At the Pinnacle of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Each Step Tightened the Grip on His Throat [III]
A quarter past the hour of the snake.
Bright sunlight spilled through the gaps in the window lattice, yet brought neither sovereign nor ministers the slightest lift in spirits.
A chilling atmosphere filled the Court Deliberation Hall, suffocating everyone within.
On the Imperial Throne, the Retired Emperor's gaze was sharp as a blade as he thundered:
"Jia Huan, repeat that!"
The accusation was truly staggering. It trampled every boundary the state held sacred!
The High Ministers looked horrified. They rose instinctively, their blazing gazes fixed on the young man in the Purple Python Robe.
Jia Huan first looked toward the Imperial Throne, then swept his gaze over the Court Historians from the Hanlin Academy and declared forcefully:
"Since ancient times, those who write history have stood upright and unyielding, fearless before power. Take up your brushes and record the truth at once!"
"His Majesty knew of Jiang Wuyuan's actions and tacitly approved them!"
The Court Historians gripped their brushes tightly, but none dipped them in ink.
The grand secretaries frowned deeply. Pacification Commissioner Jia had suddenly turned the spearhead straight toward the emperor.
"Insolence!" Emperor Jingde slammed his fist onto the throne's armrest. His icy gaze looked ready to devour someone as he roared in thunderous fury:
"Jia Huan, you are a minister, yet you provoke the Father of the Nation! Your intentions are sinister! Dare disrespect me again, and get out of my court!"
"Your Majesty!" Jia Huan stood firm, every word a pearl:
"Jiang Wuyuan's crimes in the Western Regions were plain for all to see, yet Your Majesty backed him, claiming his far-reaching plans served the state's grand chessboard. Then you accused this humble minister of being shortsighted, reckless, and impulsive. If that is so, does Jiang Wuyuan's collusion with Northern Mang's leaders also count as putting