Chapter 154 The Old Fox
Just as Huo Yunzhan was gritting his teeth, unsure of how to proceed, Liu Wenyuan suddenly stepped forward, revealing a pained and righteous expression to Shen Qingci.
“The Princess is right!” He nodded heavily, his voice filled with righteous indignation. “General Shen was loyal and brave throughout his life, serving the country and its people. He must not die unjustly like this! This old minister has always had doubts about this case!”
He abruptly changed the subject, turning his attention back to Chu Jichen: "The reason why this old minister joined forces with all the officials to request Your Majesty to issue an edict to temporarily summon His Highness the Regent to the palace for questioning is that we suspect... that what the Princess Consort just said is inextricably linked to His Highness the Regent!"
“Of course,” he sighed, adopting an air of impartiality, “this is merely suspicion. Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly report what you said today to His Majesty for a thorough investigation!”
"Your Highness," he said, extending his hand, a calculating glint in his eyes, "please entrust these pieces of evidence concerning the Shen family's wrongful conviction to this old minister for the time being. This old minister assures you that he will carefully examine their authenticity and bring justice to General Shen and his family!"
Huo Yunzhan lowered his head, and upon hearing Liu Wenyuan's words, his eyes instantly flashed with wild joy!
Why didn't he think of this method?
Old ginger is spicier!
Regardless of whether the evidence in Shen Qingci's hands is true or false, as long as they can deceive her with sweet words first, then whether it is true or false, destroyed or preserved, is entirely up to them to decide.
At that time, it would mean that the evidence had been accidentally destroyed during the inspection, or that the evidence was directly declared to be forged. What could Shen Qingci, a woman, do to them?
Shen Qingci naturally saw through Liu Wenyuan's sinister intentions at a glance.
She cursed inwardly, but a sweet smile slowly bloomed on her face as she looked at Liu Wenyuan: "Prime Minister, you are so understanding and righteous, I, the princess, am truly grateful."
“Evidence,” she said, waving the stack of letters in her hand, but her expression became troubled, “can naturally be given to the Prime Minister. However…”
"I only have one condition."
"I want to see Chu Jichen."
Liu Wenyuan's face darkened instantly, and without any hesitation, he resolutely refused: "No!"
"His Highness the Regent is involved in more than just this one matter. Compared to the Shen family affair," his voice turned cold and sharp, "the other two are serious crimes that threaten the very foundation of the nation! Until the truth is revealed, no one is allowed to have any private contact with him!"
"Oh?" Shen Qingci raised an eyebrow slightly. "I wonder which two serious crimes Your Excellency is referring to?"
"They are privately raising troops with the intention of rebellion!"
"Take the emperor hostage and imprison him in the palace!"
Liu Wenyuan spoke each word slowly and deliberately, his voice sharp and stern.
Upon hearing this, Shen Qingci couldn't help but scoff: "Privately maintaining troops? Has Your Excellency the Prime Minister investigated where the Prince's troops are located, and how many there are?"
"As for the confinement of the Emperor..." Her sarcasm deepened, "What happened in Jingren Palace that day, I'm sure the Prime Minister and everyone present know perfectly well. Whether it was the Prince who confined His Majesty, or His Majesty... who did such an absurd thing and reaped what he sowed, I'm sure everyone has their own judgment."
"This matter is still under investigation, and the evidence cannot be easily shown to the Princess." Liu Wenyuan was cunning and shrewd, leaving no room for error. "The Princess is the wife of His Highness the Regent, and according to the law, she should recuse herself."
"Please rest assured, Your Highness, we will handle this matter impartially. If the Prince is truly innocent, His Majesty and the officials will naturally clear his name. Your Highness, please return to your residence and await good news."
Shen Qingci cursed "old fox" inwardly, knowing that she probably wouldn't see Chu Jichen today.
But she didn't have much hope when she came today.
She came to cause trouble, to draw Liu Wenyuan's attention to herself, so as to create an opportunity for Yuanbao and the others to act.
Now it seems that she has achieved her goal.
Shen Qingci nodded, looking helpless: "Since that's the case, then this princess will not insist any further."
She paused, then suddenly changed the subject: "By the way, where is His Majesty now?"
Liu Wenyuan pursed his thin lips tightly: "His Majesty's health has been shaken, and he is still under house arrest in the Taiji Hall by the Regent's men."
He didn't want to admit it, but Chu Jichen's men were guarding the place like an iron barrel, and his men couldn't get close at all.
This matter is no secret.
"Is that so?" Shen Qingci smiled upon hearing this.
That smile, so bright and unrestrained, made Liu Wenyuan and Huo Yunzhan's hearts skip a beat.
"In that case, this princess will not see Chu Jichen."
"Is it alright if I go... to see His Majesty?"
Looking at Liu Wenyuan's face, which had instantly turned ashen, she added with amusement:
"Oh, I forgot. It seems that... it's not necessary to obtain your permission, Prime Minister, to see His Majesty."
"After all, those who guard His Majesty are... my husband's men."
After Shen Qingci finished speaking, she no longer looked at Liu Wenyuan and Huo Yunzhan's two fascinating faces. She gave Wan Qing behind her a wink and then walked gracefully towards the Taiji Hall.
Liu Wenyuan watched her composed figure, his face so dark it was almost dripping with gloom. He exchanged a glance with Huo Yunzhan, hesitated for a moment, and finally gritted his teeth, leading his men to follow at a distance.
They wanted to see what tricks Shen Qingci was up to!
Shen Qingci arrived at the Taiji Hall without any hindrance. The two rows of Imperial Guards who had been standing like gatekeepers, blocking their way, immediately stepped aside without asking a single question, making way for her!
Her attitude made it seem as if she were the true owner of this place!
Upon seeing this, Liu Wenyuan and Huo Yunzhan immediately tried to follow, but were once again ruthlessly stopped by the guard's halberd!
"Insolence!" Huo Yunzhan roared angrily, "If Shen Qingci can go in, why can't we?"
The head guard captain lifted his eyelids, looking at him with an expression as if he were an idiot, his tone utterly matter-of-fact:
"Because she is the Regent's wife."
“Furthermore,” he paused, a hint of undisguised sarcasm in his voice, “in this whole affair, my Queen is the biggest victim. It is perfectly justified for her to see His Majesty and seek justice. As for the two of you…”
He looked them up and down, his eyes seeming to say: Who do you think you are?
Liu Wenyuan and Huo Yunzhan were speechless, their faces turning a deep purplish-red, and they could only watch helplessly as Shen Qingci's figure disappeared behind the heavy palace door.
Shen Qingci seemed oblivious to the commotion outside the palace. With a calm gaze, she slowly walked step by step toward Emperor Yongming, who was slumped on the dragon throne, his face pale and his eyes unfocused.
When Emperor Yongming saw her enter alone like a ghost, his eyes flashed with extreme fear. He struggled to shrink back from his dragon throne, his voice trembling:
"What...what do you want to do?"
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