Free Web NovelChapter 419: Chapter 419: The Witness
Of course, Emperor Muwu wasn’t about to convict his own son based on a single case file.
Especially one with such wide-reaching implications!
Recalling every word he had just read, a suffocating tightness grew in Emperor Muwu’s chest.
He glanced at Xiao Chengxuan from the corner of his eye. The sight of that all-too-familiar figure made the blood rush to his head, causing a painful throbbing in his temples.
Xiao Chengxuan naturally felt the pressure as well, and his heart leaped into his throat.
A deathly silence fell over the great hall.
Finally, Xu Fengchi’s voice broke the silence.
"This humble servant currently has no other evidence."
As his words fell, everyone was stunned.
Even Xiao Chengxuan’s eyes went wide.
He never would have imagined Xu Fengchi would say such a thing.
’No evidence?’
’In just ten short days, it was already a feat to obtain such a testimony. How could there have been any extra time or energy to search for evidence?’
’All the old traces from so long ago have long since been buried in the dust of time.’
’Trying to uncover them now would be easier said than done.’
At this thought, Xiao Chengxuan’s racing heart finally calmed, and he regained his composure.
’Xu Jie’s testimony alone proves nothing.’
’In the end, this case still can’t be overturned!’
Xiao Chengxuan scoffed inwardly, a dark look flashing in his eyes as he turned his head.
"Lord Xu, you say that so lightly! You have no evidence, yet you’re so certain that every single word from Xu Jie is true?! Slandering my name is one thing, but if you turn this into a miscarriage of justice, Lord Xu, can you bear the responsibility?! And you, Su Wei!"
He suddenly turned his attack on Su Wei, who had not spoken a word since entering.
"Is this how the Ministry of Justice handles its cases?!"
’He wasn’t a fool. For this case file to be presented today, Su Wei must have played a part!’
’He hadn’t noticed it before, but ever since Xu Jie’s case broke, Xiao Chengxuan was shocked to realize that this seemingly cold, rigid, and unyielding Su Wei was actually in league with Xu Fengchi and the others!’
Upon hearing this, Su Wei remained as still as a stone statue, not even sparing him a glance.
This only infuriated Xiao Chengxuan further.
He narrowed his eyes. "That General Huo was framed by a scoundrel and wrongly accused back then... My failure to realize it in time was my mistake! But to say that I orchestrated the whole thing? I will never admit to it! If anyone thinks they can muddy the waters and sling this filth at me, then don’t blame me for being ruthless!"
His words were resounding and full of confidence.
Even the many court officials, who had been watching cautiously, began to waver.
’Judging by Prince Qi’s demeanor, he seems truly innocent. But the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Supervision Office investigated this case jointly, and both Xu Fengchi and Su Wei are known for being formidable. How could they make such a rookie mistake?’
Just then, Xu Fengchi suddenly straightened up.
"Your Majesty, for the past ten days, your servants have followed your orders to investigate this case, working day and night. It is true that we had no extra energy to search for more evidence. However, though I may have no evidence, I do have a witness!"
The great hall fell into a brief silence.
Xiao Chengxuan was startled at first, but after quickly running through the possibilities in his mind, he calmed down again.
’A witness?’
’Everyone who should be dead is dead. What kind of witness could Xu Fengchi possibly find?’
’He’s probably just bluffing—’
Emperor Muwu’s eyes narrowed slightly. "A witness? Who is it?"
All eyes turned to Xu Fengchi.
The case back then was so clandestine. Given Xu Jie’s cautious nature, how could he have possibly allowed a so-called "witness" to survive to this day?
Xu Fengchi seemed completely unbothered by their gazes.
He straightened his back and declared, word by word:
"The witness is—"
"The former Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice: Ye Heng!"
