Although Xu Yu was ostensibly asking Sang Hong, he didn't actually intend to seek his opinion. Instead, he directly asked Zhu Xie Chixin for confirmation.
Sang Hong's heart skipped a beat. In order to explain Zu An's sudden disappearance, he had used the mission of the Embroidered-Robed Envoy as a cover in his haste. Anyway, Xiao Jianren and the others had a good relationship with Zu An, so they would not expose him. He never expected that Xu Yu would go directly to ask Zhu Xie Chixin.
However, after his initial panic, he quickly calmed down.
Zhu Xie Chixin is the emperor's confidant, so he will definitely speak up for Zu'an.
To everyone's surprise, Zhu Xie Chixin exclaimed, "Is that so? I haven't received any information about the Embroidered-Robed Envoy from the Cloud Realm. Of course, it's also possible that the situation is urgent and they haven't had time to report it yet."
Sang Hong's eyes widened instantly. He had thought that even if Zhu Xie Chixin didn't help, he would still choose to remain neutral. Who knew he would answer like this?
He is the Grand Commander of the Embroidered Robe Envoys, the undisputed number one figure, and his control over the Embroidered Robe Envoys is extremely tight. If he says that it might be because the subordinates didn't report it, would others believe him?
As expected, upon hearing his words, the Qi King's faction was in an uproar, and officials from all sides became increasingly impassioned, denouncing Zu An's crimes. At the same time, some even impeached Sang Hong.
He had been a loyal minister for so many years and had offended quite a few people. His political enemies would not let go of such a good opportunity.
Bi Linglong looked at the emperor in disbelief. If it weren't for the emperor's permission, Zhu Xiechi would not have dared to say such a thing even if he had ten times the courage.
Zu An has made great contributions to the Crown Prince. Others may not know, but how could the Emperor not know?
Now they're actually cooperating with the Qi King's faction to put Zu'an to death. Won't that discourage those loyal to the royal family in the future?
Sang Hong's ears were ringing. He had a bad feeling when he learned that the emperor had agreed to hold such an interrogation meeting. He never expected that the emperor and Prince Qi would join forces in such a matter. It was beyond saving even by a god.
At this moment, Pei Lian, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, stepped forward and said, "Fifth Brother, as the Lord of Yunzhong City, you are most aware of what happened there. Why don't you tell us what exactly happened?"
The fifth brother he mentioned was naturally Pei Shao. The two brothers were both sons of Pei Zheng, the Duke of Linhai and a court official. The Pei family, the lineage of the Duke of Linhai, was recognized as the backbone of the Qi King's faction.
Pei You, who was standing to the side, had been hoping that his grandfather, Pei Ming, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, would say a few words on behalf of Zu An. After all, their lineage was relatively close to the Crown Prince's lineage. However, his grandfather did not speak at all. Based on his understanding of his grandfather, it was clear that he intended to stand aside and watch.
Gao Ying also looked expectantly at General Liu Yao, but he knew that his uncle had lost face because of Zu An during their trip to Mingyue City, so he had always disliked Zu An. Although Zu An had saved him in the secret realm, he was, after all, just a nephew, and living under someone else's roof inevitably made him feel powerless.
As expected, Liu Yao watched the whole thing with an air of detached amusement.
At this moment, Pei Shao coughed lightly: "As far as I know, when Lord Xu imprisoned Yu Yanluo, the defenses were imprisoned with an iron fist, and there were numerous sentries, both overt and covert. Yet, she was still rescued. Therefore, we suspect that the camp..."
The person who rescued us must have known about these arrangements; they must be one of our own, and in a very high position, otherwise they wouldn't know so much.
Although he did not answer directly, the meaning in his words was quite clear.
“That’s right,” Xu Yu said, pressing his advantage. “When the vixen Yu Yanluo was first captured, Zu’an tried to save her, even openly defying the laws of the court. All the officials of Yunzhong County can testify to this.”
The officials nearby echoed his sentiments.
Xu Yu continued, "Combined with the fact that Yu Yanluo was rescued and Zu'an disappeared, and Lord Sang fabricated various lies to cover for him, I believe you gentlemen have already reached a conclusion about what really happened."
Sang Hong retorted angrily, "According to you, I am also Lord Zu's accomplice, colluding with the demon race to betray the country?"
Xu Yu shook his head: "That's not it. I suppose Lord Sang was eager to help Zu An because he admires talent. I just didn't expect him to do something so deceitful to the emperor."
He knew that although Sang Hong was not well-liked in official circles, he was famously upright and loyal to the emperor. If he were to falsely accuse him in this regard, no one would believe him.
Sang Hong's expression shifted between light and dark. He knew in his heart that things were unlikely to end well today, and the only thing he could do was to stall for time as much as possible.
Before he could say anything, the emperor spoke up: "I remember some of the Embroidered-Robe Envoys who went with us. Let them come out and speak."
Zhu Xie Chixin naturally knew who had been sent this time. Soon, Xiao Jianren stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, based on what I have seen and heard along the way, Lord Zu is an upright person who upholds justice for the people. Such a person would never collude with the demon race to betray the country."
Sang Hong glanced at him in surprise. The Embroidered-Robe Envoy was known for his aloofness and was feared by the court officials. He never expected that the Envoy would speak up for Zu An at this critical moment, risking his future.
Bi Linglong's spirits lifted in the court, and she was about to speak when Zhu Xie Chixin interrupted Xiao Jianren: "The Emperor asked whether Zu An rescued Yu Yanluo, or where Zu An was when Yu Yanluo was rescued. Did you see him? Remember to answer the key points."
Bi Linglong frowned, unable to hold back any longer: "The Grand Commander's words seem somewhat suggestive."
Everyone looked at her in surprise. She was known for her refined manners and was considered to have the bearing of an empress. She rarely expressed her own opinions, but she could always arrange for her subordinates to speak out and achieve her goals. Yet today she had personally taken the lead, which showed that Zu'an held a very special place in her heart.
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