If all of this was true, this was no ordinary matter.
Du Zhen's only possible motive for killing Du Zhong was to frame someone else. Pinning Du Zhong's death on a minister of Great Shang would immediately put the King of Shu and King Zhou on unequal footing in their talks.
It could even put King Zhou at a disadvantage during the alliance negotiations, allowing the King of Shu to secure greater benefits.
The King of Shu had previously asked Chaoge for money, grain, and weapons, but all their wrangling had come to nothing. Once Gao San's guilt was established, they would most likely have to compromise. After all, their side would be in the wrong: their minister had killed his minister.
That was also why the King of Shu had been jumping up and down, making such a fuss.
Perhaps Du Zhen and Du Xian had actually been killed by the King of Shu, too?
The death of a retainer was not enough. If his own son died, he could maximize the benefits.
Feeling the ministers' eyes fixed on him, Du Yu felt a chill crawl up his back. "How could I do such a thing? Didn't this old man just admit that he killed Du Zhen and Du Yu?"
Li Jing nodded, signaling Gao Cheng to continue.
"I did kill Du Zhen and Du Xian." Gao Cheng nodded silently, then said, "After Du Zhen killed Du Zhong, he left the body there and went back to his residence."
"I followed him in secret, wanting to see what he was planning. Then I heard Du Zhen say he would pin Du Zhong's death on General Gao. He even talked about how to spread rumors and make General Gao confess and face the law."
"I know what the law is.