Chapter 193 Now, Are You Satisfied?
As soon as the news of the military rations being robbed came to light, the officials in charge of the Supervisory Office and the Fengzheng Office all came to the palace to ask for an audience.
Before this, Yan Yu had already entered the palace and sat on equal footing with Gu Mengzhen.
Gu Nianting found an excuse and arrived early, ready.
Gu Mengzhen was originally wondering why these two people came to the palace together today. After listening to the narration of the Supervisory Office and the Prime Minister of the Imperial Household, he realized that they had conspired together.
Why would they target Lord Xu for no reason?
The Protector General Xiao Xiangshuo presented all the evidence with a solemn expression but a hint of respect.
"Here is the evidence, please have a look, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, Lord Xu's reckless actions have implications for the war in the northern border. The losses are incalculable. I beg Your Majesty to make a wise decision!"
The Inspector General Gao Ji behaved in a generous manner and did not laugh easily. He then expressed his opinion.
"Although there is no law that explicitly states that there is collusion with the Liang Alliance, it is still a crime that cannot be avoided. I, your humble servant, humbly believe that you have the intention of disrespecting the emperor and should be punished."
"He is suspected of collaborating with the enemy, and his notoriety is notorious enough to be recorded in history books, to warn future generations that ignorance and confusion are unacceptable, and that the right path is to remove all unruly people."
Qi Lei was very polite and bowed down.
"You are a noble family, and you are one of the eight prime ministers. Lord Xu is suspected of being guilty, and should be handed over to Yin Sitai for punishment."
"I dare to make a suggestion. Please abandon the old principles and stop tolerating."
Tao Kangping's expression was calm as he added.
"The evidence is irrefutable. Lord Xu cannot escape the blame. It is imperative that the Xu family be held accountable."
"In my humble opinion, the Xu and Leng clans are closely related. The Leng clan should cooperate with the investigation and at least keep Yin Sitai silent."
"This is about military rations. Feng Zhengtai has the right to inquire about it. I beg the emperor to grant my approval."
Gao Ji also made the suggestion.
"This is related to the war in the northern border. The Inspectorate should also participate in the interrogation. I beg the emperor to allow it."
When he thought of the consequences of this matter, Gu Mengzhen felt a splitting headache.
"This……"
He wanted to protect Xu Mingqian, but they had threatened him to such an extent. How could he show favoritism in public?
After thinking for a while, he still didn't say anything.
Yan Yu smiled modestly and pleaded sincerely.
"Lord Xu has been toiling on paperwork for many years, working without complaint. My Royal Brother, please consider his invaluable contributions and be lenient with him."
"It was handed over to Yin Sitai and recorded in history books. The punishment was too severe."
After hearing this, Gu Mengzhen gnashed his teeth and his head hurt even more.
Gu Nianting raised his objection politely.
"Please forgive me for speaking frankly. Your Majesty's words are wrong."
"The situation is serious and irreversible. Father is setting an example for the world. How can you be lenient with him?"
"Saving the Xu family will ruin your father's reputation. It is inevitable that thousands of people will accuse the current emperor of partiality and perverting the law. What will your father do then?"
"Uncle Emperor is kind and I understand that, but this is not the right way to deal with it."
Yan Yu was startled at first, then smiled and responded with a hint of meaning.
"is it?"
"I have never been good at law and order, and I only know how to be an idle prince. Fortunately, I have your erudition and wisdom."
Gu Nianting understood the meaning of the words and lowered his eyes in shame.
"Uncle, your praise is too great. I, your humble nephew, am ashamed to accept it."
"I studied the laws and regulations to better assist my uncle and father, but despite my hard work, I still only have a limited understanding."
"I am grateful to my uncle for not abandoning me. I am very grateful for your kindness."
Yan Yu responded with a smile, then turned to look at Mengzhen and asked him urgently.
"Brother, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
The incident happened suddenly, and Gu Mengzhen was at a loss as to what to do and could only comply temporarily.
"This is a serious matter and cannot be judged lightly. I think it is better to let Yin Sitai investigate it carefully before handling it."
