35 Crucial Evidence

"Grandmother?" Hong Xin waved her hand in front of the old woman, only to realize that she was completely blind.

Shocked and furious, Hong Xin turned to Lin Yuejiao and demanded, "What is the meaning of this? How did my grandmother end up like this?"

"Your grandmother was enslaved in the kitchen of a wealthy household, where she was exposed to smoke for years, eventually blinding her," Lin Yuejiao replied. "The old woman wished to see you, so I brought her here for your reunion."

The old woman grasped Hong Xin’s hand and chided her, "Child, how can you speak to our benefactor with such a tone? She told me you had been searching for me, and as your friend, she went out of her way to find me so we could be reunited. If not for her, I don’t know if I would have lived long enough to see you again."

"Hong Xin, I won't disturb your reunion. I’ll step out and let you spend time with your grandmother," Lin Yuejiao said before walking out.

Iris and Tami followed her into the next room, leaving the guest chamber to Hong Xin and her grandmother.

"This Miss Hong Xin is truly ungrateful," Tami said with a scowl. "Our Miss is helping her avenge her entire family by dealing with the Chi family, yet she refuses to cooperate and even gives our Miss attitude. I don't know what she's thinking."

"Hong Xin is different from other women," Lin Yuejiao said with a faint smile.

Having experienced the massacre of her own family, she understood better than anyone what it meant to harbor hatred as cold as iron and as vast as the sky. The fact that Hong Xin had lurked in the Chi household for so long without going to the capital to file a formal complaint suggested only one thing: she did not trust the authorities, nor did she believe anyone would seek justice for her family. She was determined to take revenge on her own—likely through poison, assassination, or a mutual destruction.

"Once she comes out, we will have what we want," Lin Yuejiao said, pushing open the window to look at the distant scenery. She shook her head with a smile, "Though, I’ve incurred another debt to the Young Prince."

Lin Yuejiao could not have found Hong Xin’s grandmother on her own; such a feat required the immense resources of Rong Yu. Lin Yuejiao hadn't rushed to confront Hong Xin before because she wanted to secure her family first, ensuring she had absolute leverage. By her rules of trade, asking Rong Yu for a favor meant she would owe him one in return.

A quarter of an hour later, Hong Xin emerged with reddened eyes, having clearly wept during their reunion.

"Miss Lin, thank you for not telling my grandmother about my true status. Thank you..." Hong Xin looked at Lin Yuejiao, her eyes finally softening with sincerity. "If my grandmother knew I had become a concubine to Chi Shuangxiang’s son, she would have died of grief."

Lin Yuejiao said softly, "You are enduring humiliation for the sake of revenge. Even if she knew, she would only pity you and grieve for your suffering. Of course, it is better for the elderly to remain ignorant of such things to avoid heartache. Besides, if something were to happen to you, that would cause the greatest pain to those who love you."

After a pause, Lin Yuejiao continued, "The Chi family has no suspicion of you, so it is perfect that your grandmother is now in your care. Now that you are reunited, I won't worry about her anymore. She is elderly and blind, and only wishes for your family to be together. For the sake of your loved ones, you should think more of yourself. You are not at a dead end yet; there is no need to force yourself onto a path of no return."

Lin Yuejiao had never intended to use the grandmother as a hostage. By arranging their meeting and handing over the care of the old woman, she proved her sincerity. Threats were the lowest form of leverage; treating people with integrity was the right path.

Hong Xin, a sharp woman, understood Lin Yuejiao’s intent and was moved. "If I had met you two years ago, I likely wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you for letting bygones be bygones, for helping me reunite with my grandmother, and for keeping my identity secret. It’s not that I didn’t want to petition the throne. Years ago, an imperial envoy came to Jiangnan to inspect. Desperate to clear my father’s name, I approached him as a dancing girl to present my petition. To my surprise, the envoy only wanted to trick me into handing over the evidence so he could kill me and take the 'credit' to curry favor with Chi Shuangxiang and the Crown Prince. I barely escaped, and since then, I have never dared to trust anyone in the imperial court."

"Chi Shuangxiang is the father of the Crown Prince’s concubine and is the Prince's man. Since the Crown Prince is the future Emperor, what official would risk offending him for an old case?" Hong Xin said bitterly. Her expression then turned vicious, "That is why I entered the Chi household—to wait for Chi Shuangxiang’s return so I could poison them all. Unfortunately, he has been an official in the capital for two years and hasn't returned to Xinzhou. Chi Zixian is as terrified of his father as a mouse is of a cat, so I never had the chance to see him. Since you intend to take down the Chi family, I will spare nothing to help you. But I must warn you: be wary of court officials. Do not be deceived as I was. The current Jiangnan Administration Commissioner is a family friend of the Chi family; if you expect him to uphold justice, I fear he will only protect his own."

