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墨書 Inktalez
In the court, although there were many people present, Gu Bei stood alone.
Just when everyone thought the verdict was settled, Gu Bei spoke up.
"Your Majesty, I do not dare to deny the charges pointed out by Lord Wang. However, to use this to determine my guilt is something I cannot accept!" Gu Bei's words were like a thunderclap: "The defeat I suffered in battle was not solely due to poor command; it was the result of being framed!"
Like a drop of boiling water falling into a hot oil pot, the ministers erupted, forgetting all court etiquette. Framing a general and causing severe losses to the nation was a crime so grave that it warranted extermination of the nine clans.
Murong Cheng's eyes flashed with a hint of panic, but he quickly masked it with anger and disdain.
He hadn't expected Gu Bei to have learned some caution and directly bring this matter up in court. Unfortunately, he was still not clever enough; without evidence, even if he pointed fingers right there, no one would believe him.
Murong Cheng had handled the initial incident very cleanly; there was no way a third person would know.
However, just as Murong Cheng was secretly pleased with himself, he heard the emperor speak.
"Oh?" The emperor frowned, staring at the kneeling Gu Bei. "You say you were framed? Do you have any evidence? Gu Bei, let me make this clear: if you dare to recklessly accuse anyone while claiming your innocence, then when the time comes for punishment, there will be no leniency!"
Gu Bei declared loudly, "Your Majesty is wise! I swear that every word I speak is the truth, without a hint of falsehood!"
"Then tell me, who do you think framed you?" The emperor's face was as cold as water, revealing nothing of his thoughts. His words left the ministers astonished.
Gu Bei's charges were substantial; logically, he should have been immediately placed under review. Yet the emperor remained patient, listening to his ramblings in court. Did this mean that the emperor had some intention of sparing Gu Bei?
To establish oneself in court, it was crucial to learn how to discern the emperor's intentions. These ministers varied greatly in their abilities—some were truly talented while others were mere pretenders—but they all excelled at this particular skill.
Even those without such talent spent day and night trying to understand the emperor's mind; they likely knew his thoughts better than they knew their own.
So even though the emperor had yet to clarify his stance, most ministers already had an inkling of what was to come.
Only Gu Bei remained unfazed by the various gazes around him, simply responding to the Emperor's inquiries.
"Your Majesty, I have no evidence and cannot determine who was involved. However, I swear on my life that there is indeed something amiss!"
Instantly, the Ministers grew restless. Was this Flying Dragon General so daft from his recent defeat that he would joke about such an important matter? He had neither evidence nor could he identify those who conspired against him; was he mocking the Emperor?
Even the Emperor was both angered and amused: "Gu Bei, do you think I am old and confused, allowing you to speak so recklessly? If you cannot prove anything, how can you prove your own innocence?"
Murong Cheng looked at Gu Bei with increasing disdain, even questioning how he had ever considered allying with such a useless person. He was utterly incapable of achieving anything and only brought trouble.
Gu Bei ignored the others and raised his head to face the Emperor directly: "Your Majesty, I am incompetent. Yet I believe in your wisdom and might. If you grant me the opportunity to thoroughly investigate this matter, I am certain it will restore my name!"
"You certainly know how to give me more work," the Emperor scoffed. "As a subject, not only can you not share my burdens, but you audaciously ask me to do your bidding?"
Gu Bei declared loudly: "Your Majesty cares for your people as if they were your own children and has always been just and fair. Please, Your Majesty, take charge of this matter! Investigate thoroughly and find the true culprit behind the chaos in our army!"
His voice echoed like thunder in the Golden Throne Hall: "I may be wronged for my life, but I still feel unsatisfied. What of the countless soldiers who died on the battlefield because of these people? For their sake, Your Majesty, please bring the murderer to justice!"
Gu Bei recalled the sight of corpses strewn across the ground and the sorrow etched on Old Man Liu's face, his eyes reddening with tears as he spoke each word.
The Emperor remained silent, his expression stern as he surveyed the Ministers below.
The Ministers exchanged glances, each fearing they might inadvertently draw attention to themselves and dared not speak.
