The Forbidden City.
The Python-Robe Eunuchs led the way ahead.
Jia Huan stepped onto the white marble stairs.
Along the way, he noticed the loathing in the eyes of officials from the various government offices.
This was the Central Court's utter terror of extrajudicial punishment!
Yet this frame-up could not have been more obvious. Were all these High Ministers hopelessly muddleheaded?!
Jia Huan tilted his head toward the azure sky, struggling to contain the fury within him.
Inside the Imperial Study.
Emperor Jingde's face was taut. Commanding Commissioner Jiang, dressed in a pale gold Flying Fish Uniform, wore a deep, inscrutable gaze, while the elders of the Grand Secretariat sat on brocade stools with their eyes closed.
The Purple Python Robe Figure walked slowly into the hall and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Emperor Jingde stared coldly at him and demanded in a low voice:
"Yesterday evening, at the White Jade Capital Restaurant, did you threaten Yin Xuanli, commander of the Five City Troops Command?"
Jia Huan answered calmly:
"Your Majesty, I merely invited Yin to drink with me. I uttered not a single threat. All five city commanders can bear witness."
Bang!
Emperor Jingde slammed the desk and rose, roaring furiously:
"You still dare play dumb with me?"
Jia Huan said nothing.
At the sight of the emperor's towering rage, the elders of the Grand Secretariat immediately lowered their heads.
In truth, Pacification Commissioner Jia had made no threats. On the contrary, he had treated Yin courteously.
Yet he had invited the imperial brother-in-law out for no reason, and the Empress bore a grudge against Pacification Commissioner Jia.
The implication spoke for itself!
"Your Majesty!" Suppressing his anger, Jia Huan asked with utmost deference:
"I met the imperial brother-in-law last night, then ordered assassins to threaten him with extrajudicial