Chapter 401: Chapter 401: Cross-Dressing Female General VS Enchanting Femme Fatale (23) Chapter 401: Chapter 401: Cross-Dressing Female General VS Enchanting Femme Fatale (23) Jiang Huan sat in the carriage, his heart full of worry, yet he knew his situation and did not rashly disembark.
After a while, the sounds of fighting outside ceased, and Gu Shengyin, in clean attire, lifted the curtain and sat back inside.
“Are you alright?” Jiang Huan asked somewhat nervously.
Gu Shengyin shook her head, “Just a mob of rabble. A few of them have been captured by your coachman, ready to be sent to the Ministry of Justice later.”
She lowered her eyes, hiding the expression beneath them: these men, whom she had found at great cost, were desperados. She had made them grand promises, ensuring the safety and wealth of their families, in exchange for their lives.
Once at the Ministry of Justice, these men would partially reveal some information as she had instructed. By the time the Ministry of Justice began verifying it, they would naturally connect the dots between this assassination attempt and a previous one.
Gu Shengyin did not deny that her methods were underhanded, but that was the nature of reality–if you are compassionate, others will take your life.
Jiang Huan noticed her mood was off and thought it was because of the incident, so he did not think much of it.
As Gu Shengyin had anticipated, the assassination attempt was indeed linked to Prince Rong, which greatly enraged His Majesty, who personally decreed a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Justice.
The officials at the Ministry of Justice, having received the imperial edict, dared not slack off and diligently handled the case with utmost care, aided by the “evidence” Gu Shengyin had already prepared. When those officials discovered the “truth,” their hearts sank.
“Lord Zhang, this…” the deputy to the Minister of Justice stood upright, his face covered in sweat, as he looked at his superior.
The matter even involved Her Royal Highness the Princess; they were not in a position to decide on their own.
Moreover, in such a situation, it was possible that His Majesty, in order to protect Princess Shu He, would silence those who knew too much.
Minister of Justice Lord Zhang, having weathered many years in officialdom, was much calmer than Li Zheng: “This matter, besides you and me, must not be known by anyone else. Now, follow me to the palace to see His Majesty.”
Meanwhile, the Emperor, having heard that the investigation was complete, immediately summoned the Ministry of Justice officials for an audience.
“Is this the result of your investigation?” the Emperor asked coldly as he looked at the two men.
Lord Zhang’s expression was unchanged, “To reply to Your Majesty, this matter concerns state secrets. Lord Li and I personally took charge in every aspect and presented the findings to Your Majesty as soon as we obtained them. As for the authenticity, we hope Your Majesty will decide.”
He left the decision to the Emperor, meaning, this matter has not been revealed, and only the two of us know. Even if you gave us a hundredfold courage, we dare not leak a single word. As for this “truth,” it depends on what Your Majesty wishes. Whatever truth you desire, that will be the truth.
The Emperor stared at the two men kneeling before him for a long while. A fleeting murderous look crossed his eyes before he regained composure, “Stand up, there is no need for you to further investigate this matter; I will naturally address it with General Fu and Prince Rong.”
The two men felt an immense relief as they took their leave.
Once outside, Li Zheng, sincerely convinced, bowed deeply to his superior, “Your insight is unparalleled, my lord. I am in awe.”
Lord Zhang smiled and stroked his goatee, remaining silent.
The Emperor, with a stern expression, entered Princess Shu He’s palace.
Princess Shu He, ever since she had been caught and brought back from her elopement, had been confined by the furious Emperor in her palace, not even her mother, Noble Consort Fang, was allowed to visit.
Hearing of the Emperor’s arrival, a flicker of joy crossed Princess Shu He’s eyes: her father had always cherished her, surely he would not truly punish her.
She straightened her clothes and went out to meet him.
What met her was a loud slap.