CHAPTER 684: CHAPTER 684 DISPOSAL

Strange!

He had solved countless cases over the years and instantly sensed something was wrong. He had been squatting outside the door all along. The moment the carriage left, he immediately followed it.

「The next day, in the Imperial Study Room.」

The Minister of Justice was reporting everything he had investigated the day before.

"Emperor, your humble servant has found that the assassin indeed has a daughter who is only three years old!"

"The strange woman from yesterday is not his wife, but a servant of a Zhou-surnamed family!"

Zhao Junyao narrowed his eyes.

"A Zhou-surnamed family?"

"Which one?"

It seemed that among the high-ranking officials and nobility of the first and second ranks at court, there was nobody by the surname of Zhou.

The Minister of Justice hesitated for a moment before stumbling to remind, "Emperor, the Empress’s mother, Lady Fan... it seems her maiden name is Zhou!"

No sooner had the words fallen than Zhao Junyao’s face turned instantly dark.

The atmosphere in the room was like it had been encased in ice, so tense it left people breathless.

The case had gotten to this point, and it was pretty much clear now. The Empress had used the Fan Family to hire an assassin to kill the Emperor, and she attempted to frame Consort Xian Pin and the Xia Family. On top of everything, Shih Jieyu had been accidentally injured. To this moment, the arrow was still embedded in her chest, her life hanging by a thread!

If this string of charges were proven, let alone the Empress, even the Fan Family wouldn’t be spared.

Zhao Junyao clenched the cup in his hand so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"So, it was the Empress after all!"

With his suspicions confirmed, the emperor’s rage knew no bounds.

"Summon someone!"

Li Shengan hurried forward.

"Call for the Grand Scholars of the Hanlin Academy to come here!"

Li Shengan was taken aback. Weren’t we just discussing the case? How did it suddenly involve the Hanlin Academy?! Truly, the mind of an emperor is unfathomable!

The Grand Scholars of the Hanlin Academy also felt turmoil upon receiving the news. What could be so urgent?!

But they still hurried to the palace. Once they entered the Imperial Study Room and saw the Emperor’s stern face, they felt increasingly nervous.

"Emperor, may I ask what your command is?"

Zhao Junyao couldn’t be bothered to beat around the bush, and after giving them a glance, he gave orders to the Minister of Justice.

"You, thoroughly investigate the rotten books of the Fan Family and ensure they can never turn over a new leaf!"

He then gave instructions to the Grand Scholars.

"And you, list each charge clearly!"

"Remember, not one should be missing!"

The Grand Scholars and the Minister of Justice looked at each other. After exchanging glances, they quickly knelt down.

"We will obey the decree!"

Zhao Junyao’s piercing gaze swept over them, and with a cold snort, he waved his hand. "Rise, within three days, I wish to hear good news. You may leave!"

"Yes!"

After speaking, they all exited.

Watching them leave, Zhao Junyao finally felt some of the pent-up anger inside him dissipate. He felt incredibly relieved.

These government officials, especially those who had been in the bureaucracy for decades, who among them could have a clean slate that would withstand scrutiny? They were already confined to the Capital City; bringing them down couldn’t be simpler! There were only added charges, not reduced ones.

Thus...

It didn’t even take three days; news arrived the next day.

In the Imperial Court, General Fan faced collective impeachment by the censorial ministers. The charges were numerous and varied. There were allegations of him abusing his power, indulging in debauchery, and using his authority for personal gain. From the serious crime of the previous loss of Yanguan City to something as trivial as visiting a brothel eight hundred years ago. All kinds of stale and moldy matters were brought up, causing an uproar in the court.

The Emperor’s face wore an expression of helplessness, and he had to summon General Fan for questioning.

General Fan was a martial man, and in his youth, he was a hero. He held nothing but disdain for those sour-smelling scholars who nagged and squabbled like women, endlessly fussing. So, in his great rage, he admitted everything. "It was all me! Do what you will!"

That sealed it. There were now witnesses and evidence aplenty.

Zhao Junyao was like a fox that had been lying in wait for its prey for a long time. Seeing the prey had taken the bait, the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but curl into a faint smile.

"How dare you!"

He feigned great anger and looked at General Fan with disappointment.

"I had wanted to have you here to clarify things, not to find that all of this was true!"

"Since that is the case, there is no further need for discussion. The charges stand!"

"Guards, take Fan You to the Imperial Prison and set a date for his trial!"

His words fell with authority, garnering the support of the accusers. They knelt in a rustling wave, crying out, "The Emperor is wise!"

Fan You was stunned.

"Your Majesty..."

The Emperor must have always known about his sordid affairs. When Yanguan City fell, the Emperor merely revoked his military power. And now, over these old and trivial matters, the Emperor sought to prosecute him? He was a general appointed by the Late Emperor. How could he dare, the juvenile emperor, how could he dare.

"Your Majesty, I am wronged!" he shouted as he knelt to the ground.

Zhao Junyao sneered.

"Wronged?! Fan You, in consideration of your long service through two reigns, I have tolerated you to no end!"

"To think that you actually committed these absurd acts!"

"If I were to pardon you, it would be against all reason and justice!"

"Take him away!"

No sooner had Zhao Junyao spoken than Commander Xu led the Imperial Forest Army in, surrounding Fan You on all sides. He was impartial as steel, his voice cold and firm.

"General Fan, I apologize for this offense—take him away!"

"Yes!"

The gathered soldiers stepped forward with drawn swords, ready to take action. Fan You’s eyes bulged in disbelief.

"You dare!"

Commander Xu gave a faint smile.

"Why wouldn’t I dare? Don’t delay, do it now!"

The group of soldiers rushed forward, seizing Fan You. Commander Xu saluted the Emperor before withdrawing.

Peace once again returned to the court, to the satisfaction of Zhao Junyao and his ministers.

The old saying goes, ’With each new emperor comes a new set of ministers.’ The Fan Family had basked in glory at the court for many years, once dominating the military with unchecked power. They were like a century-old tree that gradually withered and decayed amid the storms before finally crashing down. Indeed, he had been the Late Emperor’s favored official. But now, it was already the Sixth Year of Jiayuan. The Emperor was establishing his authority, and the newcomers ascended. There was no turning back!

「After court was dismissed.」

Zhao Junyao, without even reviewing his documents, went straight to the Imperial Garden. It had been a long time since he had felt such elation. With the downfall of the Fan Family, the Empress was no longer a concern; it was as if a malignant tumor had been removed. From now on, no one in the Harem would dare to stir up trouble. Those women knew that if they wanted to live well, they would have to obey. A tranquil, harmonious Harem. That’s the way it should be, free from troubles forever. That’s what a Harem is for!

The more Zhao Junyao thought about it, the more relieved he felt in body and mind.

Li Shengan followed far behind, secretly wiping his sweat too. This farce had finally come to an end. If it hadn’t, my courage would have completely failed me.

Just then, Little Zhuzi came rushing over from behind.

"Master, Master!"

Li Shengan was startled and, in his frustration, he scolded as he tugged on Little Zhuzi’s ear, "You wretched boy, if you startle His Majesty, your life won’t be worth living!"

Little Zhuzi was too anxious to care. Panting, he said, "Master, at Shih Jieyu’s place... Shih Jieyu’s place..."