C325 (1/2)
”The Ninth Prince's words are not without reason, but it is hard to guarantee that someone would tempt the bookseller into doing such a thing. Wasn't His Highness just framed of having an affair with that crazy woman?” This humble subject requests the Emperor to give his judgement and to return justice to my son, Xiao Shan. ” Xiao Zhenhai was still Xiao Zhenhai, but he was still able to defend his son.
However, Feng Yunzheng was not anxious at all as he said clearly, ”Duke of Xiao need not hold any grudges against this duke. Your Xiao Family and I have never had any grudges between us, and the Xiao Family has rendered meritorious services to the imperial government. It would be the best if Xiao Shan could prove his innocence. royal father is wise and would not punish him. Duke of Xiao may as well take out evidence to prove Xiao Shan's innocence.
Lian Ruyue had experienced the tragic mishap in her previous life; her personality was cold, her way of doing things was especially composed. She never revealed herself, it was difficult for others to see her emotions. Her plan this time was very thorough, and she carried out it soundlessly.
The only thing that could be investigated was the jug of wine that Xiao Shan had drunk, but the wine had already been completely drunk. The jug of wine had been quietly destroyed by the night wind, and now it could no longer be found.
”Your Majesty is truly wise. The Xiao family has wholeheartedly ruled over everything. This humble subject is willing to vouch for my son, Xiao Shan, with my head as his guarantor. There will be no disrespect in his heart …”
”Your majesty!”
”Enough! Someone come! ” Zhou Chengdi didn't want to hear more from Xiao Zhenhai so he ordered, ”Xiao Shan said such outrageous words and committed a great disrespect to me. Immediately send him to the Sky Prison and revoke his qualification for the hometown examination!”
What? The Xiao family's father and son were greatly shocked by the Emperor's words. Xiao Shan was a wise man who had made a name for himself in this year's top scorer, and Xiao Zhenhai had paved the way for him. Once Xiao Shan became famous, then his career would skyrocket and the Xiao family's influence in the imperial court would skyrocket.
But now, the emperor had ordered the elimination of his qualification for the hometown examination. This meant that in the future, Xiao Shan would no longer be using martial arts. Without a doubt, he had become a cripple who could only dance at home.
”Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Xiao Shan is innocent …” Xiao Shan had always believed that he would be able to become the top scorer and become a capable helper like his second brother, Xiao He. He would bring honor to his ancestors. But now, the Emperor wanted to imprison him and even disqualify him as the top scorer. Then, what use would he have in the future?
Lian Ruyue's eyes finally revealed a faint smile. The corner of her lips slightly curled up as she revealed a ridiculing expression —
This was the so-called ”another person should be punished”. Xiao Zhenhai, let your son sit under the same roof as me! I, Lian Ru Yue, am a vindictive person. No matter if it is my previous life or this life, I will return what you have done to me one by one!
”Your majesty!” Lady Xiao, Lu Xi, knelt on the ground and said, ”Xiao Shan has always admired your majesty, so how could he be so disrespectful? Your majesty …”
”Shut up!” Xiao Zhenhai scolded his wife in a low voice.
He knew that at this moment, if he were to speak any more, it was likely that he would anger the Emperor even more. At that time, it would no longer be a crime to punish Xiao Shan. Right now, he could only let the Emperor lock Xiao Shan up and calm down his anger before thinking of a way to deal with it in the future.
If such an essay appeared on the day that Xiao Zhenhai had just returned from Xiao He's victory over Da Liao, not only would the Emperor not pursue it, he would even think that someone was jealous of the Xiao family.
However, the current situation was very different from before. In this half a year, rumors of the Xiao family's army killing and looting appeared, as well as the emperor's taboo, Xiao Zhenhai's achievement tablet being worshipped and worshipped by the villagers, and there were also people who accidentally described Xiao Zhenhai as someone who had high achievements in the eyes of the emperor.
These things slowly entered Zhou Chengdi's heart, slowly causing him to be wary of Xiao Zhenhai.
Lian Ru Yue and Ninth Prince had predicted that once the grudge was buried in the Emperor's heart, it would slowly grow, germinate, and expand. Today, he was completely certain that the article was written by Xiao Zhen Hai's son.