Chapter 1295: Ironclad Evidence

Pei Mianman grew extremely anxious. She had underestimated the ruthlessness of the Emperor and Zhu Xie Chixin. She had initially believed they wouldn't dare reveal Zu An was Golden Badge Eleven in front of all the civil and military officials. To her surprise, they had completely undermined her, moving her to a separate room. This maneuver ensured that even if a problem arose, she would have no opportunity to intervene.

Pei Shao was just as anxious. An inspection next door would expose her identity and utterly ruin the Pei family.

However, Zhu Xie Chixin had already spoken, and the Emperor had tacitly approved. With all the court officials observing, Pei Shao could find no legitimate reason to object.

At that moment, Crown Princess Bi Linglong also spoke through the scrying mirror: "I believe this action is improper. The Embroidered Uniform Guard has always represented the court's authority, and a Golden Badge Embroidered Uniform Guard even more so. How can such a figure be subjected to a casual inspection based on a mere statement?"

Both civil and military officials now grasped the underlying implication: it appeared there truly was an issue with Golden Badge Eleven. Nevertheless, the Crown Princess's words also held merit.

A heated debate quickly erupted in the court. Ultimately, Zhu Xie Chixin declared, "We, the Embroidered Uniform Guards, have always been a symbol of impartiality and loyalty. We cannot allow suspicion to undermine the reputation we have established over many years. In comparison, personal honor and disgrace are trivial. I trust that Golden Badge Eleven will also understand this."

Pei Mianman was about to snap, "I understand nothing of the sort!" when Pei Shao stepped forward to mediate, saying, "In that case, I, your humble servant, will accompany them as a witness."

He simultaneously sent a spiritual message to Pei Mianman: "You've done your best. Don't cause any more trouble. If this is exposed, not only you and I, but also our other siblings, will be implicated. Can you bear to see that happen?"

He mused that he absolutely needed to find an opportunity to speak with her privately. She was supposed to be engaged to the Crown Prince of Qi, so when had her relationship with Zu An become so close that she would risk so much to defend him?

While past events meant he felt no strong paternal affection for Pei Mianman, they nonetheless bore the title of father and daughter. The realization that his beautiful daughter, whom he had kept secluded, had developed such an intimate relationship with another man without his knowledge, instantly made him feel profoundly violated.

Upon hearing his words, all the court officials expressed their approval. As a member of the Pei family, he had always maintained good relations with the Prince of Qi's faction and was not particularly close to either Xu Yu or Sang Hong. Therefore, he was an ideal choice to act as a witness.

Pei Mianman faltered, about to speak, then stopped. She genuinely didn't care for this "father," yet she had lived in the Pei family for many years. Numerous old servants had watched her grow up, and some siblings had even looked after her. If her actions truly led to a tragic fate for these people, how could she possibly bear it?

But if she left now, wouldn't Zu An's guilt be definitively established?

Just then, a clear, hearty voice resounded: "I hear there's a meeting discussing my affairs. How can the protagonist be absent?"

Hearing this familiar voice, Pei Mianman's body trembled. She quickly turned to look, and there, unmistakably, was the familiar figure of Zu An.

Bi Linglong was also overcome with surprise and delight. She had long wondered why Zu An had suddenly vanished, even entertaining the suspicion that he might have done something reckless, perhaps swayed by the beauty of the capital's most enchanting woman. Now, seeing him return, her anxieties and worries of the past few days completely dissipated.

Sang Hong's rigid posture also completely relaxed. For days, he had been feigning composure. Others might still cling to the fantasy that Zu An had merely disappeared temporarily and could return at any moment, but he knew better than anyone that Zu An was indeed with the demon tribe, making his despair far greater than theirs.

Only upon relaxing did he realize his back was chillingly damp, his clothes having long been soaked with cold sweat.

His greatest curiosity now was how Zu An had managed to return so quickly, in just a single night.

Human joys and sorrows are not universally shared. While these individuals rejoiced, the officials aligned with the Prince of Qi were crestfallen. Only the Prince of Qi himself remained calm. Ever since he realized that the Emperor's faction also seemed determined to eliminate Zu An, he had begun to consider the underlying reasons and was no longer in a hurry to confront Zu An.

Xu Yu, meanwhile, was greatly astonished: "You...how are you here?"

He was absolutely certain that Zu An had previously rescued Yu Yanluo. Although the intelligence from the demon tribe's spies was vague, it strongly suggested that Zu An and Yu Yanluo had returned together to the Snake Tribe. How, then, could he possibly be back here?

