Su Qingyao rolled her eyes and glared at her brother unhappily. Then she stepped forward and gently pinched Siyan's face, saying softly, "Why are you crying? How can our grandma's brat stand such an injustice? Come on, I'll take you to buy some new rouge... Bah, bah, bah, bring your receipt and let's go to the palace to reason!"
Su Jinli looked at her brother and elder sister who had rushed over, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She turned to look at Jiang Yan, her eyes filled with inquiry and dependence: "Husband, what do you say we should do now?"
Jiang Yan stood up solemnly, and methodically straightened his robes. His eyes were gentle yet firm, unyielding. "I, Jiang Yan's son, have always been upright. Since someone has slandered me without any basis, let us go to the Golden Palace and seek justice from His Majesty."
"Alright!" Su Jinli slammed the table, her eyes filled with determination. "Si Yan, take your receipt with you and go with your parents to see the Emperor! Let him see who the real corrupt official is!"
Si Yan wiped away her tears vigorously, hugged the abacus tightly in her arms, and nodded vigorously as if to cheer herself up: "Yes! I didn't embezzle! I'm not afraid of them!"
With this, the group hurried towards the palace. Upon hearing the news, Prime Minister Su also hurried over from his residence. His expression was solemn, and while stroking his beard, he said, "Censor Li's actions are rather bizarre. Although Si Yan likes to settle accounts, he has a good character. I absolutely trust him!"
In the carriage, Su Jinli looked at her son who was holding an abacus tightly beside him, his eyes revealing determination and grievance. She then looked at her husband who was as steady as a mountain and always gave her a sense of support. Then she looked at her younger brother and elder sister who were riding horses outside the window with indignation on their faces. The rage that was originally burning in her heart gradually turned into full confidence.
Her son has been kind and upright since childhood, how could he be a corrupt official?
This trip to the palace to appeal for justice, she wanted to see who was so blind as to dare to touch her, Su Jinli's beloved child! Along the way, the carriage sped along, as if carrying the Jiang family's unwavering determination, rushing towards the truth and justice...
As the carriage rolled forward, the wheels rolled, kicking up a cloud of dust. The atmosphere inside was tense yet filled with unwavering faith. Su Jinli gently embraced Si Yan, trying to let him feel a mother's warmth and strength. Although Si Yan was still a little afraid, with the support of his family, his eyes gradually became resolute.
Jiang Yan frowned slightly, lost in thought. He knew full well the complex dynamics of court struggle. Censor Li's impeachment was likely more complex than it appeared, perhaps harboring a deeper conspiracy. But no matter what, he would seek justice for his son and would never allow him to suffer such slander in vain.
Young Marquis Su rode his horse, following closely beside the carriage, his toy sword tightly gripped in his hand, ready to charge and fight anyone who dared to harm Siyan. The rage within him burned like a blazing fire, raging unquenchable. "Hmph, you dare to bully my nephew? Just wait and see how I'll deal with that Censor Li when I get to the palace!" Young Marquis Su grumbled.
Su Qingyao sat on the other horse, her expression serious. She knew this matter couldn't be handled with mere passion; she needed to remain calm. "Brother, don't be impulsive. Once we get to the palace, follow the instructions of my brother-in-law and sister. We must act rationally and rely on the evidence," Su Qingyao gently warned.
The carriage soon arrived outside the palace. The Jiang family members disembarked, straightened their clothes, and walked toward the palace with their heads held high. Their figures seemed so small against the towering red walls of the palace, yet they exuded an unyielding aura.
As soon as they reached the palace gate, they were met by guards who came to stop them. "Stop! Who are you? You are not allowed to enter the palace without permission!" the guard said, holding a spear and looking vigilant.
Jiang Yan stepped forward, bowed, and said in a steady voice, "Please inform His Majesty that Jiang Yan and his family have important matters to discuss with you. It's a matter of great importance, concerning the justice of the court and my son's innocence."
The guard took a look at the Jiang family and, noticing Jiang Yan's solemn expression and earnest words, nodded and went back to the palace to make his announcement. A moment later, the guard returned and said, "His Majesty has summoned you to an audience immediately."
The Jiang family exchanged glances, their eyes filled with encouragement and determination, before they all entered the majestic Golden Throne Hall. Inside, the palace was resplendent and solemn. The emperor sat high atop the dragon throne, his expression solemn as he gazed down at the Jiang family below.
"Jiang Yan, what brings you here this time?" The emperor's voice echoed in the empty hall, carrying the majesty of a superior.
Jiang Yan stepped forward and respectfully performed the etiquette between the emperor and his subject. He then recounted to the emperor the details of Si Yan's impeachment by Censor Li for embezzling disaster relief funds, and emphasized Si Yan's innocence and the possible hidden secrets behind the matter.
"Your Majesty, my son Siyan has always been of good character. This donation was made out of kindness. He donated his accumulated money to the charity cemetery outside the city to help those helpless children." Jiang Yan said, motioning Siyan to take out the receipt.
Si Yan hurriedly pulled out the receipt from his pocket and carefully presented it to the emperor. "Your Majesty, this is the receipt given to me by Madam Zhang from the charity cemetery. It clearly records my donation. I truly did not embezzle the disaster relief funds!" Si Yan exclaimed, a determined glint in his eyes.
The emperor took the receipt and examined it carefully, his expression growing even darker. "Is this true? Censor Li impeached me so hastily without investigating the truth. This is truly unbecoming of a censor!" the emperor exclaimed angrily.
At this time, Censor Li had also been summoned to the Imperial Palace. He looked nervous, beads of sweat beading on his forehead. "Your Majesty, I… I heard some rumors, but before I could investigate further, I submitted a memorial..." Censor Li explained hesitantly.
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