"Yes, this matter still needs to be verified. We must not fall into the trap of villains or foreign countries. I believe that a god-like figure like General Shenwei would not be easily harmed."
Upon hearing this, some prestigious ministers quickly chimed in. In truth, most ministers had already discerned the truth from the expressions of the other ministers and the emperor. Out of loyalty and righteousness, they could only be angry at Emperor Huizong's incompetence while trying to save him, or at least his life.
Fortunately, these respected senior officials held back the angry crowd, preventing Emperor Huizong from being torn apart on the spot by the furious officials and generals.
Outside the palace, as the rumors grew more numerous and well-founded, countless people were forced to believe their claims. Armed with weapons and farm tools, they spontaneously flocked to the palace, only to find that the rumors were already circulating. Even the imperial guards and many palace servants had gone to question the emperor. The rest of the palace was practically deserted, and the people stormed into the unguarded palace, heading straight for the main hall. Eventually, the palace was almost completely packed with people, many waiting outside for the outcome, demonstrating the sheer number of those who had come.
"Your Majesty, please tell us the truth about last night's Feast at Hongmen. Did the incident really happen? What is the state of General Shenwei?" a general asked Emperor Huizong.
"Don't believe the rumors. I have always had a very good relationship with General Shenwei, and I would never do such a thing. General Shenwei has gone into seclusion. Someone must have known this and is deliberately spreading false rumors. Moreover, a divine figure like General Shenwei could not possibly be poisoned to death by poisoned wine," Emperor Huizong said, feigning composure.
"Nonsense, Zhao Jie, you despicable villain! General Shenwei has been so devoted to the Song Dynasty and to you, yet last night you all took turns serving him poisoned wine, ten jars in total! Even a god like General Shenwei couldn't withstand drinking your poisoned wine continuously. You also had over a hundred trusted imperial guards lying in ambush outside, intending to kill General Shenwei. These guards all witnessed it; I've brought all the witnesses. At that time, General Shenwei was so severely poisoned that he couldn't even use his magic." Just then, an old eunuch, leading more than twenty imperial guards and pushing aside four or five wounded men, stepped forward and pointed at Emperor Huizong, angrily cursing him.
Upon hearing the old eunuch's words and recognizing him as the one who had delivered the imperial edict to Emperor Huizong, the civil and military officials in the hall immediately glared at Emperor Huizong with murderous intent.
"Speak! Tell me everything that happened yesterday in detail, not a single word can be omitted. Who was involved?" A military officer angrily lifted up a guard who was being brought in and roared.
"Yes." Upon hearing this, the Imperial Guards, who had already been lectured, threatened, and bribed by the old eunuch, trembled as they said, "Last night, the Imperial Guards Commander selected over a hundred brothers for a rotation. After the rotation, we learned that the mission was to kill General Shenwei, using His Majesty's laughter as the signal. When we rushed in, we only saw General Shenwei leaning against a pillar, spitting blood. The blood was black, and he tried to use magic several times but couldn't. Among the ministers involved were... In the end, General Shenwei managed to use magic with difficulty and disappeared."
Listening to the imperial guards' words, everyone looked at Emperor Huizong and the ministers whose names had been called out, their eyes growing increasingly furious, turning bloodshot.
Many of the ministers whose names were called began to tremble. Seeing their expressions, everyone knew that it was true.
"Alas! I hope it won't implicate the entire royal family." Seeing this, Zhong Shidao sighed. They had incurred the wrath of the masses, and Emperor Huizong of Song was beyond saving.
Upon hearing the Imperial Guards say that General Shenwei had ultimately used his magic and disappeared, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. This meant that General Shenwei might not actually be dead.
"Your Majesty, please issue an edict of self-reproach!" Zhong Shidao said to Emperor Huizong of Song, seeing that the civil and military officials were about to take action.
"Alas, I was wrong, I was wrong! I deserve to die!" Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong sighed. He knew that Zhong Shidao was actually protecting the royal family, sacrificing himself to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline. For now, Zhong Shidao and his associates could still be somewhat contained, but if the news reached the border, those arrogant and fierce generals would surely mutiny and seek revenge. At that point, the entire royal family might be doomed, and no one could protect them. Only by admitting his mistake, bringing the matter to a close, and giving an explanation to the people and his officials could he ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline.
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