After a moment, he remarked, "You've really got some guts!"
In the Chen Wang Case, Sang Qingxiao could only serve as a secondary witness, filling in many gaps with speculation. Sang Bai Jue was quite helpful, sending over several boxes of evidence through Gentle.
Sang Qingxiao examined the contents one by one. The large boxes of documents were divided into three parts: a small section contained direct evidence related to the Chen Wang Case, another small section pertained to Court Officials and their leverage, while the largest portion consisted of the complete set of evidence for the Sang Family's appeal.
The Chongjing Emperor had previously laid out every charge against the Sang Family, and each box contained corresponding evidence to refute those charges. Every piece of evidence was meticulously crafted, leaving no room for error.
The pages of the documents were unevenly yellowed, suggesting years of accumulation. Regardless of their authenticity, it was clear that Sang Bai Jue had put in considerable effort over the years.
Sang Qingxiao couldn't help but admire the seasoned approach; experience truly mattered.
Shi Yun then asked when Miss Sang planned to present the evidence. It needed to be saved for negotiations, depending on how genuine their feelings for Prince Chen were.
Understanding this, if they supported the Sang Family's appeal, the Sang Family would provide evidence. Both sides were in a tug-of-war; it seemed they hadn't reached an agreement yet. No wonder Prince Chen's former subordinates hadn't come to urge him in recent days.
With this news, Shi Yun felt reassured and even had time to enjoy tea and chess with Sang Qingxiao. Meanwhile, Mingze had grown noticeably quiet.
The group relaxed for an afternoon. Shi Yun gathered food and supplies as they headed back, with Mingze following closely behind. Shi Yun pretended not to notice until they reached the Left Minister's Residence, at which point Mingze finally asked what they were plotting.
"You've been holding this in for so long; you've really matured," he said.
"You seem to have a different view of Gentle now," he continued. "You used to be cautious around him, but I can't recall when you started discussing official matters with him or assigning him important tasks. Trust isn't easily earned."
"There aren't many trustworthy people in Court. I would have liked to ask Cai Gonggong or Yongxin Marquis for help, but one is unwell and the other... do I even have a choice?"
"Do you think I'm blind? Stop feeding me lies! You're hiding something and keeping your guard up against me!"
"I do have something hidden in my heart, but I'm willing to share it with you—just afraid you might not dare to listen."
Mingze hesitated. "Are you trying to provoke me?"
Shi Yun smiled without responding.
Mingze pouted defiantly. "If you dare say it, I dare listen!"
Shi Yun then revealed, "Your uncle is coming back."
Mingze looked puzzled. "Uncle? My wife's brother is just a simpleton serving our mother back home; how could he possibly be coming back?"
Shi Yun remained silent, calmly staring at him.
Mingze blinked a few times as a sudden realization struck him. When he spoke again, he stammered, "You mean Sang Bai Jue?!"
Shi Yun shifted his gaze.
Is this news reliable? When did he come out? How did he manage to do that? Is he planning a rebellion? If he does rebel, does the Xuande Emperor have any chance of resisting? Can it be targeted only at the Xuande Emperor? The surnames are all innocent.
You seem quite confident in your uncle.
Sigh, a natural talent, not an ordinary person.
From the way you speak, it sounds like you actually want him to rebel.
It's not about whether I want it or not; it's about whether he wants to. With his abilities, if he wants to do it, he certainly can.
I hope he comes back, but I'm also afraid of his return.
Afraid that he will throw Great Jing into chaos, yet hoping he can bring A Ning back. Even though I've remarried and feel guilty towards her, I still wish to know her exact whereabouts.
Well, you can rest easy then. He plans to return in a more gentle manner. Shi Yun told him that the Sang Family is about to clear their name.
Clear their name! How do you know so much? Mingze is worried; has the Court found out? Will they send someone to assassinate Sang Bai Jue?
It was Sang Bai Jue who reached out to me. Aside from you, I haven't confided in anyone else.
Mingze was surprised and then felt a bit lost. He had a way to contact the Court and sought you out instead of me; he must be disappointed in me, blaming me for not protecting A Ning.
He contacted me perhaps because he thinks I am more capable than you, or maybe because he feels there's no need to win you over; you'll naturally side with him.
Mingze retorted, I wouldn't blindly favor him! I have my principles; I won't support anything that harms the country or its people!
After expressing his loyalty, Mingze asked about Miss Sang.
Ah, the Sang Family.
Mingze praised her, saying that such a small person has such boldness. Is there really no one else available for Sang Bai Jue? Jingjing City is dangerous; letting a young girl come alone is reckless.
I’m surprised too, Shi Yun agreed, but the Demon Catcher bloodline is rare; I've never heard of anyone from the Sang Family possessing such lineage.
Shi Yun shot another glance at Mingze; the Ming Family doesn't have it either.
Regarding negotiations with Prince Chen's former subordinates, Sang Qingxiao did not participate. Gentle informed her that arrangements had already been made and had begun some time ago, using leverage from officials.
She didn't know when it happened; Sang Bai Jue had already secured support from nearly three officials in the city. With this round of negotiations with Prince Chen's former subordinates, it's estimated they could gain six more supporters.
Among the remaining four, many are neutral and firmly opposed; there are fewer than two who are willing to support them.
"Gentle," she said, "tell her that this group is not to be feared."
Seeing Sang Qingxiao's expression darken, Gentle comforted her sincerely. It was fortunate that Miss Sang and the Court had acted swiftly to eliminate traitors like Pang Yong; otherwise, the opposition would have only grown stronger.
Sang Qingxiao rolled her eyes dramatically. Compared to Sang Bai Jue's efforts to win over supporters, her little antics were hardly worth mentioning. It was like a big shot looking at a pitiful little brother, teasing him with a few small fish and shrimp.
Gentle continued, "Miss Sang is extremely important to our master. Everything is still in the shadows, and we need someone to bring the case into the light. The master believes you are very suitable for this role, which aligns perfectly with your previous thoughts."
Sang Qingxiao asked him, "If I weren't here, who would take my place in Sang Bai Jue's plan?"
Her subordinate didn't know.
Ignoring his silence, Sang Qingxiao pressed on. "It shouldn't be a man. Before the Sang Family's case is overturned, if a man moves around freely and reveals his identity, there won't be any chance for rebuttal—he'd be killed on the spot."
That left women.
"Sang Yuzhen? She lacks the courage and is too preoccupied with Yan Min; in her heart, Yan Min is more important than the Sang Family."
Not her.
"Sang Yuzhu? She's a traitor. The day the Sang Family's case is overturned might very well be her death day."
Not her.
"Sang Yumei? She's been through too much; her temperament is extremely impulsive. She tends to let her emotions dictate her actions. We can't rely on her for such crucial matters."
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