Xue Lingjun showed no fear. "If Your Majesty is convinced I am guilty, why don't you dare bring Liu Changsheng out to confront me, so we can see whether I ordered him to harm my mother?"
Xue Daohong nodded. "Very well! I shall give you your answer! Guards! Bring Liu Changsheng here!"
The ministers watching the scene sighed inwardly. What had happened tonight could not have been clearer. Whatever Xue Lingjun's motives for trying to save her mother, neither she nor the Prince of Yan could possibly have poisoned their own mother. Blood ties were one reason; another was that Empress Dowager Jiang, while alive, was the siblings' greatest source of support. No one in the world would be foolish enough to cut off their own retreat and dig their own grave. The person who most wanted Empress Dowager Jiang dead was, in fact, the emperor.
Xue Daoming, the Prince of Ming, stood quietly in a corner, as though nothing happening before him had anything to do with him. His expression betrayed neither surprise nor consternation, as though he had anticipated it all.
Wearing only thin clothing, Liu Changsheng was brought before them. Although he knew no martial arts, his wrists and ankles had still been shackled. Attempting to murder the Grand Empress Dowager was a grave crime. Had they not kept him alive as a witness, he would have been executed long ago.
Liu Changsheng fell to his knees with a thud and said in a trembling voice, "This commoner has been wronged..."
Li Chenzhou said gravely, "Liu Changsheng, how have you been wronged? His Majesty is right here, and all the ministers can bear witness for you. Say whatever you wish to say."
Liu Changsheng raised his head and glanced at Li Chenzhou. Suddenly, he screamed himself hoarse.