"Miss Li is gentle and virtuous, well-read and reasonable, a model young lady of the capital. Her family has served the throne loyally for generations and has never harbored disloyal thoughts. Such baseless suspicions are a grave insult to loyal ministers."
So said a high-ranking court official who wished to remain anonymous, before the Li family was falsely accused of colluding with an enemy nation and wiped out.
"As for the Eighth Prince? His Highness is dutiful and sincere, devoted to his studies, and has no interest in state affairs, let alone secretly investigating such an outrageous matter. You are all worrying too much."
On the eve of Eighth Prince Li Pingyi's death while investigating the truth, an attendant from the Eastern Palace stated with certainty during a tipsy conversation.
"The truth? The evidence in the Li case is as solid as a mountain. It was reviewed by the Three Judicial Offices and decided by His Majesty himself. The land is at peace, and all the rebels have been executed. How could any remnants remain? And even if there were, beneath the might of the throne, they would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, merely a laughingstock."
At the New Year palace banquet, a powerful Grand Secretary held a jade cup and smiled as he made this declaration in response to a visiting envoy's mild question. The entire hall echoed with approving laughter.
...They wouldn't be laughing for much longer.
