TFWYH – Chapter 869 Proving One’s Integrity with Death

Having thought it through, Gu Hengcang bowed to the Emperor and continued,

“Your Majesty, I have also found the Taoist priest who advised Jiang Shi to change Ling Yu’s birth date all those years ago. He, too, can testify that Ling Yu is not of the imperial bloodline.”

“Summon him,” the Emperor said indifferently, appearing to be in an excellent mood.

So I’ve already seen the man who slept with pigs. Now what’s this one supposed to have slept with?

With the Emperor’s permission, Gu Hengcang quickly had the so-called Taoist escorted into the hall.

The old Taoist appeared to be in his seventies. With his immortal-like bearing and dignified appearance, he looked every bit the enlightened sage.

Even in the Emperor’s presence, he did not kneel. He merely inclined his head slightly and greeted him.

“May Your Majesty enjoy everlasting peace.”

At first glance, he was quite convincing, as though he truly possessed some mystical abilities.

The Emperor did not rebuke his lack of etiquette. Instead, he simply instructed him to tell the truth.

“Amitabha…” the old Taoist intoned calmly. “Back then, this lady did indeed come to this humble Taoist to have her child’s birth date calculated. It was also this humble Taoist who advised her to make the child’s birth date appear several years older to ward off future calamities.”

“I’ve never even met you. How could we possibly have discussed such a thing?” Xu Xi asked with a frown.

Without so much as glancing at her, the old Taoist maintained the aloof demeanor of an enlightened master.

“Those who have renounced the world do not speak falsehoods. Even if this lady has forgotten this humble Taoist, this humble Taoist has certainly not forgotten you.”

Xu Xi, disguised as Jiang Shi, was speechless.

What on earth is this?

The real Jiang Shi, disguised as the Second Princess Consort, was equally baffled.

Who exactly are you?

The whole thing was utterly ridiculous.

If Gu Hengcang hadn’t spoken with such absolute confidence, Jiang Shi herself might almost have believed him.

She carefully searched her memories of the first half of her life.

She was absolutely certain she had never met this Taoist.

But…

No one else knew that.

The Taoist spoke as if he knew her intimately—so intimately that he could probably write one of those popular tragic romance novels based on her life.

Yet facts were facts.

She had never met him.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Shi subtly shook her head at Xu Xi where no one else could see.

Xu Xi immediately understood.

Another fake witness.

Her eyes darted about before she made up her mind.

There was no point arguing with these people any longer.

Otherwise, more and more mysterious “witnesses” would keep appearing.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Xi assumed the appearance of someone overwhelmed by grief and injustice.

Slowly, trembling all over, she rose to her feet.

One shaking finger pointed directly at the old Taoist.

Her entire body quivered, but her bright eyes remained fixed upon him with burning hatred.

“What a lying charlatan!”

“What a disgrace to the monastic order—helping evil men commit evil deeds!”

Then she dropped to her knees and crawled several steps toward the Emperor before knocking her forehead heavily against the floor.

“Your Majesty!”

“I know I am powerless. I couldn’t protect myself, nor could I protect Yu’er.”

“But Heaven is above us and Earth is beneath us.”

“I have been wronged… grievously wronged!”

“Every word I’ve spoken is the truth. I swear that if I have uttered even a single lie, may I be torn apart by five horses and executed by death from a thousand cuts.”

“I am willing to die…”

“…to prove Yu’er’s innocence!”

After saying that, she looked reluctantly toward Ling Yu.

Her eyes overflowed with love, reluctance, and sorrow.

“Yu’er… your mother has failed you… I’m sorry…”

The gathered officials were stunned.

She actually dares to die?

The corner of Ling Yu’s eye twitched.

But his reaction was lightning fast.

He immediately stepped forward.

“Mother, you—”

“Your mother goes first!”

Before he could finish, “Jiang Shi” suddenly sprang to her feet and charged straight toward one of the massive dragon pillars in the great hall.

Bang!

Her head struck the pillar with tremendous force.

Blood splattered everywhere.

Xu Xi’s body went limp as she collapsed to the floor.

The civil and military officials collectively gasped.

“Hiss…”

“Mother!” Ling Yu roared in grief as he rushed toward her.

Meanwhile, inside his head:

Wait… this wasn’t in the script! Why are you adding your own scenes?!

“Mother-in-law!”

Tang Wan also reacted instantly, crying out as she hurried over.

The husband and wife knelt on either side of “Jiang Shi’s” body.

Small.

Pitiful.

Helpless.

Tears streamed endlessly down their faces.

The officials were completely dumbfounded.

Th-this…

At that moment, Huangfu Yi’s eyelid twitched.

Without warning, he grabbed the real Jiang Shi’s hand, who was standing beside him.