Chapter 715: I Have a Friend

Zu An's expression changed as he realized he had completely forgotten about this.

After waking up, he and the Crown Princess had searched everywhere for their clothes but couldn't find them. They must have been hidden by the mastermind, who was then looking for an opportunity to place them at the scene.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Seeing his change in expression, Murong Tong sneered.

Zu An sighed. "Isn't that easy to do? All it takes is for the person framing us to find an opportunity to steal one of my clothes and plant it at the scene, right?"

"You see, my residence in the capital is no secret, and it has no special defenses. It would be incredibly easy for a master to sneak in and steal a piece of clothing."

Murong Tong frowned. "Stealing your clothes is easy, but the Crown Princess resides in the Eastern Palace. How could her clothes be so easily stolen?"

Zu An replied, "You should ask the Crown Princess about that; how would I know?"

Murong Tong said angrily, "You have a sharp tongue, you scoundrel! It seems we'll have to use torture!"

Zu An said in a deep voice, "Does Lord Murong genuinely believe the Crown Princess and I are involved? I wonder what your true intentions are."

"Don't slander this official!" Murong Tong, now somewhat accustomed to this fellow's occasional biting remarks, added, "This official is merely investigating the case."

"Since it's about investigating the case, isn't it simple?" Zu An said. "You can find an experienced old wet nurse in the palace to examine the Crown Princess's body to see if there are any signs of her being violated by a man. Wouldn't that easily clarify the facts?"

Hearing his words, the room immediately fell silent. The few people exchanged glances, and then Murong Tong exclaimed, "You're speaking with such confidence. Is it because you know the Crown Princess is still a virgin, and you're intentionally making us investigate?"

Zu An feigned surprise: "What? The Crown Princess is still a virgin? She's been married to the Crown Prince for so long?"

He admired his own acting skills. Of course, he wouldn't admit that he already knew this from the prison guards.

Murong Tong snorted. "If you didn't know this, why would you be so confident that nothing would be found? Did she tell you when you were secretly meeting her?"

Zhen Xueyi, who was standing by, frowned slightly. He reminded him with a hint of displeasure, "Brother Murong, mind your words."

Only then did Zu An reply, "I don't know the Crown Princess's situation, but to check if she's been violated, she doesn't need to be a virgin. You can check if she is still intact."

"'Intact'?" The chief interrogators looked somewhat bewildered. However, having lived for so many years, who among them hadn't visited a brothel in their youth? Now with white hair, they were veritable "old drivers." They immediately understood. Their gazes towards Zu An became strange. This guy was truly a genius! Could that phrase even be used like that?

Zu An found their expressions a bit odd, but continued, "Besides that, you can check the Crown Princess's personal undergarments for any male bodily fluid residue. And the scent wouldn't lie either. Once these are checked, you'll naturally be able to determine the innocence between the Crown Princess and me."

Jiang Boyang cleared his throat. "Actually, all these things have already been checked in the palace. The Crown Princess is indeed pure and blameless, but..."

At this point, Murong Tong, standing nearby, took over: "But there's another possibility: you were about to commit an indecent act when palace servants discovered you. That's why you were stopped. This doesn't completely prove your innocence."

Zu An spread his hands. "If you insist on saying that, then there's nothing I can do."

At the same time, he secretly marveled. Murong Tong and Jiang Boyang were indeed master investigators. They had already guessed the truth about his relationship with the Crown Princess with considerable accuracy.

At this moment, Zhen Xueyi spoke, "What do you two think?"

Jiang Boyang said in a deep voice, "From all indications, Zu An seems to have been framed."

Zu An felt a warmth in his heart. As expected of the beautiful Headmaster's father. He truly knew how to care for his future son-in-law.

Then Murong Tong snorted coldly. "However, we cannot rule out the possibility of him being involved with the Crown Princess."

Zu An thought to himself, "I won't agree to your granddaughter's marriage with Youzhao. Let's see what you'll do then!"

Zhen Xueyi said, "Since both sides have their points and crucial evidence is lacking, it seems we can only turn to that person."

"Indeed, with him involved, the truth will come to light." Jiang Boyang nodded in agreement.

Murong Tong hesitated. "But he has never involved himself in such matters; he might not agree."

Zhen Xueyi chuckled a few times. "This matter involves the Crown Princess and affects the very foundation of the nation. He has to agree, whether he wants to or not."

Zu An was completely bewildered. "Who are you talking about?"

"Chen Si, the Chancellor of the Royal Academy," Murong Tong sneered. "Chancellor Chen is skilled in qi divination; he can discern loyalty and treachery, and understand people's hearts. No one can lie in front of him."

The term 'Chancellor' (祭酒, Jìjiǔ) roughly means a headmaster or principal. However, their authority was far greater than that of later-era principals.

Zu An's heart skipped a beat. There's such an overpowered person?

From what they said, Chen Si was like a 100% accurate lie detector?

Then I'm really done for.

A hint of smug satisfaction flashed across Murong Tong's face. "Your heart rate has quickened. Are you afraid?"

Zu An's heart tightened. These guys were masters; their senses were incredibly sharp. But he reacted quickly. He immediately said with a smile, "Not afraid, but excited! I can finally clear my name! Can you please ask Chancellor Chen to interrogate me quickly?"

Seeing his excited expression, even Murong Tong became uncertain. Could this guy really have a clear conscience?

The few of them quickly departed. They were going to discuss the case and report back to the Emperor, and also figure out how to invite Chancellor Chen to get involved.

Zu An was taken back to his cell. The contents of his room had already been cleaned up. Guo Zhi had specifically ordered guards to remain outside, never leaving his post. This was to prevent anyone from exploiting another loophole.

Zhu Xie Chixin also arrived after hearing the news. He sent a team of Embroidered Uniform Guards to supervise, to ensure there were no issues with the Heavenly Prison staff.

With both sides now balancing each other out, truly, not even a fly could get in.

Seeing the Embroidered Uniform Guards, Zu An fell into thought. It seemed the person who wanted to kill him was indeed not the Emperor. So, who was it then?

And what about that lie-detector Chancellor? Actually, he wasn't too afraid of him. With his heaven-defying 'Jian Lai' skill, he would always find a way to get through it. It was just that the side effects were a bit significant.

But if he could pass the test, what about the Crown Princess?

What if they had Chancellor Chen go test the Crown Princess? Wouldn't everything be exposed then?

A wave of irritation washed over him at this thought. Unfortunately, he was trapped in prison and powerless.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. He realized it had been a long time since he'd drawn a prize. Since he had nothing else to do now, he might as well try a lottery draw.

He calculated that he had accumulated some Rage points. It had to be said that after arriving in the capital, people's cultivation levels were higher, and each person provided more Rage points.

He glanced around at the prison guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards. Seeing that they weren't paying attention to him, he began the lottery draw.

"Thank you for participating... Thank you for participating... Thank you for participating..."

Suddenly, the cursor stopped on the letter 'P' key.

"Congratulations! You've drawn the skill: 'I have a friend!'"