Tang Enxuan glanced at the testimony in his hand, increasingly certain this was a trap.
Zhou Chunfeng stepped forward, a clear breeze shielding him, swept past Tang Enxuan, and snatched away the testimony.
"I'll hold on to these statements for now," Zhou Chunfeng said.
Ye Han retreated another step and settled firmly onto a stool, looking as though he had come to enjoy a banquet.
Wei Yong backed away three steps.
A chill ran through Tang Enxuan's entire body, and his arms trembled faintly.
"Don't frame me! I had no idea the distillery was for military use, and I never sold information about your movements to the Demon Race! I only resorted to this for His Majesty's birthday gift!" Tang Enxuan retreated half a step.
Li Qingxian's eyes widened with fury as he shouted, "It's come to this, and you, a beast who respects neither sovereign nor father, are still dragging His Majesty into this to escape your crimes! His Majesty is utterly innocent!"
"How dare you insult a member of the imperial clan and sow discord between my uncle and me! I am imperial kin. Even if I have committed an offense, only the Clan Affairs Office can judge me. What right have you to hurl insults?" Tang Enxuan shot back.
Song Yunjing suddenly gave a cold snort, and the aura of a Third Rank Grand Confucian enveloped the entire gathering.
Everyone turned toward this newly promoted, purple-robed high official.
Song Yunjing said slowly, "Li Qingxian performed an extraordinary deed in Beichen City. He revised a poem to First Rank and helped me suppress and slay two Third Rank Demon Kings. I returned to the capital in haste today and brought no birthday gift, so while I was in the Imperial Study, I asked Chief Minister Zhao for one.