The authors of the Four Great Classical Novels were enshrined in the hall one after another.
Zhao Hao nodded to the four of them and pointed to the prince's robe on the ground, asking a question.
"Gentlemen, with me, Zhao Hao, here today, no one can distort the facts."
That day, while Zhao was away on campaign, Prince Fu recounted in detail how he treated you all, down to the smallest detail, right before the court officials, the Emperor, and the Empress Dowager!
After exchanging glances, the four men stepped forward and bowed to report.
"Prime Minister, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, and all the ministers. On that day, I and a few of my colleagues were discussing holding a celebratory banquet because our new book, 'The Lotus Lantern,' was so popular with the people."
Unexpectedly, General Wang, along with his servants and others, came to cause trouble, carrying copies of the Romance of the Late Han Dynasty that had been circulating for some time.
Unable to stop it, Shi was beaten by General Wang and his servants. He watched as all the books were either taken away or burned by General Wang's servants.
He even claimed that he would take over the bookstore soon, and then surrounded the printing workshop behind the bookstore, attempting to forcibly seize everything inside!
However, the workers in the workshop were determined to prevent General Wang's servants from entering, and blocked the workshop gate with their own flesh and blood.
But General Wang, he..."
At this point, Shi Nai'an suddenly burst into tears, his expression filled with sorrow.
"He actually ordered the fire to burn the entire workshop, along with 78 workers, to death!"
General Wang's actions are no different from those of a bandit! How are they any different from those of Dong Zhuo, who brought disaster to the country and acted recklessly?
Ladies and gentlemen, my injuries are a minor matter. But the seventy-eight vibrant lives lost in the workshop are gone forever! I implore you all to seek justice for them, or else General Wang Zifu will be appointed!
What I have said is plain for heaven and earth to witness! If I have disobeyed, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!
Prince Fu gritted his teeth, wondering why he hadn't dealt with those scholars back then.
"Hmph, the words of a scholar cannot be trusted! He says that I, Prince Fu, burned so many people alive, but where are their remains, where are their families, and are there any other witnesses!"
Zhao Hao's eyes narrowed slightly. "You killed the person, and you've already moved the body somewhere. Are you trying to play the victim so that there's no way to prove it?"
Prince Fu broke out in a cold sweat. "Prime Minister, you can't just say that. We need evidence, we can't..."
*Slap slap*
Zhao Hao clapped his hands, and then, from somewhere, a printing plate that was half burned was thrown in front of Wang Zifu.
Only Liu Tong knew that this thing was thrown out by Yuwen Chengdu!
"This was taken from your home. Do you have any objections?"
If you want to see what else we can find in your house, I don't mind!
Prince Fu was startled. Weren't these things all stored in the cellar?
Why did Zhao Hao take this thing out so quietly?
Prince Fu did not understand, nor did he need to understand.
In Zhao Hao's eyes, his fate was already sealed the moment he made his move.
Meanwhile, the officials in the court, seeing Wang Zifu's appearance, had already made up their minds.
"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager. I have found all the evidence of Wang Zifu's crimes in his residence. I beg Your Majesty and Empress Dowager to punish General Wang!"
"Oh, by the way, now is precisely the time for you all to set an example and demonstrate the strictness of the law. Gentlemen of the court, I believe that the higher the official rank, the more severe the punishment should be. What do you say?"
"..."
They dared not speak. If they dared to agree with Zhao Hao, they would surely be doomed if someone found fault with them later.
However, Zhao Hao did not expect them to support him.
Their silence played right into Zhao Hao's hands!
"Very good. Since the officials are silent, it means they agree that I am right."
Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, what are your thoughts?
He Ling was somewhat undecided. Liu Bian waited for a long time, but his beloved female dog didn't offer any guidance, and he began to panic.
"I think it would be better to review all the evidence first, and then discuss it further."
"Yes, Mother is right. Such an important matter should be thoroughly reviewed..."
Zhao Hao smiled dismissively. These two people ultimately failed to recognize their own worth.
"Very well, then let's do as Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager say."
The officials were all taken aback upon hearing this. When did Zhao Hao become so easy to talk to?
What Zhao Hao said next sent chills down their spines!
"By order of Zhao Hao, anyone who kills without cause shall pay with their life. General Wang Zifu, though of high rank and great power, has knowingly broken the law; his crime shall be punished even more severely!"
The entire royal family, including Prince Fuzhi and his eight hundred members, were beheaded as atonement!
Hua Xiong, who was crouching at the back of the line, finally received Zhao Hao's order.
"Your humble servant Hua Xiong obeys the order and will surely bring all the villains to justice!"
As Hua Xiong dragged Wang Zifu away by the neck, Zhao Hao gave instructions.
"Don't forget, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager want to review the evidence. After all the criminals have been beheaded, bring all the evidence over for His Majesty to see."
Hua Xiong was taken aback. "All the evidence? Prime Minister, do the heads of these criminals count as evidence?"
Zhao Hao's lips curled up slightly. Hua Xiong had indeed reminded him!
"Yes, of course it counts!"
Wu Fu glared angrily. Zhao Hao's actions clearly showed that he did not respect the emperor, the empress dowager, or the court officials!
"King Chen! Marquis Xiangben!"
Wu Fu tried to gain the support of the two Liu clan members, but was met with a cold response.
"What business does the Grand Counselor have with me? Is it about the punishment of the criminal Wang Zifu? I believe this is a very appropriate measure, which will deter those who disregard the law and uphold justice!"
Liu Chong nodded in agreement, “I share the same view. Since the evidence is conclusive, this cancer that disregards human life should be dealt with swiftly to prevent future troubles!”
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