Ye Zhen remained silent for a long while, and the atmosphere within Qiankun Hall grew increasingly grave.
Minister of War Ban Di, who had originally been presiding over this court session, now dared not speak again after Princess Changle's two earlier heart-piercing remarks.
His underhanded scheme to trap the Zhenhai Army had already drawn a subtle warning from Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long. If he jumped out now and brought disaster upon himself again, he truly might shake Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long's trust in him.
Yet although Minister of War Ban Di said nothing, Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long grew anxious.
"Beloved Minister Ye, do you have anything to say in defense regarding the Zhenhai Army's crimes of losing cities and fleeing from the army? If not..." Benevolent Sovereign's implication was clear: if Ye Zhen did not defend himself now, the verdict would be passed.
Ye Zhen first bowed to Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long. "Your Majesty, this subject does have words in self-defense. However, I fear those words may offend the Grand Governor."
Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long glanced at Prince Li Ji Yuan. "Since each side is merely defending its own position, how could that be called an offense?"
"Then this subject shall dare to speak!"
Ye Zhen bowed respectively to Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long and Prince Li Ji Yuan. "Grand Governor, there is something this general does not understand, and I would like to ask the Grand Governor for clarification."
"Speak!"
That cold, clipped word reflected Grand Governor Ji Yuan's extreme displeasure. From the corner of his eye, he glanced at Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long upon the imperial throne, and his yearning for that seat intensified.
Looking across the emperors of Great Zhou's history, Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long's authority was not particularly great. Yet so long as he sat high upon