Chapter 448 – I Came To Pick Somebody Up (2/2)

His red official's gown, amongst the remnants of the crabapple blossoms, was particularly striking.

And then he clasped his hands, bowed, and asked for his purpose.

”I did not know that Principal Chen would come today. What does Sir require?”

”Wofu Zhexiu is a student of the Orthodox Academy.”

Chen Changsheng looked intently at him and said, ”I have come to pick him up.”

The small courtyard was peaceful and serene, and while the office of the Department for Purging Officials was still heavily-guarded, countless people had already arrived outside the alley of the Northern Military Department.

All of the capital was in a tense mood.

Everyone knew why Chen Changsheng had come today to visit Zhou Tong.

But it was probably beyond their expectations that Chen Changsheng would so calmly and naturally bring up his demand.

This was because he had already affirmed his identity. He was the Principal of the Orthodox Academy. Zhexiu was a student of the Orthodox Academy. A principal must be concerned about his students—this was an unalterable truth.

It was so unalterable that even Zhou Tong sighed as he thought to himself, just how much did that freak Su Li teach this kid?

Then he smiled and replied, ”In accordance with the demands of the Imperial Court, I imprisoned Zhexiu. If his release is desired, Principal Chen requires the decree of the Divine Empress, or else a verdict from the Grand Court of Revision and the Ministry of Justice.”

With the advent of the Department for Purging Officials, the Grand Court of Revision and the Ministry of Justice had become decorations, or perhaps subordinates, of the Department for Purging Officials.

Until Zhou Tong gave the nod, the Grand Court of Revision and the Ministry of Justice could not even take a case.

”I've studied the Daoist Canon since I was little,” Chen Changsheng abruptly mentioned.

Tang Thirty-Six and Xuanyuan Po shot him a glance, wondering, just why did you mention this now?

Zhou Tong knew that he still had more to say and waited in silence.

Chen Changsheng continued, ”I've confirmed that Your Excellency directly took the case of the Garden of Zhou from the Li Palace. The Ministry of Justice and the Grand Court of Revision don't even have this case on record.”

Zhou Tong replied, ”And what of it?”

Chen Changsheng answered, ”Being well-versed in the Daoist Canon, I've also memorized all the laws of the Great Zhou. I'm very sure that there does not exist a single law supporting Your Excellency's continued imprisonment of Wofu Zhexiu.”

Zhou Tong smiled at him, not saying a word.

Chen Changsheng said, ”I ask that Your Excellency release him.”

Zhou Tong removed a snow-white handkerchief from his sleeve and gently wiped the corner of his lips. His actions were very graceful, but his words were filled with scorn.

”Our future Pope is actually so lacking in patience. This can't help but cause people to be concerned about the Orthodoxy's future.”

Perhaps because of Zhou Tong's actions, or perhaps because of those words, Tang Thirty-Six creased his brow.

”I promised His Eminence that I would wait two more days, but…” After a moment of silence, Chen Changsheng continued, ”He died, so I no longer need to wait.”

Zhou Tong gazed at him and calmly replied, ”I believe you have forgotten one thing. Zhou Tong is accused of colluding with the demons. As long as I have this accusation, I can keep him imprisoned however long I desire.”

”Your Excellency also seems to have forgotten one thing. The three people accused of colluding with the demons in the Garden of Zhou were Zhexiu, Qi Jian…and me.”

Chen Changsheng solemnly gazed back at him and declared, ”If Your Excellency truly believes that Zhexiu could collude with the demons, then the first thing Your Excellency needs to do is to imprison me as well. If not, then you should release him.”

The small courtyard became incomparably silent, and could even be described as a deathly silence.

Only the sounds of falling petals and breathing could be heard.

This was the choice he had left for Zhou Tong: release Zhexiu or imprison them together.

Zhou Tong slowly narrowed his eyes until they became as slender as willow leaves, and also very similar to the willow leaf blade that he was most skilled at.

His voice that fluttered out of his thin lips was similar too, though much colder.

”You…are you threatening this official?”