Everyone lowered their heads in fear, afraid that they might be the ones accused of the crime.
Ye Chenxing's expression was equally solemn. The families of these three dead men were all home to the murderers who had once brought about the demise of the Xie family.
Although the Xie family ultimately survived, they only suffered the consequence of being exiled. But what difference is there between being exiled and being dead?
Therefore, Xie Yin hated the families of these three dead people, and thus, it is likely that he was the one who committed the crime.
Xie Yin was too hasty. If these three people die, everyone will soon associate it with him.
Among the crowd, only Qi Jinzhao had a playful look on his face as he gently touched the wound on his wrist.
There were faint bloodstains there.
He was also being chased in the jungle just now.
He knew the murderer was the queen's son, so he also sent some "gifts" back, causing chaos in the forest.
It seems there are so many interesting things to see at such a small birthday banquet.
The leader of the Imperial Guards led his men to check everyone present one by one.
Because this matter was of great importance and the emperor was furious, even high-ranking officials and nobles had no choice but to cooperate.
Everyone must confirm whether they left the banquet during that time.
Soon, the Imperial Guard leader's investigation reached Xi Xingxue's side.
"Your Excellency, Imperial Advisor," the Imperial Guard leader bowed slightly, "may I ask what you were doing during that time?"
Xi Xingxue replied, "I am enjoying the food and watching the performance."
In the center of the venue, surrounded by long tables, was a group of performers singing and dancing. Their performance was impressive and the atmosphere was lively.
Because of Xi Xingxue's special status, there was a distance between his seat and another person. The lighting was poor at night and the place was noisy, so unless people looked closely at Xi Xingxue's side, they wouldn't know that the person in his seat was an imposter pretending to be Xi Xingxue's servant.
Xi Xingxue's servants were all his confidants, and they would not betray Xi Xingxue. After all, the relationship between master and servant was one of mutual benefit and shared loss.
The Imperial Guard leader then asked, "Are there any witnesses?"
Xi Xingxue looked to the side.
His four subordinates, including Xie Yin, all said in unison, "The Grand Preceptor has remained in his seat the whole time."
"Um."
The Imperial Guard leader asked a few more questions and then stopped pursuing Xi Xingxue. After all, as a high-ranking official, he wasn't that much of a suspect in the murder.
His gaze locked onto Xie Yin, his expression somewhat dangerous: "So, have you been out during this time?"
Xie Yin shook his head: "No."
Just as the leader was about to question the witness, an official suddenly spoke up: "He's lying!"
As soon as these words were spoken, all eyes in the room turned to Xi Xingxue.
Many people were well aware of the relationship between the Xie family and the families of these dead people, and their eyes immediately lit up with understanding.
He thought to himself that if the evidence was conclusive, Xie Yin was probably the murderer.
Before Xie Yin could speak, Xi Xingxue sneered, "You doubt my people?"
His expression was icy and imposing, making the official who accused Xie Yin of lying subconsciously feel a little guilty.
But now that the words were out, he knew he had to continue.
"Grand Preceptor, you have four people waiting around you, right? My servant said that during that time, there weren't that many people behind you!"
Xi Xingxue knew in his heart that he and Xie Yin were gone, and there were only two people left there, one of whom would have to come and take his place.
In other words, there was only one servant waiting behind him. Although it was dark and unclear, it was impossible to see more than one person if you looked closely.
Therefore, it is indeed very easy to be exposed in this way.
However, in ancient times, there were no cameras or anything like that. As long as there was no certain evidence, he could completely resolve the crisis by being shameless.
"You're joking. You mean my male concubine would kill someone? Look at how skinny he is, how could he take down three strong men? Besides, he's been waiting behind me the whole time. Lord Li, you're doing this on purpose because you're dissatisfied with my tutor."
Although Xi Xingxue's words were not pleasant to hear, they were all protecting Xie Yin.
Xie Yin inexplicably stopped disliking the term "male concubine," after all, Xi Xingxue's attitude towards male concubines was not one of that.
Lord Li's expression was rather unpleasant, and he secretly glared at his servant.
He can't say anything based on just his eyes; at most, he might make the Grand Preceptor's people a little suspicious.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you must do justice for us!"
The wails echoed through the night. The officials who had been weeping over their sons' corpses came to their senses and knelt before the emperor, crying out in anguish.
The emperor said with a stern face, "Rest assured, I will uphold justice for you."
One of the officials wiped away his tears and suddenly glared fiercely at Xie Yin.
"Your Majesty, it was Xie Yin who killed him! It must have been Xie Yin!"
The emperor frowned. "Oh?"
His gaze passed through the crowd and landed on Xie Yin.
Xie Yin's face was pale, his eyes welled up with tears, and his lips trembled: "I...I don't have that ability."
After saying that, he coughed heavily, his thin body trembling slightly. Combined with his sickly face, he looked like a frail, unwell person.
Even the emperor thought it was unlikely.
The three dead bodies were so grotesque, each leg as thick as Xie Yin's waist. Xie Yin was once a scholarly young master who only knew how to read books, so how could he know martial arts?
The official, whose son had died, said bitterly, "Xie Yin hated us for accusing the Marquis's family! So he took revenge and killed our son. Who else could it be but him?"
The emperor frowned.
Ye Chenxing said, "What you said is wrong. If it was a political enemy who committed the murder, then not only Xie Yin, but also some other people would be the murderers."
The official, whose son had died, cried out hoarsely, "The Xie family is the most tragic! The murderer must be Xie Yin!"
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