novelraw Chapter 538 - 537: Chief Historian Yu
Chapter 538 - 537: Chief Historian Yu
"Father, I can testify for Lu Qing." Lu Chao, who had been kneeling silently to the side, suddenly spoke up.
As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone’s gaze shifted towards him.
Lu Chao knelt there, with his back straight and face unmoved, as if the atmosphere in the South Study Room wasn’t filled with tension, and as if he wasn’t desperately eager to speak up for Lu Qing.
It was all just ordinary chit-chat.
"You?" Emperor Jin cast a glance at Lu Chao, "Did you also go to Bhutan with him?"
"I did not step into Bhutan." Lu Chao shook his head calmly, "But upon hearing this matter, I felt something was amiss. To prevent anyone from exploiting this matter to create discord, I immediately set out to return to the Capital.
Although I didn’t go to Bhutan, the matter is significant, and solely relying on the King Fan’s nephew’s words cannot substantiate the accusation against Lu Qing and the others for harming King Fan.
Therefore, before returning to the Capital, I dispatched someone to obtain the prescription given by the Divine Doctor Yan Daoxin to King Fan.
Once the prescription was rushed back, I sent it to the palace and had the Imperial Attendant from the Pharmacy Bureau examine it personally, confirming there were no issues; the prescription contained detoxifying and health-promoting elements, with nothing that would harm longevity.
After returning to the Capital, I personally oversaw the examination of King Fan’s remains.
This is the verification document of King Fan’s remains."
He took a document from his sleeve, respectfully raising it above his head, where Mr. Gao quickly stepped forward to take it from him and deliver it to Emperor Jin’s desk.
Emperor Jin picked it up and flipped through it, while Lu Chao continued: "This matter is significant, so those involved in the verification are all experienced authorities.
According to their examination, King Fan was akin to a living corpse long before his demise, saying he was ’strong outside but weak inside’ is an understatement; he was a flicker in the wind, destined not to live long, and sudden death was inevitable.
The damage to his organs indicates they were gradually eroded by poison over the years, eventually causing organ failure and the dispersal of vital energy.
Hence, the death of King Fan is rooted in someone poisoning him over the years, and not due to an error in Yan Daoxin’s antidote, so blame for King Fan’s death cannot be placed on Yan Daoxin, nor should it be assigned to Lu Qing."
Emperor Jin flipped the document in his hands, lifting his gaze: "So, are you pleading for him?
Even though I’ve reprimanded you over this in court before, are you still willing to risk my displeasure to plead for Lu Qing?"
Zhu Yu, kneeling behind, couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Emperor Jin upon hearing this, noticing that although the question was directed at Lu Chao, the gaze was directed at Lu Qing.
"Yes." Lu Chao nodded firmly yet calmly, "I’ve grown up with Lu Qing, and I have unwavering confidence in his character and temperament.
While King Fan’s sudden death is significant and requires clarification, Lu Qing, as Jin Country’s Prince Xiaoyao, should not be wrongfully accused without cause.
Maintaining relations with vassal states is necessary, but the dignity of Jin Country is equally important.
If any vassal king’s kin can falsely accuse and harm a prince or vital official of Jin Country, where does that leave the dignity of Jin Country?
Therefore, I urge Father to handle the situation justly, and not wrongfully accuse any good person."
Emperor Jin shifted his gaze from Lu Qing’s impassive face to Lu Chao, observing that Lu Chao maintained the same calm demeanor, with firm resolve yet no emotional agitation apparent.
Seeing this, Emperor Jin suddenly smiled, but it quickly vanished, only briefly flickering at the corners of his eyes before disappearing, leaving him stern, even somber.
"Good, very good." After a moment of silence, he clapped his hands, "A close-knit brotherhood indeed!
You are brothers in heart, loyal and deeply connected, making me appear as the heartless and cold-blooded one."
"I mean no such thing." Lu Chao interjected, "In my heart, Father has always been a wise and benevolent ruler, valuing justice and sentiments.
I believe this time, the facts are clear, the truth evident, and Your Majesty’s decision will once again affirm my views on you."
Lu Chao’s words undoubtedly flattered Emperor Jin, who discerned it, but praise, regardless, never offends; he merely hmphed without responding and returned his gaze to Lu Qing.
"And you?" he asked, seeming to hope Lu Qing would echo Lu Chao’s sentiment.
Lu Qing remained silent, kneeling straight without lifting his eyes.
Off to the side, Mr. Gao grew anxious, standing by Emperor Jin without daring to act, relying on the fact Emperor Jin wouldn’t see him if he didn’t turn around, frantically winking at Lu Qing, hoping the hints would provoke him to speak.
Yet Lu Qing, at this moment, seemed stubbornly possessed, silent.
Emperor Jin’s patience waned, his expression darkening, he lashed out: "Are you deaf, or has your tongue been cut out?!"
Lu Qing remained unspoken.
"Your Majesty, please calm down, perhaps Prince Xiaoyao has had trouble eating and sleeping while in Shackles Prison and is still a bit dazed..." Mr. Gao cautiously spoke from the side.
With a raised hand, Emperor Jin promptly silenced him, fearing provoking further ire.
"Hmph, faint-heartedness!" Emperor Jin snapped, "Earlier when I questioned him, his tongue was sharp and brain sharp!" glaring fiercely at Lu Qing, "It’s clear he doesn’t appreciate my efforts!
For years, he hasn’t understood my intentions, even his wanton behavior I’ve tolerated, but now, he’s learned the skill to defy, having troubled Bhutan, brought back such a mess, and now sulks at me."
Speaking further, he pointed at Zhu Yu kneeling behind Lu Qing, "You think I’m unaware of the true identity of Chief Historian Yu whom you constantly seek out?!"
At Emperor Jin’s words, Lu Qing’s eyes immediately lifted in his direction, and Zhu Yu quickly looked at Emperor Jin, his heart racing.