Chapter 123: Seeking Redress

Twenty days later, the carriage convoy of Ye Mingyu and his party arrived at the gates of Yanjing.

Although Ye Mingyu prided himself on having traveled far and wide for many years, it had been a long time since his last visit to Yanjing. As he arrived, the rush of feelings—both strange and familiar—made this tall, sturdy man appear somewhat self-conscious.

The people from Tongxiang had never seen such a spectacle; they pointed and whispered just at the sight of the city gates. Ping’an held Dai Yun’s hand, staring blankly at the junior officers at the gate—in Tongxiang, the guards did not wear such imposing armor.

"So this is Yanjing," Butcher Zhang said with a hearty laugh, then suddenly recalled something, "Master Xue’s daughter was married off to this place back then."

Jiang Li glanced into the carriage at the sleeping Xue Huaiyuan, her heart filled with sorrow.

When she was married, Xue Huaiyuan had repeatedly instructed her, saying that once he had the chance, he and Xue Zhao would come to the capital to visit her. But Jiang Li knew clearly that Xue Huaiyuan was busy with official duties. Even though Tongxiang was a small county, the endless small matters made it difficult for him to find a suitable time.

Indeed, before Xue Huaiyuan could reach Yanjing, she and Xue Zhao had already met with disaster. By the time he finally arrived in Yanjing, she was no longer Xue Fangfei, and Xue Huaiyuan had lost his sanity, meeting but not recognizing her.

"A-Li, let us go in now," Ye Mingyu said.

Jiang Li regained her composure: "Alright."

This group numbered at least a hundred. The guards at the gate, seeing such a large crowd suddenly appear, assumed they were refugees fleeing for their lives. Several immediately surrounded them, faces stern, blocking Ye Mingyu at the gate to interrogate him closely.

Jiang Li lifted the carriage curtain and, supported by Tong’er, stepped out. She walked straight to the guards, handed over the Jiang family’s pass, and smiled: "Gentlemen, I am the second young lady of the Jiang family. These are the people of Tongxiang, who have come to Yanjing to file a grievance." She took a sheet of paper from her sleeve and handed it over, smiling: "This is a transcribed petition, and every person here is named on it. I will give this copy to you. When this lawsuit is concluded and everyone leaves the city, you may verify them one by one. Would that be acceptable?"

The guards were stunned. The Second Young Lady of the Jiang family?

Wasn't she the one making headlines in Yanjing recently, rumored to be bringing a group of villagers from Xiangyang to overturn a verdict for a condemned official? How could they have arrived already?

Looking at the pass in their hands, it was undoubtedly from the Jiang family. The guard suppressed his curiosity, returned the pass to Jiang Li, and took the paper covered in densely packed names. He stepped aside, opened the city gate, and said respectfully: "Please, Second Young Lady Jiang."

Since she was a lady of the Jiang family, the Jiang family would take responsibility for any trouble. They were not afraid. They respectfully stepped back.

As the gate swung open, the villagers looked at Jiang Li with even greater awe. In a place like Yanjing, they were considered country folk; it was normal for people, let alone guards, to look down on them. Yet, with a few words, Jiang Li had made these guards treat her with such respect and grant them passage, showing the immense power of the Jiang family in Yanjing.

Ye Mingyu remarked with amazement: "I must say, that pass of your father's is truly useful. I remember when we came to Yanjing before, we had to be checked several times. Here, with so many people, they just let us through." He didn't know if he was being tactless or mocking the Yanjing officials for being sycophants.

Jiang Li smiled: "It is human nature."

The group marched majestically into the city.

The guards whispered behind their backs: "They’ve entered the capital, they’ve entered. The storytellers in the teahouses finally have new material. I wonder what kind of storm the Second Young Lady Jiang will stir up in Yanjing this time."

"But wait," another touched his chin, "isn't the Second Young Lady Jiang here to overturn a case? Why are there prison carriages at the back? Who is sitting in them? Are they taking the law into their own hands?"

"Bah, stop worrying about that. Are government affairs something we can manage? Even if the Second Young Lady causes trouble, her father is the Chief Minister; it won't matter. We should just watch the show."

