MCSCPM -Chapter 304 Trial

A guard from Prince Jing’s mansion stepped forward and said to Shangguan Qingyun, “General Shangguan, we are merely following orders. If your daughter is innocent, we will ensure she is returned safely.”

“Didn’t you hear me? I said today, no one—absolutely no one—can take my daughter away. If anyone tries, none of you will leave alive.”

This was a blatant threat. Shangguan Qingyun’s face was stern. Clearly, anyone who wanted to take Shangguan Jiaoran today would be dreaming.

The guard was unfazed. He spoke softly, “General Shangguan, I hope you understand the distinction between you and Prince Jing. Prince Jing is a royal son; you are a general. This is something everyone knows.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“This is Prince Jing’s order. We are just carrying out our duty. Please do not make things difficult for us. Besides, I believe you do not want to confront Prince Jing directly, do you? As long as Miss Shangguan has not killed anyone, we will release her immediately. This causes no harm to you, General Shangguan.”

The guard’s argument was valid. He was a subject, and Prince Jing was a royal son. No matter how capable Shangguan Qingyun was, he could not oppose Chu Jingcheng directly. Stepping back now might leave room for negotiation.

Moreover, the guards made it clear—they did not care about Shangguan Qingyun’s face. If he refused, they would fight to take Jiaoran anyway, which would benefit no one.

Shangguan Qingyun considered this carefully. He decided the matter had to be reported to the emperor immediately.

He finally said, “Fine. But hear me—if my daughter loses even a strand of hair, none of you will leave alive.”

“Understood, General Shangguan.” The guard thanked him and immediately ordered that Shangguan Jiaoran be taken away.

Shangguan Qingyun asked them to wait a moment; he still had something to say to his daughter.

Jiaoran, seeing her father yield, panicked and grabbed his arm. “Father! Why aren’t you helping me? They’re taking me to the Court of Justice, and I don’t want to go. Please, Father, you must help me!”

Seeing her so emotional, Shangguan Qingyun sighed. “Jiaoran, don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you. First, tell me—did you kill anyone? Who? You must tell me clearly so I can help you. Understand?”

“Father, I really didn’t kill anyone. I promise you.”

“Then explain. How did this happen? Why would Prince Jing come to arrest you for no reason?”

Jiaoran had lost all reason. She cried in panic. “Last time… I went to the outskirts to find that demon girl, but I couldn’t find her. So I whipped her maid, Mei’er, a few times. Just a few lashes! How could she have died? Someone must be framing me! Father, you must defend me!”

“Alright, Jiaoran, stop crying. I understand what happened. I’m going to the palace to see the emperor. For now, go with them. If anyone dares to harm you, I won’t forgive them.”

“But Father…”

“This is Prince Jing’s order. I’m in a difficult position,” Shangguan Qingyun said, showing his reluctance.

With that, the guards took Jiaoran away.

Shangguan Qingyun immediately went to the palace to see the emperor.

Chu Helian, who had already received the news, did not let him enter immediately. He instructed Eunuch Sun, “Go and tell General Shangguan that I am busy. He must wait.”

Sun hesitated. “Your Majesty, perhaps it’s not appropriate. General Shangguan is very anxious.”

“So what? I don’t want to see him. Is he going to barge in?” Chu Helian was furious. He had failed to capture Yin Qingyue, and now his son had disobeyed his order by leaving the palace. He had no time to listen to Shangguan Qingyun.

Sun dared not disobey and went to convey the message. “General Shangguan, the emperor is handling state affairs and cannot see you. Please wait outside.”

Hearing this, Shangguan Qingyun grew anxious. “Eunuch Sun, please inform him again. This is extremely urgent. I must see the emperor!”

“General Shangguan, it’s not that I wish to oppose you, but the emperor truly is busy. Please wait outside a little longer.”

“No, I can’t wait.” Shangguan Qingyun tried to rush in, and before Sun could stop him, he had already entered.

