"Everyone says the Jiang family is a family of scholars with a long-standing reputation. It turns out that this reputation was earned by shifting all the blame onto others when things go wrong!"
Jiang Chongfan quickly shook his head.
But Shen Hechuan no longer wanted to hear his explanation and said directly:
"Jiang Chongfan, I respect you because you are my mother's family, which is why I have always been tolerant of you. However, you must understand that a person's ambition has its limits, and affection has its finite measure."
I have already made it clear that I will not take any more concubines, but you are still not giving up. Do you really want the Empress's position to be held by someone from your Jiang family before you are satisfied?
Jiang Chongfan knelt on the ground, still trying to argue.
"Your Majesty, please understand that this old minister truly knew nothing about this matter."
"For so many years, my family has been living in seclusion in Jiangnan. If Your Majesty had not ascended the throne, I probably would not have returned."
After returning, this old minister understood Your Majesty's difficulties, and it was inevitable that Your Majesty would have some doubts about him. However, this old minister truly had no such intentions.
As Jiang Chongfan spoke, tears welled up in his eyes.
"This old minister admits that Wan'er is indeed deeply in love with Your Majesty, but this old minister has already advised her against it."
During His Majesty's wedding, she personally told the old ministers that she had completely given up on this idea.
This old minister...this old minister never expected her to do such a thing!
"Your Majesty, I implore this old minister to investigate thoroughly!"
At this moment, Li Ce, who had gone to investigate, hurriedly returned.
After entering, he glanced discreetly at Jiang Chongfan kneeling on the ground before moving closer to Shen Hechuan and quietly telling him the latest findings of his investigation.
"Your Majesty, I have investigated all the clues, and in the end, all the clues point to Jiang Mingwan."
Whether it was the itinerant doctor or her entering the palace and knocking out the palace maid, it was all done by Jiang Mingwan alone.
Upon hearing this, Shen Hechuan couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
Did she do this all by herself?
Do you even believe that yourself?
Li Ce lowered his head and remained silent.
"Continue the investigation!"
He waved for Li Ce to leave before turning his attention back to Jiang Chongfan.
His gaze held a newfound scrutiny.
Jiang Chongfan is really slippery; it's impossible to find a crime to convict him of.
Therefore, Shen Hechuan could only suppress his anger.
"It seems that this matter really has nothing to do with Minister Jiang, and it was all done by Jiang Mingwan alone."
However, Jiang Mingwan's actions were far too audacious; if she is not punished, I will not be able to quell my anger.”
Jiang Chongfan knelt on the ground and begged for mercy.
"Your Majesty, this old minister begs you, for the sake of the late Empress, please spare Wan'er's life!"
"This child is so fond of Your Majesty that he has committed such a wrong act. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency."
Upon hearing the words "the late empress," Shen Hechuan swallowed back the words that were about to come out.
The man before me is none other than my mother's father!
If the Empress Dowager were alive, she would surely have protected her own family.
So, Shen Hechuan ultimately softened his heart.
He sighed.
"That's enough!"
"Although Jiang Mingwan's matter is serious, it ultimately did not lead to any major disaster. Minister Jiang, you should take her back and send her away!"
"However, from this day forward, she shall not enter the palace."
"Let's leave Tiandu as soon as possible."
After Shen Hechuan finished speaking, Jiang Chongfan was also surprised for a moment before continuing to kowtow.
"This old minister kowtows to thank Your Majesty for sparing my life."
Shen Hechuan waved his hand casually.
"Alright, it's getting late, let's hurry up and take everyone back!"
Jiang Chongfan then stood up, preparing to go and fetch the person.
Just then, Little Shadow rushed over.
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"
"News just came from the prison."
"Miss Jiang, she...she committed suicide!"
"What?"
"What did you say?"
Jiang Chongfan suddenly grabbed Xiao Yingzi by the collar and shouted angrily.
What nonsense are you spouting?
"Why would Wan'er commit suicide?"
Jiang Chongfan's face was contorted with rage, and his beard trembled with fury.
The little shadow was also completely frightened.
"Lord Jiang... Miss Jiang did indeed commit suicide. If you don't believe me, you can go and see for yourself."
Shen Hechuan also stood up.
"In that case, let's go take a look together."
Soon, Shen Hechuan was already standing in the Heavenly Prison.
Jiang Chongfan knelt on the ground, looking at Jiang Mingwan with her eyes closed, and remained silent for a long time.
His back was hunched, and because he had walked in such a hurry, his official robes were disheveled, and his hat was askew, revealing his gray hair.
This man, who was over fifty, finally showed his true self at this age.
The dead should be respected.
That's enough!
Shen Hechuan sighed and gave instructions to the little shadow beside him.
"No news of what happened today should be leaked. Send the person back."
The little shadow nodded in agreement.
Jiang Chongfan, who had been silent for a long time, finally made a move.
He slowly turned around and knelt respectfully on the ground.
"This old minister kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's great favor."
Shen Hechuan looked at Jiang Chongfan.
In what seemed like an instant, this shrewd and calculating old minister appeared much more weathered.
"Jiang Chongfan, Jiang Mingwan..."
He sighed, but ultimately didn't say the rest.
He ignored Jiang Chongfan and turned to leave.
Gu Jingchun was also surprised for a moment when he learned of this news.
"Dead?"
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