Free Web NovelChapter 418: Chapter 418: Corroborating Evidence
Xiao Chengxuan didn’t know what the testimony said, but it was clear he had been implicated!
Suppressing the panic rising in his heart, he kowtowed and pleaded his case:
"Father! Your son has truly been framed! I had no grievances with General Huo. Why would I commit such a ruthless act!?"
After a brief moment of shock, the assembled officials looked at one another in dismay.
It was true.
While Xiao Chengxuan and Huo Yucheng weren’t particularly close, they certainly weren’t enemies.
Why would he go to such great lengths to take Huo Yucheng’s life?
Especially since he had personally overseen the investigation at the time. If he had tampered with anything, wouldn’t he have been exposed immediately?
No matter how they looked at it, it just didn’t add up.
Murong Yang immediately stepped forward. "Your Majesty, please quell your anger. This file is merely Xu Jie’s testimony—it can’t be fully trusted. There may be ulterior motives at play here."
His words were not entirely without merit.
Xu Jie was a dead man. For him to suddenly reveal such shocking information at a time like this... who could tell if it was true or false?
Framing an innocent party was a well-worn tactic in the political arena...
"Is Lord Murong implying that I conducted the interrogation improperly and am now presenting falsified information to deceive the Holy Emperor?"
Xu Fengchi suddenly spoke, his words razor-sharp. He showed not a shred of fear toward the Standard Second Rank Capital Commander.
Murong Yang’s brows furrowed. "I said no such thing!"
"But isn’t that precisely what you meant?" Xu Fengchi’s eyes narrowed, a cold glint within them. "The entire Imperial Supervision Office worked through the night, meticulously reviewing this case with the Ministry of Justice, not daring to be the least bit negligent. How is it that in Lord Murong’s hands, our findings are suddenly deemed untrustworthy?"
"You!"
Murong Yang was at a loss for words.
He was a man of high rank and immense power; when had an official of Xu Fengchi’s level ever dared to speak to him in such a way!
Taking a deep breath, Murong Yang suppressed his anger and said in a low voice, "This is a grave matter, and I am merely being cautious. That Xu Jie is cunning, treacherous, and utterly without integrity. Is there anything he isn’t capable of?"
At that, Xu Fengchi actually laughed.
"On that point, Lord Murong is correct. Xu Jie is indeed a disloyal and dishonorable man. For the sake of his own wealth and status, he would even betray a benefactor from his own hometown."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Xiao Chengxuan, who was still kneeling on the floor.
"In just three short years, Xu Jie was promoted again and again. Without someone’s help, how could he have enjoyed such a meteoric rise?"
Even a fool could tell this remark was aimed at Xiao Chengxuan.
But of course, Xiao Chengxuan could not admit to it.
He lowered his head, his mind racing.
’In this situation, I have to extricate myself first!’
Just then, Xie Pei also spoke up. "Your Majesty, what Prince Qi says is not without merit. Xu Jie’s testimony alone is hardly sufficient. However, knowing Lord Xu’s character, I am certain he would not present false evidence. It is a pity that so much time has passed. The circumstances have changed, and I fear some things can now never be brought to light..."
His words seemed neutral, but he was actually trying to absolve Xiao Chengxuan.
’The people connected to the original case are either dead or incapacitated. How could anyone possibly investigate now?’
’Besides, if Xiao Chengxuan really did it, given his methods, he certainly wouldn’t have left any traces.’
’Even if Xu Jie confessed and pointed to him as the mastermind, without more evidence, it would all be for nothing!’
The officials secretly exchanged glances, each calculating how they should position themselves in this predicament.
For a moment, an eerie silence fell over the imperial court.
Finally, Emperor Muwu fixed his gaze on Xu Fengchi. "Is there any other evidence to corroborate Xu Jie’s claims?"
