I Accumulate Spirit Roots for My Next Life

Chapter 425 - 274: Qingzhou Breaking the Deadlock

Li Jizhou, after comforting Consort Zhen, proceeded alone to the palace, bearing the burden of thorns. In front of all the ministers, he rebuked Jin Zhaoyu for betraying the emperor’s grace, and thus, he deserved death.

However, before the many ministers could react, he shifted the topic, saying that although Jin Zhaoyu was guilty of heinous crimes, there might be more to it. As Jin Zhaoyu’s grandson, he was willing to personally go to Qingzhou to investigate the matter thoroughly, to give the Saint Emperor an answer, and to provide clarity to the world.

Such a frank and responsible attitude seemed to take into account familial affection and the emperor’s grace, rendering all the ministers speechless.

However, in Li Yuan’s heart, dissatisfaction had already surfaced.

As the Saint Emperor of the Dynasty, how could he be compassionate like a woman?

Regardless of whether that was the grandfather of the Seventh Prince, when it involved the nation, there should be no soft-heartedness.

Ever since the Seventh Prince entered the Academy and traveled the world, Li Yuan had become increasingly satisfied with the Seventh Prince, but this time, he was not pleased.

If he personally went to Qingzhou this time, confirmed Jin Zhaoyu’s crimes but couldn’t uphold righteousness even against his kin, then... Li Yuan would have to reconsider.

Li Yuan’s successor candidates had always been three.

The initial choice of Crown Prince was out of necessity; subsequently, the Seventh Prince, born with a Wood Spirit Body, was an alternate choice. The Ninth Prince, with the Thunder Spirit Body of Ten Thousand Laws, was almost decided upon by him, even granting him the Innate Essence.

However, the moment the Crown Prince’s Heaven and Earth Furnace manifested the supreme Golden Core Dharma Aspect, it made him waver between the Crown Prince and the Ninth Prince again.

Later on, as the Seventh Prince topped the Academy and showed growth in character, he began to earn Li Yuan’s favor.

Concerning the Crown Prince’s assassination attempt on the Ninth Prince, Li Yuan was actually not angry with the Crown Prince, nor was he disappointed due to his ruthless nature.

It ultimately came down to the fact that his character gradually fell short among the three candidates, and his talent was the least.

But now, after one assassination attempt, the Ninth Prince acted like a frightened quail, which truly displeased him.

The Seventh Prince was almost favored by him, but in the end, he showed compassion.

In comparison, the Crown Prince was not entirely unusable.

"Enough, let’s see how the Seventh Prince handles it!"

The next day, Li Jizhou set off for the Qingzhou Transmission Array with Consort Zhen.

Moments later, in Qingzhou City.

"Mother, are you aware of the specifics within the Jin family?" This time, Li Jizhou did not bring any burdens, only accompanied by Hong Luan and another three half-demons and Liu Hongling from the Yellow Springs Blood Fiend Realm.

Not going through the Governor of Qingzhou, he even deliberately had Li Yuan permit his concealed presence.

Now, walking the streets of Qingzhou City with Consort Zhen, he casually asked.

Consort Zhen’s real name was Jin Shuyuan, known as the most beautiful woman in Qingzhou City since childhood. With the Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Jin family doting on her, she was pampered since childhood, and many young talents of Qingzhou families sought her favor unsuccessfully.

After decades away, walking through the familiar yet unfamiliar Qingzhou City again, Jin Shuyuan couldn’t help but sigh.

The favored consort of the Jiuli Dynasty’s Saint Emperor?

She didn’t care for it, nor did she want it.

But for the sake of her hundreds of family members, she never expressed any unwillingness to anyone and appeared full of joy, grateful for becoming Consort Zhen.

Until the birth of the Seventh Prince, her unwillingness deep down faded considerably.

She placed all her hopes on her son.

The two most important people in her life: a father and a son. Yet now, her father faces a grave accusation threatening death.