"That makes sense. Looking at this display, Yanjing is truly in for a restless time."

...

Once inside, it was even livelier.

The streets of Yanjing were much wider than those in Tongxiang. People and horses filled the roads; the restaurants were tall and grand, and everywhere one could see street performers and vendors selling candied haws. For the people of Tongxiang, who were visiting the capital for the first time, it was dizzying. The older ones were better off, though they felt it was novel, they could restrain themselves. The younger ones couldn't help but be dazzled, nearly tripping as they walked.

As the Tongxiang people stared in wonder, the people of Yanjing stared back at them. Such a large group of obvious outsiders appearing in Yanjing was striking. But their clothing was plain, even rustic, so they were clearly not imperial kin.

Someone recognized the guards accompanying the carriage: "Hey, aren't those the guards from the Chief Minister's estate?"

"The Chief Minister's estate? No one has left the capital from there. Could it be the Second Young Lady Jiang? Wasn't it said she was bringing a group of villagers to the capital to overturn a verdict for a condemned official? Counting the time, arriving in Yanjing now is just right."

The news that "Second Young Lady Jiang has returned with the people of Tongxiang" spread through Yanjing like a tidal wave. People from every street and alley emerged to watch the spectacle.

Someone asked: "Is the Second Young Lady bringing all these people back to the Jiang estate? Even if the Chief Minister's house is large, I doubt it can hold so many. And would the Chief Minister let them stay? Even if he were kind-hearted... it could invite trouble!"

"I don't know, but if it were me, I certainly wouldn't do it."

"Alas, this Jiang lady is truly too outrageous. To raise such a daughter, the household will never know peace, never know peace!"

In the Chief Minister's estate, Jiang Yuanbai had just returned from the morning court. He had just taken off his outer robe in the study and taken a sip of the hot tea Ji Shuran had served, when someone reported: "Master, the Second Young Lady has returned to the capital!"

"What?" Jiang Yuanbai’s tea-sipping paused: "When?"

"Just now. The messenger is currently in Wanfeng Hall, telling the Old Madam. He said the Second Young Lady brought over a hundred people, and the streets of Yanjing are half-flooded; the streets are full of onlookers, all staring at the Second Young Lady."

Jiang Yuanbai’s face turned red and then pale. He had always been tactful—in his career and in his life. Although vain, he did not like to be the center of attention. He knew that in the court, countless eyes were watching; the more one stood out, the more gossip one invited. Jiang Li, however, had caused such a stir the moment she returned. Now, everyone in Yanjing was likely watching the Jiang family. If Jiang Li did something outrageous, people would be gossiping about him for a lifetime!

"I will go to Wanfeng Hall to see." After saying this, Jiang Yuanbai grabbed his outer robe and left. Ji Shuran followed, saying, "I will go too," a trace of a smile flashing across her face.

Before she even had to act, Jiang Li was digging her own grave. As a woman, she knew that women should not interfere in court affairs. Jiang Li was only fifteen, yet she was turning everything upside down. If nothing else, what good family would want such an unsettled lady of the house? Jiang Li was trampling on her own prospects for a good marriage.

Of course, Ji Shuran hoped she would cause even more trouble—the bigger the better, until it was beyond saving, until she dragged herself down with it.

To win without drawing a sword—that would be best.

Arriving at Wanfeng Hall, the Old Madam was talking with Jiang Yuanping.

Jiang Yuanping’s usual smile had vanished, and he appeared quite serious. Jiang Yuanxing was absent; ever since Jiang Yu’e had been married off as a concubine to the Zhou family, he had become much more silent. He rarely interacted with the family.

Seeing Jiang Yuanbai arrive, the Old Madam said: "Eldest son, you know already."

"Mother," Jiang Yuanbai said: "I am ashamed. It is my failure in teaching Jiang Li."

The Old Madam sighed. She actually thought Jiang Li was quite clever. Since Jiang Li returned from Qingcheng Mountain, she had watched every word and action, feeling that Jiang Li might be the smartest and most perceptive of the younger generation. But she couldn't say she liked her very much; perhaps it was because Jiang Li always maintained a gentle distance.

