Chapter 326: Come Clean
In front of the Ministry of Justice, two rows of the forbidden army stood solemnly, their blades and spears gleaming coldly in the sunlight. Wei Dabao took a deep breath and handed over his name card.
After a short while, an official dressed in a crimson robe hurried out.
“Wei Dabao of the Canzhou branch of the Wei Family, here by imperial decree for interrogation.” Wei Dabao bowed deeply. Even someone as flamboyant as him dared not overstep here.
“Mr. Wei, please follow me,” the official said with a blank expression, “The Emperor will arrive soon, please wait inside the hall for a moment.”
Passing through multiple courtyards, the murderous atmosphere grew stronger.
Upon reaching the main hall, seeing the canes lined up neatly on both sides, even in the sweltering heat, Wei Dabao couldn’t help but shiver. Waiting in such an environment, he felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.
The Minister of the Ministry of Justice sent someone to report to Emperor Jing, who immediately made his way to the Ministry of Justice. At the same time, he sent people to the Marquis of Champion’s manor to summon Princess Changle, the only one who had seen the little chubby boy, to identify the suspect.
Several witnesses were gradually brought to the hall, and all the Wei Family members were escorted from the prison to the main hall.
They, who were usually so high and mighty, lording over others, were now terrified at being involved in a murder case.
Their faces were ashen, their brocade garments crumpled around them, their hairpins disheveled.
Mrs. Wei was being supported by two women, her gold-embroidered skirt trailing on the bluestone floor, covered with straw debris from the cell.
Seeing Wei Dabao already waiting in the hall, everyone’s gaze instantly turned to him, containing inquiry, reproach, and subtle hostility.
“The Canzhou branch has finally arrived,” an old man with white hair snorted coldly, “Made us wait long enough.”
Just as Wei Dabao was about to explain, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door. Immediately, a shrill voice pierced through the hall:
“His Majesty has arrived!”
Everyone immediately knelt and prostrated.
Emperor Jing, dressed in the bright yellow Dragon Robe, strode in surrounded by guards.
Wei Dabao pressed his forehead tightly to the ground, hearing the thud of boots that eventually stopped at the table in front.
“Arise.” Emperor Jing’s voice carried authority without anger.
Wei Dabao carefully raised his head to see Emperor Jing’s solemn face, weariness and anger etched into his features. The Minister of Justice stood beside him, bowing with the case files in his hands.
“Is the entire Wei Family present?” Emperor Jing asked.
“Your Majesty, they are all present,” Sun Wenlin, the Minister of Justice, responded respectfully.
Emperor Jing’s gaze was like lightning, sweeping over everyone in the hall.
“The Marquis of Champion was one of my most trusted aides, yet he fell victim to a vicious plot. I will investigate this thoroughly.”
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense.
“Before the Commandery Princess arrives,” Emperor Jing said coldly, “I want each of you to think carefully about what enmity exists between the Wei Family and the Marquis of Champion’s household?”
Wei Dabao felt his back soaked in cold sweat, even though he knew this thing was not something he did, and had nothing to do with him.
But the Marquis of Champion’s family was related to the royal family, and seeing Emperor Jing’s resolute attitude, any mistake could lead to the execution of nine generations, and he wouldn’t escape.
He discreetly glanced around, noticing the varied expressions of his clansmen, some frightened, some angry, and some with unfathomable glints in their eyes.
Princess Changle soon arrived, surrounded by her attendants. Her face was haggard, her spirit depressed.
She walked in on shards of shadows, her plain mourning attire appearing dazzlingly white in the sunlight.
Mr. Wei, being supported, briefly met her gaze, then lowered his eyes, his graying temples slightly trembling in the shadow.
As soon as she entered, Princess Changle glared at the Wei Family members, wishing she could tear them apart.
Emperor Jing had a seat arranged for her, and then signaled the Minister of Justice to begin the trial.
“Bang!” The gavel slammed down heavily.
“All suspects, kneel!”
At the sound of the gavel, Wei Chengchao’s knees went weak, and he collapsed to the ground, his forehead hitting the cold floor tiles with a dull thud.
He suddenly started wailing, “I’m innocent, my lord! Just last month, I was with the Commandery Princess at the Agarwood Pavilion admiring the peonies! It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me.”
His frightened voice was as sharp as a rooster being strangled, causing an uproar of laughter among the citizens watching from outside the hall.
“Silence! Silence!”
The Minister of Justice struck the gavel, calling for order, and gradually the hall quieted down again.
To facilitate the identification of the murderer, the Minister of Justice ordered for lanterns to be lit in the hall. In the flickering candlelight, the tense faces of those present were cast in alternating light and shadow.
The air was thick with oppressive tension, as if even breathing had become cautious.
“Bang!”
The Minister of Justice pounded the gavel heavily once more, the crisp sound of wood striking the table echoed in the hall.
“I will now recount the case from the beginning; if there are any inaccuracies, anyone may correct them on the spot.”
The hall fell silent immediately. Princess Changle’s fingertips dug into her palms, but the stabbing pain was nothing compared to the anguish in her heart.