She didn’t answer Li Jizhou’s question directly but sighed:

"Qian’Er, people’s hearts change easily, especially after mother has asked your grandfather many times to gather resources for you over the recent years. Therefore, even though mother once had full confidence in your grandfather, now, I dare not say whether he did these things or not."

Li Jizhou nodded: "It’s already very commendable for mother to think this way. However, the fact that your grandfather’s family could bring this matter before the emperor naturally means the Dragon Aspect has already nodded.

The Dragon Aspect acts meticulously, not involving itself in matters it cannot guarantee, so this case is likely true."

Jin Shuyuan felt a tightness in her heart when she heard this, looking at Li Jizhou with even more love: "If it’s probably true, then Qian’Er you..."

"Mother, rest assured, I will save grandfather." Li Jizhou assured.

Tears glistened in Jin Shuyuan’s eyes as she lovingly caressed Li Jizhou’s cheek: "Qian’Er, it’s mother who has burdened you."

In Jin Shuyuan’s view, Li Jizhou intended to plead for clemency with the Saint Emperor, thereby willingly giving up the throne of the Jiuli Dynasty.

"Qian’Er, in the Jin family, the second and fifth branches have always shown weakness. Even though your grandfather has poured family resources to support you over the years, these two branches never led any opposition against your grandfather.

At one point, your grandfather often mentioned in his token that the second and fifth branches could represent hope for the Jin family, even persuading me to maintain close ties with them, and even allowing me to facilitate opportunities for you to meet them.

This indicates that the second and fifth branches once had your grandfather’s trust.

And that is why the second and fifth branches are in charge of rather important responsibilities within the family, with their presence in all business dealings, income, and procurement..."

As Jin Shuyuan narrated while walking, Li Jizhou’s brow furrowed deeper.

This time, the second and fifth branches accused of two major crimes.

First, Jin Zhaoyu was involved in frequent transactions with Qianji City of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp, purchasing dozens of Tier Four Puppets and colluding with the Ten Thousand Poison Sect to plot major affairs.

Second, Jin Zhaoyu colluded with the Demon Race of Nanling—Red Flame Division, providing them with hundreds of thousands of Red Phosphorus Gold Ores.

To the Red Flame Division, Red Phosphorus Gold Ore is the greatest cultivation resource, even more effective for them than Spirit Stones, capable of enhancing the evolution of their bloodline divine abilities.

The Red Flame Division has always borne hostility toward human cultivators, once exterminating an entire southern city of the Jiuli Dynasty, devouring thirty thousand Jiuli cultivators.

This grievance enraged both man and god, leading Li Yuan to personally lead an army of a million deep into Nanling.

Ultimately, they were jointly repelled by the ten Demon Divisions.

Since then, the Jiuli Dynasty and the Red Flame Division became mortal enemies.

And now, that city, once near the Red Flame Division, remains desolate, with none daring to reside there.

Selling resources to the Red Flame Division is indeed a grave crime for Jin Zhaoyu, unforgivable by death!

Comparatively, the first crime wasn’t as heinous since Qingzhou borders the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp, and almost every powerful family in Qingzhou City had dealings with it.

However, the Dragon Aspect’s faction presented it as the major crime to set up the second crime.

The primary crime established the authenticity of Jin Zhaoyu’s serious crime, making the second crime seem more feasible.

After learning about his grandfather’s two major crimes yesterday, Li Jizhou considered overturning the case, seeking justice, whether through finding a scapegoat or identifying the mastermind.

But now, understanding the situation within the Jin family, Li Jizhou dismissed this possibility completely.

"Since that’s the case, then only the success of one amid a mountain of bones will suffice!"

"Qian’Er, let us first see your grandfather and hear his side of the story. Perhaps someone is indeed framing him," Consort Zhen, being overly sentimental, held onto a naive hope.

"To save grandfather, I must not see him for now. Mother, you go, and keep an eye on the Communication Talisman." Li Jizhou shook his head.

"Qian’Er, where do you intend to go?"

"Naturally, to save grandfather, I am going to the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp!"