The more senior ministers in the palace were already recalling the disastrous defeat at Blue Moon Pass. The former members of the Xie family, many of whom now held high positions in the court, still remembered the events of that year vividly.
It seems that despite the passage of many years, the emperor still decided to review the case. Considering the identities of the current emperor and empress, it is not surprising.
Everyone is full of expectations and waiting for a result.
Han Cheng's forehead was covered in sweat. The fact that the Emperor had asked about the symbol showed that he already knew the inside story. He couldn't help but feel a little regretful, but at this point, he was already riding a tiger and it was difficult to back down. He had no choice but to be tough.
"Your Majesty, I am old and my eyesight is dim. I can't see anything unusual."
Renzong's eyes turned cold. This man really won't cry until he sees the coffin.
"In that case, I would like to remind the Regent that there is a necessary road from Shangjing to Blue Moon Pass, called Dawang Mountain. Regarding the meaning of the markings on this mountain, has the Regent clearly understood it?"
Han Cheng deliberately narrowed his eyes, pretending to struggle to decipher the mark. After a moment, he raised his head and said, "This sign means—no passage."
The ministers were in an uproar.
The current Minister of War couldn't help but say, "Prince Regent, Dawang Mountain is passable. Are you mistaken?"
Han Cheng said seriously, "This map was drawn twenty years ago. It was not passable at the time."
The Minister of War was a little hesitant. Twenty years ago, he was still serving in a remote area and was not in the capital. He could not remember clearly when Dawang Mountain became accessible.
"Does any of you remember what happened back then?"
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. They only remembered that Dawang Mountain was later accessible, but when exactly that happened—before or after the map was drawn? Even the Minister of War couldn't say for sure, so how could anyone else be sure?
Renzong added, "Since no one can remember clearly, I will invite someone to the palace and let him tell everyone."
The chief eunuch shouted, "Announce the former Minister of War, An Mingyuan, and invite Lord An to the palace!"
Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, An Mingyuan, the former Minister of War, walked steadily into the hall. Twenty years later, he was now a man in his seventies, yet he was still energetic and vigorous.
"Lord An, please tell me when Dawang Mountain became accessible." Renzong said slowly.
An Mingyuan said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, when the Blue Moon Pass incident occurred, I was serving as the Minister of War. I remember it clearly. A month before I received the letter from the Duke of Zhenguo requesting help, I received a military report from him stating that the Dawang Mountain Pass had been opened, along with a map. I immediately reported this to the late emperor."
After An Mingyuan finished speaking, he took the map handed to him by the eunuch, examined it carefully, and his expression immediately changed. He asked loudly, "Why is Dawang Mountain marked as impassable on this map? Who drew the map? How could no one notice such a major omission?"
He turned to look at Han Cheng, his face filled with disbelief. He asked, "Regent, you were responsible for sending the reinforcements. Haven't you seen this map?"
Han Cheng felt very uncomfortable, with beads of sweat on his forehead.
Renzong's cold voice sounded. "Prince Regent, I am also waiting for your explanation."
Han Cheng gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty! It's true that I was in charge of this matter that day, but I did check the march map and found no omissions. I wonder where this map came from?"
Renzong was furious. He slammed the imperial table and shouted, "You still want to quibble! It seems you won't cry until you see the coffin. Bring a witness!"
Soon another person was brought up. As soon as he reached the hall, he fell to the ground, shaking with fear, and kept shouting, "Your Majesty, please spare my life!"
When Han Cheng saw this man enter the hall, a chill ran up from the soles of his feet to his heart, and his whole body suddenly stiffened.
An Mingyuan lowered his head and looked at the man carefully. Suddenly, he asked in surprise, "Hey, aren't you the secretary Li Tian from back then? Where have you been all these years? Why did you disappear for no reason?"
Li Tian was shaking like a sieve, his eyes were evasive, and he didn't dare to look An Mingyuan in the eye.
"Li Tian, if you still refuse to confess, do you still want me to interrogate you personally?"
Li Tian raised his head and looked at the emperor. Suddenly, he fell to the ground, kowtowed profusely, and shouted, "Your Majesty, spare my life! I am innocent!"
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