Just as the guards were about to seize the man, Zhao Huan said, "Wait!"

Duan Zhijie hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this person must be an assassin sent by the Tanguts!"

"I understand that Minister Duan is loyal to me, but he is the only one at the moment. Moreover, this place is an important border town of our Great Song Dynasty. Let's hear what he has to say."

Duan Zhijie, pale-faced, forced a smile and said, "Yes!"

The man wept bitterly, as if he were about to cry blood: "Your Majesty, I, Liu Yu, was a clerk in the former General's Office. I had no idea that Wu Yong was colluding with the enemy and betraying the country. I am innocent, yet my home was ransacked, my wife and children were killed unjustly, and even my friends suffered undeserved calamities. I beg Your Majesty to do justice for me!"

Zhao Huan said gently, "Please get up first. The court's judicial system is in place, and it will surely give you justice."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Minister Duan, take this man back first."

"yes!"

Duan Zhijie's heart sank, and he immediately said, "Men, take this man back."

Unlike the capital city of Tokyo, the people of Qinzhou did not feel much about the emperor's policies.

Even in Chang'an, there have only been some changes recently.

Therefore, when Zhao Huan entered the city, the people simply came to watch and admire the emperor's holy countenance.

"This is our Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty, what a handsome ruler."

"I've heard that it was this very official who led the army to drive out the Jurchens and even recovered the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun!"

"He is truly a valiant emperor."

"..."

When Zhao Huan entered the city, almost all the people in the Political Propaganda Department mobilized. They took control of every street around the city, went into the crowd, and kept a close eye on the people around them, listening to what they were saying.

To ensure the emperor's absolute safety.

Not even a fly could get out.

As for why Liu Yu was able to barge in at this time and dare to complain to the emperor, especially in front of a large crowd...

It's probably a "mistake" by the Political Propaganda Department.

The Imperial City Guard has not yet been formally established in the Northwest, but the Political Propaganda Department is different. Last year, under the guise of visiting the army, it openly established a foothold in the Northwest.

Ostensibly, they were providing warmth and support to everyone in the army, but in reality, they were doing the work of the current Censorate and Imperial City Guard.

When Zhao Huan entered the temporary palace, all the officials, large and small, from Qin Prefecture came to pay their respects to the emperor.

Wang Kui'an stood next to the emperor, and the man named Liu Yu was brought in.

He knelt down, prostrating himself on the ground: "This sinful subject kowtows to the Emperor."

Duan Zhijie, standing to one side, was pale and sweating profusely.

Wang Kui'an suddenly said, "Liu Yu, the Holy Emperor is here. Speak your mind!"

"Your Majesty, I have said all I need to say. I want to denounce Duan Zhijie for abusing his military power and indiscriminately killing loyal and virtuous officials!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhijie immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Liu Yu is making baseless accusations. All the evidence proves that Liu Yu is Wu Yong's accomplice!"

"Your Majesty, this sinful subject is willing to die to prove my innocence!"

After saying that, he rammed into the pillar.

With a loud bang, he crashed to the ground, his head bleeding profusely.

The officials below immediately changed their expressions.

Zhao Huan said, "Minister Miao, as the Commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Department of Qin Feng Road, tell me how this case was handled?"

Miao Renfeng immediately stepped forward, his back covered in sweat.

Of course, he was very clear about the current situation.

Duan Zhijie is no longer fit to be the military commissioner; the emperor needs someone to take the blame.

The most important thing now is to thoroughly smear Duan Zhijie. After that, let the emperor deal with him himself.

"Your Majesty, I investigated the case in accordance with all regulations. With Wang Shangguan accompanying me, I dared not act recklessly, nor did I have the authority to mobilize troops to besiege the official's residence."

His meaning was quite clear from the moment he said that.

Better to die for your fellow Daoist than for me.

I didn't do it; Duan Zhijie did it.

"Zhang Gu, come and tell me!"

Prefect Zhang Gu of Qin Prefecture stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I dare to speak frankly. If I have done anything disrespectful, please execute me."

Zhao Huan waved his long sleeves and said, "Speak freely, I will not punish you for your words today."

Zhang Gu said, "Qinzhou is an important town in the northwest of our Great Song Dynasty. Since the time of Prime Minister Fan, the army and the people have worked together to guard the border. Countless soldiers have fought bloody battles. Now, some people have taken advantage of their power to rise to the position, forming cliques to eliminate dissidents and slaughtering loyal and good people. I dare to ask Your Majesty to dismiss me from my post. I do not want to associate with such beasts!"

Zhang Gu's words were even harsher, almost to the point of pointing at Duan Zhijie's nose and calling him a beast who killed indiscriminately.

Duan Zhijie pointed at Zhang Gu angrily and said, "Prefect Zhang, stop distorting the truth! Your Majesty, I am innocent!"

Zhao Huan said, "Minister Duan, there is no need to worry. How could I possibly think that you are abusing your power and committing murder based on the words of these two people!"

"The emperor is wise and sagacious."

Xia Fu, the Commissioner of Ever-Normal Granaries, immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the Dangxiang rebels have repeatedly invaded the borders of our Great Song Dynasty. This is a time when the army and the people should be united. However, the killings over the past half month have been severe, and the people's hearts are unsettled. I believe that Your Majesty should stabilize the people's hearts immediately!"

Upon hearing this, the other officials, as if they had found a textbook example, chorused, "Your Majesty, please reassure the people!"

Duan Zhijie's expression froze. When he came to his senses, he immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Zhao Huan was silent for a moment, then said, "Why are you all so serious, my dear ministers? I have come to Qin Prefecture to visit the soldiers and civilians of Qin Prefecture. You all have been working hard day and night to guard the border for the Great Song Dynasty. Whenever I think of this, my heart is filled with sorrow."

The officials all shouted, "We are willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty!"

Zhao Huan said, "Wang Kui'an, prepare a banquet. I want to drink heartily with my beloved ministers."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

By evening, after several rounds of drinks...

The officials continued drinking, and the emperor left after finishing his drink.

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