Chief Judge Zhao’s question was barely out of his mouth before he stood directly in front of Ming Yi, his imposing presence instantly freezing the atmosphere around them. Ji Bozai was visibly displeased, his fingers twitching slightly.
“Bozai,” Prince Gong quickly intervened, sensing the tension and pressing down on Ji Bozai’s hand. “It’s just a few questions, no need for punishment.”
To others, it might be just a few questions, but his little girl was timid and would likely be frightened to tears. He was still alive and present; how could he let her be bullied into tears by someone else? He was about to throw the man out when Ming Yi spoke up.
“The esteemed judge is fair in his investigations; I will naturally cooperate,” she said, her voice steady as she knelt, meeting Chief Judge Zhao’s gaze without fear or submission. “Please, have a seat, my lord.”
Standing to interrogate would be a blatant disrespect to Ji Bozai, but sitting down to drink would make it seem like a casual chat. Her thoughtful and appropriate response surprised Ji Bozai, who glanced at her with newfound appreciation.
Ming Yi gently pressed his hand, which was clenched on his lap, then turned to face Chief Judge Zhao, who had taken a seat. “What questions do you have, my lord?”
“May I ask, young lady, if you saw Wei Hongfei and Zou Wancheng at the inner court banquet that day?”
“Of course, I saw them. Those two officials were seated in the second row on the left side of the main hall.”
“Oh?” Chief Judge Zhao scrutinized her closely. “Did you offer them a toast?”
Ming Yi smiled wryly. “Does the lord not know the role of a dancer? Naturally, all the officials present were toasted.”
“What time did you go to offer the toast?”
“There was no water clock in the hall, so I do not know the exact time. But when I went over, the two officials were still chatting and looked well.”
Chief Judge Zhao fell silent, his sharp gaze sweeping over Ming Yi’s face inch by inch. Ming Yi met his gaze calmly, without a hint of panic.
After a moment, Chief Judge Zhao said, “You are the most suspicious.”
Yet her eyes showed no guilt or fear, clearly indicating she was neither hiding anything nor lying.
Prince Gong studied Ming Yi for a long time before speaking. “It’s only suspicion. Miss Ming’s background is clean and verifiable, and she has never been in contact with the Wuyou grass. She cannot be convicted.”
“There were over seventy dancers that night, but only Miss Ming is from Yuan County, had toasted the deceased before their deaths, and left the inner court without being questioned,” Chief Judge Zhao said, frustrated. “Half a month is enough time for her to concoct a flawless lie. Even if she can’t be convicted, she’s not entirely without suspicion.”
Ming Yi’s expression turned serious, a hint of anger on her face. “What do you mean, my lord? If you can’t find the murderer, are you going to pin the suspect label on me?”
Chief Judge Zhao glared at her, unfazed. If not for Ji Bozai’s backing, he would have already used force on this mere dancer.
YOU ARE READING
Love In The Clouds
Actionfrom Chinese novel, adapted as a drama Jibozai felt that Mingyi was an excellent knife. She was exquisite and sharp, yet devoted to him wholeheartedly. He would use her to eliminate all traitors, then turn her into the brightest badge on his crown...
