Read Novel Full Chapter 1996: Court Dispute (6)
Chapter 1996: Chapter 1996: Court Dispute (6)
"Minister Wang, I dare not," Gu Qingheng slightly raised an eyebrow, "but just to remind everyone to handle matters according to law. Everyone is saddened by Miss Wang’s unfortunate fate, so we must work together to find the real culprit, rather than accusing wildly here. Otherwise, the ones who care will be hurt and the enemies will be happy."
Xu Mengying wanted to say something, but Wang Jingze tugged at her: "Mengying, General Gu is right, the matter still needs to be investigated."
"But..."
"General Gu, I will enter the palace tomorrow to meet the Emperor. I hope the murderer is indeed someone else, otherwise..." Wang Jingze stared tightly at Gu Qingheng, "otherwise I will avenge my daughter even at the cost of my life."
"As you wish." Gu Qingheng smiled faintly.
Thus the matter was temporarily suppressed, but that night was destined to be a sleepless night for some.
The next day’s morning court, apart from the initial two reports on the Yuan Country’s envoy, was spent discussing Wang Zhengzheng’s murder case.
Regarding whether Yang Ruxin was the murderer, the court was divided into three factions. The opposition led by Jiao Jinjun of the Ministry of Works insisted Yang Ruxin could not have killed anyone because his daughter, Jiao Feng, also took Yang Ruxin’s medicine pill and was now lively and healthier; then there was the faction led by Gu Sheng affirming the accusation, claiming Yang Ruxin was just a village girl, not a disciple of any Divine Doctor, and possibly colluded with the Wei Family’s insider to create a ploy for fame; finally, the neutral faction suggested both possibilities of guilt or innocence, but even if guilty, Yang Ruxin’s contributions to Daxuan should exempt her from a death sentence...
In short, it was a lively debate.
Gu Qingheng and Wang Jingze stood silently in the hall.
Emperor Xuanjing sat above without a word, listening to the debate below, which escalated into a heated argument between two factions with increasingly loud voices. Fortunately, it was just verbal sparring, without physical altercation...
Roughly two hours later, the voices in the hall finally quieted down, then fell silent. Why? After talking so much for so long, they were tired and thirsty.
Emperor Xuanjing took a sip of medicinal tea handed by Eunuch Ping, glanced around, then sipped again.
Below, the ministers felt a deep resentment. Every day before morning court, they dared not eat or drink for fear of needing the privy. Now, parched and weary, they hoped the Emperor would speak quickly and end court so they could drink some water, but... smacking their parched lips, what a foolish monarch!
Finally, after three sips, Emperor Xuanjing put down the teacup: "Have you all finished speaking?"
Everyone bowed their heads in silence.
"Wang Zhengzheng’s sudden death saddens me, Madam Ruyi’s involvement shocks me," Emperor Xuanjing’s expression suddenly darkened, "but does sadness or shock solve anything? What I need now is evidence and to find the murderer, not for you all to chitchat here meaninglessly."
Their heads bowed even lower.
"Cha Anbo, any progress?" Emperor Xuanjing exhaled and looked at Jiang Guanyu.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, a search of the General Residence was conducted that day, but no poison was found on Wang Zhengzheng," Jiang Guanyu hurriedly reported, "Madam Ruyi refuses to confess and requests to conduct the autopsy herself..."