The Double-Chapter 537 - 161 Recovery_5

"Since there is the official seal, it must be true. How is that tampering with evidence? If it were someone else, they would have been convicted already. It’s only because she’s a Princess that others are trying every possible way to exonerate her," Xiao Deyin said.

Jiang Li looked at her in surprise, seemingly very astonished at Xiao Deyin’s words. She replied, "But the most important thing is, Princess Yongning has no reason to do such things! County Magistrate Xue is a mere official in Tongxiang, far away from Yanjing City. I’m afraid he might not have even met Princess Yongning in his entire life. Why would the Princess go through so much trouble to make life difficult for a small county magistrate?"

"No reason?" A meaningful smile spread across Xiao Deyin’s face as she said, "How can there not be?"

Jiang Li’s eyes widened.

Xiao Deyin leaned in closer, almost whispering in Jiang Li’s ear, "This Princess, she is quite fond of Top Scholar Shen, you see, and Madam Shen’s father is none other than County Magistrate Xue."

Jiang Li frowned, "I don’t understand." Her act as a bright yet naive young lady who knew nothing of romantic affairs was played to the full, and Xiao Deyin had no cause to doubt her, so she explained, "Princess Yongning likes Top Scholar Shen but thinks Madam Shen is in the way. Jealousy drives the Princess to trouble County Magistrate Xue, who is thousands of miles away, just to satisfy her own thirst for revenge."

Jiang Li was startled, looking at Xiao Deyin with anxious eyes, "Sir! These words mustn’t be carelessly spoken!"

"Why would I deceive you?" Xiao Deyin sighed lightly, "The truth is, the affair of Xue Fangfei, Madam Shen is quite complicated. Think about it, how coincidental it is. Before Shen became Top Scholar, no one knew he was in harmony with his wife through the zither. Yet after he became Top Scholar, and Princess Yongning saw and took a fancy to him, was it not just so that Madam Shen happened to engage in an affair, and soon after fell ill and died? And all three of a family were gone, leaving nothing behind? Jiang Li, your mind is pure, unaware of the dangers of the world, but you must understand, if people choose to be evil, there is nothing they would not do."

Jiang Li wanted to laugh upon hearing this. Xiao Deyin’s words held a profound meaning, but wasn’t he essentially talking about himself?

Jiang Li seemed petrified by these words, whispering softly, "Sir, such words must not be spread around. How do you know that Princess Yongning has her sights set on Top Scholar Shen?"

"Of course, I have evidence. When I first heard of this matter, I was just like you, completely disbelieving, unless I had seen it with my own eyes..." she let out a sigh, "I wished to avenge my friend Fangfei, but alas, my words carry little weight. Princess Yongning holds considerable power in Yanjing City, and I am but a zither teacher, unable to oppose her. I fear that before the truth could be spoken, I would be silenced by death."

Jiang Li shrunk back subtly.

Xiao Deyin looked at her, "Do you believe what I’ve said, Jiang Li?" Her voice was earnest and sincere, nothing like pretense. Jiang Li hesitated for a long time before she finally gave a slight nod.

"Actually, I dare not tell these things to anyone else," Xiao Deyin continued, "This secret is of great importance, and I fear it may bring trouble. Moreover, not to hide from you, in Yanjing City, except for Fangfei, I am accustomed to being alone, without friends or reliable people. But you, Jiang Li, are different."

"You personally took on the case of Tongxiang, daring to overturn the verdict for County Magistrate Xue in court, which shows your integrity and fearlessness of those in power. I tell you this, not fearing that you might tell others. Moreover," she mustered her courage, looking straight into Jiang Li’s eyes, "I hope that you can be of help."

"Me?" Jiang Li was surprised, "How can I be of help?"

"Since you have already taken up the matter of County Magistrate Xue, and Xue Fangfei is his daughter, perhaps you will see it through to the end for her vindication. I know your heart is just, and besides, you have the full support of the Jiang Family behind you to possibly contend against Princess Yongning. I might know the truth and wish to cry out for my dear friend, but I alone have limited power. However, if we join forces, perhaps it will be much easier," Xiao Deyin said.

"Join forces?"

"Yes," Xiao Deyin, seeing Jiang Li’s reaction, eagerly continued, "If you’re willing to fight for Xue Fangfei’s case, I can be your most important witness, helping you identify Princess Yongning. With that, our chances of success will be much higher!"

Jiang Li looked at Xiao Deyin with a look of surprise, but inwardly she almost burst out laughing. She had not expected Xiao Deyin to approach her, and to propose such an idea. Initially, it was Xiao Deyin’s intention, but now, it seemed as if the task had fallen onto Jiang Li, with Xiao Deyin only offering to be a "witness" who could conveniently retreat if the situation turned unfavorable.

She was still as selfish as ever.

With a cold chuckle in her heart, Jiang Li feigned a hesitant expression and replied, "Sir, this is something I cannot decide right away, please allow me some time to think it over."