AWB Chapter 207 Who says he's guilty?
Chapter 207 Who says he's guilty?
Xiao Erke angrily rebuked, "This is an imperial edict, why don't you kneel!"
"Are you trying to get your whole family beheaded?!"
This is a grave offense of disrespect. In the Great Qian Dynasty, of all people to offend, you had to offend the Emperor. It's like having too many heads to keep.
Jun Youlan didn't want Xiao Erke to cause trouble again, but the kid was really unconventional, and this time he got into trouble.
Su Yun has powerful backers who can speak favorably to the emperor.
But if he himself does not respect the emperor, no matter how hard others try, it will be useless.
Just as a group of people were gloating, Eunuch Cao cleared his throat: "Heir Apparent of the Marquis of Zhenyuan, this is an imperial edict."
His tone was not harsh, but rather carried a hint of negotiation, even a plea.
As the emperor's personal servant, he knew more than anyone else.
Previously, the Xuanqing Sect wanted to plant a demon-subduing pillar in order to carry out the work of exorcising demons again.
It was also Eunuch Cao who personally led the team to ask the Su family for help.
Who knew that a series of events would happen later, and the Holy Maiden of Xuanqing Sect would become a cripple and be carried back.
Although the matter was dropped, Su Yun's status as a chosen one of great destiny will not disappear.
Normally, Eunuch Cao would also be on good terms with him.
But now that he has the imperial edict, he still hopes to give the emperor face in front of everyone.
Eunuch Cao said, "Young Master Su? You... like this."
He waved his hand, signaling the other person to kneel down.
Jun Youlan was delighted. If he continued to be so stubborn, he would surely offend the emperor when they met later.
God help me too!
Seeing Su Yun still standing there, Eunuch Cao sighed heavily: "You, how come you... don't you even know how to cooperate!"
He strode forward, intending to personally teach Su Yun etiquette.
But as soon as he got close to the cell, he froze, "Uh!"
Grandma Mei straightened up slightly, and her dragon-headed cane thudded to the ground.
She remained unsmiling, her voice cold: "Eunuch Cao, my back and legs are weak, so I will not kneel."
After saying that, the old lady simply cupped her hands in greeting, which she considered a gesture of respect.
Eunuch Cao smiled awkwardly: "Madam... there's no need for such formalities."
"His Majesty is also asking about your condition; is your health alright?"
Grandma Mei said indifferently, "Whether it's good or not, he will naturally be able to see the emperor when we go to see him later."
Eunuch Cao's eyes widened: "You...you're also going to meet the Emperor?"
Grandma Mei glanced at her sideways: "You're not letting me go?"
Despite his reluctance, Eunuch Cao bowed his head and said, "His Majesty is looking forward to your visit."
Grandma Mei then snorted and said, "Then lead the way."
Jun Youlan stared in disbelief: "This, Eunuch Cao, this isn't right, is it?"
Eunuch Cao keenly sensed a hint of tension and looked at him meaningfully.
This old Lady Zhenyuan was no ordinary woman.
In her youth, she fought alongside the old marquis, but after retiring, she gave up all high-ranking positions and generous salaries, choosing instead to be a devoted wife and mother.
Just when outsiders thought her skills had faded, she managed to storm into the palace and berate the late emperor mercilessly.
It was only after the Empress Dowager intervened that they were able to persuade him to resign.
This legendary woman, wielding the whip bestowed upon her by the late emperor, could even subdue the emperor.
If they actually met, the emperor would have to pay his respects to the old lady.
Eunuch Cao would never dare to offend such a powerful figure, and at the same time, he was in deep trouble.
One was the wife of the Marquis of Zhenyuan, and the other was the Empress Dowager.
How did such a small matter manage to alarm these two great figures?
If you're not careful, you can make things worse and leave no room for maneuver.
Xiao Erke was surprised: "Teacher, this... why doesn't he kneel before the imperial edict?"
"Shut up!" Jun Youlan snapped.
He understood the look in Eunuch Cao's eyes, and his heart sank.