Seeing him storm in, Chu Helian’s face darkened. “This Shangguan Qingyun—he’s a general, yet now dares to ignore my words.”

Shangguan Qingyun bowed. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“General Shangguan, I told you to wait outside. Do you not heed my words?” Chu Helian’s face flushed with anger.

But Shangguan Qingyun was desperate. “Your Majesty, the matter is urgent. I had no choice but to disturb you. Please forgive me.”

“This is regarding your daughter, isn’t it?” Chu Helian already knew. Shangguan Qingyun was unsurprised—of course the emperor knew of such a major matter.

“Your Majesty, since you know, I’ll speak frankly. My daughter could not have killed anyone. I beg Your Majesty to judge fairly.”

Chu Helian set down his papers, glanced at Shangguan Qingyun, and sighed. “General Shangguan, don’t you know I’m already troubled by other matters?”

“Your Majesty, this is no minor matter! It concerns the honor of my youngest daughter. She may be willful, but she would never commit murder. There is something suspicious here. Prince Jing sent people to my residence to seize her and bring her to the Court of Justice. I request Your Majesty intervene.”

Shangguan Qingyun’s urgency was evident—otherwise, he would not have barged into the palace.

But Chu Helian seemed to see through everything. “General Shangguan, although a maid has died, it is still a human life. The evidence points to your daughter. If she is innocent, she has nothing to fear. Why worry?”

The emperor’s tone suggested he would not personally interfere. Shangguan Qingyun immediately protested, “Your Majesty, you said it’s only a maid, yet Prince Jing came with such force to my residence. Isn’t this excessive?”

“And according to you, General Shangguan, a guard’s life is not a life? The law applies to all. If your daughter committed a crime, she must be punished. If she is innocent, I guarantee Prince Jing will apologize in person.”

Hearing this, Shangguan Qingyun had no more words.

Still, he made a final plea. “My daughter is unwell. If sent to the Court of Justice, she may not survive. I hope Your Majesty can intervene and have Prince Jing release her. I will investigate the matter myself.”

“General Shangguan, do you truly ignore my words, or am I unclear? I have said repeatedly, if your daughter did not commit murder, I will see justice done. Even if you kneel before me today, I cannot help you otherwise.” Chu Helian’s patience was gone, his face full of anger.

Seeing the situation worsening, Shangguan Qingyun dared not say more. To oppose the emperor further would be considered insubordination—and he might be punished. He had no choice but to leave.

He bowed respectfully. “I take my leave, Your Majesty.”

Exiting the study, Shangguan Qingyun did not expect to encounter Ding Heng outside the palace. He cursed his luck—they were already enemies due to Jiaoran having whipped Ding Ying.

Ding Heng sneered, “What? Here to beg the emperor?”

Shangguan Qingyun looked at him disdainfully. “And you, Ding, are mocking me?”

“I wouldn’t dare, but let me remind you—you should discipline your daughter more carefully. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“My daughter’s situation hasn’t been clarified yet,” Shangguan Qingyun replied.

“The person is already dead. All evidence points to her. Even as a general, you probably can’t save her,” Ding Heng sneered.

Shangguan Qingyun’s face darkened. “My daughter is innocent! She would never kill anyone! She’s being framed!”

“General Shangguan, don’t deceive yourself. Everyone knows your daughter’s nature. Don’t expect too much, or you’ll only be disappointed.”

“Mind your own business.”

“How you educate your daughter is your concern. I merely advise you.”

“I have matters to attend to. I won’t speak further.” Shangguan Qingyun left in anger.

Ding Heng chuckled behind him. Today’s humiliation was entirely his own doing.

After leaving the palace, Shangguan Qingyun immediately went to the Court of Justice.

Outside the Court, he demanded to see his daughter. Guards blocked him.

“Step aside! I must see my daughter!”

The guards exchanged glances and refused, just like Prince Jing’s guards. “General Shangguan, we cannot let you in. Prince Jing ordered that no one—especially the general—may see Shangguan Jiaoran.”