Chapter 101 (1/2)

Chapter 101: Dress as a Commoner

”I have lost all hope of exposing his crimes, but here you are, offering me an opportunity. It's just that – ”

”You have nothing to worry about,” said Nan Xun. ”This gentleman will make the necessary arrangements, and you will be under my protection.”

The woman dropped down to the ground, looking up at Nan Xun with teary eyes. ”This woman thought that the men who murdered my loved ones would never be brought to justice. I am fortunate to have met you and your companion. As long as I can avenge my family, I will happily give away my life. I beg you to make sure that those criminals get what they deserve.” Her tears fell to the ground and seeped into the earth. Their traces disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The news was soon brought to Jun Huang's attention. When she met the woman, the woman immediately knelt down before her. ”Thank you for saving my life. This woman must first take my revenge. Once I have achieved my goal, I will serve you like I would my parents.”

Jun Huang took a deep breath, her eyes bright. ”Do you understand that you will be putting yourself in great danger?” Jun Huang explained to her the risks she would face. She might end up losing her life for nothing.

The woman looked Jun Huang straight in the eyes. ”I've made up my mind. If I can bring those men to justice, I don't care if the emperor decides to kill me afterwards. My life isn't worth much. I'll consider it a bargain if I can drag them to h.e.l.l with me.”

Jun Huang let out a sigh. She could tell the woman would not be swayed. She helped the woman up and told Little Girl to prepare an ink brush and a sheet of paper.

The woman looked at Jun Huang questioningly, but didn't ask her any questions.

Once the writing instruments were prepared, Jun Huang said, ”Write a letter of indictment. That will help your case.”

The woman blinked and looked down at the ground, her face flushed in embarra.s.sment. ”This woman has read books before, but… what I read were teachings on ways to be a good woman. I don't know how to write a letter of indictment.”

Jun Huang fell silent. She could understand the woman's predicament. She picked up the brush and dipped it in ink. It didn't take too long for her to write a powerful letter of indictment. The words conjured up the image of a tragic woman exposing her b.l.o.o.d.y heart for all to see.

Jun Huang put down the brush and blew on the still damp ink. Because of her injured palm, even those who were familiar with her handwritings wouldn't be able to tell that the letter had been written by her.

The woman read over the letter. Tears streamed down her cheeks and dripped onto the paper, which added a touch of sorrow to the already moving writing.

Jun Huang handed the woman the evidence she and Nan Xun had collected. ”In an hour, the emperor will leave for the exam location to light the incense sticks, praying for the imperial court to gather new talent. That will be your chance to bring this case to him. If you miss this window, it will be difficult to find another opportunity. Nonetheless, no one would blame you if you are scared.”

The woman looked up at Jun Huang with determined eyes. ”I've come this far, and I've had the fortune to know you two,” she said, shaking her head. ”I will not fear death. The gentleman doesn't have to worry.”

Jun Huang nodded and left with Little Girl.

When the time came, the woman waited at the spot the emperor was sure to pa.s.s through.

From afar, she could see the man dressed in golden robe sitting on a sedan chair. Her heart was in her throat, and her palms were damp. She had thought that she was ready to die for her cause! And yet when she was faced with the possibility, she still felt intimidated.

No one could be truly fearless in face of death.

The sedan chair got closer and closer. Soon, it was right before her. She ground her teeth together and clenched her fists. Her nails burrowed into her palms almost deep enough to break the skin.

She ran out and knelt down directly in front of the sedan chair.

The emperor's guards hurriedly drew their weapons, thinking that this was an a.s.sa.s.sination attempt. They let out a sigh of relief when they saw that the figure was merely a frail woman.

The eunuch at the emperor's side looked at her and said in a high-pitched voice, ”Who are you? How dare you block His Majesty's way? Do you have a death wish?”

The woman bowed and raised the letter of indictment and the evidence above her head. In a steely voice, she said, ”This peasant has been wronged. I beg Your Majesty to seek justice for this peasant.”

The eunuch scoffed. He was just about to cursed her out when the emperor cut in. ”Tell me whatever injustice you think you've suffered,” he said coldly.

”The prefect of Yangzhou cares not about human lives. His son tried to force himself on this woman. When I resisted, he murdered my… my entire family. This woman was fortunate to have escaped. In addition, I possess evidence showing that the prefect raised taxes unbeknownst to the imperial court. I beg Your Majesty to get to the bottom of this matter.”

The woman kowtowed to the emperor earnestly. The emperor huffed. ”Do you know what will happen to you if you commit libel against an official?”