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Chapter 1715: Proof

The terrifying fluctuations emanating from the mountaintop immediately threw the Reception Hall, located halfway up the mountain, into an uproar. Even the Emperor had personally intervened, making it clear how dire the situation on the Golden Summit had become.

A group of people tried many methods, but the Zheng Sect's mountain protection array was not easily breached. Consequently, everyone gathered in the Reception Hall to discuss what should be done. These officials could normally argue for half a day in court over nothing; how much more so with such a major event unfolding today? Especially some officials from Prince Qi's faction, who had been instructed to deliberately create obstacles, making it even more impossible for anyone to reach a conclusion.

Zu An, meanwhile, couldn't be bothered with their quarrels. Instead, he went to the window, gazing towards the Golden Summit, lost in thought.

Just then, Pei Lian, the Minister of the Secretariat, suddenly exclaimed loudly, "Zu An, didn't you bring people to Purple Mountain in advance to eliminate security risks? How could such a major oversight still occur?"

He was the second son of Pei Zheng, the Grand Councilor, and had married the daughter of Liu Guang, the Grand Duke and General of Cavalry. He was one of Prince Qi's staunchest supporters.

As soon as he spoke, the previously noisy hall instantly fell silent. The officials who had been arguing all looked towards him, each with an unkind expression.

Zu An was startled, then replied, "When I inspected it earlier, there were indeed no issues. However, I was later kept by the Emperor's side, as you all know, and couldn't attend to the situation here. There must have been a change after that."

Pei Lian said coldly, "Who knows if you did it on purpose? You are the Regent King of the Demon Race; it would be perfectly logical for you to collude with some villains and conspire against the Emperor."

At these words, the assembled officials in the hall all nodded. Both Prince Qi's faction and the Emperor's faction found it highly plausible.

Xie Daoyun, standing nearby, was dumbfounded. Regent King of the Demon Race? It's only been a few days since we last met. Have I missed something?

Then, Pei Lian said to Murong Tong, "Minister Murong, you are the Grand Master of Ceremonies, responsible for the Emperor's safety. What do you have to say about this matter?"

The Grand Master of Ceremonies was one of the Nine Ministers, and indeed responsible for the Emperor's security and ceremonial guard. However, over the years, the position had gradually been stripped of its real power, becoming a high-ranking but powerless ceremonial post. But today, all other personal guards had followed the Emperor to the Golden Summit, making him, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, the most suitable person to handle this matter.

Murong Tong frowned, but still walked towards Zu An. "Minister Zu, what happened today is no small matter. I will first detain you, and after the incident, when the full details are clear, if you are indeed innocent, I will naturally release you and personally apologize to you."

Others secretly nodded. Murong Tong could be considered to have acted with utmost benevolence and righteousness. Given his age and status, the fact that he was even willing to apologize afterward showed his sincerity.

Murong Qinghe, who had been caught in a difficult position, breathed a sigh of relief seeing her grandfather didn't kick him while he was down. This was indeed a feasible plan.

All eyes fell on Zu An, who slightly frowned. "Please forgive me, but I cannot agree."

Not to mention how many people present had grudges against him; once he allowed himself to be captured, he would be at their mercy. If any accident truly occurred, it would be too late for regrets. Furthermore, major events were unfolding on the Golden Summit, and he had been trying to figure out how to get involved and ensure the final outcome favored him as much as possible. If he were to be imprisoned here, then what good would it do? Whether Zhao Hao returned victorious or another faction emerged triumphant, it would not bode well for him.

Upon hearing his refusal, the hall erupted in an uproar. Many officials who usually had conflicts with him spoke out in condemnation, as if he were the mastermind behind all these conspiracies and wanted to execute him on the spot.

Bi Zi'ang observed with a cold eye. This Zu An still had too shallow a foundation; his sudden rise to a high position was merely a castle in the air. He could not compare to the deep roots of noble families like theirs.

Then, Qin Guangyuan and Qin Yongde, the two brothers, spoke loudly, "Brother Zu, are you worried your safety won't be guaranteed? You can rest assured. Given our friendship, the Qin family will certainly guarantee your safety. Anyone who dares to harm you will be an enemy of our Qin family." As they spoke, their gaze swept across the room. With the patriarchs of both families fighting on the front lines, these two brothers were always reliable. Everyone knew they were the Qin family's heirs; therefore, when they made such a guarantee, no one doubted their ability to represent the Qin family.

Unfortunately, facing the olive branch extended by the two, Zu An still didn't accept it. "Thank you both, Brother Qin, for your kindness, but I have important matters to attend to and cannot be locked up right now."

Many officials immediately sneered, "What important matters? Are you perhaps going to the Golden Summit to assassinate the Emperor?"

It wasn't just Prince Qi's faction saying this; even many from the Emperor's own faction agreed with this speculation. As they spoke, these people subtly started to surround Zu An. If anyone were to make the first move, it would surely devolve into a chaotic brawl. Under these circumstances, even some officials who usually got along well with Zu An found it inconvenient to speak up for him.

Just then, Xie Daoyun suddenly stepped forward and spread her arms to block Zu An's path. "I can vouch for Brother Zu; he absolutely did not participate in plotting against the Emperor."

"Who are you?" many officials in the hall questioned, wondering who this seemingly insignificant person was and what right they had to speak like this.

Xie Daoyun, intelligent and perceptive, acutely sensed the doubts of those around her. She directly removed her mask and, at the same time, took off her hair tie. A cascade of long hair fell down, making her entire figure appear slender and enchanting.

"Miss Xie?" Many in the hall recognized her. Her father was merely a city lord, and while a prominent figure locally, he was not held in high regard by these court officials. However, her other identity, as Master Yan's personal disciple from the Imperial Academy, commanded attention, especially since many of the court's and major families' rune arrays and magic formations came from Master Yan.

"Miss Xie, what are you doing here?" Pei Zheng frowned.

"I came by my teacher's order to investigate if there were any killing formations or similar dangers here," Xie Daoyun said, her voice full of vexation. "Unfortunately, I never expected the Zheng Sect to use their mountain protection array to separate us." She had clearly failed her mission this time.

Then Bi Qi asked, "Miss Xie, why do you say Zu An was not involved in today's incident?" He saw that she seemed intent on defending Zu An, so he seized the opportunity to ask.

Xie Daoyun's face flushed. After a brief hesitation, she lifted her head. "Because he has been with me this entire time on Purple Mountain."

"With you?" The officials in the hall frowned. Having Xie Daoyun as a witness was indeed somewhat troublesome.

At this point, another official sneered, "We are not doubting Miss Xie, but Purple Mountain is vast, and it's impossible for you to have been inseparable. It's possible he could have done something bad without your knowledge."

Xie Daoyun took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "Impossible, because... because we also stayed in the same room at night."

Before she even finished speaking, her fair face had already turned crimson.

Zu An also stared at her in surprise, never expecting her to sacrifice her reputation to support him.

The entire Reception Hall erupted in an uproar. Gossip is the same in every world, and everyone stared at the two with strange expressions. This news was simply too sensational. Even Bi Zi'ang felt a pang of jealousy. This Miss Xie, whether in beauty, figure, talent, or background, was a top choice, yet this boy had managed to get there first. The thought that he had once been the man of the renowned beauty Chu Chuyan instantly filled many with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

The Qin brothers, however, looked displeased. This boy was clearly Chuyan's husband, yet he was constantly flirting around. How could Chuyan and the Qin family maintain their dignity with such a reputation?

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