For a moment, Emperor Longchang's feelings were exceptionally complicated. He was bitterly disappointed and enraged that Prince Kang had been implicated in a smuggling and treason case, yet at the same time, he felt his old face grow faintly hot from having "wronged" Wang Shouzhe and underestimated his wisdom.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, are you all right?" Old Yao asked softly, concerned.
"It is nothing." Having been Emperor for several thousand years, Emperor Longchang quickly composed himself. His expression turned solemn as he said, "Summon Chen Jinglong and Chen Jinghu."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Little Jizi, one of the commanders of the Imperial Guard, immediately accepted the order and left.
Before long, the brothers Chen Jinglong and Chen Jinghu entered Humble Governance Pavilion, escorting a rather bedraggled Zhao Zhikun.
As representatives of the younger generation of the Chen Clan, both brothers possessed outstanding bearing and poise. There was no need to mention Chen Jinglong, a Great Heavenly Prodigy; Chen Jinghu, too, was handsome and imposing, with an extraordinary air about him.
Before Emperor Longchang, the two remained remarkably composed. Still holding Zhao Zhikun, they bowed in salute.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Emperor Longchang's imposing gaze swept over the Chen brothers before finally settling on the pale-faced Zhao Zhikun. He said coldly, "Jinglong, tell me what happened."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Jinglong reported, "As my younger brother Chen Jinghu believed there were still several doubtful and suspicious points in the case, he intended to interrogate Zhao Zhikun again. Unexpectedly, he discovered that Zhao Zhikun and his wife Jiang Clan, who should have been under house arrest, had disguised themselves and fled, leaving behind only a pair of incarnations to deceive the eye."
"Jinghu is the commanding officer of the Criminal Law Directorate. Had the suspects successfully escaped, he would have borne inescapable responsibility.