Chapter 389: Magic Pill? Or Stretching Legs and Staring Eyes Pill?
Emperor Wen sat down somewhat dejectedly. When he mentioned He Zhaojun and Shao Shang, he recalled his previous actions. Both the Cheng and He families had been sent to the Supreme Court. It was his fault as the emperor that such families of loyal ministers and good generals had been punished for no reason.
"I deeply regret having fallen into the same fear as the Li Emperor. Back then, the Li Emperor was unrivaled in his military and political strategy. Even before he became emperor, his achievements surpassed those of the previous king. Yet, such a man remained brutal and murderous, filled with suspicion and mistrust, causing the people of the world to suffer."
"I once said that I would personally end this chaotic world, so that the people of the world would never again suffer such hardship. But I never imagined that when Zhaojun first showed her potential, I would still... follow the same path as the tyrant emperor."
Emperor Wen looked at He Zhaojun with a hint of apology. "Fortunately, this time, I will not allow a loyal minister to be wronged. This time, someone used witchcraft to make me suspicious of you two. While I still have strength left, and before I become so old and foolish as to lose my sense of right and wrong, I will clear all these obstacles for you."
He Zhaojun raised a question: "This doesn't make sense. Based on my father's previous decisions, even if he knew someone was plotting harm, he would have conducted a thorough investigation, even with irrefutable evidence. Confiscating property and imprisonment are two completely different things, and they couldn't have been unaware of this. How could they be so sure that Your Majesty would believe such an unrealistic thing? Witchcraft has no basis, so why would they choose such a crude method?"
Emperor Wen stroked his beard as Cao Cheng stumbled upon a lacquer tray containing dozens of thumb-sized pills, slightly red and emitting a strange fragrance. "This is a miraculous elixir someone presented to me. Legend has it that it grants immortality. The formula was found in Qin Shi Huang's tomb."
He Zhaojun didn't examine it closely, but lowered her head and said, "This substance contains excessive amounts of cinnabar and minerals. Long-term consumption will cause hallucinations. If combined with other medicinal herbs, it will indeed create the illusion of ascending to heaven. However, after being poisoned, confusion will inevitably occur. I believe the so-called witchcraft is not impossible."
"Hahaha, Zhaojun, this is all thanks to the people you brought with you. During the time you were away from the Central Plains, Long Feibai happened to come to the palace and took the pulse of Huo Junhua and Huo Nujun. He accidentally saw it and reminded me."
He Zhaojun frowned, "So, Father and he, along with others, pretended to have taken the elixir, exhibiting bad tempers and delirium, just waiting for the person behind the scenes to lose their patience and strike again?"
Emperor Wen nodded and said, "If that is the case, I will have you two imprisoned. The He family and the Imperial Guards will be leaderless, making this the perfect time for the person behind the scenes to strike."
Late at night, the people sent to confiscate property in the capital finally returned. Cao Cheng took the things and went to the Dezheng Hall. Emperor Wen ordered that the ministers were not allowed to eat, and the tea they drank later became hot water. These people were exhausted, and no one dared to fall asleep in the hall.
"Your Majesty, this is the puppet used for witchcraft that was found in the Third Prince's mansion." Cao Cheng reported truthfully. Now the ministers became alert and dared not doze off anymore. One after another, they rushed to report the crime, as if they wanted to use this opportunity to convict He Zhaojun.
"Your Majesty! This must be the sorcery He Zhaojun learned during her trip to Nanyue. Her purpose is to bring disaster to the country and its people. Your Majesty must show no mercy and enforce the law impartially!"
Emperor Wen lifted the silk and took a look. It was an ugly cloth doll with several needles stuck in its body, looking very ferocious and terrifying. If he had believed the rumors at this time, he would probably believe them and do something like killing his own children and not distinguishing between good and evil.
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