After a pause, Zhang Weixian added, "Zhu Chunchen indeed has many complaints about the court's policies and even invited me to join in resisting them, but I sternly refused. I also advised him to remain loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and not to compromise the interests of the country for a small sum of money. What I have said is the truth, and I dare not conceal the slightest. I hope Your Majesty will understand."
Up to now, Zhang Weixian and others still didn't know what crime Zhu Chunchen had committed, or what crime the emperor was going to use to punish him.
Therefore, they cannot speak nonsense, otherwise they will be accused of a crime.
For example, if you accused Zhu Chunchen of treason, then were you one of them? Why did Zhu Chunchen come to your house? Why didn't you report it?
Zhu Youxiao remained silent, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of the throne, examining Zhang Weixian, as if trying to determine whether what he said was credible.
Zhang Weixian didn't dare to look up, but he could feel the emperor's suspicious gaze. The weather wasn't hot yet, but the Duke of Ying was already sweating.
After a long while, the emperor's words echoed in the hall, "Duke Yingguo, please return to your residence for the time being to reflect on yourself. Report to the emperor what you have come up with regarding Zhu Chunchen."
"I obey your order." Zhang Weixian kowtowed again and stood up to return to his class.
No punishment was imposed for the time being, but the emperor's suspicions remained. Returning to the palace to reflect on himself meant being placed under residential surveillance, and the final outcome might depend on Zhu Chunchen's confession in the imperial prison.
"Marquis of Linhuai." Zhu Youxiao glanced at the nobles and relatives and called out another one.
"Your humble servant is here." Linhuai Marquis Li Hongji hurried out and knelt down, waiting for the emperor to speak.
Zhu Youxiao asked in a deep voice, "On a certain day, Zhu Chunchen and you drank together and talked about court policy. What did he say about me?"
Li Hongji thought for a moment, then kowtowed and said, "Zhu Chunchen was rebellious and spoke nonsense, and I rebuked him immediately. I failed to report this corrupt and shameless person to Your Majesty. I am guilty, guilty!"
Crazy nonsense? Can't you be more specific?
Zhu Youxiao looked at Li Hongji, blinking slowly, and thought that this guy was quite powerful.
Li Hongji's explanation seemed to accuse Zhu Chunchen of a crime, and he admitted that he failed to report it in time, but these were minor matters and could not convict him of a serious crime.
Zhu Youxiao actually didn't want to start a large-scale purge. He just wanted to give these nobles a warning during the court meetings on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.
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