Jiang Qingwan looked at Mo Yunhan in astonishment.
This guy is like a calm madman!
Yet it was strangely alluring, making her heart pound uncontrollably.
Mo Yunzhao, before the dragon cavalry, had never wanted to kill his ninth brother as much as he did at this moment.
But he couldn't.
Suppressing his anger, he said in a deep voice, "Since there are suspicions, a thorough investigation is warranted. Let's temporarily detain Jiang in the imperial prison to await trial."
Before Mo Yunhan could speak again, he added coldly.
"Little Jiu, this is the limit of what I can do."
Jiang Qingwan gently tugged at Mo Yunhan.
If there is a turning point, we can think of other ways.
It's better than widespread suffering and the loss of many innocent lives.
Mo Yunhan did not look at her.
“If she cannot be convicted, why send her to the imperial prison? My palace is still empty. I will stay here with her while she is imprisoned, and wait for Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate and close the case.”
He then nodded slightly.
"Your subject takes his leave!"
As he turned around, his gaze fell upon Zheng Chengye.
"Go back to the manor immediately to see your mother. Until this matter is resolved, you are not allowed to return to the Imperial Academy, nor are you allowed to leave the manor even a step!"
He was still holding Jiang Qingwan's hand when they stepped out of the palace gate.
Suddenly, the voice of the chief eunuch rang out from behind.
Sharp and long.
"Zheng Chengye submitted a false report to the emperor out of personal revenge. The evidence is conclusive. Considering his youth and his self-reflection, and that he has not committed a serious crime, he is hereby punished with twenty lashes, to be carried out immediately!"
Mo Yunhan abruptly stopped in his tracks.
The flogging in the palace was more severe than the flogging in the army. Twenty lashes would have been enough to kill Zheng Chengye.
Finally realizing he was afraid, Zheng Chengye collapsed to the ground in terror.
"Cousin...cousin."
"Sister Xiaoran."
Yun Xiaoran secretly hoped that Zheng Chengye would be beaten to death because of Jiang Qingwan, but she still deliberately knelt down to beg for mercy.
"Your Majesty, Chengye is young but also very perceptive. He did not lie on purpose. The truth is still unclear. Please spare his life and reduce the number of lashes he receives."
Mo Yunzhao sat back on the dragon throne, his expression having returned to normal.
"Xiao Jiu's words just now reminded me that some things cannot be overlooked just because they involve imperial relatives. Everyone should abide by the laws and regulations of the Great Zhou Dynasty. As the emperor, I cannot be biased."
Mo Yunhan slowly exhaled.
He knew that Mo Yunzhao didn't want Zheng Chengye to die, but was reprimanding him for his disrespect.
Once the disguise is torn away, everything becomes simple.
He turned around and knelt down respectfully to pay his respects.
“This matter arose because of my younger brother. When I was young, Your Majesty told me that an elder brother is like a father and will protect me. I am Chengye’s cousin. His mother, Lady Song, raised me and treated me with the same kindness as my own mother. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to take the punishment in Chengye’s place.”
The two brothers looked at each other.
After a moment of silence, Mo Yunzhao spoke calmly.
"Ten more lashes, go!"
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