In an exceedingly inconspicuous spot in the secret chamber, there was a tiny protrusion.
Under ordinary circumstances, no one would ever have noticed it.
But now, at Suotu's orders, the soldiers were throwing all their strength into searching this little space for the faintest threads of evidence.
That was how the small hidden compartment was uncovered.
Suotu stepped forward and reached out to pull the compartment open a fraction.
He tilted his head and listened for a while. Only after hearing no unusual sounds did he pull it open all the way.
Inside the hidden compartment lay only a few garments.
Suotu reached in and looked through them, then took one out to examine it closely. His expression abruptly darkened. "Men, take out all these garments and present them to His Majesty for inspection!"
The soldiers obeyed, sealing away every garment and carrying them outside along with the chests filled with gold, silver, and jewels.
Still kneeling outside the ancestral hall, the steward watched the valuables being carried out of the secret chamber, the worry in his eyes never fading.
But now, he could not say a word.
Only after everything in the secret chamber had been carried away did Suotu wave to his subordinates. "Let's go!"
The Imperial City, the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Chu Jinghui watched chest after chest of jewels being carried into the hall, an indifferent gleam lingering in his eyes.
Once Suotu entered, he asked, "Are these the goods confiscated from Wei Sizhong's residence?"
"Your Majesty, they are indeed!"
Suotu handed Chu Jinghui an inventory. "All the valuables have been counted and recorded here. However, in my opinion, these possessions alone are not cause for concern."
"Did you discover something else?" Chu Jinghui paused in surprise.
"Please see for yourself, Your Majesty. I do not