Zhang Lan's words were like thunderclaps out of the blue, and the whole hall was in an uproar.
All the ministers looked at the Chu family members who were standing or kneeling in the hall and began to whisper to each other.
Everyone knows that there is a grudge between King Chen and King Chu, so King Chen makes things difficult for King Chu in every way. Perhaps what King Chen said just now was fabricated in order to discredit Chu Feiyang.
However, Zhang Lan and the Chu family have never had any grudges or hatred. If Zhang Lan had not really seen something, why would he mention this matter in front of the emperor and the ministers?
I'm afraid the Chu family really has something fishy going on, otherwise why would they keep getting into trouble?
When Chu Qingyang heard Zhang Lan's words, his originally hidden joy suddenly became nervous. He raised his head hurriedly and glared at Zhang Lan, who had revealed the matter, with angry eyes, wishing he could eat Zhang Lan.
However, deep in those angry eyes, there was a great deal of tension and worry. One hand was subconsciously protected in front of his chest, not wanting everyone to search for the gold medal hidden on his body.
To conceal his guilty conscience, Chu Qingyang stiffened his neck and blushed as he shouted at Zhang Lan, "Stop slandering me. Does putting someone's beloved possessions into their bosom constitute malfeasance? What law in Western Chu forbids people from putting things into their bosoms? Besides, I didn't hide anything at all. Why is Commander Zhang so aggressive towards us? Don't you think we're unlucky enough? My mother's body is still warm, and yet you've brought us to the palace for trial. Isn't that too much?"
Although Chu Qingyang resented everything about Chu Feiyang, he had been well-read under Chu Pei's careful guidance over the years, and was adept at refuting his claims. Despite his recent nervousness and worry, Chu Qingyang's thoughts were clear, and he deliberately shifted everyone's attention to Xie's death, gradually transforming their hostility towards him and creating sympathy in their hearts, which would gradually lead them to side with him.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say." At this time, Wen Xie, who had been standing quietly in the hall, walked out of the queue, clasped his fists, bowed, and spoke to Emperor Yugan.
When Emperor Yugan saw that it was the Crown Prince's Junior Tutor, the solemnity on his face gradually eased a little, and his tone became a little gentler, "Master Wen, what do you want to say?"
Wen Xie waited until Emperor Yugan had asked before speaking, "Your Majesty, I find the King of Chu's explanation credible. As the Chancellor of Nanxun, Prime Minister Wan is naturally dissatisfied with Nanxun becoming a vassal state of Western Chu. Coupled with the circumstances surrounding Nan Lan's death, it's highly likely that Prime Minister Wan will seek revenge in Western Chu. Now that Emperor Fengjing of Nanxun has handed over important court affairs to Regent Nan Yijun, Prime Minister Wan naturally has no place to stand. I'm afraid this is the spark that fuels his resentment. And the death of Madam Chu in the fight just now proves that this opponent is seeking revenge. If it weren't for the King of Chu's secret protection, I'm afraid the casualties would be even greater."
"This prince knows that Madam Chu once saved the Wen family's life, so Master Wen will definitely favor her. But Master Wen, don't forget, compared with personal honor and disgrace, which is more important, grudges and grievances, or the affairs of the court. If the Chu family and Prime Minister Wan have some plans, Master Wen's words today may only be aiding and abetting the evil!" At this time, Prince Chen, who had finished the diagnosis, strode back to the hall, stood back to his original position, and refuted Wen Xie's analysis in a cold voice. Every word was sharp, and Wen Xie was so angry that his face turned pale, but he could not respond.
After all, if the Chu family really had evil intentions, and I was helping them escape punishment in the palace today, then if something went wrong in the future, the Wen family would be the culprits of Western Chu. I was afraid that even after my death, I would not be able to face my grandfather with dignity.
"Your Majesty, all the gentlemen hold their own opinions and are arguing with each other. I think it is better to see it with your own eyes. Search them in public, and the truth and lies will naturally be exposed." Zhang Lan made another request.
"It was a dark and windy night, how could Commander Zhang see it so clearly? What's more, Chu Qingyang is now a serious criminal of the court. Before he leaves, even the bag he carries will be carefully checked by the officials of the Ministry of Justice to prevent the prisoner from carrying any weapons. And I remember clearly that it was Commander Zhang who led the officials of the Ministry of Justice to the Prince Chu's Mansion this afternoon. Could it be that Commander Zhang doesn't even trust himself?" Chu Feiyang sneered and shot out a light as sharp as a blade from his narrow eyes, mixed with a murderous aura that shot straight at Zhang Lan.
Seeing that the King of Chu openly defended his own family, Zhang Lan frowned slightly, and a hint of disdain appeared on his serious face. Then he clasped his fists and reported to Emperor Yugan, "Your Majesty, everything I said is true. If Your Majesty and the others do not believe it, you are free to search Chu Qingyang."
