Meanwhile, the moment Xiao Chengxuan received the imperial summons, his heart began to pound.

On the way, he subtly probed for information and finally managed to learn from Eunuch Li that the Holy Emperor’s summons seemed to be related to Han Tong’s case.

’But I just sent someone to warn Han Tong not long ago. His life is in my hands. How could he possibly have the guts to stir up trouble?’

He tried to ask for more, but he couldn’t get anything else out of the eunuch.

Eunuch Li was, after all, one of the Holy Emperor’s personal attendants. He knew what could be hinted at and what could not be mentioned in the slightest.

By the time he hurried to the entrance of the Imperial Study Room, a faint sheen of sweat had already appeared on Xiao Chengxuan’s forehead.

He took a deep breath.

"Your son greets you, Father Emperor."

Emperor Muwu’s expression was cold and stern. His eyes, though aged, were still piercing as they stared coldly at him.

In the dead silence, Xiao Chengxuan could even hear his own heartbeat.

As long as Emperor Muwu remained silent, Xiao Chengxuan did not dare to rise. He stayed kneeling with his head bowed, completely still.

Finally, a cold, hard, and severe voice broke the silence.

"Regarding the case of Huo Yucheng, Second Son, is there nothing you wish to say?"

’Huo Yucheng!?’

Xiao Chengxuan’s eyelids twitched violently, and he was instantly thrown into a panic.

’Did Han Tong confess something!?’

’But that shouldn’t be possible!’

’Everything was taken care of beforehand, especially the parts concerning Huo Yucheng. The matter involved life and death for many people, including Han Tong himself. How could he possibly have talked!? Han Tong served under me for many years; I thought I knew him well. To protect that precious son of his, he was willing to give up his own life without uttering a single word. So why now—’

"What does Father Emperor mean? Please forgive your son for his ignorance!"

Xiao Chengxuan remained prostrated on the floor, his face a mask of confusion and shock, as if he truly knew nothing at all.

CRASH—!

Emperor Muwu suddenly snatched the dossier at his side and hurled it at him. Xiao Chengxuan didn’t dare to dodge, and it struck him hard on the forehead.

The dossier fell open in front of him. He couldn’t resist a glance, and when he saw a certain name written on it, his heart instantly stopped.

—Xu Jie!

"Han Tong claims that the accusation made by Xu Jie, then the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, that Huo Yucheng embezzled military funds was, in fact, a false one! You were in charge of that case. What did you tell Us back then?"

Emperor Muwu pointed at him and said harshly,

"You said—the evidence was conclusive! The crime was irrefutable!"

Huo Yucheng had been convicted of multiple crimes, any one of which was a grave offense. That was why Emperor Muwu had been so furious at the time, refusing to allow anyone to plead on his behalf. He had even redirected his anger toward Ye Zheng, the only person who had spoken up for Huo Yucheng.

But now, three years later, it turned out Huo Yucheng had been framed!

If this charge was false, then... what about the others!?

Ignoring the pain, Xiao Chengxuan looked up and hastily defended himself, "Father Emperor! How is that possible? Your son did indeed find evidence at the Huo Mansion at the time. He—"

’Han Tong must be insane! How dare he expose this!’ Xiao Chengxuan’s heart burned with hatred for Han Tong. He only regretted being too cautious before and letting the man live a little longer, which had now led to this disaster!

"Han Tong is a convicted criminal. How can his words be trusted? I implore you to see the truth, Father Emperor!"

Emperor Muwu watched him with an icy gaze.

"Second Son, you have been outstanding since childhood, always methodical in your work. I entrusted this case to you because I trusted you. Whether or not Huo Yucheng actually embezzled military funds, whether that so-called evidence was real or fake—could you really not have found out the truth?!" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Xiao Chengxuan’s heart gave a violent THUMP.

’Father Emperor is so certain I bungled the investigation. Could it be... that he’s already found some new evidence?’

But of course, he could not admit to it.

Xiao Chengxuan clenched his fists and said, word by word,

"Your son—truly did not know!"