Like how Jiang Li looked at her—respectful, but not affectionate.

This cleverest of the younger generation was now being foolish in such a major matter. The Old Madam said: "I do not wish to blame her; after all, she is my granddaughter. But eldest son, the girl always forgets one thing: she is a daughter of the Jiang family. Before doing anything, she must first consider if the Jiang family will be affected. Now that she has caused such a stir, not to mention the Jiang family, how will you and your second brother face this? How will your colleagues view you? What will the Emperor think? And then there is Youyao; her marriage to the Zhou family is ruined, but she still needs to marry. With this fuss, Youyao’s marriage prospects will be affected too. What... what is she doing?" The Old Madam shook her head repeatedly.

Hearing mention of Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran seized the opportunity, weeping: "Master, Mother is right. This time, Li’er has truly gone too far. Youyao has done nothing. First the trouble with the heir of the Duke of Zhou, and now... I only hope to find a suitable marriage for Youyao... With Li’er causing such a scene, what respectable family in Yanjing would dare to associate with us? Master, you are her biological father, you must discipline her!"

Ji Shuran wiped her tears with a handkerchief, looking incredibly sincere. Her words sounded harsh to Jiang Yuanbai, who said in a deep voice: "What is this about daring or not? You are the mistress of the house. She calls you mother; why would you not dare to discipline her! If she rebels in the future, bring her to me! I don't believe no one in this Jiang house can control her. I thought she had improved since returning from Qingcheng Mountain, but it seems she is as unruly as ever. I shouldn't have let her return to the mansion!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Shuran was overjoyed. Jiang Yuanbai’s words clearly showed he was disappointed in Jiang Li. Once the guilt he felt toward Jiang Li faded, it would only be a matter of time before he cast her aside.

The Old Madam glanced at Ji Shuran, knowing exactly what she was planning, but she said calmly: "The matter has already happened; blaming anyone can wait. The priority is what to do now."

"Indeed, brother," Jiang Yuanping added: "Li’er has just returned, and the whole capital is watching us. We cannot let her continue like this."

"I have decided," Jiang Yuanbai said with a dark expression, "Once they return to the mansion, I will lock her up! No one is to see her! Whatever case to be overturned, whatever Tongxiang disturbance—it has nothing to do with her, and nothing to do with our Jiang family! Let those people make whatever noise they want; Jiang Li will not be allowed to participate! Without Jiang Li, I don't think they can accomplish anything. We will treat it as a joke, and eventually, the people of the capital will laugh and move on. No one is to mention it again! I will pretend my Jiang family was just putting on a play for the audience!"

Everyone fell silent. This seemed to be the best way. Jiang Li’s actions could not be undone, but they could block her next steps. No matter if this "overturning of the case" succeeded or not, the end result would be the Jiang family becoming a laughingstock.

A young girl interfering in politics? Xue Huaiyuan was a stranger; why would she put in such effort to help him?

People's gossip could be a deadly weapon.

Just as they were speaking, Jiang Jingrui ran in and asked: "I heard Jiang Li is back? Why haven't I seen her?"

Jiang Yuanbai said irritably: "She hasn't arrived yet."

"Not arrived?" Jiang Jingrui was puzzled, "According to the messages, Jiang Li should be at the mansion by now. Even at a slow pace, she should be here. Could it be she isn't coming back?"

"How is that possible? Where else would she go? Is that proper?" Jiang Yuanbai shouted, though he felt a hint of unease.

Jiang Li was clever and had a mind of her own. When she decided to do something, she was thorough. Could it be that she had already anticipated he would lock her up and decided not to return, planning to stay outside?

Thinking of this, Jiang Yuanbai’s anger grew. She clearly didn't respect him as a father. Even if she didn't come home, he would have her brought back.

Jiang Jingrui shrugged and said nothing. Just then, the messenger returned.