Lin Yuejiao gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I won't be taking that path."

Hong Xin was a person of deep emotions. Having previously refused to admit her identity, she now began to consider things from Lin Yuejiao's perspective.

"Indeed, I was overstepping. You come from an official family; naturally, you understand the workings of the court better than I do. With your strategy, for the first time, I see hope for the Fu family to be exonerated," Hong Xin bowed. "Although you are helping us only to deal with the Chi family, as a descendant of the Fu family, I thank you."

Lin Yuejiao helped her up and laughed, "It is too early to thank me. Let’s wait until the Chi family falls, and then we shall have a drink to celebrate."

Having secured Hong Xin, Lin Yuejiao also obtained the evidence. Before her father, Fu Huai, an official in the Ministry of Revenue, was murdered, he had hidden a ledger as a precaution.

***

"Miss, why are you unhappy? Is this ledger useless?" Iris asked, seeing Lin Yuejiao’s blank expression.

Lin Yuejiao snapped out of her thoughts. "Of course it’s useful. We aren't going back to the Lin residence; go straight to the Yunsheng Water Pavilion to pay our respects to the Young Prince."

She added with a sigh, "This thin booklet represents so many lives. Chi Shuangxiang deserves a thousand deaths."

Though she had known of this bloody case, participating in it firsthand made her realize she held not just a list of names, but the weight of countless souls who had died unjustly. She had never considered herself a saint, but while she had previously only loathed Chi Zixian, she now truly wanted Chi Shuangxiang to rot in hell. These souls had waited ten years—long enough.

The carriage arrived at the Yunsheng Water Pavilion. Despite the Young Prince’s decree that he would see no one, the area around the entrance remained crowded with hopeful visitors.

"So many people? Doesn't the Young Prince refuse all outside guests? They know his temper, yet they still wait," Lin Yuejiao remarked, lifting the carriage curtain and looking at the surrounding carriages in surprise.

Iris replied, "They probably hope that, just in case, he might see them."

"True. There is never a shortage of those with delusions," Lin Yuejiao said with a smile. It was none of her business, so she sent Iris to submit her calling card to the gatekeeper.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Lin Yuejiao. Just because you obtained three ivory-carved bamboo tokens, you think the Young Prince will see you? How laughable," a shrill, mocking voice rang out.

Lin Yuejiao turned to see several opulent carriages parked closest to the entrance, clearly belonging to prestigious families. The speaker was Si Yingxi.

"Are you Lin Yuejiao?"

Before Lin Yuejiao could respond, a gentle voice came from the neighboring carriage.

"Miss Lian, that is indeed Lin Yuejiao," Si Yingxi said, her tone turning respectful as she addressed the woman. "She had no reputation to speak of, yet somehow obtained three tokens. I thought for sure you would be the first, and I feel quite indignant for you."

The woman, addressed as Miss Lian, replied softly, "Yingxi, that is unfair. Since the Young Prince bestowed the tokens, Miss Lin must have her merits. Seeing her today, her grace is truly befitting of them."

"You are the recognized leading lady of Jiangnan. Even if she obtained the tokens first, after the selection assessment, you will surely hold the highest rank," Si Yingxi flattered.

Lin Yuejiao realized who was in the carriage—Lian Shi'er.

Lian Shi'er smiled faintly. "You are too kind. Miss Lin, the Young Prince has sent word that he is not seeing anyone. If you truly wish to see him, why not join me? My father and the Marquis of Loyalty are old friends; he should give me some face."

"Miss Lian, you are far too generous to her," Si Yingxi said with jealousy.

Lin Yuejiao smiled. "I appreciate the kind offer, Miss Lian, but there is no need. If the Prince is unavailable, I shall come another day."

"Do you think the Yunsheng Water Pavilion is your home, to just 'come another day'?" Si Yingxi, who had always disliked her, scoffed. "Miss Lian, some people don't know when they are being offered a kindness. Don't bother with her; it would be a waste to bring her to see the Prince."

Lian Shi'er frowned slightly. "I only meant well. If Miss Lin refuses, then so be it."

Lin Yuejiao remained silent.

Iris whispered, "Miss, that Miss Lian spoke politely, but for some reason, I felt uncomfortable listening to her."