"If nothing is found, how will Commander Zhang explain? Commander Zhang, some things are not what you think they are. Although Chu Qingyang is a serious criminal of the court, he is a member of the Chu family. People in our Chu family will never accept punishment unless they violate the law of the country. If Commander Zhang insists on searching, then let me start with you. After all, as a member of the Chu family, I will naturally be suspected of covering up for someone in the eyes of others. If they find something, I will have nothing to say and will leave it to the emperor to deal with. If nothing is found, how do you plan to explain this matter to the Chu family?" Chu Feiyang slowly stepped forward and walked to the side of Zhang Lan. He also clasped his fists and spoke to Emperor Yugan. He saw a firm look in his eyes without any hesitation or guilt. His awe-inspiring righteousness made everyone admire him. Everyone couldn't help but feel a little confused about what Zhang Lan said.
"Why do you say that, Your Highness? I just noticed Chu Qingyang's strange movements and asked for a body search out of suspicion. Why are you trying to stop me, Your Highness? Could it be that Your Highness is also involved in this matter?" Zhang Lan was annoyed and sneered when he saw Chu Feiyang saying such angry words. He was even more convinced that there were problems with the entire Chu family.
Hearing this, Chu Feiyang actually smiled lightly, but the smile did not reach his eyes. His cold voice showed his current mood, "Commander Zhang, you are so suspicious, you are a bit biased! Prince Chen was also present at the time. Why didn't Commander Zhang suspect that I and Prince Chen had a secret with Prime Minister Wan? Why did he keep targeting my Chu family? Could it be that because my family members are serious criminals in the court at this time, you only suspect the Chu family? Prince Chen, don't you agree? Did you and Commander Zhang discuss this?"
With these words, Chu Feiyang had actually turned the situation around, pushing Zhang Lan and Jiang Muchen to the forefront.
"Your Majesty, you must have evidence to support your words. How can you just talk nonsense?" When it comes to speaking, how could Zhang Lan be a match for Chu Feiyang? Just hearing this, Zhang Lan was furious and wanted to debate with Chu Feiyang again.
However, these words that were obviously meant to sow discord fell into the ears of the suspicious Emperor Yu Gan, and they took root and sprouted in his heart like a seed.
Emperor Yugan narrowed his eyes slightly, and a calm yet cold look shot out of his eyes, which kept moving around Jiang Muchen and Zhang Lan, as if he was thinking about Chu Feiyang's words.
Zhang Lan was well aware of the saying, "Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger." While the emperor trusted the Imperial Guard, ultimately, he only trusted himself in this world. If the King of Chu's words caused the emperor to become suspicious of him, or even murderous, then he would be greatly wronged.
Jiang Muchen's face was icy cold, and he showed no sign of being moved by Chu Feiyang's frame-up. However, the aura lingering around him grew even colder. He glanced coldly at Zhang Lan's anxious expression and sneered, "The Prince of Chu is so eloquent that he can even confuse right and wrong. When I arrived, the Prince had already killed Prime Minister Wan, so the Prince could certainly fabricate whatever he wanted. If he had nothing to hide, why would the Prince of Chu repeatedly refuse to allow the Imperial Guards to search Chu Qingyang? Or is it that the Prince of Chu, feeling guilty, dares not let the Emperor know what your Chu family is plotting?"
"Okay, have you quarreled enough?" At this time, Emperor Yugan spoke in a cold voice, and the solemn voice instantly resounded throughout the hall. All kinds of discussions suddenly disappeared without a trace. Everyone stood up again, bowed in the hall, and dared not speak again.
Seeing that everyone was silent, Emperor Yugan's eyes fell on Chu Feiyang and he said in a deep voice, "Prince Chu, since you keep saying that the Chu family is innocent, why do you worry about being searched?"
As soon as these words were spoken, all the ministers' hearts suddenly tightened. Could the emperor really mean to search the King of Chu as well? Wouldn't this be like slapping the King of Chu in the face in public? And Prince Chen would probably be the one who benefited in the end.
"Your Majesty, the King of Chu only rushed to rescue his father and siblings. I think..." Before Emperor Yugan could speak again, Qu Lingao and Qu Changqing stepped out at the same time and spoke in unison.
"If anyone dares to beg for mercy again, I will treat him as an accomplice and search him completely." Unexpectedly, Emperor Yugan's attitude this time was extremely firm and he was not moved at all.
Qu Lingao and Qu Changqing glanced at each other. Qu Changqing winked at his father, then stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I am loyal to you. Even if I was searched, I remained upright. A person with integrity fears no shadow! However, I must be fair. Filial piety is the most important virtue. It is natural for the King of Chu to worry about his father. Why do people doubt the Chu family's loyalty to you? Please be fair and don't blame the King of Chu wrongly!"
"Okay, okay, Qu Changqing, you are really capable now. You can even ignore my words! Since you asked for a body search, I will grant your wish! Come, take Qu Changqing away first and let me examine him thoroughly!" Seeing that Qu Changqing insisted on speaking up for Chu Feiyang, Emperor Yugan became even more angry. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted at the guards outside the door.
"King Chu, please come in!" Jiang Muchen was in a good mood when he saw that King Chu and his party had offended Emperor Yugan in public today. He spoke to Chu Feiyang with a sneer.
"Your Majesty!" Chu Feiyang spoke directly to Emperor Yugan, "Since today's incident is suspicious, why not check all the people who were in the woods at that time? This will not only make everyone understand the emperor's justice, but also make them more convinced."
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