On the Imperial Path in the Imperial City, the civil and military officials gathered outside the Grand Secretariat Office, standing in restless unease.
Strangely, however, after His Majesty returned from the Ancestral Hall, his expression had regained its composure, and he once again looked certain of victory.
What exactly had happened in between?
On the terrace of the Golden Throne Hall, before countless witnesses, His Majesty had been panicked and enraged, charging toward the Ancestral Hall almost as though fleeing in disgrace.
Now he strode like a dragon and a tiger, entering the seat of government with imposing majesty.
"We beseech Your Majesty to revoke the Seven Deadly Sins edict, pardon Jia Huan, rebuild the three Duke's Estates, and let Jia Huan continue serving as Commanding Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"
On the Imperial Path, an unbending censor shouted until his neck turned red.
Several remonstrating officials voiced their agreement, each concerned for the country and its people.
His Majesty had declared that even if Jia Huan had a hundred lives, he would die a hundred times.
Yet Jia Huan was still alive!
If this deadlock continued, the Court would grind to a halt, every household in the Divine Capital would shutter its doors, and the State and Altars would be thrown into turmoil!
All Jia Huan sought was to offer incense in sacrifice to Emperor Liezong and obtain justice, clearing the fabricated charges against him and the entire Jia Family.
If His Majesty truly could not tolerate him, he could simply grant him a duke's fief and order him to enjoy wealth and ease, with imperial favor extending to his descendants.
Should the Jiang Dynasty one day face a martial threat, Jia Huan's strength would still allow him to step forward and turn back the raging tide!
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