"I felt the same," Tami added.

Lin Yuejiao smiled thinly. "Malice always leaves a bad taste, even when it's hidden."

As the three of them spoke, Si Yingxi, seeing Lin Yuejiao unmoved, provoked her: "The Prince said he isn't seeing guests, yet you still insist on clinging to him."

"I hope you possess that same self-awareness, Miss Si," Lin Yuejiao raised an eyebrow. Was this woman delusional? She was the one acting like a pest, yet she had the gall to accuse others?

Si Yingxi was choked by the retort. She put on an air of superiority and said, "Who said I am here to see the Prince? I am here to see Young Master Li Moqian, who is currently a guest here. I am waiting for him to discuss calligraphy—not like you, desperate for a glimpse of the Young Prince."

"Li Moqian?" Lin Yuejiao frowned, then smiled. "I see. My apologies, Miss Si."

Si Yingxi snorted, but Lin Yuejiao continued, "Young Master Li’s kind nature is known throughout Jiangnan. But some people should not push their luck or mistake others' tolerance for an invitation to be shameless. Young Master Li has hidden himself away here at the Yunsheng Water Pavilion; surely you understand that he, too, does not wish to see outside guests."

"You... you talk nonsense! Young Master Li never said he wouldn't see guests!" Si Yingxi’s expression changed.

Lin Yuejiao curled her lips. "True, he didn't say it. But seeing you standing here waiting for hours without a word from him, I know for a fact he doesn't want to see you."

"Lin Yuejiao, you are too much!" Si Yingxi’s eyes reddened, and she began to sob into her handkerchief.

"To bully a fellow young lady just because you couldn't see the Young Prince, taking your anger out on Miss Si—that is truly excessive," Lian Shi'er frowned, playing the role of the righteous arbiter.

Other young ladies chimed in, "Exactly! Lin Yuejiao, how can you be so vicious?"

"Everyone, please, don't say anymore... it’s my own fault," Si Yingxi sobbed pitifully, shedding her previous arrogance. "Miss Lin must be upset because she couldn't see the Young Prince. I shouldn't have spoken up and provoked her. It’s only natural she wanted to vent..."

"Such a lack of upbringing! To think someone like her actually got a token."

"Indeed, coming from a lowly background, she has no manners. It's no wonder the Prince won't see her."

"You..." Tami’s expression darkened, ready to argue back, but the composed Iris held her sleeve. "Don't be impulsive. Listen to the Miss."

Lin Yuejiao smiled at them, "Just pretend you don't hear them." She paid no heed to the chatter.

At that moment, the gates of the Yunsheng Water Pavilion opened, and Yun Jian stepped out. The noisy young ladies went silent instantly, all eyes fixed on him.

Yun Jian walked straight to Lin Yuejiao and bowed expressionlessly. "Miss Lin, the Young Prince requests your presence."

Lin Yuejiao bowed back and followed him inside.

"Wait, Guard Yun, the Prince wants to see her? Are you sure? Isn't there a mistake?" Si Yingxi asked in disbelief.

Yun Jian gave her a look that clearly suggested he was looking at an idiot.

Lian Shi'er also stepped forward. "Guard Yun, does the Prince know I am here? I am Lian Shi'er of the Lian family, and my father and the Marquis of Loyalty are—"

"The Prince said he is seeing no one," Yun Jian interrupted, having no patience for her lineage.

Lian Shi'er felt a chill. "Then why can Lin Yuejiao go in?"

"Do I need to explain the Prince's choices to you?" Yun Jian’s gaze was even more dismissive.

Lian Shi'er stood in embarrassment as Lin Yuejiao, never one to flaunt her success, quietly followed Yun Jian inside.

Lin Yuejiao was led to the main hall, where Rong Yu sat in his trademark bewitching red robes, lazily leaning against a couch while playing a game of Go with Li Moqian. He held a white jade stone between his fingers, his every movement mesmerizing. It was no wonder so many ladies in the Great Zhao Dynasty adored him; there were truly people in this world who made one feel that merely seeing them was enough to have no regrets in life.

"You never visit without a reason, Miss Four. I assume you have found the evidence?" Li Moqian asked with a smile.

Lin Yuejiao presented the ledger. "This is the roster left behind by Fu Huai, the former Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works, before he was murdered. It records the true household registrations of the villagers who lived at the Jinghua Palace. It is one-tenth of what Chi Shuangxiang reported to the court. These villagers were later slaughtered by the Blue Dragon Stronghold, leaving no witnesses. This list is the only remaining evidence in the world."