The Chancellor's categorical rebuttal made the emperor hesitate again. The young official's resolute words had just convinced him that the Chancellor must have embezzled funds, but now, hearing how earnestly the Chancellor spoke, he felt that he probably had not. For a moment, he did not know what to do and was actually struck speechless.
"Your Majesty, your subject is merely a humble servant of the state. How could I possibly dare to slander a Chancellor?"
As he spoke, the young official reached into his sleeve and took out a thick stack of papers, declaring loudly, "Your Majesty, here is the evidence of his crimes."
The emperor sent someone to fetch them and read through them one by one. Once again, he leaned toward the young official's side, his anger steadily rising. Then he threw all the papers down and shouted, "Commandant of Justice!"
"Your subject is here!"
His scalp prickling, the Commandant of Justice stepped forward with his head lowered.
"I entrust this matter to you. You must ascertain every detail, without the slightest error or omission. Have you heard me clearly?"
"Your subject understands."
With matters having reached this point, the Grand Court Audience could no longer continue. The emperor dismissed it outright and returned to the rear palace, while the assembled officials left the hall, each harboring different thoughts.
While the Grand Court Audience was being held in Chang'an, Marquis of Anyang Han Lin had come to Zhao City to seek an audience with Luo Wuji. He had come as the representative of the High-ranking Marquises' Military Merit Nobility bloc.
Although the Great General now held the highest standing in the Court Army, no one would forget that the Household Head of the Zhao City Luo Clan was its true foremost figure: the only man still