Husband and wife united in their efforts to prove their innocence
When news of Shen Qingci's impeachment reached the Shen residence, Su Yunqing was preparing medicine for the soldiers returning from their expedition. Upon hearing of the upheaval in the court, the mortar and pestle in her hand suddenly stopped, and bits of herbs fell onto her clothes—the rhetoric and fabricated evidence used in the impeachment were exactly the same as those used by Li Linfu to frame Shen Qingci, clearly indicating that someone had deliberately set her up.
"Brother Qingci, those people are clearly jealous of your merits in reorganizing military affairs, which is why they came up with such despicable means!" Su Yunqing greeted Shen Qingci upon his return, her eyes filled with anxiety but not panic. "Don't worry, I will never let them succeed."
Shen Qingci rubbed his temples wearily, the old wound on his shoulder aching from days of hard work: "There are undercurrents in the court. They have 'evidence' in their hands. Although His Majesty trusts me, he is not immune to suspicion."
“Evidence can be fabricated, but people’s hearts are hard to deceive.” A glint of certainty flashed in Su Yunqing’s eyes. “When you were reorganizing the army, how many bribes did you refuse from officials, and how much ill-gotten wealth did you hand over to the court? Those who offered gifts are the best witnesses. I’ll go find them right now!”
Before Shen Qingci could stop her, Su Yunqing had already changed into plain clothes and hurriedly left with her personal maid. Those officials who had tried to bribe Shen Qingci, either out of fear of power or fear of getting into trouble, initially avoided her. Su Yunqing stood guard outside the mansion, reasoning with her and appealing to her emotions: "Minister Shen's reorganization of military affairs is to ensure the stability of the Great Jing border and protect the peace of the people. Today he is unjustly imprisoned, tomorrow treacherous officials will be in power, and what will be damaged is not only the discipline of the court, but also the lives and fortunes of all of you!"
Her words resonated deeply, stirring the consciences of the officials. Several officials who had been treated fairly by Shen Qingci were the first to speak up: "Madam Su is absolutely right. We should testify to Minister Shen's innocence." Subsequently, more and more officials were persuaded to come forward and clarify the facts.
Three days later, Su Yunqing entered the palace with seven officials. In the Golden Hall, the officials presented evidence of Shen Qingci's refusal of bribes years ago—a list of unopened gift boxes, a register of assets turned over to the national treasury, and several officials even reiterated Shen Qingci's admonition at the time: "Matters of state and military affairs cannot be tainted by personal gain. If you truly care for the country, you should establish yourselves through political achievements, not through opportunism."
Looking at the witnesses and evidence before him, and recalling Shen Qingci's achievements over the years, the emperor's expression gradually softened. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the impeachment, and it was quickly discovered that the forged letters and accounts were secretly fabricated by several corrupt officials who had been severely punished by Shen Qingci.
"Minister Shen is loyal to the country, and I almost trusted the wrong person!" The emperor was furious and ordered all the officials who framed Shen Qingci to be arrested, sentenced to death according to law, and have their property confiscated.
As the storm subsided, Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing walked out of the palace side by side. A spring breeze blew by, ruffling the stray hairs at Su Yunqing's temples. Shen Qingci reached out to brush them away, his eyes filled with emotion: "Yunqing, if it weren't for your efforts and interventions, I fear I would have been unable to clear my name."
Su Yunqing looked up and smiled, her eyes reflecting the glow of the sunset: "Brother Qingci, you and I, husband and wife, should share joys and sorrows. You risked your life for your country, and I will dispel the fog for you. This is what I can do for you, and it is what I am willing to do."
Under the setting sun, their figures clung tightly together, their friendship, forged through trials and tribulations, growing ever stronger and more profound with time. This incident further enhanced Shen Qingci's prestige in the court and strengthened his resolve to reorganize the military, laying a solid foundation for the long-term stability of the Great Jing Dynasty.
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