The ministers couldn't help but whisper to each other. What was the emperor doing? Was he so short of money? It shouldn't be like that. Putting aside how much the state provided to the royal family, Empress Xie alone was the richest woman in the capital, with business reaching far and wide. Could she still be interested in the Han family's wealth?
Han Cheng could only reply, "Your Majesty is wise. It is true that I have a basement at home, but the collection inside is not rare treasures, but rather commonplace items such as gold and silver antiques. If Your Majesty does not object, when your daughter gets married, I will give her the entire amount as a dowry."
The hall was in an uproar. He had given up all his belongings to marry off his daughter; it was a huge expense.
Renzong smiled slightly.
"The Regent is indeed generous, but it seems as if I am asking the Regent for money and other things. I have no shortage of gold and jade, I just want one of these things."
"I wonder what the Emperor is referring to? Whatever I have at home, I will certainly present to you."
Renzong said in a loud voice: "This thing is in the Regent's house, and I also have it here."
After the emperor said this, everyone in the hall was even more confused. What could be so rare? The emperor had it, and the regent also had it. If the emperor had it, why did he ask the regent for it?
Renzong saw that everyone was confused and stretched their necks in anticipation, then he signaled to the eunuch beside him.
The chief eunuch picked up the vermilion lacquer plate and walked down the steps, followed by two younger eunuchs. They came and stood in front of Han Cheng.
Han Cheng saw clearly that the plate contained a scroll, and his heart suddenly began to beat wildly! A dusty memory from years ago suddenly surfaced, and beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.
Two young eunuchs pulled out the scroll, one on each side, and on the yellowed paper, a carefully drawn marching map appeared.
"Isn't this a marching map?" Everyone was puzzled. What did the emperor want the marching map for?
Han Cheng did not participate in the Battle of Mobei this time. He went to negotiate peace a few days ago and completed his mission. What does it mean for him to take out the marching map now?
What's more, the picture is yellow in color and you can faintly smell the dust from the old paper. It is obviously quite old.
Han Cheng's eyes were a little blurry, and he couldn't help but rub them with his hands, but they became darker again.
He had seen clearly that this march map was the same one he had drawn and submitted to the Ministry of War when the Blue Moon Pass was besieged and the court finally decided to send reinforcements after a long delay.
"Prince Regent, have you seen it clearly? Do you recognize this picture?" Emperor Renzong's cold voice seemed to ring above his head.
Han Cheng's legs went weak and he had trouble breathing. After so many years, he thought this matter was long over, but he didn't expect it to be brought up again.
His mind raced, and he remembered that the current emperor was once the adopted son of the Xie family, and the empress was the legitimate daughter of the Xie family. It seemed that they were going to investigate this matter thoroughly.
It's rare that they held back for so many years, only taking action when they were absolutely certain. But after all, many years have passed, and the witnesses are gone. What can a picture like this really say?
If he really admitted it, it would be a serious crime of delaying military affairs. Even if his property was not confiscated and his family was not exterminated, he would be stripped of his title of regent and would never have a chance to turn things around.
It is better to deny it first. If you can't escape it, there is still a real picture at home, so there is always room for turnaround.
Han Cheng was a man who had experienced many ups and downs. He made up his mind in an instant, and the expression on his face gradually changed from fear to calmness.
Renzong observed Han Cheng's every move and asked, "Prince Regent, did you see clearly? I'm waiting for your reply!"
Han Cheng took a deep breath and replied, "Your Majesty, this map is the marching route from Shangjing to Blue Moon Pass. I was in charge of this matter back then, so I still remember it."
Seeing that he still had illusions about denying it, Renzong sneered, "Your Majesty, your memory is quite good. This map is exactly the one that was sent to the reinforcements that year. Your Majesty, please examine it carefully. Some of the symbols are unusual."
The ministers all sensed something unusual. The initial uproar gave way to silence. The emperor had gone through so much preparation before slowly unveiling the matter, and with such solemnity, it was clear that this matter was of great importance.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
