"Forget it, we’ve done everything we can. For now, we can only wait here for Chengyu to return. Since he said three days, let’s wait for three days. If he doesn’t return, then we’ll seek help."
As the sky darkened, the twilight gradually faded away.
Yin Kun and the other officials were walking on the path out of the palace gates when he saw Kuang Zhao Ying, who was walking ahead, in a hurry.
With a cold snort in his heart, he quickened his pace to catch up, "Lord Kuang!"
Kuang Zhao Ying, already upset from being reprimanded by the Emperor earlier, turned his head only to hear Yin Kun from the Inspectorate calling him.
As he turned around, his face already bore a smile, greeting Yin Kun.
Though Yin Kun’s rank was the sa as his and he was from the Inspectorate, Kuang Zhao Ying despised the officials from the Inspectorate, yet he had to muster his spirits to deal with him.
"Lord Yin!"
Yin Kun wasted no ti, "Lord Kuang, since Mr. Hu has already presented the evidence before the Emperor, it’s apparent that the corruption case is unfounded. My junior colleague was mistakenly imprisoned by you, and I hope Lord Yin will release Gu Chengyu soon. Gu Chengyu is a scholar, and this year’s examination top scorer; being in prison harms his reputation."
Seeing Kuang Zhao Ying’s increasingly livid expression, Yin Kun continued, "Lord Kuang also knows that scholars value their reputation. Being imprisoned under the guise of exam cheating, how could he face the world? Once they pass the imperial examination, they can beco officials. This ti, you’ve offended quite a few candidates!"
Kuang Zhao Ying was blinded by his achievents, not expecting that Wan Xue Nian and Song Shuqing were wrongfully accused.
Among these candidates, so will surely rise in rank; this ti, Kuang Zhao Ying has indeed been caught unawares.
Kuang Zhao Ying was deeply regretful, who could have predicted such a dramatic turn of events?
Among these candidates, except for the few untouchables, as long as they entered prison, he would make sure they wouldn’t get out, but human calculations can’t compare to divine calculations.
Kuang Zhao Ying sneered, "Lord Yin! Arresting the candidates wasn’t my decision; it was marked with the Emperor’s vermilion brush. If Lord Yin has complaints, you should bring them to the Emperor."
This conversation left both parties displeased. Yin Kun recalled that earlier on the court, the Emperor had ordered Kuang Zhao Ying to re-investigate the matter, so Gu Chengyu should be back at the latest by tomorrow.
However, where did Hu Maoqing get his evidence from? Gu Chengyu said Hu Maoqing had been investigating the bandit case for over two years and now has produced evidence, yet due to insufficient evidence, was refuted by the Eldest Prince.
The court ministers never expected it to involve the Eldest Prince, although the bandit case still needs thorough investigation, the evidence for the corruption case is solid and needs no further probing.
Wan Xue Nian is truly unfortunate; if he had been a bit later in committing suicide, once Hu Maoshen presented the evidence, considering the Emperor’s regard for him, if not reinstated, retiring would have been possible.
In reality, as long as the Emperor trusts you, those impeachnt notes amount to nothing; take Xia Qing for instance, when he was Vice Minister, not a day went by without accusations, yet the Emperor kept them internal and didn’t issue them?
Now as Chief City Official, who dares to impeach him? Those morials pass through the Cabinet every day, but he gets to review them first, doesn’t he?
Yin Kun left the palace gates, saw his carriage, and let go of his thoughts, climbing aboard.
The Eldest Prince, with a somber expression, headed toward the Imperial Study Room. He hadn’t anticipated being fooled by Hu Maoshen this ti, even rescuing Guo Shi while capturing his adviser.
Previously, he underestimated Hu Maoshen, being caught off guard.
He believed his sche was ticulous, with one link connecting to the next; how did Hu Maoshen deduce it was him? Did the silver have his na engraved on it?
As soon as the assassination attempt on Guo Shi occurred, Hu Maoshen’s n rushed to rescue him. At that ti, the third brother was already detained in the mansion; neither Wan Mansion nor Song Mansion could act this quickly.
Moreover, killing Guo Shi wouldn’t benefit Wan Mansion or Song Mansion, so how did Hu Maoshen know soone was planning to kill Guo Shi?
If Hu Maoshen really were so calculated, he wouldn’t have been led by the nose for over two years.
The Eldest Prince began to suspect, wondering if there’s soone manipulating events behind the scenes? It seems soone provided Hu Maoshen with the incriminating evidence.
Going through the court officials in his mind, his first suspect was the Second Prince, followed by Xia Qing.
As the Imperial Study Room lood ahead, the Eldest Prince quickly composed himself, showing an anxious deanor as he walked towards it.
"Servant ets the Eldest Prince!" De An, seeing the Eldest Prince, hurried forward to pay his respects.
"Eunuch Chen, no need for formalities! Please notify my father."
"The Emperor said earlier, when you arrive, just go in directly, no need to report."
De An gained a new understanding of the Eldest Prince’s favored status; he didn’t even need a report to enter the Imperial Study Room today.
The Eldest Prince felt sothing was amiss; his father had been greatly angered on the court, because Hu Maoshen’s testimony had implicated him.
He had plotted against court officials and had been involved in the bandit case. Although he argued vehently on the court, the Emperor suppressed the matter due to lack of evidence.
However, he saw the anger in his father’s eyes. Today will likely not end well.
The Emperor sat behind the desk, staring silently at the Eldest Prince.
"Thud!"
"This son admits his wrongdoing, asking for father’s punishnt!"
Knowing his father’s temperant, the Eldest Prince decided to admit his mistakes directly, hoping for so room for maneuver. If he refused to repent, it would only ignite his father’s fury.
"Oh? You’re admitting your mistakes, so tell , what mistake did you make?"
The Emperor’s cold voice rang out, starkly different from the outburst earlier on the court.
The Eldest Prince dared not take it lightly; his father was the most composed when furious.
"I shouldn’t have frad the court officials, nor used the imperial examination as a raft."
"Is that all?"
The Emperor looked at his eldest son, who was over thirty, his first prince, rembering the joy when he was born.
He used to hold him often, teaching him to read, until the second one ca along.
Sothing crossed his mind, bringing him unexpected calm.
"What about the silver? Did you participate in the bandit case?"
The Emperor had already confird the Eldest Prince’s involvent in the bandit case, aiming to fra Wan Xue Nian and concurrently resolve Song Shuqing.
"Father! This son acknowledges his mistake!"
Realizing the Emperor was aware, the Eldest Prince opted to remain silent, knowing not speaking might afford him leniency.
The Emperor gazed at the Eldest Prince, eyes filled with disappointnt, and closed his eyes briefly before speaking again.
"Where did you get that silver?"
The Eldest Prince offered a bitter smile, "Hasn’t father already found out? The silver sent to the Imperial Palace a few days ago is from that batch of dirty silver."
The Emperor suddenly stood from his chair, hands trembling as he pointed at the Eldest Prince, "You! You scoundrel!"
De An heard the sound of chairs moving, followed by the shattering of porcelain.
"Father! Father! Quickly, summon the Imperial Physician!"
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