Murong Cheng maintained a calm facade but inwardly wished to see Gu Bei punished. How could this man escape when so many had perished? And now he stood before him once more as an adversary!
He was not afraid of Gu Bei but found it difficult to gauge the Emperor's intentions. Even though he had been named Crown Prince, that position remained precarious; until he sat upon the Dragon Throne, he dared not let his guard down.
Behind Gu Bei stood Gu Rong, who was secretly gritting his teeth in anger. He had always hated this older brother; it was because of his existence that he was treated like dirt by others.
If he could, Gu Rong would have splashed all the dirt he could on him. However, with the emperor remaining silent, he dared not act rashly. If things took a turn for the worse, it would only complicate matters further.
Everyone in the hall had their own thoughts and anxieties as they awaited the emperor's decision, but the emperor tossed the question to the chancellor.
“Liu Aiqing, what is your opinion on this matter?”
If it were anyone else, the emperor's indecision might leave them feeling uncertain. But for Chancellor Liu Chengye, he felt confident.
What kind of person was the emperor? He was a ruler whose words could determine their lives or deaths. If the emperor truly wished to avoid this matter, he could simply hand Gu Bei over to the Ministry of Justice for handling.
Since the emperor hesitated now, it indicated that he had already leaned towards believing in Gu Bei’s innocence.
Liu Chengye stepped forward and replied, “Your Majesty, I believe that the Flying Dragon General is a great general of our time, and the Gu Family has been loyal for generations. If we hastily conclude this case, it may not satisfy the public and could dishearten the old ministers.”
Seeing that the emperor showed no signs of anger, Liu knew he had made a good bet: “Since the Flying Dragon General believes there are hidden truths in this matter, why not make this case public and investigate thoroughly? Once everything is clear, rewards and punishments will be evident.”
Liu Chengye's words seemed impartial, merely seeking the truth. However, the old foxes present could easily discern that he was subtly supporting Gu Bei!
The chancellor was the emperor's most trusted minister and had always been regarded as his right-hand man. With Liu Chengye taking this stance, the emperor's intentions were already quite clear.
In an instant, the ministers quickly found their own positions; their gazes towards Gu Bei shifted dramatically. Even if they did not side with him, they certainly would not oppose him.
After pondering for a moment, the emperor finally spoke: “What Liu Aiqing said is indeed correct; I share the same sentiment.”
He looked at Gu Bei and said, “I have known your father for many years. I have witnessed the blood he shed for the Murong Family. Today, for your father's sake, I will give you another chance.”
"Enough," he raised his voice slightly and said, "This matter is of great importance, and I will personally investigate it! Under my rule, there cannot be any unclear issues! Until the case is resolved, Gu Bei will remain as the Flying Dragon General, enjoying the treatment of a grand general, and will return to the general's residence to await further instructions."
"Your Majesty is wise!" Liu Chengye bowed and said, "With such integrity from Your Majesty, our dynasty will surely prosper!"
Gu Bei quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"
The ministers also praised him in unison, seeing that this matter was about to be settled.
Murong Cheng could no longer stand by. If the Emperor truly investigated this matter, it would not be a trivial affair. He believed he had hidden well, but there was still some unease in his heart.
"Father, I believe this matter cannot be decided hastily." Facing the Emperor, Murong Cheng still felt fear and did not dare to speak too directly.
The Emperor paused slightly and fixed his gaze on him. "What does the Crown Prince think is inappropriate? Speak freely."
Murong Cheng replied loudly, "I believe that Gu Bei has committed several crimes; this is a fact that everyone can see. Now, relying solely on his word to clear himself of all accusations while raising an uproar is truly a waste of resources and will only invite ridicule."
"Mm." The Emperor listened but did not show much reaction.
Liu Chengye smiled slightly and responded to Murong Cheng, "Your Highness is mistaken. Failing to discern the truth and allowing the real culprit to go free while good people suffer unjustly would indeed make us the laughingstock!"
"It seems that the Chancellor has witnessed the process firsthand and knows that Gu Bei has been wronged. Could it be that Chancellor Liu and Gu Bei share a close friendship and understand his character?"
Murong Cheng's words were laced with sarcasm, casting suspicion upon Liu Chengye with a single remark.
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