With Ji Xiaoxiao obtaining this evidence, the resolution of one mystery leads to the birth of another.
The reason Gu Zhige was ultimately wiped out by the "Three Dukes and Four Marquises" was simply because he possessed compelling evidence of their numerous misdeeds. Once Gu Zhige presented this evidence to Emperor Yumin, the glory of the "Three Dukes and Four Marquises" would come to an end.
However, Ji Xiaoxiao couldn't understand how Gu Zhige, the Duke of Zhenguo, who was also one of the "Three Dukes and Four Marquises," could make up his mind to put righteousness before family ties. And how did he manage to collect this evidence?
It must be understood that in this wicked old society, if one person committed a crime, the entire family would be executed; the crime of collective punishment was rampant. Even the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion had descendants who bullied men and women, relied on their strength to oppress the weak, and were involved in industries such as the illegal sale of salt. What benefit would Gu Zhige gain from exposing them?
To put it another way, assuming that Gu Zhige was of noble character, honest and upright, and willing to sacrifice his own family for the country and the people, how did he find this evidence?
As is well known, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was not the most powerful among the "Three Dukes and Four Marquises".
The cool breeze after the rain calmed her mind, and Ji Xiaoxiao gradually suppressed her myriad thoughts.
Upon closer examination, this is not actually a profound question.
Emperor Yumin is the most powerful man in the Great Yan Dynasty. He would not tolerate anyone else sleeping soundly beside his bed, and he would show no mercy to any pests or rats that threaten his rule. If Gu Zhige had Emperor Yumin's secret assistance, what would he have to worry about in achieving his great ambitions?
Ji Xiaoxiao lay on the roof beam. When Emperor Yumin saw the contents of the notebook, he was furious, enraged and eager to get rid of her, and also overjoyed.
Although Ji Xiaoxiao was not in the imperial court, she was far removed from the court. Emperor Yumin had a close and friendly relationship with the Three Dukes and Four Marquises, and the people of the capital spoke of this with great confidence.
Rumors that seem baseless may actually have a cause.
He hoped that all the high-ranking officials would die out.
Ji Xiaoxiao firmly believed that she had not guessed wrong.
So she tested the waters.
“You have not wronged me; you have wronged my father, your subject Gu Zhige.”
As soon as the words were spoken, Emperor Yumin's expression changed drastically, and a look of sorrow appeared in his eyes.
Just as she thought!
Ji Xiaoxiao asked, "Why did you come to my father back then? My father was also one of the Three Dukes and Four Marquises. He investigated and found evidence of the crimes of the Three Dukes and Four Marquises for you. Do you know that for my father, this path was a dead end with no return?"
Emperor Yumin closed the small notebook and solemnly placed it into the small box on the table.
"I and Shude (Gu Zhige's courtesy name) grew up together since childhood, but our experiences are worlds apart. Shude is the eldest son of the Duke of Zhenguo, and the title of Duke of Zhenguo is rightfully his. My mother died early, and I was not favored by my father, so I faced many difficulties in the palace. When I was in my most difficult time, it was Shude who came to my aid."
When talking about the hardships of the past, Emperor Yumin felt both nostalgia and disgust.
Ji Xiaoxiao touched the throwing dart at her waist and said sarcastically, "Ungrateful wretch."
"Yes, I am ungrateful." Emperor Yumin's face was full of helplessness and struggle. He clenched his fists and tried his best to suppress the guilt and rage in his heart. "But what can I do? The Three Dukes and Four Marquises have been entrenched in the court for more than a hundred years. Their power is enormous and they have countless followers. Although I am the emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty, the people who truly speak are the Three Dukes and Four Marquises who kneel at my feet."
Emperor Yumin's eyes bulged, and his expression was slightly crazed and smug.
"Hehehe, what I've been searching for has come to me without any effort. With the evidence you've presented, I will uproot the Three Dukes and Four Marquises."
Emperor Yumin casually expressed his gratitude to Ji Xiaoxiao.
Ji Xiaoxiao pouted and said, "I helped you solve a major problem. As the saying goes, those who do good should be rewarded and those who do wrong should be punished. Don't you have anything to say?"
Emperor Yumin was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and asked, "What do you want?"
Judging from his tone, Ji Xiaoxiao could probably empty his vault.
Ji Xiaoxiao was not a greedy woman; she only wanted Emperor Yumin to withdraw the arrest warrant for her and the punishment of the four people from the Zhengye Marquis's mansion.
"Which three?" Emperor Yumin asked.
Ji Xiaoxiao announced the names of Tong Shi, Duanmu Lei, Duanmu Sen, and Qin Qing.
"They killed my mother and brother. If I don't avenge this blood feud, I won't have the face to face them after I die," Ji Xiaoxiao said in a deep voice.
Ji Xiaoxiao's filial piety moved Heaven, and Emperor Yumin readily granted her request. As long as the "Three Dukes and Four Marquises" could be eradicated completely, Emperor Yumin didn't care who killed or destroyed them.
A gentleman's word is as good as his bond, and Emperor Yumin acted swiftly, removing all the wanted posters for Ji Xiaoxiao from the city in less than half a day.
The following day, Qiao Chu angrily demanded an audience with Emperor Yumin.
Emperor Yumin did not speak, but simply took out the small notebook.
"This is from Gu Shen."
Qiao Chu held the small notebook and finally stopped complaining.
"Qiao Chu, this is now in your hands."
Leading men to arrest the "Three Dukes and Four Marquises" would certainly offend people in the court, but everything has its advantages and disadvantages. This is also a great opportunity to prove one's loyalty.
Coveting something is usually accompanied by danger, so Qiao Chu readily agreed.
Qiao Chu acted swiftly and decisively; within a single day, all the prisons in the capital were crammed with people.
The deepest part of the Ministry of Justice prison.
"Did you bring everyone?" Ji Xiaoxiao asked, her back to Qiao Chu.
In the pitch-black environment, the few people huddled together were indistinguishable from one another.
Qiao Chu gritted her teeth angrily and said, "It's all ready, inside."
"The key," Ji Xiaoxiao said hastily.
Qiao Chu threw the key away, but Ji Xiaoxiao, as if she had eyes in the back of her head, reached up and grabbed it, tightly clutching the key in her palm.
"You can step down now if you have nothing else to do."
A grand meal is meant to be enjoyed alone, savoring its unparalleled deliciousness.
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