Han Pu submitted his report, and Li Heng walked over slowly, taking it and presenting it to the Great Liang Emperor.
The expressions of the court officials were complicated. Those who were unclear about what had happened that night lamented inwardly, while those who were aware of the incident were even more confused.
They had never imagined that things would develop this way. In their view, the truth of that night was unimportant, as long as that incident happened, His Majesty could smoothly take action to execute Chen Chao, eliminating future threats. For this reason, they had not exposed Chen Chao's identity to prevent the Emperor from bearing the infamy of killing a nephew.
But why had Han Pu ultimately uncovered the truth and disclosed it?
Many officials glared at Han Pu, feeling extreme loathing toward this Chief Judicial Officer.
The Dean also looked at Han Pu with a strange look in his eyes for some unknown reason.
“Marquis Huainan Song Ting, for reasons unknown, conspired to assassinate Deputy Commander Chen, even mobilizing many cultivators just to kill him that night. Fortunately, Deputy Commander Chen possessed extraordinary martial cultivation and fought his way out. It is likely that he learned afterward that this incident was orchestrated by Marquis Huainan and sought justice. However, Marquis Huainan, in his madness, refused to relent and ultimately fell to Deputy Commander Chen's saber.”
“This subject has investigated for a long time and arrived at this conclusion, the evidence is irrefutable.”
Han Pu's words implied that after the encirclement and killing, the truth was not for people to believe, but for everyone to know that the assassination was perpetrated by Marquis Huainan Song Ting. Thus, when Chen Chao killed again, it was reasonable and justified, even if somewhat extreme, and there would be no issues with it.
"How could this be possible?!" "Marquis Huainan has been in seclusion for many years and likely hasn't even met Chen Chao once, so how could he harbor murderous intent against him?!"
An official was outraged and unwilling to see the situation unfold this way, and could not help but speak up.
Han Pu frowned and replied, “Lord Wang, if that’s what you think, then Deputy Commander Chen has also never met Marquis Huainan, so why would he insist on killing him?”
"This..."
This Lord Wang's face turned unsightly, and he was rendered speechless.
By his own logic, if Marquis Huainan and Chen Chao were strangers, then why would the Marquis want to kill Chen Chao, and why would Chen Chao want to kill Marquis Huainan?
"Han Pu, you claim there is irrefutable evidence, where's the proof? Could it be that you received favors from Chen Chao and are now helping to absolve him of guilt?!"
Some officials, determined to solidify Chen Chao's guilt, had already lost their composure by this point.
“If Lord Han speaks of evidence, this marquis isn't sure, but this marquis can serve as a witness.”
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence at the banquet. The long-silent Marquis Zhongyong, Zhang Yu, stood up and spoke softly: “This marquis is guilty. This marquis was also involved in plotting the assassination of Deputy Commander Chen that night.”
Zhang Yu knelt on the ground and said calmly, “As the commander of the Patrol Camp, this marquis followed Song Ting's orders that night, blocking any path for Deputy Commander Chen to get help. This marquis has failed Your Majesty and has wronged Deputy Commander Chen.”
Hearing Zhang Yu speak, everyone fell silent. As the greatest contributor in the rebellion back then, Zhang Yu was not only one of His Majesty's closest officials but also the most respected among that group. With his testimony, the matter was almost certainly settled.
“Your Majesty, this subject, Yao Dao, Deputy Commander of the Right Guard, accuses Right Guard Commander Ye Dayuan of colluding with Marquis Huainan that night. Using the pretext of demons appearing in the Divine Capital, they drew away the Left Guard, leaving Deputy Commander Chen isolated and unsupported. This subject has letters as evidence of the collusion between Ye Dayuan and Marquis Huainan. Your Majesty, please investigate!”
Just as everyone was silent, Yao Dao suddenly stepped forward, directly exposing his superior, Ye Dayuan.
Ye Dayuan's face instantly turned pale. If he was still harboring any hope of escaping suspicion before, Yao Dao's accusation now pushed him to the edge of the cliff.
Song Lian who could finally speak, stepped forward and joined Chen Chao in expressing their gratitude.
His Majesty's arrangements were nothing short of ingenious: Song Lian's prestige in the warden faction would firmly stabilize him at the Right Guard's office, while Chen Chao at the Left Guard's office, along with their close relationship, would mean far fewer obstacles for Chen Chao in any future endeavors within the Divine Capital.
“Now that everything has been clarified, dear ministers, please take your seats.”
The Great Liang Emperor waved his hand, indicating he had no intention of addressing the remaining officials any further.
The officials rose and returned to their seats.
The big shots who had remained silent throughout continued to hold their tongues.
"Your Majesty, this subject has a report to present."
After the officials had seated themselves, a voice broke the silence again.
Hearing this, the officials paused and looked toward the speaker, realizing it was an official from the Heavenly Imperial Institution.
Many of the influential figures who had stayed quiet now turned their heads in that direction, understanding that the real storm had finally arrived at this very moment.
Compared to what was about to unfold, the events leading up to this moment were truly not worth mentioning.
In fact, ever since the start of this banquet, many had been waiting for this very moment.
This storm had been brewing ever since Chen Chao returned to the Divine Capital, with rumors swirling throughout the capital; a prelude that had now built up to the grand opening of this crisis.
The official from the Heavenly Imperial Institution stepped forward, knelt down, and calmly declared, "This subject, Liu Tong, accuses Chen Chao, Commander of the Left Guard, of plotting treason."
The Great Liang Emperor remained expressionless upon hearing this.
The hall erupted into an uproar.
Compared to the charge of murder, the accusation of treason was far graver.
If it were simply murder, His Majesty could choose to overlook it. But if the charge of treason were proven, then no one could save Chen Chao.
For treason is synonymous with three other words:
Usurping the throne.
Throughout history, how many emperors could turn a blind eye to such a matter?
"Your Majesty, as far as this subject knows, Chen Chao is the younger brother of the deposed emperor of the former dynasty, and is of imperial bloodline! He entered the court to serve as an official to overthrow the realm right from the start!"
These words were even more earth-shattering!