Of course, they had only secured the evidence in time because they had launched a surprise attack on You Province and immediately sealed off all news, leaving the Prince of Jin no time to react. Otherwise, obtaining it would not have been easy.
"File this evidence. I will deliver it to His Majesty personally."
Zhao Feng spoke.
Yesterday, Sun Chenzong had told him that Emperor Jing had ordered him to return secretly to Upper Capital to report on his duties.
After arranging the Martial Suppression Guard's affairs, Zhao Feng gathered all the evidence-the four great lineages' confessions, the underground banks' secret ledgers, and their clandestine correspondence-and set off alone on horseback, spurring his swift mount toward Capital City.
After more than ten days on the dusty road, Zhao Feng returned to Upper Capital and went straight to the palace.
The imperial city towered majestically, its vermilion walls and golden tiles solemn and imposing. Once inside, Zhao Feng did not pause for a moment. An attendant led him directly into the Imperial Study.
Dusk was approaching. The setting sun shone through the carved window lattices, spilling warm golden light across the floor. The Imperial Study lay silent, with only the candle flames gently swaying.
Inside the Imperial Study, Emperor Jing sat behind his desk in an informal robe embroidered with dark-gold dragons.
"Your subject, Zhao Feng, pays his respects to Your Majesty." Zhao Feng bowed.
Emperor Jing raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Feng, who had yet to wash away the dust of his journey. His tone was calm. "Minister Zhao, you fought splendidly in You Province. Minister Sun submitted a detailed account and requested that you receive the foremost credit. I have approved it."
"Your Majesty is too generous. Everyone contributed to this victory. If anyone deserves the foremost