Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was oppressive, so quiet that only the sound of everyone breathing could be heard.
As soon as the Minister of Revenue finished speaking, Grand Tutor Shen's body began to tremble violently.
His face flushed crimson instantly, veins throbbing on his forehead, and his voice, though hoarse, carried an air of authority: "You... protect each other, deceive your superiors and cover up the truth! The people on both sides of the Yellow River are suffering, yet you are here distorting the facts!"
The Minister of Revenue merely sneered, showing great disdain for Grand Tutor Shen's statement.
He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and said, “Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Shen was recovering from a stroke at home some time ago, yet he is now standing here and has learned of the so-called Yellow River breach, which the entire court was unaware of. Where did he get this information from?”
"Such baseless accusations, if Your Majesty condones them, will chill the hearts of everyone in the Ministry of Revenue! Furthermore, Grand Tutor Shen is advanced in years, and perhaps his eyesight is failing, and he is being manipulated. Your Majesty must investigate thoroughly!"
His words were full of calculation, and his eyes swept over Grand Tutor Shen with provocation.
Upon seeing this, Shen Huaixu was extremely anxious. He quickly stepped forward and said urgently, "Your Majesty, I witnessed this with my own eyes. A large number of refugees gathered thirty miles outside the capital and were captured by Xingwu..."
He was interrupted by the emperor before he could finish speaking.
"Enough!"
The emperor's voice was low and cold, tinged with displeasure, and his gaze swept over Grand Tutor Shen with a chilling intensity, as if he had already made his decision.
"My ministers, please cease your arguing. Minister Shen, please step down. I will make the decision on this matter myself."
Shen Huaixu sighed helplessly, a trace of resentment flashing in his eyes, but he knew that there was no point in saying anything more at this time, so he could only swallow his anger and resentment.
Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Shen was overcome with grief.
Having served the emperor for many years, how could he not hear the perfunctory and indifferent tone in those words?
He knew that if he stepped down now, the Crown Prince and the others would surely notice something, and if they continued to investigate, they might find nothing at all.
The people outside Kyoto were waiting for them to rescue them, and countless people along the Yellow River were suffering in dire straits.
If he were to back down now, it would be easy, but the price would be the lives of countless people!
He looked up at the Minister of Revenue and saw a smug smile on the other's lips, his eyes full of mockery.
That smile was as sharp as a blade in Grand Tutor Shen's eyes, piercing his heart like a knife.
In an instant, Grand Tutor Shen felt utterly hopeless. He slowly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his grief and despair, but his trembling hands could not hide his resentment and anger.
Just as the emperor was about to get up and leave, Grand Tutor Shen suddenly shouted, "Your Majesty, this old minister guarantees with his life that this matter is absolutely true!"
His voice echoed in the hall, carrying a tragic sense of desperation.
"Minister Shen, I have already said I will make my own decision. Are you going to disobey my decree?"
The emperor was annoyed by Grand Tutor Shen's shout. His already tense face, due to the court disputes, became even more gloomy, and his tone exuded an unquestionable authority.
"If Your Majesty does not believe me, this old minister is willing to die to prove my innocence, I only beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"
Grand Tutor Shen's voice was hoarse but firm. Before he finished speaking, he suddenly found the strength from somewhere, stood up shakily, and slammed his head against the golden pillar in the hall.
His movements were extremely fast, as if he had used all his strength, and carried a resolute air.
"Bang--!"
With a muffled thud, Grand Tutor Shen's body slammed heavily against the golden pillar, and blood instantly gushed from his forehead, staining his white hair and the golden bricks in the hall.
His body slowly slid down and finally collapsed to the ground, blood spreading beneath him in a horrifying sight.
The hall fell into a deathly silence, with only the sound of everyone's rapid breathing audible.
The emperor suddenly stood up, his face ashen, his eyes filled with shock and anger, it was hard to tell which emotion was stronger.
He gazed at Grand Tutor Shen's aged yet resolute figure, his lips trembling slightly, yet he could not utter a single word.
Shen Jintang was stunned for a moment. The Grand Tutor Shen, who was always good at reading people, was actually so resolute that he did not hesitate to kill himself in the Imperial Study.
A complex mix of emotions welled up within her, a fleeting, complicated expression crossing her face. She then walked outside, her voice trembling slightly: "Summon the imperial physician!"
Shen Huaixu's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly stepped forward, but dared not touch Grand Tutor Shen's body.
He stood frozen in place, his face dark and unreadable. After a moment, he knelt down and cried out in grief and indignation, “Your Majesty, my father dedicated his life to the country and its people. He was never one to speak recklessly! If this matter is not thoroughly investigated, how can we face Grand Tutor Shen’s life? How can we face the blood and tears of the people of the world?”
He looked up at the emperor, his voice choked with emotion, his eyes filled with grief and indignation.
The young woman couldn't help but cover her face and weep, tears welling in her eyes. She sobbed softly and advised at the right moment, "Yes, Your Majesty, since Grand Tutor Shen dared to risk his life to plead for us, it means there is indeed a hidden story behind this!"
Upon hearing the young woman's words, the emperor's expression wavered slightly.
Grand Tutor Shen had served in the court for many years and knew his temperament well. His resolute attempt to commit suicide must have some hidden reason.
With Lin Tingwan's persuasion, the emperor's mind was quite skewed.
"Then..."
The Crown Prince frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over Grand Tutor Shen's corpse like a sharp blade before turning to the Emperor. A complex emotion flashed in his eyes as if he were pondering something, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
Finally, he subtly gave the Minister of Revenue a look.
The Minister of Revenue's face turned deathly pale instantly. He took a step back in terror, his legs buckled, and he almost knelt on the ground.
But he dared not speak, only feeling a chill rise from the soles of his feet, penetrating straight to his heart, and cold sweat slid down his forehead and dripped onto the ground.
Seeing that the emperor's expression had eased slightly, the young woman quickly stepped forward to support him, her voice choked with emotion, and continued, "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Shen was a man of unwavering loyalty throughout his life, and today he has sacrificed his life to prove his innocence. If this case is not thoroughly investigated, I fear the people of the land will find no peace!"
"He dedicated his life to the country and its people, pouring his heart and soul into it, yet today he sacrificed his life to protect them! Your Majesty, can you bear to let such a loyal minister die with regret in his heart?"
Her voice was soft, yet every word struck a chord, filled with sympathy for Grand Tutor Shen and support for Shen Huaixu, her eyes shining with unwavering determination.
Shen Huaixu knelt on the ground, tears welling up in his eyes, his voice choked but still firm: "Your Majesty! Grand Tutor Shen has shown his integrity with his death. If this case is not thoroughly investigated, I fear the people of the land will not be at peace!"
His body trembled slightly, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.
"Cough cough cough!"
The Crown Prince coughed twice and winked at the Minister of Revenue.
The Minister of Revenue turned pale, but still managed to remain calm. He immediately knelt down and cried out, "Your Majesty, please be wise! Grand Tutor Shen's actions are truly an act of forcing Your Majesty's will, a grave crime of disrespect!"
"Your Majesty, please see the truth!"
The Minister of Revenue's voice trembled slightly, and his eyes were filled with terror.
The emperor frowned, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the crowd as if weighing the pros and cons. His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne, producing a crisp sound.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
