Chapter 2226: Deceiving with Righteousness

"I don't know what's going on," Zu An said, his face grim. "This Prince Wu is really courting death."

Zheng Dan and Sang Qian also offered to help, but Zu An shook his head. "Demons are lurking in the shadows right now. You two stay here and protect Sisi."

The two women realized he was right. If they left and the Sang family became vulnerable to demons, they would regret it deeply.

Zu An quickly left the Sang residence and headed directly towards the Jiang family estate.

Meanwhile, inside the Jiang mansion, tension was palpable.

A large contingent of heavily armored soldiers had surrounded the entire Jiang residence. In comparison, the Jiang family's guards and servants were far outnumbered and outmatched in presence. Surrounded by so many menacing elite soldiers, many of the servants' legs were trembling.

Jiang Boyang stood at the forefront of his people, his eyes like lightning. He demanded, "Prince Wu, why have you needlessly brought soldiers to surround my residence!"

He had always been upright and unyielding. Even in this perilous situation, there was no fear in his heart. Instead, his hair stood on end, and he glared furiously at the man leading the opposing forces.

Sensing his resolute tone, the Jiang family members' spirits were immediately lifted.

In the center of the opposing crowd stood a handsome and dashing young man. Everyone in the capital, friends and foes alike, had to admit that Prince Wu was the most handsome of the late emperor's sons.

It was no wonder that when he first arrived in the capital and visited various prominent families with Princess Wu, they were hailed as a perfect couple.

Prince Wu, clad in silver armor and mounted on a magnificent white horse, appeared even more strikingly handsome and ostentatious in the sunlight.

Prince Wu was now brimming with ambition and satisfaction. Just a few months prior, the capital's top families and influential figures had paid little heed to a regional vassal like him. But now, who dared to ignore him?

In recent days, countless families in the capital had fallen at his hands. Witnessing those who were once arrogant now fawning over him brought an unparalleled sense of satisfaction, a transformation from defiance to deference.

Many had been as arrogant as Jiang Boyang before, but in the end, didn't they all end up pleading desperately?

He scoffed, "Jiang, the court and the Empress have treated you well, yet you show no gratitude. Instead, you plot rebellion, a truly unforgivable crime!"

"Rebellion?" The faces of the Jiang family's guards changed. They merely worked for Jiang Boyang and, at the end of the day, were still subjects of the imperial court.

The Jiang family had always treated them well, so for other matters, they would have gladly stood by the family through hardship.

But now, the accusation was rebellion, a heinous crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan. Who would dare to endure that alongside the Jiang family?

Sensing the Jiang family's morale plummet, Prince Wu's face revealed a hint of triumph. He had witnessed such scenes many times before, and the feeling of manipulating his opponents' emotions was truly captivating.

Jiang Boyang was utterly bewildered. How could he possibly be involved in a rebellion?

Realizing that men were being sent to apprehend him, he snapped back to attention. "Nonsense! Everyone in the court knows I am loyal to the emperor and the nation. Though I may not have many talents, I do have a reputation and personal integrity. How could I possibly rebel!"

The Jiang family members nodded in agreement. Indeed, everyone was well aware of Lord Jiang's character over the years; even if everyone else in the capital rebelled, he never would.

Prince Wu sneered, "Oh really? In recent days, you've been running around, contacting the Eight Dukes, the Qin family, the Murong family, the Academy, and the heads of various army divisions. What else could all this networking be if not rebellion?"

Jiang Boyang's expression shifted slightly. He admitted that he had indeed been visiting various high officials' homes recently, as the coup that night had been far too bloody.

Previously, the imperial court was almost entirely dominated by the Liu family. After that night, the Liu family's influence was uprooted, and it was unimaginable how many people had died.

Even more outrageous was their claim that the Empress Dowager had gone missing!

Of course, he didn't believe it; she was likely dead or in grave danger.

This was his biggest grievance. Strictly speaking, the Empress Dowager was a member of the imperial family and had no real connection to the Liu family anymore.

How could they attack the Empress Dowager while dealing with the Liu family?

The Empress Dowager was the face of the imperial family and even the court itself, yet they had actually killed her directly!

Events that night unfolded too quickly, and the prominent families in the capital had no time to react.

After the initial chaos, people began to grasp the situation and started discussing their views on the matter in private.

Jiang Boyang had always commanded high prestige, and as a current co-regent minister of the court, people naturally sought him out for discussions.

He himself harbored considerable criticism regarding the matter, which was why he frequently visited various prominent families to exchange thoughts and opinions.

Complaints and dissatisfaction certainly existed, but rebellion was absolutely out of the question.

At this thought, he declared loudly, "This is nonsense! As a co-regent minister of the court, it is only natural for me to interact with other officials. How could that possibly involve rebellion?"

Prince Wu sneered impatiently, "You can say all that when you face the Three Judicial Boards. Oh, wait, you used to be the Grand Justiciar yourself, so that scene should be quite interesting."

