Peasant Woman’s Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2234: Chapter 2231: The True Intention

Unexpectedly, he completely refused to cooperate, staying neutral, does he really think this will gain Chu Heng’s favor?

Chu Heng straightened up, his voice clear: "It seems this matter cannot be concluded yet. Lord Guo need not rush. If this matter truly is my doing, I will accept the legal consequences. If I am being framed, once the Ministry of Punishment clarifies the truth, I hope Lord Guo will not be so hasty in judgment next time."

"Those who know might think Lord Guo is righteous; those who don’t might believe he is deliberately framing the loyal."

"You..." Imperial Censor Guo, hearing his righteous words, was furious, face turning dark: "Even if Lord Chu delays, it won’t change the facts!"

"Your Majesty, I am wronged, I beg for justice." Chu Heng directly addressed Emperor Xuanming.

"Your Majesty, the evidence is right in front. No matter how Lord Chu argues, it is a fact. Please reconsider, Your Majesty." Imperial Censor Guo quickly spoke up as well.

Emperor Xuanming, already irritated by the bickering, had lost his smile, "Minister Lai, I leave this case to you. You must present the result within three days."

Minister of Punishments: "...Yes."

"Very well, we’ll discuss this further once the Ministry of Punishment has investigated." Emperor Xuanming postponed the matter.

Imperial Censor Guo was somewhat unwilling.

But there was no choice, so he had to withdraw.

Then, Xiang City reported on the teaching progress of the cavalry battalion and some changes in the Northern Region.

After establishing trade relations with Beirong, the Northern Region saw an emergence of bandits attacking and robbing wealthy merchants passing by. Emperor Xuanming was enraged upon receiving the news from Fourth Prince and Prince Rong.

He immediately arranged for Prince Rong to lead the charge against the bandits.

Minister Qi also took the opportunity to have his subordinates report on King Qi’s progress in the Southern Border, seeking merits for King Qi in front of Emperor Xuanming.

Emperor Xuanming appeared impartial towards his sons. Upon hearing Minister Qi’s words, he said: "King Qi has done well. Let him continue to strive. If he can pacify the Southern Border, I will greatly reward him."

Minister Qi naturally praised him further.

Now he seemed to understand that Emperor Xuanming not sending King Qi to the Northern Region might not be due to dissatisfaction with him.

Didn’t see that after several princes went to the Northern Region, they gained no benefits?

The Northern Region is vast and sparsely populated, and those bandits have resisted capture for years. It’s not something easily dealt with. Emperor Xuanming, with no hesitation, sent Prince Rong, showing he was not concerned about his safety.

Hence, it seems the Emperor wants his sons to achieve political merits, valuing whoever has the greater ability.

Prince Rong lacks support, while the Southern Border is plagued with miasma and the people’s lives are harsh. Before Prince Qi arrived, spies were already positioned there, and when the prince went, his men were sufficient to assist him.

It’s not something Prince Rong and the other princes can compare with.

Morning court concluded.

Emperor Xuanming did not summon Chu Heng to the Imperial Study.

After court, he was summoned by Elder Zhong to return to the Official Gazette Office together.

"Zi Qiu, is there confidence in this matter?" Elder Zhong asked.

Chu Heng neither nodded nor shook his head: "I don’t know."

"Is there anything you need my assistance with?"

Ever since Elder Zhong changed his attitude towards him, becoming more cordial, he had altered his way of speaking in private, showing more intimacy.

Chu Heng smiled and shook his head: "There’s no need for that. If I do end up needing help, I won’t hesitate to ask."

Elder Zhong stroked his beard and laughed: "You, it seems you are prepared."

Huo Zhengming sighed lightly: "Zi Qiu, be cautious, don’t let them find a chance to continue framing you. In the official circle, all sorts of methods exist."