This time, he looked much more panicked. It was mid-winter, yet sweat streamed down his face. He said: "Old Madam, Master, the Second Young Lady did not return to the mansion. They... they went to the Chang’an Gate."

Chang’an Gate?

Jiang Yuanbai’s face changed drastically.

"What are they doing at Chang’an Gate?" Jiang Jingrui asked curiously.

"Going to the Chang’an Gate, to strike the stone lions, to beat the drum of injustice." Jiang Yuanbai squeezed out the words.

...

The Chang’an Gate was directly in front of the Imperial Palace.

On special days, the Emperor held ceremonies there. Normally, it was guarded by soldiers and rarely visited.

In the vast square, two large, imposing stone lions stood. In front of each lion was a giant sheepskin drum painted in red. The drumsticks were there, covered in a thick layer of dust, as if no one had touched them in a long time.

The convoy stopped in front of the Chang’an Gate, and Jiang Li jumped down from the carriage.

People gathered from all directions around the gate. Seeing Jiang Li descend, their eyes lit up. Jiang Li was the lead actor in this play; now that she had appeared, the show was about to begin.

In a nearby restaurant, a beauty in red looked down at the slender figure before the gate and instructed her attendant: "Watch closely. Don't let anyone take advantage of the chaos to harm the little one."

"Understood," Wen Ji replied.

With such a spectacle, that person would naturally be furious and reckless. He feared that someone might hide in the crowd and strike at Jiang Li. If one of his own people were killed, he would lose face. Moreover, he wanted to see how Jiang Li would win this round, so he had to protect her.

Jiang Li walked to the Chang’an Gate. The two guards stared at her blankly.

Jiang Li turned around. Ye Mingyu stood by her side, and the people of Tongxiang fell silent. They knew what they had to do.

"I have thought and thought; this matter cannot wait. So I did not return home and came straight here. Today's business must be done today. Since we have arrived in Yanjing, we will finish the first task." She pointed to the stone lions, "This is my first time here, too. This is the Chang’an Gate."

"The Chang’an Gate, strike the stone lions, beat the drum of injustice," Jiang Li said, "This is the last chance to obtain justice."

She thought that if she had been alive back then, able to leave the scholar's mansion, the first thing she would have done was run here, pick up the drumsticks, and beat the drum of injustice to tell her story. However, at the time, her opponent was Princess Yongning, and she was alone. The Princess could have erased her evidence as easily as she could have ended her life.

Now it was different. As the Second Young Lady of the Jiang family, the entire city—from nobles to commoners—was watching. Moreover, she had so many people with her. It would be difficult for Yongning to clean up the traces this time.

She wouldn't give Yongning that chance.

Jiang Li faced the Tongxiang people: "In this world, fairness and justice are hard to come by. Sometimes, even one's life is not enough to obtain them. Fortunately, we have at least gained this opportunity, although it does not come without a cost." She paused before continuing, "To accuse an official is like a son killing his father; it carries a punishment of fifty lashes. Striking this stone lion and beating this drum means accepting fifty lashes. If we win, it is a cause for celebration; if we lose, we fail to overturn the case, suffer the lashes, and perhaps lose our lives."

The Tongxiang people looked at each other, and the Yanjing people whispered. Even the group in the prison carts looked surprised. They hadn't known this.

Jiang Li said: "All this for a chance at fairness and justice, with no guarantee of the outcome. Who is willing to stand up? To beat this drum?"

Fifty lashes meant losing half one's life; the frail might even perish. Even if they won, the price was heavy.

Jiang Li said calmly: "If no one is willing, I will beat the drum."

The crowd stirred. She looked indifferent, as if this were only natural. She had no relation to Xue Huaiyuan, yet she had done so much for him, risking her life.

"How can we trouble the Second Young Lady." A man stepped out of the crowd, calm and composed: "I swore to follow the Master, and helping to overturn the case is my duty as a subordinate. I will beat the drum." It was Peng Xiao.

"And me," He Jun stood out: "Fifty lashes is nothing compared to the torture we endured from that corrupt official in Tongxiang. I will do it too."

"And us," Gu Da and Gu Er stepped forward, "It's just a drum of injustice, we brothers are willing!"