After he finished speaking, an idea suddenly occurred to him. Why not take advantage of Yan Yu's hypocritical behavior and take the opportunity to save Xu Aiqing?
After thinking about it, he asked Yan Yu's attitude with a smile.
"What do you think of my decision, my brother?"
As long as Yan Yu said a few more words to plead for mercy, he would go along with it and give her a lighter sentence in Yan Yu's name.
Just tell others that King Di Jin is kind and that will be enough.
Gu Mengzhen smiled secretly, looking so smug that he almost showed off his pride.
Unexpectedly, Yan Yu took a different approach and answered the question irrelevantly.
"The water is clean, and everyone knows it. I believe that the Minister of Justice Xie is upright and impartial, and the Minister of Justice Teng is fair and just. They will definitely handle the matter impartially."
Gu Mengzhen suddenly couldn't laugh anymore.
"I'm not asking you about their character, I'm asking..."
Yan Yu immediately stood up, bowed briefly, and interrupted him as if she was unaware.
"I suddenly remembered an urgent matter that cannot be delayed. Please excuse me for being rude and leave first."
Gu Mengzhen was caught off guard and stood up to stop it.
"My dear brother, please wait..."
Yan Yu raised her hand and smiled politely.
"My royal brother, please stay. There is no need to see me off."
Gu Mengzhen insisted on moving closer.
"I mean..."
Yan Yu kept her distance and responded politely.
"You really don't have to send me off. You and I are brothers, there's no need to be so polite."
"I'll take my leave now."
After that, he turned around and left.
Gu Mengzhen was furious and quietly rolled his eyes.
You are so self-indulgent. Who gave it to you?
Gu Nianting stood up at the same time, followed closely behind, and performed the formal ceremony of leaving.
"My son's feelings for Wang Yun have been completely resolved after seeing my father."
"I respectfully take my leave. I will come to visit you another day."
Now that the matter had come to an end, the four adults naturally did not stay any longer.
"Wei Chen retire."
After a while, only Gu Mengzhen, the palace maids and the guards were left in Di Sheng Palace.
Gu Mengzhen rubbed his forehead lightly, sighed silently, and then gave instructions.
"Xiao Fuzi, summon Zhuang Shao to the palace."
Xiao Fuzi responded respectfully.
"Yes."
Willows and fragrant grass, rain-smeared and thick smoke.
The drizzle was as fine as silk, wetting the eaves of Yinshitai, with the beautiful mountains and rivers reflected on the background, which was truly a beautiful sight.
When the emperor's will came, Xie Mao immediately sent people to clear out the Xu and Leng mansions and captured all of them without leaving any behind.
In the Yinsitaizhong, Xu Mingqian was shocked when he heard the charges.
"How did my jade pendant end up in the hands of the leader of the Fuliang League?"
Leng Man was also shocked.
"I know the master, he would never do such a foolish thing."
"Master, please calm down and think about it. Has anyone visited you recently?"
Xu Mingqian was uneasy and uncertain, like a frightened bird.
After thinking for a long time, I finally got a response.
"Ms. Zhuang San, you seem to be suspicious."
"She came the day before yesterday and originally wanted to invite Yuan'er to go shopping for jewelry together. Unfortunately, Yuan'er was not at home, so she came to ask me when Yuan'er would be back home."
"During the pleasantries, she casually asked me why I didn't wear the jade pendant around my waist. I explained that it was my mother's death anniversary, so I took off all my gold and jade and wore plain clothes for half a month to remember her."
"Could it be...she stole the jade pendant?"
Leng Man immediately denied it.
"The Gu clan and the Zhuang clan are closely related, how could she murder us?"
"No way."
Xu Yingyuan sat aside, figured everything out, lowered her head in regret, and spoke weakly.
"Maybe Hui'er did this."
Upon hearing this, Leng Man became furious and grabbed her daughter's arm.
"what?!"
"Didn't I warn you not to mess with the emperor's favorites?"
"You have been so willful and have caused the Xu and Leng tribes to suffer. Now, are you satisfied?"
The mother, who was always kind and cheerful, suddenly became furious and scared Xu Yingyuan so much that she started crying.
"I know I was wrong, I beg you to forgive me, father and mother!"