CHAPTER 389: CHAPTER 386 SUSPICION

The Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice entered the main hall, as if still feeling the lingering heat of the Emperor’s previous anger.

The Palace Attendant and eunuchs stood by with their heads bowed, even their breathing cautious, for fear of inciting disaster.

Others could avoid it, but only the two of them could not hide.

Yuan Shaoqing was contemplating how to speak when the Emperor’s somber voice reached them: "How is the investigation with Xiao Xingzong going?"

The Emperor looked up towards the main hall, seeing the unusual expressions on the faces of the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, his brow furrowed even more deeply. Could another mistake have occurred?

"Your Majesty," Yuan Shaoqing finally said with difficulty, "we encountered some problems during the investigation, and we have no choice but to temporarily detain Xiao Xingzong and come to report to Your Majesty."

The Emperor remained silent, his gaze like a sharp blade weighing down on Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Yuan Shaoqing felt that if his next words were not well-chosen, he might immediately spill blood three yards away.

"Your Majesty," Yuan Shaoqing said, "Xiao Xingzong has spoken, but what he said was truly intolerable, and we dare not report it."

Xiao Xingzong has spoken? The Emperor glanced sideways at Du Zheng.

Du Zheng’s face involuntarily changed slightly.

The Emperor steadied his mind, not allowing anyone to discern the situation, but his fingers slowly curled inwards: "What did Xiao Xingzong confess?"

Yuan Shaoqing swallowed: "Xiao Xingzong said that someone deliberately poisoned him on the way to prison, fearing he would reveal the truth about the death of Prince Guangyang long ago."

As Yuan Shaoqing spoke up to this point, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice felt a tingling scalp and hastily added: "These are all nonsense from Xiao Xingzong. I misspoke... It’s all Xiao Xingzong deliberately trying to instigate and sow discord among the monarch and ministers of Daqi. We just don’t know whether to write down Xiao Xingzong’s words in the documents."

Though Yuan Shaoqing hadn’t spoken the words, the Emperor had already guessed what Xiao Xingzong would say. He had poisoned Xiao Xingzong to make him mute and insane to prevent him from speaking before others; this he understood, and Xiao Xingzong knew too.

As to why he hadn’t taken Xiao Xingzong’s life right then, he wanted to keep Xiao Xingzong alive to show the ministers of the world the consequences of betraying Daqi. He wanted to execute Xiao Xingzong under the watchful eyes of all, letting him die beneath his legal system.

This should have been foolproof.

The Emperor’s expression was indescribably grim; now that the words were out, what should be done next?

Scenes from that year flashed through the Emperor’s mind.

Prince Guangyang’s death, General Zhao’s sacrifice, his own ascension to the throne, the hatred of Prince Guangyang haunting his dreams...

Now everything felt like a nightmare, binding him entirely.

A cup of tea was placed in front of the Emperor; Du Zheng whispered, "Your Majesty must not get angry; these are all Xiao Xingzong’s schemes."

It was all Xiao Xingzong’s schemes; if he showed anger, it would verify Xiao Xingzong’s words.

So he must not, and absolutely would not, do so.

The Emperor’s hand on his knee pressed against the gold dragon on the Dragon Robe, the threads pricking his hand painfully.

The Emperor’s gaze changed several times. Finally, he steadied himself and maintained his monarch’s dignity: "What did Xiao Xingzong say? Why are you hesitating? Since you know it’s all Xiao Xingzong’s deliberate provocation, why don’t you dare to declare it before me?"

Yuan Shaoqing bowed and said, "We feared fouling Your Majesty’s ears, believing such words shouldn’t be recorded in the documents."

The Emperor coldly replied, "Speak."

Yuan Shaoqing finally said, "Xiao Xingzong said that the death of Prince Guangyang had another hidden aspect to it, and even the opening of the pass was an order fulfilled by the Zhao Family, ultimately framing Feng Jiang. Prince Guangyang’s troops were transferred early, and the defense and construction details of the Eight States were intentionally leaked by certain people... Under such circumstances, Prince Guangyang suffered defeat."

