TICIEC Chapter 58.1

The tortures used by the Ministry of Justice are most adept at breaking down the toughest bones.

Besides, Fang Zhaoyi is not exactly a tough nut to crack.

Her methods are ruthless, but only toward others.

As a pampered young lady who had not received special training as a death squad member, how could she possibly endure being tortured for three days and three nights under the eighteen kinds of cruel tortures of the Ministry of Justice?

She confessed to all the evil deeds she had committed in her life.

The Chief Eunuch Wu Mi meticulously reviewed the case file against the interrogations of all involved individuals, ensuring that all witnesses and physical evidence were complete before finally presenting the report to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, after investigation, it has been confirmed that Chun Liu and Chun Ni were both acting under the orders of Fang Zhaoyi. She twice plotted to murder Shun Pin…”

The last time she instructed Chun Ni to murder Shun Pin and frame Tang Meiren, it was also Fang Zhaoyi’s doing.

Helian Qi flipped through the case files before him, his face ashen.

“Besides that, another case has been uncovered. Fang Zhaoyi once framed Lady Wei, who was confined to the Cold Palace. She once lured Lady Wei into committing a crime by burning paper money, but after being exposed, she framed her again with a witchcraft doll… Hongxing has been arrested and brought to justice. She was bribed by Fang Zhaoyi, and her confession has been verified.”

Wu Mi continued to report cautiously.

“Fang Zhaoyi’s testimony states that Shu Fei instructed her to harm Lady Wei, but there is no witness testimony or physical evidence to prove this. Should we ask Shu Fei to cooperate in the investigation?”

Helian Qi’s gaze paused, then he looked at Wu Mi.

“Was the plot to murder Shun Pin instigated by Shu Fei?”

“According to Fang Zhaoyi’s testimony, Shu Fei was unaware of these matters.” Wu Mi replied.

Helian Qi remained silent for a moment, his deep eyes revealing no emotion.

Fang Zhaoyi is a person of Shu Fei; this is an open secret.

It was obvious that Shu Fei’s order to deal with Wei Yingya was arranged by the Cen family.

If it involved the imperial heir, Helian Qi would not let it go so easily.

However, since it was unrelated to the imperial heir, only concerned Ying Meiren, and the evidence was insufficient, with the Cen family protecting her, it would be pointless to attack Shu Fei.

“Fang Zhaoyi will be flogged to death. Release Tang Meiren and Ying Meiren.” Helian Qi said slowly.

Wu Mi instantly understood; His Majesty did not intend to continue investigating Shu Fei.

He accepted the order: “Your servant obeys the decree.”

…

Inside Jingxi Palace—

Shu Fei knelt before the statue of Guanyin with her eyes closed, holding a string of prayer beads in her hand.

Zhen Zhu offered a cup of calming tea, saying, “Your Majesty, please have some…”

She tried to cultivate her mind by chanting Buddhist scriptures, but Shu Fei’s mind was in great turmoil, and she could not find peace.

“The laxity in Changchun Palace is real, but Ning Wanyin has never let her guard down. Fang Zhaoyi made a mistake. I was fooled by her, too.”

Shu Fei opened her eyes, a cold glint in them.

“If this woman doesn’t die, I will not be able to accomplish anything.”

“The Xue family is useless; after all this time, she’s still alive and kicking.” Zhen Zhu complained, echoing Shu Fei’s words.

Shu Fei sneered, “She’s not that easy to deal with…”

Now she understood.

She had underestimated Ning Wanyin.

However, with so many people in the palace wanting Ning Wanyin dead, she felt that Ning Wanyin was walking on the edge of a cliff.

One wrong move, and she would be shattered to pieces.

“The Xue family wants her dead even more than I do. Let’s see how the Xue family plans to do it.”

Shu Fei lowered her eyes, fiddling with the prayer beads in her palm.

She never rushed to the forefront, but rather hid behind the scenes to plan.

She refused to believe that with so many people wanting her dead, she could continue to run rampant.

Just then, the chief eunuch rushed in and hurriedly reported: “Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! News has just been secretly leaked from the Ministry of Justice. Fang Zhaoyi has confessed to everything, and even said that you ordered her to murder Ying Meiren…”

Shu Fei remained calm about this, saying, “It’s just her side of the story, but there’s no evidence. It won’t have any impact…”

“But His Majesty will definitely find out—”

“The point is to let His Majesty know. Even if Fang Zhaoyi claimed that everything she did had nothing to do with me, His Majesty wouldn’t believe her. It was just the harm done to Ying Meiren; I was merely a mouthpiece. It was all arranged by the Cen family. His Majesty doesn’t need to hold a grudge against me…”

A hint of cold mockery, half-smiling, flashed in Shu Fei’s eyes.

“Most importantly, this will make it clear to His Majesty that Shun Pin’s murder has nothing to do with me.”

 

 

 

You can support this lovely translator and your favorite series by buying me a cup of Ko-fi ( ˘▽˘)っ♨

I will really appreciate it. ♥️♥️♥️