This matter doesn't seem to be what I imagined—that the emperor wanted to use someone else to kill me and seize back power!
Su Yun not only has a powerful force behind him, but his family members also hold extraordinary positions!
Jun Youlan was an outsider who came to serve as an official and was unaware of the old Marquis of Zhenyuan's affairs.
The old lady, who has been quiet for decades, should be outdated by now, even if she has connections.
How could even the current emperor have to give him face?
Jun Youlan's mind was in a whirl, and she was completely panicked.
Even if I didn't see the situation clearly, how much power could this child possibly have?
Isn't it normal to look down on someone?
I'm afraid I'll be finished once I meet the Emperor!
After announcing the imperial decree, Eunuch Cao immediately led everyone away.
The emperor was still waiting, and the group hurried along, using their cloud-riding skills, and soon arrived at the palace.
Most of the minor officials were kept outside, but Yu Yanying went back and took half of the "Prosperous State Policy" with him.
Grandma Mei said to Su Yun, "Go in by yourself, I have things to do."
My grandson has grown up; though his wings are still tender, he has a few feathers.
He could handle the matter of meeting the emperor all by himself.
I have more important things to do; I need to resolve this matter completely.
Su Yun knew that Grandma Mei wouldn't harm her, so she nodded and said, "Grandma, please be careful."
Grandma Mei took two steps, then suddenly stopped.
Su Yun quickly stepped forward: "Grandma, what's wrong?"
Grandma Mei stood still for a while before speaking: "Grandma is fine. I'll be alright until I clear the obstacles for you."
Su Yun frowned slightly, but then seemed to notice something, relaxed her brows, and smiled, "Okay, Grandma."
Grandma Mei, leaning on her cane, left with a thud.
Although I've grown up, I'm still not a child.
Grandma is alright, she's just dying.
When Eunuch Cao saw that Old Lady Mei had not gone to meet the Emperor, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Scholar Xiao, the Emperor has specially summoned you. Please tidy yourself up."
Xiao Erke was taken aback. He was being called out by name?
He would have been very excited if he had been able to meet the emperor before.
But after listening to Jun Youlan's analysis of the situation all the way, he has finally become afraid.
He stammered, "Yes... thank you, sir!"
It's a blessing, not a curse, but it's a curse that cannot be avoided.
There's no other way now, we have to go!
The Great Qian Imperial Palace is a microcosm, with countless spaces of varying sizes nested within each other.
From towering mountains to vast oceans and boundless grasslands, there is a wide variety of scenery to choose from.
The emperor could travel to all corners of the world and enjoy boundless luxury without ever leaving his residence.
For generations, the emperors of the Great Qian Dynasty have been diligent and hardworking, rarely slacking off.
These various magnificent spaces are mostly left unused, only occasionally used for hunting, banquets, and the selection of various talents.
Eunuch Cao led everyone to the Imperial Study and softly announced, "Your Majesty, Su Yun, son of the Marquis of Zhenyuan, has arrived."
Wow!
The door opened by itself, revealing a magnificent room filled with books.
Swish swish!
Su Yun felt dozens of gazes focused on him, but if he looked at them normally, he could not see anything.
Besides the Imperial Guards, there are several other personnel with different duties and affiliations who are protecting this area.
Emperor Qian looked like an ordinary middle-aged man, even older than Su Yun's uncle.
He was dressed in casual clothes and was very approachable, but his every move exuded a hint of authority.
Emperor Qian, holding a book, didn't even look up: "Oh? You've arrived?"
Boom boom boom!
Jun Youlan and the others had already knelt down: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Emperor Qian waved his hand: "Let's just have a casual chat today, no need to kneel."
Jun Youlan's heart skipped a beat.
The emperor summoned the wanted criminal but was amiable, which suggests that he never considered Su Yun to be the murderer!
So all those previous assumptions were wrong?
"It's over!" Jun Youlan felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave.
Bang bang bang!
Just then, a man strode into the imperial study.
"Your Majesty!" A powerful voice burst into the Imperial Study like a whirlwind.