Considering that even Golden Badge Eleven had been impersonated, he began to suspect that the Zu An standing before him was also a fake. The art of disguise was not unheard of in the world.

Zu An chuckled heartily, "I was originally part of the imperial envoy sent to handle matters in Yunzhong Commandery. Isn't it perfectly normal for me to be here? Why, Minister Xu, it seems you're quite displeased by my presence."

Simultaneously, he cast a reassuring glance at Pei Mianman. They knew each other so well that he instantly recognized her as his "Big Manman."

Xu Yu's face was grim, and he offered no reply.

Imperial Censor Yi Chong, who had been silent since his initial statement, now spoke again: "Minister Zu, your timing is impeccable. This meeting today is specifically to investigate your jailbreak, your rescue of the demoness Yu Yanluo, and your alleged collusion with the demon tribe in betraying the court. Do you have anything to say in your defense now?"

"Of course I have something to say!" Zu An declared loudly. A group of ministers leaned in, eager to hear his profound insights. To their surprise, he simply stated in a deep, resonant voice, "Nonsense!"

Yi Chong frowned. Beside him, Zhao Shu, the Duke of Jiyang, sternly reprimanded, "Minister Zu, this is the imperial court. Please mind your language. Whatever you say must be supported by evidence. Do not behave like some commoner shouting in the streets."

Zu An snorted, "You want evidence? Did you present any evidence when you fabricated charges of me colluding with the demon tribe and committing treason? Now you're hypocritically demanding it?"

Zhao Shu was momentarily speechless. As a member of the imperial family and a dignified Duke, being directly challenged by a mere Viscount made him acutely aware of his loss of face.

Fortunately, at that moment, Xu Yu came to his rescue: "You want evidence? It's quite simple."

With a clap of his hands, several individuals dressed as servants were brought forward. "These are servants from the imperial envoy's residence," Xu Yu explained. "They are responsible for preparing meals for each room, cleaning, and changing bedding daily. According to their testimonies, when Yu Yanluo was broken out of prison, you were precisely not in your room. And during the entire period of her disappearance, you were also missing. How can such a coincidence exist?"

Sang Hong's expression subtly changed. Despite all his meticulous precautions, Xu Yu had still managed to infiltrate some spies.

Zu An scoffed, "Minister Xu, it's rather embarrassing for the second-in-command of a commandery to be so unfamiliar with basic procedures. Can such trivial matters truly be considered evidence?"

"Such evidence is indeed a bit weak," Xu Yu conceded, "but there are also the guards who were watching Yu Yanluo that night. They witnessed it firsthand. Although they couldn't clearly see the jailbreaker's face, their physique was identical to Minister Zu's."

Zu An burst out laughing. "A physique identical to mine? Grand Commander, can even the Embroidered Uniform Guard use such a claim as evidence when conducting an investigation?"

Zhu Xie Chixin's expression was grim, but he still stated, "That alone would indeed be difficult to present as conclusive evidence."

As if receiving a cue, Xu Yu continued, "Furthermore, prior to this, Minister Zu openly interceded for Yu Yanluo on multiple occasions, even attempting to rescue her after her demon identity was revealed. All the officials in Yunzhong Commandery witnessed these events; they can all serve as witnesses."

The officials under his command vociferously voiced their agreement.

At this point, Bi Linglong coldly interjected, "Minister Xu, all you've presented are baseless conjectures. If court officials can be convicted on such flimsy grounds, it would show a profound disrespect for the imperial court."

With more officials under her command, the echoing chorus of their support naturally overshadowed Xu Yu's faction.

Zu An inwardly noted how convenient it was to have a powerful confidante; she certainly had many subordinates.

He smiled and nodded at Bi Linglong. While others interpreted it merely as a subordinate's gratitude, only Bi Linglong's cheeks flushed slightly, understanding the private meaning behind his gaze.

At that moment, Eunuch Wen's sharp voice once again cut through the air: "Silence!"

The Emperor then spoke: "What is this disorderly commotion? If there is no new evidence, then my beloved Minister Zu is naturally innocent, and this meeting shall be adjourned."

Sang Hong felt a profound sense of relief, as if he had narrowly escaped death. He never imagined such a dramatic turn of events. Just as he was about to congratulate Zu An, Xu Yu gritted his teeth and directly produced a secret letter. "There is still more evidence," he declared. "My spy risked his life to retrieve intelligence from the Snake Tribe. It meticulously details Yu Yanluo's return, stating she was accompanied by a human man whose physical characteristics were identical to Zu An's. Crucially, Yu Yanluo affectionately addressed him as 'Ah Zu'."