With a wave of his hand, he commanded his subordinates to apprehend Jiang Boyang.

Jiang Boyang suppressed his anger. "Prince Wu, you keep claiming I'm rebelling, but whose order is this? Do you have an imperial decree?"

He couldn't comprehend why the astute Empress in the palace would make such an unwise move. Could Prince Wu be acting independently?

He recalled having recently submitted a memorial suggesting that Prince Wu, given his fierce temperament and immense ambition, should be sent back to his fiefdom as soon as possible.

Most likely, Prince Wu had learned of this and harbored a grudge, leading him to seek revenge. As long as Jiang Boyang held firm, the court would surely react, and the crisis would naturally resolve itself.

"An imperial decree?" Prince Wu scoffed, looking as if he had expected such a question. "Look at this!"

He raised his hand, holding a bright yellow scroll. What else could it be but an imperial decree?

"What?!" A thunderous sound echoed in Jiang Boyang's mind, and his entire spirit and energy completely drained away.

He had initially thought Prince Wu was rebelling, but it turned out he was truly acting on an imperial decree.

So, the Bi family has finally made a move against me?

No matter how wise and decisive the Empress was, she was, after all, a member of the Bi family. The previous fate of the Liu family had brought relations between them to a point of no return, and Jiang Boyang's past actions had likely touched a raw nerve with her.

Seeing his dejected state, Prince Wu scoffed and waved his hand. His subordinates immediately rushed towards Jiang Boyang to shackle him.

Just then, a pencil flew through the air, knocking the soldiers' shackles aside.

Prince Wu's expression hardened, and the group in the courtyard quickly turned to look.

At that moment, the crisp sound of high heels echoed on the flagstones, each step seeming to strike at the hearts of those present.

Even before seeing her, everyone imagined a pair of long, straight, beautiful legs approaching, accentuated by slender high heels.

When the person came into full view, the previously noisy courtyard instantly fell silent, punctuated only by occasional gasps.

Although the newcomer was strikingly beautiful, with her hair styled in a high bun secured by a jade hairpin resembling a pencil, her slender neck further accentuated her noble and aloof aura.

But everyone's gaze involuntarily dropped lower.

What beautiful legs!

The soldiers had never seen such long legs encased in black stockings, especially where the stockings met the thigh, adorned with delicate lace that hugged the rounded flesh, creating a subtle, alluring tightness.

It was as if the tightness wasn't around her flesh, but around their hearts.

Even Prince Wu, accustomed to beautiful women, couldn't help but swallow. He had heard tales of the Jiang family having a daughter with exceptionally beautiful legs, and seeing her today, the rumors certainly proved true.

However, this time the Jiang family was in his grasp...

At this thought, he lifted his head and puffed out his chest, feigning arrogance as he said, "We are acting on an imperial decree to apprehend a wanted criminal. Miss Jiang, are you intending to defy the decree?"

Jiang Luofu's chest rose and fell rapidly. She had rushed from the Academy upon hearing about the trouble at home, and her inner energy was still agitated.

She cast a cold glance at Prince Wu. "If you're acting on a decree, please open it and let us see."

On her way, she had been pondering why the court would send people to deal with the Jiang family. No matter how she thought about it, the whole affair seemed suspicious. But at that moment, there was no time for anything else; she had to return to prevent her father from being taken away.

Prince Wu's face darkened upon hearing this. "Insolent! Are you suggesting this prince is forging an imperial decree?"

Jiang Luofu moved to her father's side, forcing the soldiers back. She then stated gravely, "The capital is in turbulent times, and my father is currently a co-regent minister. It is only natural to be cautious, lest we be taken advantage of by malicious individuals."

Prince Wu's eyes narrowed. "As expected from someone from the Academy, you certainly have a sharp tongue. Unfortunately, this isn't the Academy, and I have no patience to debate with you. Say whatever you wish when you face the Three Judicial Boards."

"Seize him!"

At his command, the surrounding soldiers once again picked up their shackles and advanced towards Jiang Boyang.

Jiang Luofu's expression turned cold. "Who dares?!"

As she spoke, several pencils appeared before her, poised like flying swords.

At the same time, a slender, stick-like object, resembling a teacher's pointer, appeared in her hand. By its look, being struck by it would certainly not be a pleasant experience.

Jiang Luofu had always been very popular, with many admirers even within the Jiang family. As she took the lead, many hot-blooded young Jiang family members and guards tightened their grips on their weapons, ready to fight alongside her.

"Lord Jiang," Prince Wu said, looking coldly at Jiang Boyang, "is your Jiang family planning to rebel as a whole?"

Jiang Boyang frowned slightly, a hint of hesitation and struggle on his face.

Prince Wu's voice resounded again: "I have always heard that when Lord Jiang served as Grand Justiciar, he was scrupulously fair and embodied the empire's laws, never overseeing a single wrongful conviction. Your catchphrase was a firm belief in the justice of the law. So, now that it's your turn, are you preparing to knowingly break the law?"