Chapter 21: Hate and Regret

A Burning Grudge

Others joining in was one thing, but hearing Xie Mingchen’s voice sparked a raging fire in Wu Que’s heart.

Especially since Xie Mingchen was the first to step forward with accusations.

In that moment, Wu Que wanted nothing more than to cut Xie Mingchen’s head off. His hatred for Xie Mingchen and the entire Xie family reached its peak.

Xie Jiu had humiliated him, forcing him to accept her betrayal with a smile, becoming a laughingstock. And Xie Mingchen, who once called him a cherished son-in-law, acting as if they’d rise and prosper together, was now the first to kick him while he was down.

Wu Que even wondered if this was a scheme orchestrated by the Xie father and daughter to push him into ruin while securing their own wealth and glory.

“Your Majesty, I know my sins are grave, but I have something to say!” Wu Que, aware his crimes were undeniable, decided to go all out and drag someone down with him. “Prime Minister Xie has abused his power for years, promoting his allies, suppressing dissenters, forming factions, and even rigging the imperial exams to control the selection and appointment of officials. He’s a corrupt minister who deserves severe punishment!”

“How dare you slander me!” Xie Mingchen retorted, glaring furiously before sneering.

“You accuse me of all these crimes, but can you produce a shred of evidence? You’re guilty of heinous crimes and facing heavy punishment, so you lash out at me to vent your anger. I was blind to marry my daughter to a shameless wretch like you!”

Wu Que wanted to argue, but his mind went blank—he had no evidence.

Indeed, a cunning fox like Xie Mingchen wouldn’t leave handles for others to grasp. Even Xie Jiu, his own daughter, had no proof of his misdeeds, let alone Wu Que.

Choking on his words, Wu Que’s face flushed a deep red.

A Spectacle in Court

The clash between father-in-law and son-in-law, biting at each other so fiercely, thrilled the watching officials.

Even Zhao Xingjin observed with relish, staying silent to let the drama unfold.

Only when Wu Que was speechless did he speak again.

“Enough. The court is no place for reckless accusations. Guards, Weiyuan Marquis Wu Que has embezzled military funds, and the evidence is irrefutable. Arrest him and send him to the Ministry of Justice’s prison to await judgment!”

At his command, guards swiftly entered, seizing Wu Que by both arms and dragging him out.

“Your Majesty, have mercy! Your Majesty—!”

Wu Que’s terrified pleas echoed through the Golden Hall, but they were futile. He was thrown mercilessly into the Ministry of Justice’s prison.

A Prisoner’s Despair

As he was cast into the damp, filthy cell, Wu Que’s hatred and regret overwhelmed him.

He despised everyone who had brought him to this point and regretted not swallowing his pride yesterday to kneel and beg Xie Jiu for his life.

Slap—

Wu Que struck his own face, then raged, kicking and shouting in the cell until he collapsed, exhausted, on the floor. His face twisted with laughter and tears, but his eyes burned with unrelenting fury.

Was he doomed to wait for death?

No one was there to answer him.

A New Accusation

Back in the Golden Hall, as silence settled, another figure stepped forward—Wei Zhang.

“Your Majesty, though the Weiyuan Marquis lacks evidence for his claims against Prime Minister Xie, as his son-in-law, his accusations may not be baseless. For the court’s stability and to clear Prime Minister Xie’s name, I request an investigation. If the claims are true, punish accordingly. If false, it will prove Xie’s innocence and quell speculation.”

He glanced at Xie Mingchen, a provocative glint in his eyes.

“Prime Minister Xie, if you’re upright, you’ve nothing to fear from scrutiny, right?”

His words cornered Xie Mingchen, leaving him no room to object.

Glancing at Zhao Xingjin and seeing a probing look on his face, Xie Mingchen frowned.

Cursing Wei Zhang inwardly as an old dog, he forced a composed expression and bowed to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, I have a clear conscience and welcome an investigation!”

“So be it. The Censorate will handle this matter,” Zhao Xingjin ordered, then sighed and rose. “I’m weary. Court is dismissed for today.”

Without lingering, he turned and left.

Those paying close attention might have noticed a brief exchange of glances between him and Wei Zhang as he departed.

A Cryptic Warning

As they left the palace, Wei Zhang caught up to Xie Mingchen, speaking in a low voice only they could hear.

“Prime Minister Xie, without legitimacy, words lack weight and won’t stand. Don’t think a moment of glory makes you untouchable. One misstep, and you’ll lose everything.”

His words puzzled Xie Mingchen, but before he could question, Wei Zhang walked away.

Xie Mingchen, brows furrowed, studied Wei Zhang’s retreating figure before boarding his carriage.

Mulling over “without legitimacy, words lack weight,” he decided to seek information from Xie Jiu.

A Playful Reunion

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xie Jiu had just greeted Zhao Xingjin, returning from court.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty,” Xie Jiu said, curtsying.

Zhao Xingjin smirked, pulling her up. “Kept you waiting long?”

“Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. It’s only right for me to wait. But I should ask if Your Majesty is tired,” Xie Jiu replied with a gentle smile, guiding him inside. “I’ve prepared tea. Have a cup to refresh.”

Zhao Xingjin didn’t refuse, letting her lead him.

Their interaction seemed casual, almost familiar, like old friends.

Yang Zhian, watching from the side, marveled inwardly. ‘What actors they are. True and false, false and true.’

Xie Jiu knew Zhao Xingjin would deal with Wu Que today, so she asked no questions, certain there’d be a spectacle at the estate later. Her mood was buoyant.

Her eyes sparkled like stars.

Seeing her like this, Zhao Xingjin felt an itch in his heart. He reached out, lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

“Tch, so happy?”

“Naturally,” Xie Jiu said, her lips curving, unabashed. “Your Majesty’s actions today upheld justice and avenged me. A multifaceted victory—how could I not be pleased?”

A Strategic Dance

“Sweet talker,” Zhao Xingjin said, releasing her chin and sipping the tea.

He set the cup down, reclined on a cushioned bench by the window, and adopted a languid pose, steering the conversation elsewhere.

“I hear you’ve met Wei Jieyu?”