Xu Cheng, the Prefect of Jingzhao, was Wang Qingyuan's junior fellow apprentice.
Wang Qingyuan was a renowned upright official of his time, known for his incorruptibility, honesty, and impartiality; no wrongful conviction could escape his notice. Like father, like son; his junior apprentice, Xu Cheng, was no different from Wang Qingyuan.
In the main hall, the Imperial Guards were unusually restless.
Shao Yuan narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on the embroidered spring knife at his waist.
Xu Cheng has arrived; this situation is now complicated.
Zhao Yi led Xu Cheng into the main hall of the Qiao residence.
Wherever Xu Cheng went, the Imperial Guards made way for him.
"Lord Xu, what brings you here?" Shao Yuan turned around and spoke to Xu Cheng with a forced smile.
Xu Cheng's expression was solemn as he asked directly, "Have you arrested this man's fiancée?"
Xu Cheng pointed to Zhao Yi beside him. Shao Yuan looked over, but he didn't recognize Zhao Yi, let alone Zhao Yi's fiancée.
"Nonsense!" Zhao Yi roared in anger. "Did you arrest Qiao Xiuxiu?"
“Qiao Xiuxiu disrespected Princess Yi’an and should be punished,” Shao Yuan said in a deep voice.
He had a bad feeling, a very bad feeling, which made his heart ache.
Zhao Yi was a scholar, unable to lift heavy objects or carry heavy loads; otherwise, he would have punched Shao Yuan in the face right now, beating him so badly that even his own mother wouldn't recognize him.
Zhao Yi had a very bad impression of Shao Yuan. Shao Yuan's actions were a disgrace to scholars. After achieving success, he abandoned his wife and children, a classic case of betraying one's benefactor. This man was morally corrupt, making one wonder if the poem "Ode to the Plum Blossom" and the groundbreaking "On the Faults of Qin" were actually written by him.
“That day, Princess Yi’an came to my door, disregarding my humble hospital, and tried to forcibly take me into your mansion, Lord Shao. My fiancée, out of a desire to protect me, had no choice but to do so. There was a reason for this. If Princess Yi’an’s actions had not been illegal, my fiancée would not have acted rashly.” Zhao Yi spoke from the bottom of his heart; he genuinely did not want to enter the mansion.
When this matter was mentioned, Zhao Yi's face showed disdain and mockery.
Shao Yuan frowned slightly. Did they think he was dead?
He shouted, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare you openly slander the princess's reputation!"
Princess Yi'an forcibly took him? What a joke! She doesn't even know her own worth. He's just a weak scholar, penniless, with mediocre talent, not even a successful candidate in the imperial examinations. Why would the princess favor him?
In Shao Yuan's mind, Princess Yi'an was a celestial maiden from the heavens, and those who associated with her were all noble and virtuous immortals. Zhao Yi, on the other hand, was a commoner, not only unattractive in appearance but also spouting nonsense, lacking both talent and virtue, and destined to commit countless evils.
With a whoosh, Shao Yuan's gaze fell on Ji Xiaoxiao.
"It's all because of this woman."
Shao Yuan's eyes were filled with murderous intent. He was determined to persuade the princess to kill this country bumpkin after he returned home today.
Xu Cheng was sensitive to malice. He sensed Shao Yuan's murderous intent towards Ji Xiaoxiao, so he stepped aside and blocked Ji Xiaoxiao's path.
"Regardless of who is telling the truth and who is lying, all of you must go to the yamen, no matter what," Xu Cheng announced his decision loudly.
Shao Yuan took a step back, scrutinizing Xu Cheng's face. He didn't want to antagonize Xu Cheng, but that didn't mean he was afraid of him. The Embroidered Uniform Guard was renowned throughout the capital; aside from the current emperor and a few high-ranking officials, who in the capital didn't give them some respect? If he backed down today, the people in the capital who would laugh at him could stretch from east street to west street.
Shao Yuan drew his sword, the tip pointing at Xu Cheng's heart. "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is conducting an investigation. All bystanders, please leave immediately. Anyone who dares to obstruct us will be killed without mercy."
His decision was unwavering; he was determined to take Qiao Xiuxiu away.
This is the power granted to the Embroidered Uniform Guard by the Emperor, and it is also the fundamental reason why the Embroidered Uniform Guard has been rampant and domineering for many years, and no one has been able to touch it.
The Imperial Guards were wary of Xu Cheng, who was fearless, but since their commander was leading the charge, they, as lowly soldiers, had no choice but to follow him steadfastly.
Several swishing sounds rang out in succession, and the main hall of the Qiao residence was filled with the glint of swords, the sound of wind, and the chilling aura of killing intent.
Xu Cheng remained motionless, expressionless as he surveyed the clueless Imperial Guards, especially Shao Yuan, whose gaze lingered on him for a full minute.
disappointment!
Disappointment was Xu Cheng's only feeling towards Shao Yuan at this moment.
Disappointing, Shao Yuan disappointed him greatly!
He had always thought that a man capable of writing "Ode to the Plum Blossom" and "On the Faults of Qin" must be a true hero, full of ambition, dedicated to the country and its people, even unto death. However, their first meeting left Shao Yuan utterly disappointed.
Perhaps things are indeed as rumored, and that "Ode to the Plum Blossom" and "On the Faults of Qin" were not written by Shao Yuan at all, but by someone else.
"I am the official in charge of the capital, and Zhao Yi reported this matter to the local government office within the capital. Therefore, I will handle this matter." "You Jinyiwei do not respect the law, that is your business. But I am different from you. Since the law has determined that this matter falls under my jurisdiction, I have no choice but to do so."
Xu Cheng's words were firm and resolute, leaving Shao Yuan feeling uneasy.
In terms of both reason and emotion, Xu Cheng was a good official who spoke up for the people, and the people supported and loved him. Shao Yuan, on the other hand, was a treacherous and wicked courtier who abused his power, had a ferocious appearance, and committed all kinds of evil.
Seeing Shao Yuan's disadvantage, Ji Xiaoxiao spoke up to help, "Lord Xu, it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been coerced and threatened by those villains of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which has led to your imprisonment. I am truly guilty beyond redemption."
Ji Xiaoxiao cried, and cried until her face was streaked with tears.
Ji Xiaoxiao stood up, spread her arms, and stood in front of Xu Cheng like a mother hen protecting her chicks.
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