Deep in the bustling capital, Prime Minister Jiang Ling was famous for his outstanding talent and handsome appearance when he was young.
He was tall and slender, with eyebrows like ink paintings, and a pair of deep eyes that seemed to hide endless wisdom and tenderness. His straight nose and slightly upturned lips always inadvertently revealed a touch of irresistible charm.
The eldest daughter of the Song family, Song Siyao, was also a renowned beauty in the capital. She had a graceful figure, a face as rosy as a peach, and large, watery eyes as bright as stars. Her skin was fairer than snow, and the two dimples at the corners of her mouth added a touch of playfulness and endearment when she smiled.
Jiang Ling and Song Siyao have been childhood sweethearts since they were young.
Every spring, you can always see them playing in the peach blossom forest outside the capital.
Jiang Ling would pick the most beautiful peach blossoms for Song Siyao, weave them into a wreath and wear it on her head, while Song Siyao would use a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Jiang Ling's forehead, and their laughter echoed among the peach blossoms.
On summer nights, they often sat together in the Song family's courtyard, gazing up at the stars. Jiang Ling pointed at the stars and told Song Siyao ancient legends, while Song Siyao leaned on his shoulder, her eyes full of admiration and love.
"Jiang Ling, do you think we will be together like this forever?" Song Siyao asked softly.
Jiang Ling held her hand and said firmly, "Yes, Siyao, I will marry you and never leave you for the rest of my life."
People in the capital city praised this golden boy and jade girl highly, saying that they were a match made in heaven.
However, the turning point of fate came so suddenly.
On a gloomy day, the Song family was accused of treason, and the imperial decree to execute the entire family was like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering the peace of the capital.
That day, the streets of the capital were filled with tension and fear. The Song family's gate was surrounded by soldiers, and the sounds of crying and pleas for mercy mixed together.
Song Siyao hid in the closet, covering her mouth tightly, tears streaming down her face. She watched her family being taken away, her heart filled with despair and fear.
Jiang Ling was struck by lightning when he heard the tragic news. He rushed to the Song family without hesitation, but could only watch the tragic situation in the chaos, his heart aching.
"Siyao, Siyao..." He frantically searched for Song Siyao's figure, his voice hoarse and trembling.
Finally, Jiang Ling found Song Siyao in a secluded corner. Her face was haggard, and her eyes were full of vicissitudes.
"Si Yao..." Jiang Ling's voice was choked with sobs.
Song Siyao raised her head, and the moment she saw Jiang Ling, tears welled up in her eyes. The two hugged each other and cried, and all the suffering and separation turned into the joy of reunion at this moment.
"Don't be afraid, I'll take you away!"
Jiang Ling brought Song Siyao back, allowing her to escape the disaster, but she had to live a life in hiding.
Her spirits grew worse day by day, and she became depressed.
Jiang Ling knew that the Song family had always been loyal and would never commit treason, so he decided to secretly investigate the truth and clear the Song family's grievances.
Since then, Jiang Ling seemed like a different person.
During the day, he dealt with various power struggles in the court, and at night, he would go through the mountains of files in his study, searching for possible clues. His eyes no longer had the ease and smile of the past, but were replaced by determination and resoluteness.
People in the capital began to discuss Jiang Ling. Some said he was ignorant of the current situation and took risks for a family that had already been convicted. Others admired his loyalty and believed he would be able to find the truth.
Jiang Ling completely ignored these rumors and devoted himself to the investigation.
He secretly visited the Song family's old friends and former subordinates, not missing any possible clues. Every subtle discovery gave him a glimmer of hope, but it was often followed by more mysteries and obstacles.
Even if he dies, he must find out the truth and clear the Song family's name.
"Siyao, wait for me, I will definitely clear the Song family's name."
After a long and arduous effort, Jiang Ling finally found the key evidence.
It was a dark and windy night when Jiang Ling sneaked into the treacherous minister's study. His heart was pounding, knowing that if he was discovered, not only would all his efforts be wasted, but he might even be killed.
As he cautiously explored the study, his eyes were suddenly drawn to a peculiarly shaped incense burner. The base of the incense burner seemed a little loose, and out of intuition, he gently twisted it and discovered a hidden compartment.
Jiang Ling's hand trembled as he reached for the secret compartment. When he touched the letter, he felt an indescribable excitement and nervousness. He knew that this might be the key evidence he had been searching for.
He slowly pulled out the letter, and when he saw the blurry handwriting on the envelope in the faint moonlight, Jiang Ling's breathing almost stopped.
"Please, this is the hope that can clear the injustice for Siyao's family." Jiang Ling prayed silently in his heart.
When he opened the letter and read its contents carefully, he became more and more shocked.
This letter revealed that the real mastermind behind the incident was the powerful and treacherous minister in the court. In order to eliminate dissidents, he did not hesitate to fabricate false charges and frame the Song family for treason.
"How vicious! For his own selfish reasons, he brought disaster upon the entire Song family." Jiang Ling's eyes burned with anger. "With this letter, I will make the truth known to the world and bring justice to the Song family."
Jiang Ling carefully put the letter away, secretly planning his next move. He knew that this was only the first step, and the road ahead might be even more difficult, but for Song Siyao and for justice, he would never back down.
However, the news that Jiang Ling had received the secret letter somehow leaked out. The treacherous minister noticed Jiang Ling's actions and decided to strike first, sending a group of well-trained assassins to kill Jiang Ling before he could submit the evidence.
Jiang Ling had just left the treacherous official's residence when he sensed several dark figures stealthily following him. His heart tightened, knowing danger was approaching.
The streets were silent at night, with only the sound of Jiang Ling's footsteps being heard clearly. Suddenly, the wind blew, and several cold lights flashed from the darkness. The assassins appeared one after another and rushed towards Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the oncoming blade. His heartbeat quickened, and his mind raced through countermeasures.
"You are a bunch of cowards who are afraid of the law, following the orders of that treacherous minister. Don't you fear the law?" Jiang Ling shouted angrily.
The killers didn't answer, but attacked more fiercely. Jiang Ling fought hard and engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the killers.
Jiang Ling was not good at fighting, let alone against a group of desperate criminals. Jiang Ling's arm was scratched, blood staining his sleeves red, but his eyes remained firm, with only one belief in his heart: he must protect this letter and seek justice for the Song family.
Fortunately, he returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion alive.
Jiang Ling, armed with evidence, resolutely entered the palace. He knelt before the emperor and pleaded with him to re-examine the Song family case.
The emperor looked at the evidence Jiang Ling presented, his expression changing from gloomy to bright. Finally, at Jiang Ling's insistence, the emperor ordered a thorough re-investigation of the case.
After many twists and turns, the truth was finally revealed to the world. The Song family's grievances were cleared, and the emperor issued an edict to pardon the Song family's sins.
However, things are not that simple.
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