The atmosphere in the Grand Secretariat Office dropped to the freezing point.
Xia Shouzhong wept as he spoke, yet never uttered a single word implicating the emperor.
The Retired Emperor's voice had grown somewhat hoarse. He already knew he would not get what he wanted.
Yet this time, he had done nothing and reaped immense benefits!
At least in the eyes of the civil and military officials, the emperor had very likely tried to persecute a loyal minister. A sovereign who could fail even at trumping up charges was both selfish and incompetent.
For a long time to come, the emperor's reputation would suffer greatly.
Most importantly, the posts of Chief Seal-Eunuch of the Imperial Horse Directorate, Director of the Six Palaces, and Commander of the Five City Troops Command would surely go to the old emperor's partisans!
There was no room for negotiation!
At that thought, the Retired Emperor's spirits lifted, and his gaze toward Jia Huan brimmed with approval.
Even Jiang Wuyuan had been at his wits' end. The case had seemed destined to remain unsolved, and the court had seemed destined to endure tremendous humiliation.
Jia Huan had not only carved a path to survival out of a desperate situation, but exposed those harboring sinister schemes before everyone. His ability left even emperors marveling, let alone the multitude of ordinary men.
Suddenly.
Hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall.
Eunuchs escorted the Empress into the office.
This was no overstepping her bounds to meddle in state affairs. The deceased was her own younger brother, and she had every right to confront his murderer.
The officials bowed with utmost reverence.
After offering his respects, Jia Huan said gently:
"May Your Majesty live a thousand years. Your servant has not failed the great hopes of the State and Altars, nor