Jiang Jie reports, Ninth Sister is simply surprised.
When I report, Ninth Sister is not only surprised, but her attention is on my intelligence!
Am I really that foolish normally!
“What, even Shi Jia is rebelling!” The Emperor roared, his eyes red, his chest rising and falling violently.
Shen Xingyao, Jiang Jie: First-class acting, first-class acting!
The Emperor said to Shen Biluo: “Biluo, you may leave now. We need to discuss important matters of the court.”
He wasn’t afraid of Shen Biluo knowing any secrets; after all, Shen Biluo knew far more secrets than he did.
He was mainly afraid that his foolish son wouldn’t be able to act, and would mess up, making Biluo suspicious. It was better to just have her leave.
Shen Biluo complied, backing out of the door.
【Since I know now, then I’m relieved! I hope they can apprehend all the rebel bad people!】
The Emperor: Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered!
After Shen Biluo left, Jiang Jie spoke first, revealing all of Wan Liangxin’s habits and weaknesses.
He then wept and professed his loyalty, saying that he wholeheartedly served the country and the people, and deeply detested Wan Liangxin’s rebellious actions. His family, himself and his sister, had not only not participated in it, but were willing to commit filial impiety and actively cooperate to eliminate Wan Liangxin.
Shen Xingyao was stunned; he didn’t expect Jiang Jie to be such a conscientious good official!
The Emperor listened impassively to everything Jiang Jie said, his face showing no expression.
However, seeing Shen Xingyao deeply moved, almost in tears, a slight crack appeared on the Emperor’s calm face.
He said a couple of words to save his life and position, and you actually believed him?!
The Emperor felt like crying.
How could he have such a foolish son!
However, although Jiang Jie was opportunistic, he was still usable for the moment.
Moreover, the information he provided was very useful.
For example, he said that Wan Liangxin had a severe almond allergy.
How severe was it?
After consuming almonds, he would experience weakness, difficulty breathing, and even fainting.
He also said that Wan Liangxin’s food had to be tested with silver needles.
If one wanted to deal with him, one could use almonds; silver needles couldn’t detect almonds.
The Emperor dismissed Jiang Jie.
Although he had pledged allegiance, he still needed to have the Shadow Guard monitor his movements; better safe than sorry.
In the Hall of Diligent Governance, besides the servants, only the Emperor and Shen Xingyao remained.
The Emperor said in an unquestionable tone: “Xingyao, today I will send the Shadow Guard with you back to the manor. Then, have the Shadow Guard apprehend Shi Jia and Shi Xiangsui.”
Shen Xingyao’s expression was grave, his brows tightly furrowed, seemingly lost in thought.
He then looked up and knelt down: “Father Emperor, Xiangsui is the mother of two children after all. Could you spare her life?”
Although he had many concubines, and usually didn’t show much care for Shi Xiangsui, at this point, he was ultimately soft-hearted.
The Emperor looked at Shen Xingyao and sighed slightly.
He understood his son.
Although he was incompetent and lecherous, he was kind and compassionate.
“I will interrogate her and see to what extent she participated. If her crimes are minor, her life can be spared.” The Emperor’s expression turned cold.
Shen Xingyao didn’t speak again.
Father Emperor was always decisive in matters of life and death. This was already a concession.
The Emperor arranged the Shadow Guard’s work, and had them leave with Shen Xingyao.
—————–
The Second Prince’s manor.
Shi Jia had already arrived, sitting in the guest hall with his daughter, Shi Xiangsui. The servants had been dismissed.
Shen Xingyao hadn’t returned yet.
Father and daughter sat opposite each other, slowly sipping tea.
“Are you ready?” Shi Jia said to Shi Xiangsui.
Shi Xiangsui nodded; it was clear she was nervous.
Her father had asked her to poison Shen Xingyao.
It was indeed most appropriate for her to administer the poison.
She felt a little sad, a little guilty.
After all, he was her husband, the father of her children.
However, remembering the many concubines he had taken, a flash of vengeful satisfaction appeared in her eyes.
“For our family honor, sometimes, you simply have to be ruthless.” A cold light flashed in Shi Jia’s eyes.
