As the two Censors were dragged out, the Golden Throne Hall grew even quieter.
Hatred surged through Emperor Jingde. Forcing himself not to lose his composure before everyone, he thundered:
"Han Yuzhong, read it!"
Under every watching eye, the Attendant Eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial slowly stepped forward and drew a bloodstained secret letter from his sleeve. It had come from Jiang Wuji himself.
He read with measured cadence:
"I am the White Lotus Cult Leader, and these words come from the depths of my heart. The Second Prince, Jiang Qi, was innocent. That beast Jia Huan deliberately framed him. A mere subject brought down a legitimate imperial prince through despicable means. You are all truly absurd and laughable."
"I swear here and now that the Rebellion Case involved only the Prince of Zhongshun and had nothing whatsoever to do with Jiang Qi. If I break this oath, may the spirits of my parents and elder brother burn in raging flames."
The Golden Throne Hall was taut as a bowstring. Not one civil or military official dared breathe loudly.
Emperor Jingde gripped the armrests of the Imperial Throne. The anguish of losing his son swept through his innards once more, forcing a dull pain through his entire body.
All he could do was turn his most savage gaze upon the Retired Emperor and thunder:
"Father, he was your own grandson! Yet a subject framed and persecuted him. Such a thing is unheard of in the annals of history!"
The Retired Emperor's eyes burned as he stared fixedly at the figure in the Golden Flying Fish Uniform.
Jia Huan's expression remained utterly calm as he spoke unhurriedly:
"Your Majesty's words are truly laughable. In your eyes, does an oath sworn by a deranged demon who slaughtered the Weaving Bureau and