Outside the palace walls, waiting for an opportunity to meet the emperor.
After returning to the capital, Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing became even more cautious. They knew that Li Linfu already knew they were back and would definitely intensify the search. They dared not stay at inns anymore and had to find a dilapidated, abandoned temple to stay temporarily.
The dilapidated temple was dark, damp, and drafty. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing huddled in a corner, keeping each other warm. They took out the evidence that Lord Wang had given them and examined it carefully. The evidence was conclusive; it included accounts of Li Linfu's embezzlement of military funds and letters of collusion with local officials, sufficient to prove Li Linfu's crimes.
"Brother Qingci, now that we have the evidence, how can we present it to the Emperor?" Su Yunqing asked.
Shen Qingci pondered for a moment and said, "The emperor goes to the morning court every day. We can wait at the palace gate and stop him to plead our case when he passes by. However, the palace gate is heavily guarded, so stopping him to plead our case is not an easy task, and it is also very dangerous."
Su Yunqing nodded: "Brother Qingci, I know it's dangerous, but in order to clear your name and to make that traitor Li Linfu get the punishment he deserves, we must take the risk."
Shen Qingci held her hand and said, "Yunqing, I'm sorry you had to go through this. If we succeed this time, I will definitely make it up to you."
Su Yunqing smiled and said, "Brother Qingci, we are husband and wife, and we should share joys and sorrows. As long as I can be with you, I am not afraid of anything."
The next morning, before dawn, Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing arrived at the palace gates. The palace gates were heavily guarded, with soldiers armed and vigilantly observing their surroundings.
They hid behind a large tree not far away, waiting for the emperor's arrival. Time passed slowly, and the sun gradually rose. Finally, the sound of horses' hooves and drums came from afar; the emperor's carriage had arrived.
Shen Qingci took a deep breath, grabbed Su Yunqing, and rushed out: "Your Majesty, your subject Shen Qingci has a grievance to report!"
Seeing this, the soldiers immediately rushed forward, trying to stop them. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing struggled fiercely, shouting, "Your Majesty, we are innocent! Li Linfu is corrupt and has framed loyal officials. We have evidence!"
The emperor, seated in his imperial carriage, heard their shouts. He frowned and said, "Let them come here."
The soldiers had no choice but to stop and let Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing walk to the imperial carriage. Shen Qingci knelt on the ground, holding up the evidence with both hands: "Your Majesty, this is evidence of Li Linfu's embezzlement of military funds and framing of loyal officials. Please take a look!"
A eunuch took the evidence and presented it to the emperor. The emperor opened the evidence and examined it carefully. The more he looked, the more gloomy his face became.
Li Linfu's spies quickly learned of this and, extremely anxious, immediately sent men to the palace to prevent the emperor from examining the evidence. However, it was too late.
After reviewing the evidence, the emperor angrily exclaimed, "That Li Linfu! How dare he be so audacious as to embezzle military funds and frame loyal officials! Issue my decree to immediately arrest Li Linfu, imprison him, and subject him to rigorous interrogation!"
The soldiers received their orders and immediately went to the Prime Minister's residence to arrest Li Linfu. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing breathed a sigh of relief, their hearts filled with joy. They knew they had finally succeeded.
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