478: Mutual scheming

"Your subject pays his respects to The Emperor." Zhu Wushi clasped his hands in salute to The Emperor.

As a prince and the master of Dragon Guard Manor, he had the privilege of not needing to kneel before The Emperor. Zhuge Xiaohua's status was also extraordinary, granting him the same privilege of not kneeling when meeting The Emperor.

Both men merely performed a simple salute.

"Imperial Uncle, Divine Constable, how did the two of you come to be together?" The Emperor looked at them with confusion.

"Since that's the case, let the Divine Constable speak first." Zhu Wushi said with a smile, looking at Zhuge Xiaohua.

Zhuge Xiaohua clasped his hands and nodded towards Zhu Wushi, not declining the offer.

"In reply to Your Majesty, the matter is as follows..."

Zhuge Xiaohua recounted the events that had occurred outside the imperial city. After listening to his account, The Emperor's expression showed no change.

He cared not a whit about the life or death of those in the Jianghu. Chivalrous figures disrupt order with their martial prowess; these Martial Artists were inherently restless elements.

Especially those Martial Artists not under the court's control were even more unstable factors.

This was precisely why Dragon Guard Manor and Six Doors existed.

If these people died fighting over something, so be it. The important thing was to identify the culprit. If they couldn't find out, then the matter would simply be dropped.

"So, Divine Constable, who do you believe is responsible for this incident?" The Emperor asked coldly, looking at Zhuge Xiaohua.

"This... actually, there is already a conjecture. However, this person is of immense significance. I dare not make a decision on my own authority." Zhuge Xiaohua said after a moment of contemplation.

"Oh? Could it be that the perpetrator has a special status? Possesses formidable strength? Is even your Six Doors afraid to move against them? Or perhaps this person has connections reaching to the heavens?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow, looking at Zhuge Xiaohua.

"The one capable of such means... no Martial Artist within our Great Ming can achieve it."

"Whoever possesses such means must have strength at the Earth Immortal Realm."

"The only person within our Great Ming currently capable of this is that King Kaoshan from the Kingdom."

"This matter concerns King Kaoshan. Therefore, I could only come to seek Your Majesty's decision." Zhuge Xiaohua said helplessly.

"Oh? Do you have evidence? Did anyone witness King Kaoshan take action?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

"This... not at the moment. This matter is merely conjecture."

"Those who might possibly know the truth are likely only Tyrant's two Disciples, after all, they were the first to appear at the scene." Zhuge Xiaohua said.

"Nonsense! Since there is no evidence and no eyewitnesses, what gives you the audacity to claim this matter was done by King Kaoshan?"

"Divine Constable, do you realize the magnitude of the impact if this were to spread?" The Emperor said coldly.

Zhuge Xiaohua shuddered, his face instantly turning pale.

It was only then that he suddenly realized he had committed a grave error. All of this was merely their speculation; there was no direct evidence linking the incident to Duan Zhengchun.

It was simply because he was the only one who could have done it.

This procedure would normally be fine. After all, this was their usual process when handling cases.

If there is suspicion, you can go and verify it with the person, investigate. If they cannot prove their innocence, then they are guilty; the culprit is them.

He had merely forgotten the status and strength of the person suspected this time.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Your subject is guilty." Zhuge Xiaohua hurriedly lowered his head and admitted his fault.

"You are indeed at fault. After serving as Divine Constable for so many years, have you grown too complacent?"

"Do not think that being the Divine Constable of Six Doors grants you license to act lawlessly."

"How you handled cases in the past is not my concern, but when investigating, you must also use your brain."

"Using such methods on ordinary Martial Artists is feasible because you are stronger than them."

"However, in the current situation, reaching such a conclusion without evidence—do you know the consequences of doing so?" The Emperor looked down at Zhuge Xiaohua with a cold expression.

"Your subject is at fault. I beg Your Majesty to punish me." Zhuge Xiaohua nervously knelt directly on the ground.

He had indeed been careless, forgetting Duan Zhengchun's current influence across the Nine Provinces Continent, and his invincible strength.

If Duan Zhengchun were displeased by this matter and directly killed him, he would have nowhere to seek justice.

You dare to claim he did it without any evidence. If the accused lacked power, they couldn't do anything to you.

But anyone with power would confront you to the end, let alone an invincible existence like Duan Zhengchun.

"Enough. I do not mean to blame you, Divine Constable. However, as the Divine Constable, you must be more prudent in your actions. After all, lives are at stake." The Emperor took a deep breath.

"Your Majesty speaks rightly. Your subject will bear it in mind." Zhuge Xiaohua said respectfully.

"Very well. Let this matter be set aside for now."

After speaking, The Emperor looked towards Zhu Wushi beside him, his eyes conveying inquiry.

"Imperial Uncle, it's time to discuss your matter. Imperial Uncle is a very busy man. Since you have come to see me in person today, there must be an important matter. Please, speak of it."

"In reply to Your Majesty, I did indeed have an important matter, but it is no longer relevant." Zhu Wushi said with a faint smile.

Fortunately, he hadn't fought with that old fellow Zhuge Xiaohua to speak first. Otherwise, he would be the one being reprimanded now.

Since The Emperor had already made his stance clear, he naturally had no objections.

He never wanted to offend Duan Zhengchun in the first place. Wasn't this a perfect opportunity to gracefully back down?

The Emperor was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood the meaning behind his words. He glanced sideways at Zhuge Xiaohua without changing his expression, a flicker of displeasure in his eyes.

However, this action was very subtle and went unnoticed by Zhu Wushi.

"If that is the case, and there is nothing else, you may both withdraw. I still have memorials to review." The Emperor waved his hand, issuing the dismissal.

"Your subject... takes his leave..." Zhu Wushi bowed respectfully, turned, and departed.

Zhuge Xiaohua also performed the salute and exited the Imperial Study.

Once outside the Imperial Study, Zhuge Xiaohua's expression turned somewhat ugly.

"The Divine Marquis truly schemes well." Zhuge Xiaohua said with a darkened face.

"Oh? What does the Divine Constable mean by that?" Zhu Wushi looked at Zhuge Xiaohua with a puzzled expression.

"Please don't play dumb, Divine Marquis. You came here also for the matter concerning King Kaoshan." Zhuge Xiaohua said, his face still dark.

"Hmm, that's correct. However, The Emperor has already given his stance. This prince no longer needs to say anything, isn't that right?" Zhu Wushi said with a smile, looking at Zhuge Xiaohua.

"Hmph..."

Zhuge Xiaohua angrily flicked his sleeve and left.

Watching Zhuge Xiaohua's departing figure, a flash of killing intent appeared in Zhu Wushi's eyes, but it was quickly concealed.

Currently, his greatest obstacles were Zhuge Xiaohua and Cao Zhengchun. While there was no overt conflict between him and Zhuge Xiaohua on the surface, ultimately, they would still be locked in confrontation.

After the two men left, Cao Zhengchun appeared by The Emperor's side.

"Your Majesty, are we really going to let this matter drop just like that?" Cao Zhengchun asked quietly.

"Do you have any suggestions?" The Emperor asked coldly without looking up.

"Although Your Majesty has decided to let it go, Prince Duan should still be made aware of this matter."

"Moreover, this is a perfect opportunity to bring this matter up with Prince Duan. As for how Prince Duan chooses to act, that is beyond our interference." Cao Zhengchun said with a smile.

Though the words were not explicitly stated, the meaning was already quite clear.

Previously, Zhu Wushi had been accused by Prince Ning of participating in the rebellion. Although there was no direct evidence, everyone understood the truth of the matter.