Ten li outside the Divine Capital, hundreds of elite soldiers in armor stood ready with crossbows in hand. Their commanding officer watched steadily as the Embroidered Uniform Guard drew closer along the official road.
"Boss!"
Scholar, Twin Whips, and the others instinctively gripped their saber hilts, their scabbards ringing.
"Enough!" Jia Huan turned and glared at them, saying sternly:
"Return to the Celestial Pivot Office without trouble. Guard the Prince of Xingyang Commandery and all the material evidence."
Along the way, he had received an urgent pigeon dispatch from the Southern Office. The court was furious over his unauthorized detention of the Prince of Xingyang Commandery and ordered him back to the capital at once for questioning.
The Capital Camp officer rode forward alone, produced a stamped document, and said mildly:
"Commander Jia, please come with us."
Jia Huan nodded, removed his Embroidered Spring Saber and handed it to Twin Whips, then rode into the capital with the soldiers.
They galloped all the way, heading straight for the Ministry of Justice prison upon entering the city.
The spacious interrogation room was packed with officials in blue robes. A eunuch occupied the principal seat, with a eunuch from the Imperial Clan Court beside him. The others all came from the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Court of Judicial Review. Not a single member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was involved.
A true joint trial before the Three Judicial Offices!
It was Jia Huan's first time in prison, yet his expression remained unchanged. Far from feeling nervous, he found it rather interesting.
He interrogated criminals every day; being interrogated himself was something new.
The eunuch's gaze was chilling as he demanded sharply:
"Jia Huan of the Northern Commandant Office, did you lead men into the residence of the Prince of