As a member of the Imperial Guard, Dai Zui's primary task was to ensure safety.
He reacted the fastest, immediately turning around and shouting, "Who's there? Stop right there!"
But the next second his pupils contracted, and he knelt down on one knee in a panic: "Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor's Brother-in-Law!"
Wow!
The emperor's brother-in-law acted swiftly and decisively, bursting into the imperial study like a bolt of lightning.
No one could stop them along the way, and no one dared to stop them.
He strode up to the Emperor and slammed his hand on the desk: "Your Majesty, how could you do such a thing!"
Countless gazes shifted from Su Yun to the Emperor's brother-in-law.
But neither the Imperial Guards nor the personal eunuchs dared to speak out; no one dared to provoke them.
Who is the Emperor's brother-in-law? He is the Empress Dowager's brother and the Emperor's uncle!
There's an old saying that goes, "A son isn't necessarily your biological son, but a nephew is always your biological nephew!"
The bond between a mother and her maternal uncle is often stronger than that between a nephew and his maternal uncle, which is considered more stable than other relationships.
When Emperor Qian was still young and had just taken charge of the government.
The emperor's brother-in-law and he had a fight in the court because of their differing ideologies.
The young and unstable Emperor Qian was furious and immediately dismissed the regent, the emperor's brother-in-law, from his post and threw him into prison.
But as soon as the Empress Dowager went to plead for him, Emperor Qian's anger subsided.
Finally, they found a pretext to send the emperor's brother-in-law out to lead troops, so that he could atone for his sins with his death.
But the emperor's brother-in-law was always a famous general; how could he possibly be defeated?
He returned in triumph with ease and was promoted to regent once again.
This story not only became a popular tale, but also demonstrated the excellent relationship between the uncle and nephew, to the point that they didn't need to adhere to the etiquette between ruler and subject.
Bang!
The emperor's brother-in-law showed no mercy: "Your Majesty, have you become incompetent? Do you want the country to perish?"
“The heir of the Marquis of Zhenyuan, my own brother Su Yun, is a pillar of the nation and a lucky star of his generation. He will surely achieve great things in the future and help you transform into a dragon in the great universe.”
"What are you doing, locking him up in jail?"
"You must give me an explanation today, or I will resign!"
When dealing with outsiders, especially the emperor's brother-in-law, one must show respect and act as a subject.
But when facing Emperor Qian, he spoke his mind directly, without beating around the bush at all.
Are you kidding? Who is Su Yun?
The emperor's brother-in-law was unable to have children due to an injury sustained in his early years.
The emperor's wife was afraid that he would be ridiculed, so she took all the blame upon herself.
This led to the emperor's brother-in-law frequently visiting brothels to meet with the young ladies.
Because of the magic, the young ladies all need to keep their mouths shut, making it difficult for news to spread and eliminating any fear of leaks.
The emperor's brother-in-law was very affectionate towards his wife. Even when he visited her, they would only chat about everything under the sun, discussing the past and present.
Or they might talk about interesting stories from the martial arts world, or enjoy playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but they would never do anything morally wrong.
Cultivators have long lifespans, but the longer they live, the more they fear loneliness.
Which family doesn't want many descendants and to enjoy the continuation of their family line?
The emperor's brother-in-law originally intended to give up, thinking that his life was short and he would stay with his wife until the end.
Unexpectedly, with the help of Su Yun, his infertility was cured in the blink of an eye.
Just over a month later, the Empress Dowager's wife showed signs of pregnancy.
The emperor's brother-in-law, being a generous and forthright man, was determined to repay this kindness.
Moreover, he also learned some information from his former subordinates.
By sheer chance, Su Yun discovered a wondrous formation in an ancient book, which helped Marquis Zhenyuan defeat the Northern Nether Worms on the outer battlefield.
Such a talented and fortunate person, the emperor not only didn't take care of him, but actually imprisoned him!
The emperor's brother-in-law could not tolerate this under any circumstances, and in a fit of rage, he was about to confront the emperor.
"It's over..." Jun Youlan felt utterly dejected, wishing she could just smash her head against a pillar and die on the spot.
