He had honestly admitted it.
The corners of Ding Wei's mouth tightened slightly. This matter could be made big or kept small.
At its smallest, it was merely a private grudge. But if blown up, Niu Youdao's current status was there for all to see—Xuan Yao was targeting an inspector personally appointed by the Sacred Venerable.
"Do you have evidence proving that Xuan Yao was using public office to avenge a private grudge and retaliate against you?" Ding Wei coldly asked.
Niu Youdao said, "It is merely a judgment based on various signs."
Ding Wei said, "In other words, you have no evidence whatsoever. This is only your own speculation, yet you dared petition the Sacred Venerable based solely on speculation. You have quite the nerve!"
Niu Youdao said, "I was indeed only petitioning the Sacred Venerable. Whether I have evidence is not for me to consider. The Sacred Venerable will naturally judge how to handle it. If the Sacred Venerable punishes me, I will accept it. Sir, if I have not misunderstood, are you reminding me that in the future, I must not report matters to the Sacred Venerable unless I have solid evidence?"
The corner of Ding Wei's mouth tightened again, fury rising in his chest. Niu Youdao's words sounded respectful on the surface, but hid needles in cotton. He was defying him, using the Sacred Venerable to pressure him.
Yet he still forcibly suppressed his anger and explained evenly, "That is not what I mean. So long as it falls within the scope of your supervisory authority, I will not interfere." He could not possibly voice such a warning: no petitioning the Sacred Venerable without evidence?
Niu Youdao bowed slightly. "Thank you for your understanding, sir. I have no other intention either. Since I bear the Sacred