Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 507: Impartiality
"What?"
The sky was already dark, and the Zhaohai Palace was brightly lit. Emperor Taihe, who had been in a good mood recently and whose health had noticeably improved, was now in shock and abruptly got off the Dragon Couch: "Those eight assassins, are they really Death Warriors raised by the Zuo Family?"
Minister Dai’s face was expressionless, and he bowed, saying, "This assassination case is being personally investigated by Vice Minister Yang. Vice Minister Yang has stayed up for two nights without sleep to find out the identity and background of the assassins. He will personally report to the Emperor."
Minister Dai was getting on in years, and the specific matters of the Ministry of Justice were handled by the two Vice Ministers. Vice Minister Tang, originally a step ahead of Vice Minister Yang, had become evenly matched with him over the past two years due to his close ties with the Nanyang Prince Mansion, supported by Nanyang County Princess.
In this case, Vice Minister Yang took over the assassins’ corpses from the Commandery Princess and naturally became the person in charge. After discovering the results, although Minister Dai tried to suppress it, Vice Minister Yang insisted on reporting to the Emperor immediately: "Lord Minister, this case has a major clue and must be reported to the Emperor immediately. Otherwise, there might be suspicion of harboring the culprits."
"Lord Minister has always been honest and upright, and surely wouldn’t be confused at such a time."
If it were another case, delaying to send a message to the Prime Minister’s Mansion might not be an issue. But this was an assassination attempt on the Commandery Princess! Emperor Taihe specifically ordered a thorough investigation! How can it be delayed?
Minister Dai, nearing seventy, couldn’t afford to bear the responsibility, so he sent someone to deliver a message to the Prime Minister’s Mansion while entering the palace himself.
At this moment, it is thought that Prime Minister Wang has probably received the news, urgently devising a plan to save the Zuo Family.
Vice Minister Yang stepped forward, bowed, and said in a deep voice, "Emperor, all eight assassins had their faces destroyed, making identification impossible. The night clothes they wore and the weapons they used are the most common in the army. Even the bow and arrow used for assassination are ordinary with no marks or special features."
"I searched carefully but found no waist cards or items to prove their identity."
Emperor Taihe frowned: "So how can you assert that they are Death Warriors raised by the Zuo Family?"
A hint of pride flashed in Vice Minister Yang’s eyes: "Reporting to the Emperor, I ordered the Ministry of Justice’s forensic doctor to examine their corpses closely and found a rice-sized poison in their teeth. This poison is highly toxic, and just biting down would result in immediate death."
"I invited two renowned doctors skilled in poison-making and detoxification to the Ministry to identify it. This extremely rare poison comes from the Outer Grassland, known only to few. Anyone capable of obtaining this poison must be very familiar with that region, holding high status and wealth."
"To train even one highly skilled, self-sacrificing assassin is extremely costly. Sending out eight for this assassination shows the deep hatred the mastermind harbors toward the Commandery Princess."
"Combining all these conditions together, it is enough to conclude that the mastermind behind this is indeed the Zuo Family."
Emperor Taihe’s face turned grim, and he ordered, "Bring Shao Hua here."
Eunuch Ge acknowledged the order.
One incense stick later, Jiang Shaohua entered the bedroom.
Vice Minister Yang repeated what he had just said. After listening, Jiang Shaohua stated directly, "So, the evidence found by Vice Minister Yang is the poison from outside the border and the capability to raise Death Warriors. Do these three points altogether point to Left General?"
Vice Minister Yang, sensing something off in the conversation, looked over in surprise.
Wasn’t the Commandery Princess supposed to suppress Prime Minister Wang’s faction?
Though the evidence is somewhat flimsy, it should be enough to cast suspicion on the Zuo Family. At least, it could delay Left General’s return to stability, buying more time for the Commandery Princess. Why is she not seizing the opportunity and even showing signs of pleading for Left General?
Minister Dai and Vice Minister Tang were also surprised, looking together at Jiang Shaohua.
Jiang Shaohua ignored the three of them, turned to Emperor Taihe, and said, "Emperor, Left General is a significant minister of the state, having defended the border for twenty years and accomplished great deeds for Da Liang. The evidence found by Vice Minister Yang is insufficient to prove it was Left General’s doing."
"Perhaps the mastermind wants to throw this mess onto the Zuo Family, thereby dragging down Prime Minister Wang, causing court chaos and conflict anew."
Therefore, regardless of whether someone from the Zuo Family did it, it must not be considered so from the standpoint of the court’s overall situation.
Emperor Taihe understood Jiang Shaohua’s underlying message, feeling quite conflicted: "According to Shao Hua, how should this matter be dealt with?"
"Continue the investigation!" Jiang Shaohua said calmly, "The court has unresolved cases more than just one or two. Wang Yi has not been released from prison yet, and Duke An’s impeachment for selling positions hasn’t been delved into deeply. This is merely an assassination case. I was not injured, and the assassins are dead. Just investigate it slowly."
This means, for the sake of court stability, Jiang Shaohua is unwilling to exploit this incident. She is willing to tolerate it this time!
Vice Minister Yang fell silent.
He suddenly realized that he had underestimated the Commandery Princess’s breadth and courage.
He thought the Commandery Princess wanted to suppress the faction of the Prime Minister and grab power. Yet, unexpectedly, Jiang Shaohua’s true aim is to stabilize the court and people’s hearts.
The Commandery Princess was truly selfless, wholeheartedly considering the Emperor, without any personal bias!
Minister Dai was also stunned. Still, his reaction was quick, and he immediately bowed, saying, "The Commandery Princess has far-reaching vision, beyond the reach of ordinary people. This old minister is greatly impressed."
Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "I assume that Prime Minister Wang will soon enter the palace to see the Emperor. When the time comes, Minister Dai, please relay what I said to Prime Minister Wang. Tell him that I trust both the Prime Minister and Left General."
Minister Dai bowed in agreement.
Vice Minister Tang, a step slower to react, also bowed in response.
As for Vice Minister Yang, who recovered from his shock, began his performance, with a face full of shame, sighed deeply: "Blame it on my eagerness for merit, hastily reporting some useful clues to the palace. In fact, the evidence was insufficient, and I nearly wronged a national hero."
"I was wrong, and I ask the Emperor to punish me."
Emperor Taihe’s mood grew even more complex, and after a while, he said, "Since the evidence is insufficient, continue the investigation. This assassination case is entrusted to Vice Minister Yang."
Vice Minister Yang respectfully complied.
"Reporting to the Emperor, Prime Minister Wang has come to seek an audience!"
Indeed, Prime Minister Wang couldn’t hold back and came to the palace. Left General was truly Prime Minister Wang’s right-hand man and a crucial piece in his military strategy, not to be lost.
Understanding in her heart, Jiang Shaohua whispered, "Emperor, I shall take my leave first."
Emperor Taihe nodded.
After Jiang Shaohua left, Prime Minister Wang entered the Emperor’s bedroom.
Fearing any unintended slip from Prime Minister Wang due to unclear circumstances, Minister Dai quickly said: "Prime Minister Wang, you have come at the right time. There has been a new development in this case."
Prime Minister Wang’s eyebrows moved, and he looked over.
Minister Dai quickly recounted the earlier situation: "...The Commandery Princess stated that this is absolutely not Left General’s doing and that she trusts the Prime Minister."
Prime Minister Wang: "..."