What was the relationship between the Emperor's brother-in-law and the Qianlong Emperor? They were uncle and nephew.
Other sages and powerful figures can be said to require checks and balances, and that they need to be kept at a distance.
Or they may deliberately support one side, win over another, and suppress the other to achieve their goals.
Jun Youlan had also made this plan before. Su Yun had powerful backers, but Emperor Qian might not be able to trust him.
There is still room for maneuver for me.
But now... even the Emperor's brother-in-law has come to stand up for Su Yun. Who knew this child had this kind of connection!
If even someone like this makes a move, then there's absolutely no chance of winning!
Xiao Erke suddenly gasped: "It's him!"
Previously, the Xiao family was driven out of the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion. Both the father, Xiao Yuanbo, and the mother, Chi Yanyun, tried to resist in order to gain benefits.
But as they continued, the whole family was caught and imprisoned.
Xiao Erke escaped disaster because he was away taking the imperial examination.
When they learned of the situation and went to investigate, they were told that the charges were fabricated, simply because the emperor's brother-in-law had spoken!
Xiao Erke couldn't understand why the emperor's brother-in-law had a grudge against his family.
I was thinking of asking him about it after I had achieved success and fame.
Little did I know that my first meeting with the emperor's brother-in-law would take place in this very scene!
The emperor's brother-in-law may not have a grudge against the Xiao family, but he must have a relationship with Su Yun.
"So it was him who ruined my family..." Xiao Erke muttered to himself.
Jun Youlan felt incredibly uncomfortable after just one glance at Xiao Erke.
He instantly realized that there must be more to this story.
However, the Xiao family was just an ordinary wealthy family in a small town. If they didn't have connections with the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion, they would have no prestige in Qiandu.
The news that the entire Xiao family had been imprisoned never reached Jun Youlan's ears.
But Jun Youlan didn't know, while Xiao Erke did!
This person is clearly very talented in literature, but how come he is so stupid in other aspects!
Why weren't I informed beforehand about such an important matter?
Jun Youlan hates Xiao Erke! If we weren't in front of the Emperor, we would definitely punish him severely.
What good is a masterpiece if you can't pass this test? Even great talent is useless!
Bang!
"Don't worry, brother, I'll avenge you!" The Emperor's brother-in-law glanced back at Su Yun, then slammed his hand on the table. "Your Majesty, you tell me, what should we do about this?"
Emperor Qian could previously play the role of a profound figure, but now he could only smile bitterly: "Of course I know that the heir of the Marquis of Zhenyuan is innocent."
In a single sentence, the last flame in Jun Youlan's eyes was extinguished.
It turns out the emperor never intended for himself to be the sword against the other factions.
Instead, he was using Su Yun as bait to catch himself?
Jun Youlan's lips trembled. "If he's not guilty, why are you locking him up? If he's not guilty, why are you making me interrogate him?"
The emperor's brother-in-law frowned: "Why are you locking him up if he's not guilty?"
Emperor Qian clapped his hands: "Have you gotten the results of the interrogation?"
Jun Youlan was taken aback, and subconsciously said, "They interrogated me, but..."
He hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Does this mean Su Yun did not plot against the imperial heir, or that he did not collude with other powerful families?
blah blah blah!
A member of the Imperial Guard dressed in a flying fish robe entered, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "The junior has spoken, but the senior has not."
"Currently, we have apprehended individuals who were loitering near the Zhenyuan Marquis's residence, and their identities have been confirmed through Taogong, Fuqing Shenchi, and Duwujian..."
Emperor Qian waved his hand: "Understood, continue the investigation."
He showed little interest and didn't care about the specific name.
The point is to focus on the event itself, not on which specific henchmen were involved!
The emperor's brother-in-law was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "I knew you weren't that simple!"
"You're locking this kid up because someone wants to harm him?"
"Who are they? I'll go and pick them out!"
Emperor Qian said casually, "Who is it? It's naturally someone this brat offended!"
He never mentioned the Eighth Princess from beginning to end.