How could Xiao Yan not notice the unpredictable changes on Emperor An’s face? The killing intent was practically spilling over, and the already scarce traces of “benevolence” on his face had completely vanished.
His gaze was ferocious, filled with a resentful hatred that was stern on the surface but weak within.
Unfortunately, at such a moment, no one paid it any mind.
Inside the Zichen Palace, everyone was trembling with fear. When Xiao Yan ordered the palace to be surrounded, aside from Cao Dejiang, who had vaguely anticipated it, even Qian Baokun was shocked, not to mention Liang Guangyi and the others.
When Tang Ning was forcefully pulled behind Rong Yue for protection, two more figures appeared by her side unnoticed.
The commotion outside was chaotic, with terrified screams and the sounds of fighting drawing closer.
Tang Ning turned her head and whispered to the person beside her, “Protect Sister Qian and Old Madam Fu…”
“Don’t worry, my lady. The Governor has given instructions.”
Yue Jian, disguised as a startled musician clutching a pipa, stood beside Tang Ning. On the other side, Tian Qing, feigning panic, subtly separated Tang Ning and the others from the crowd.
Similarly, near Madam Qian and Old Madam Fu, there were also “frightened” musicians and palace attendants who had “crowded” over, subtly shielding them in the middle.
But at this moment, with the chaos in the palace, no one noticed this scene.
The sounds of fighting outside gradually subsided from their initial frenzy, as if the Black Armored Guards had gained the upper hand.
Yu Yanfeng, holding a bloodstained longsword, was forced back with a dozen imperial guards in disarray. They quickly moved to Emperor An’s side, surrounding him and Eunuch Feng. Behind them, a group of Black Armored Guards swiftly entered the hall.
“Your Majesty, Zichen Palace has been lost.”
Even though Yu Yanfeng lowered his voice, everyone in the hall could hear him clearly.
“And outside the palace gates…” Emperor An’s voice trembled.
Yu Yanfeng only pursed his lips, offering no reply. But the grave expression on his bloodstained face made it clear to everyone that the situation outside was likely dire as well.
Emperor An’s face turned ashen as Eunuch Feng shielded him. Liang Guangyi and the others in the hall also looked grim.
No one had expected Xiao Yan to dare surround the imperial palace with his men, let alone have the audacity to openly rebel.
Men in black armor quickly poured into the hall, and the noblewomen and courtiers who had been seated outside under the eaves were herded into the main hall. The crowded throng made Zichen Palace feel cramped, yet everyone preferred to huddle together.
Even the terrified noblewomen, pale-faced and supporting each other, shrank into the corners of the hall, not daring to complain about being jostled.
A large empty space was left in the center of the hall. Despite the packed crowd, no one dared step forward even half a step.
When Xiao Yan, dressed in a crimson official robe, stood quietly in the center, he stood out like a crane among chickens.
The Black Armored Guards parted, and Cang Lang entered with a dozen men, his white longsword stained with blood. He stepped forward and saluted Xiao Yan. “Governor, the imperial guards have been subdued. I’ve brought Master Xiao and the others here first.”
“How’s the situation outside the palace?”
“General Di has taken the palace gates, and Jinyun has secured the city defenses and key points in the capital.”
After speaking, Cang Lang glanced at the deathly pale Emperor An and the trembling courtiers and aristocrats, adding coolly, “The capital is only so big. Aside from a few troublesome assassins secretly raised by certain noble families, the residences of the other lords are relatively clean. Rest assured, Governor.”
The hall fell silent in an instant. Liang Guangyi and the others turned green, while the other courtiers were suddenly gripped with fear.
Their residences had been seized by Xiao Yan’s men?!
Xiao Yan surveyed the abruptly quiet hall. Seeing the courtiers who had just moments ago been filled with righteous indignation, eager to see him dead, now shrinking back and avoiding his gaze, he turned to Duke Zeng and said, “This Governor took the liberty of sending men to Duke Zeng’s residence to apprehend certain individuals and bring them to the palace for His Majesty and the lords to interrogate in court. I trust Duke Zeng won’t take offense?”
Duke Zeng: “…Not at all.”
How could he dare take offense?
Moreover, the Xiao Yan before him was entirely different from the man he had known.
Even though he knew Xiao Yan’s actions were merely to clear his name, and even though Duke Zeng had long been aware of today’s events, he still instinctively showed fear.
“Governor Xiao speaks too heavily. I had also intended to bring them to the palace.”
Xiao Yan gave a faint smile, and Duke Zeng wisely fell silent.
The men following Cang Lang reached the front of the hall. Some of the older figures in the capital recognized the leader—it was none other than Xiao Jin’an, who was said to have died at the hands of his own son. Beside him stood the eldest son of the Xiao family, who had allegedly tormented his younger brother and been tortured to death.
Though the Xiao family wasn’t a prominent clan, they weren’t unknown either. Xiao Jin’an had once served as an official in court, and it had only been five or six years since the Xiao family members were brutally killed. Their appearances hadn’t changed much, so when the courtiers in the hall saw the Xiao father and son, they became even more convinced that Xiao Yan was indeed a son of the He family.
Behind the Xiao father and son stood a slightly frail young man, followed by several pale-faced women.
Xiao Yan addressed Xiao Jin’an as “Uncle” and then said calmly to Duke Zeng, “Are these the witnesses Duke Zeng brought back from the south?”
Duke Zeng hurriedly nodded. “Indeed, it’s them.”
After Xiao Yan had the Xiao father and son step aside, he looked at the others and said, “Since you’ve entered the capital, you should understand that the events of twenty years ago can no longer be concealed. His Majesty intends to investigate the past and seek justice for the wronged people of the south. If you wish to save your lives, speak truthfully about what you know. Conceal even half a word, and you’ll join those already dead officials in atoning for the wronged!”
The group had already been informed of the purpose of their presence in the palace tonight, and the overwhelming presence of the Black Armored Guards outside Zichen Palace ensured they dared not make a single move.
The young man was the first to kneel. “This humble one is Zhou Fengchun. My father was Zhou An, a coroner in Changxin County under Shezhou’s jurisdiction.”
“It was you who repented before the Buddha and brought up the events of twenty years ago?”
“Yes.”
“Then speak of what you know in the presence of His Majesty.”
Xiao Yan’s expression was cold.
Zhou Fengchun, pale-faced and struggling to steady himself, knelt and began to speak.
“My father was a hereditary coroner who served in the Changxin County office for many years. Twenty years ago, a sudden flood struck the south, with Shezhou, Langzhou, and Raozhou suffering the worst of the disaster.”
“When the court issued an edict to provide disaster relief, the official ships transporting grain and funds to the south were suddenly scuttled at the Changxin river port. The Changxin County magistrate, under orders, led county officers alongside court officials to search for the remaining funds and grain in the river, as well as the whereabouts of the drowned soldiers.”
“As a coroner, my father was brought by the Changxin County magistrate, Lou Yong’an, to recover bodies. After the bodies were retrieved from the water, Crown Prince Li ordered an inspection of the corpses.”
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T/N: I can’t believe its really happening
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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