Ye Mingyu laughed heartily: "These thin-legged fellows don't need to bother. I have thick skin, I'm not afraid of a beating. I've never beaten the drum of injustice in my life; let me do it!"

"Don't fight me on this, I must be included." Butcher Zhang stepped out, "You all have little strength; I am a butcher, I have strength. I'll make sure the whole of Yanjing hears it. I'll do it!"

"I'll do it!"

"I'll do it!"

"I'll do it!"

As if infected, the people of Tongxiang stood out one by one, vying to beat the drum. Even the delicate Dai Yun said: "I want to beat it too, if not for Master Xue, then for ourselves. During the time Feng Yutang was in power, we suffered too much. Since fairness is so hard to get, what are fifty lashes? Second Young Lady, let me do it!"

Not a single person backed down.

The two guards at the gate saw their expressions change for the first time. They had seen many who wanted to beat the drum. If not driven to the brink, who would come to such a place? Most of those who came would linger and then leave, unable to pay the price. Those who didn't leave were usually determined to die, ready to perish with their enemies.

But never had they seen so many people vying to beat the drum, without a hint of hesitation. Even the young girl held by a woman had a look of firm resolve.

They truly had a massive grievance, and they were truly fearless.

The people of Yanjing watched, gradually falling silent. Although they came to watch a show, human hearts were not made of stone. Seeing so many people act with such resolve, they realized the situation was not simple.

And the Second Young Lady Jiang stood in the center, the backbone of the crowd. Her few words were the direction of the people's hearts; they were willing to follow her because she brought them hope. No matter how dim or difficult, hope was hope.

Hope gave people the courage to keep going, the hope to overcome everything.

In the prison carriage, Feng Yutang suddenly laughed loudly. He laughed ostentatiously, and everyone turned to look at him.

A Tongxiang villager, hating him to the core, picked up a stone and threw it at him: "What are you laughing at!"

Feng Yutang said: "I am laughing at your stupidity! I am laughing that heaven is so kind to me. No matter the outcome of this case, before it even begins, half of these people will collapse, and some may even die! You pay such a heavy price to ruin me, and I find it delightful!"

He laughed again.

The crowd looked at him with anger but had to admit he was right. It was a stifling feeling—the villain hadn't been punished, yet the good people were already losing everything. Whose damned rule was this?

Jiang Li laughed softly as well.

Feng Yutang stopped laughing, looking at her gloomily: "What are you laughing at?"

"I am laughing at Magistrate Feng's naivety," Jiang Li said lightly: "Fifty lashes is true, but you forget, there is more than one person to beat the drum. No one ever said that for a single case, the lashes cannot be shared among everyone."

"There are over a hundred people here. Even if everyone took a hit, it would be nothing." Jiang Li mocked him: "Isn't that right, Magistrate Feng?"

Feng Yutang could no longer laugh. Instead, laughter erupted from the crowd.

"It's only half a lash per person! That's nothing, I'll take a few more for everyone! I have thick skin, it doesn't matter!"

"Don't, I want to taste it too, everyone don't fight over it!"

"Can I take an extra half? This half-lash-by-half-lash is too much trouble, let's make it quick!"

In the small building, Ji Heng let out a laugh.

This method... she really thought of it. But finding loopholes in official regulations was always her specialty. She was never one to suffer a loss; she was shrewd as could be.

Jiang Li walked slowly toward the giant drum.

The drum sat quietly, as if waiting for a long time. The stone lions were majestic, their heads covered in frost. Through the seasons, justice was finally arriving.

"Boom!" The dust on the drum was scattered by the heavy strike, mixing with the snow in the sky. After the dust settled, there was clarity.

"Boom!" The grievances of two lifetimes had finally found an outlet for justice. The outlet was narrow and bottomless, but following the light, one could finally see a glimmer of dawn.

"Boom!" From dull to clear, from chaos to clarity—it took only three beats.

The sound of the drum echoed throughout the Chang’an Gate, startling the entire city of Yanjing.

Everyone heard it.