In the great hall, a pin drop could be heard.

After a long silence, the Emperor suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with raging fury: "Prince Guangyang’s troops were indeed withdrawn, and those who withdrew them were ordered by me. Is Xiao Xingzong accusing me of harming Prince Guangyang?"

Yuan Shaoqing quickly said, "Prince Guangyang was loyal to Your Majesty and saved Your Majesty several times; if he were alive, Daqi’s border would only be more secure. How could Your Majesty sever your own arm? These are all absurd words."

The Emperor said coldly, "Xiao Xingzong betrayed Daqi, now imprisoned, still intent on causing chaos in the court. I am not afraid to leave records; when I fought alongside Prince Guangyang while in Prince’s Mansion, we were like brothers. If Prince Guangyang hadn’t died in battle, we would now be an eternal model of monarch and minister. It’s been nineteen years since Prince Guangyang’s death, and now when we’ve just recovered the Eight States, Xiao Xingzong speaks slander."

"A mere rebel, facing death yet still unrepentant, trying every means to stir trouble. I am not afraid of his words, nor the writings on the documents, even less so the eyes of the world. If anyone doubts, they can come and ask me."

The Emperor’s face was majestic: "Write down what he said truthfully. No matter how splendidly described, lies can never become truth. Although I may not be like the previous Emperor, I wouldn’t commit such shameful acts. If I indeed acted so, then heaven would punish me."

"Your Majesty is wise."

Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice knelt in salute.

The Emperor closed his eyes and took a deep breath: "Did you see Song Jiedu upon entering the palace?"

Yuan Shaoqing said, "We did see him, Your Majesty."

"Song Jiedu questions the dereliction of the escorting guards," the Emperor said, "and Xiao Xingzong claims someone deliberately used poison on him. This matter must be thoroughly investigated."

Yuan Shaoqing responded, "We accept the command."

The Emperor continued, "The guards involved belong to the Palace Department. I will send someone to join the investigation."

Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, having received their orders, withdrew.

The Emperor glanced at Du Zheng, who immediately understood and quickly followed them out.

"Gentlemen," Du Zheng called after Yuan Shaoqing and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

Du Zheng asked, "Do you know how to write the document?"

Yuan Shaoqing bowed: "I request your guidance, Sir."

Du Zheng looked at Yuan Shaoqing: "Write truthfully. If there’s uncertainty, writing it down too may lead to future exploitation by those with ulterior motives despite current clarity."

After being guided by Du Zheng, Yuan Shaoqing immediately understood. Some matters need detailed reporting, while others ought to be brushed over. He had anticipated this conclusion upon entering the palace; though Du Zheng’s words were valuable, these thoughts could not be made public. If this issue ever became a stir again, he alone would bear the blame.

As Yuan Shaoqing left the palace, his mind was in utter chaos. Xiao Xingzong’s words, the Emperor’s expression, Du Zheng’s later guidance felt like a thorn in his heart, making him suspect Xiao Xingzong was telling the truth.

He shivered involuntarily. He should not question as such, yet he couldn’t help thinking.

Ahead lay the palace gates; Song Xian was still kneeling there. Suddenly, Yuan Shaoqing grabbed the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice: "Today’s hall matters must not be spoken of outside."

Both stood in the wind and snow, their bodies growing increasingly cold.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice nodded; matters involving one’s life and death must not be divulged.

...

In the great hall, the Emperor’s face was shrouded in hostility.

"Who is it?" the Emperor asked.

This issue with Xiao Xingzong could not be an accident; someone must have arranged it from the shadows.

Du Zheng whispered: "With such a matter surfacing, it’s logical that those who benefit would be the faction of Prince Guangyang."

The faction of Prince Guangyang might be seeking revenge for him, intentionally orchestrating this. After all this has emerged, the Emperor couldn’t easily act against Princess Jia’an, or would it not confirm Xiao Xingzong’s statements?

Du Zheng continued, "But... it doesn’t seem so. Song Jiedu is clearly unaware that Xiao Xingzong could speak, or he wouldn’t have angered His Majesty here."