Chapter 171 Didn’t I tell you not to see me off?

In the court, the emperor, who was high above everyone else, looked deeply troubled, which was rare to be seen.

Looking at the overall situation, since the thorough investigation of Prince Chen's incident, no less than five high-ranking officials who attended the court have been missing. It must be that they were found to be involved in the incident involving Prince Chen and were detained by the Ministry of Justice for trial.

The court officials were all very cautious, but the one who guarded the envoy platform was the first to stand up and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Chen raised troops in Qizhou and suffered nearly 10,000 casualties. This matter concerns the stability of the country. Please investigate it thoroughly."

As soon as this was said, two other officials from the Shitai also stood up to second the proposal.

But they only said that they would conduct a thorough investigation and did not dare to directly mention the word "treason".

He An and Ji Lingchuan were on opposite sides. The emperor asked, "How do you think this matter should be decided?"

"Your Majesty is wise. The matter of grain storage in Qizhou has been thoroughly investigated. It is abnormal for tens of thousands of dan of grain to be stored in Qizhou.

Moreover, the He family in Jiangnan is also involved. The relationship is complicated and there are still many details to be investigated, so a final conclusion cannot be made yet."

"I heard that when the two armies were fighting, a spy appeared among the Jiangnan garrison?"

Ji Lingchuan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the former general of the Jiangnan garrison was greedy for military pay and secretly colluded with the He family. Before the battle, fortunately, the current general reorganized the military discipline and screened out nearly two hundred spies hidden in the army before the war."

"Well, well, our Dongzhao army once fought one against a hundred, but we have had peace for only a dozen years and now we have become so lazy." The emperor was distressed.

His eyes fell on the prince: "Prince, what do you think of this incident in Jiangnan?"

The Crown Prince: "Your Majesty, I feel that Jiangnan is the most prosperous place in Dongzhao, with thriving commerce and abundant crops. Over the years, clans in various places have risen in power, and in serious cases they can even influence local officials. If this continues, it will become a cancer in Dongzhao and must be dealt with with utmost care."

"Princess Chen is the daughter of the He family. If that is the case, then we should investigate the case thoroughly. If the He family is really involved in treason, they will be severely punished."

"Yes, Father."

The emperor looked tired, and Eunuch Xu shouted, "If you have anything to say, please report it. If not, please leave the court."

Jiang Jie came forward holding the shield without saying a word: "Your Majesty, the case of corruption in the Ministry of Revenue has been settled. A group of people have been punished for treason according to the law. Qi Yuanchang, the former assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, abused his power for personal gain and was exiled to the north. The eight people who followed him are all guilty of the same crime."

"Well, you can handle this matter. If there is nothing else, please leave."

**

When leaving the palace, Jiang Jie walked past He An and Ji Lingchuan, looking extremely aloof.

If Ji Lingchuan didn't know that he was a friend rather than an enemy, he really wouldn't dare to underestimate this man. After all, he was a cunning man with a complicated mind. Not only that, his sinister personality was the most terrifying thing.

"He openly asked for a way out for Qi Yuanchang, and the emperor actually agreed. What do you think of this?"

Although this trip to the south of the Yangtze River was a meritorious act, it actually carried a heavy burden.

This concerns the imperial power, the prince is plotting rebellion, who dares to claim such a credit?

Jiang Jie, on the other hand, stayed in Beijing at ease. They had done a thankless job and it gave him a chance to close the case.

He An: "The emperor is just following the trend. The matter of Lucheng cannot be mentioned again."

He An knew clearly what Jiang Jie was planning, and he didn't want to interfere in the affairs of the Qi family, so he just let him be.

Ji Lingchuan was a little worried: "As long as this case is not solved, how can I go to Jiangnan to pick up Chu Li?" He thought that he could just bring the person back and get his job done, but now it seems that it is not possible.

He'an paused and looked at him speechlessly for a long while.

What kind of look is that? It's so contemptuous. Ji Lingchuan was not convinced and picked up He An's troublesome things and said, "I don't believe that you don't want to pick up your sister-in-law."

He really wanted to, but he had to wait until it was over: "Do you really think they would wait for us to pick them up?"

Ji Lingchuan: “…”

A word of advice can wake a person up from a dream. According to Chu Li's personality, I'm afraid he won't be so obedient. But the situation is complicated now. What if there is danger on the road?

He An: "I sent a letter to Senior Xu. If the government's protection is too conspicuous, it would be easier to cover up the truth by inviting some people from the underworld."

Ji Lingchuan: “…”

Well, it seems he had already arranged it.

**

The day of exile soon arrived, and more than a dozen officials were escorted out of the capital at the city gate.

Qi Siwei, her mother and brother were waiting beside the official road. Madam Qi was dressed in plain clothes and looked haggard. Master Qi had lost his former glory and pride and leaned against the shabby carriage with his head down and a depressed look.

She complained, "Now that my sister has become rich, she doesn't care about the life and death of our family."

Madam Qi glared at her son and said, "Alright, stop talking. It has come to this. Control your temper, young master."

Qi Siwei did not argue: "Mother, in order to avoid attracting attention and causing trouble, I have to inconvenience you along the way."

"Although this carriage is a little worn out, it can at least protect you from the wind and rain. I brought you some silver, which should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life. When you get to the north, forget everything about the capital."

Madam Qi's eyes were filled with tears. As an experienced person, she could naturally see that her daughter was not having a good time in the Jiang Mansion.

"Sorry to trouble you, kid."

Qi Siwei smiled bitterly: "I did resent you in the past, but now I have let it go. I just hope you have a safe journey and start over."

"Siwei, why don't you come with us?"

"I am the wife of the Minister. If I leave like this, where will the Jiang Mansion be placed? Mother, don't worry, I will take good care of myself. I am going to the north and I am afraid I will never see you again in this life."

After saying this, Qi Siwei knelt on the ground and bowed three times to her mother: "I will never be able to repay your kindness in raising me. Please don't blame me."

Madam Qi cried even more sadly after hearing this: "Mother knows in her heart that according to your father's crime, it is not too much to punish the entire clan. Now that he has been punished for treason and exiled to the north, it is already a mercy from the emperor. This is all thanks to Minister Jiang. Siwei, marriage is destined by heaven, you should be more open-minded."

"knew."

Not far away, the team escorting prisoners was getting closer.

The journey to the north was long, so Qi Siwei took care of the escorting officers. This was the last thing she could do for the Qi family.

The leader of the escort knew that she was the wife of Minister Jiang, so he did not dare to be negligent: "Madam Jiang, rest assured, we will do our best to ensure that these people can reach the Northland smoothly."

"Thank you."

The carriage moved slowly, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone down, but it could no longer illuminate the life paths of these people.

Fortunately, she finally returned to Beijing safely. This was the last thing she could do for the Qi family, and it also fulfilled the family relationship.

Now that the dust has settled, many things can be concluded.

She didn't know how long she stood there. The official road in front of her was already empty and the wind had dried the tears on her face.

Yun Yi advised: "Madam, it's time to go back."

There was the sound of horse hooves behind her. Qi Siwei looked in the direction of the sound and saw Jiang Jie, who was looking angry, coming to her. He asked, "Didn't I tell you not to see me off?"