Chapter 717: Irrefutable Evidence

Translator: Pika

“What?!” Everyone’s expressions changed. Who was Zu An? He was a criminal who was involved in a scandal with the crown princess right now. There were countless pairs of eyes on him right now, yet someone wanted to kill him? Who would dare to do such a thing?

Jiang Boyang subconsciously looked in the direction Zu An was pointing at. When he saw the overturned food, the grains of rice scattered everywhere across the dried grass, he immediately revealed a suffering expression.

Zhen Xueyi and Murong Tong both turned around and gave Guo Zhi another look. In that instant, they could feel the power of the aura that erupted from him.

Huh? Why was this fellow so angry? Was he angry that someone had tried to silence this matter, or was it because of Zu An? Could it be that he had some friendship with Zu An that they didn’t know about?

Murong Tong quickly said, “Hurry and examine the poison inside.”

There was no way they would believe that it was poisonous just because Zu An said that it was. They wouldn’t allow themselves to be led by the nose like this.

The imperial prison locked up extremely important prisoners, so there were naturally specialized personnel who checked for poison. The one assigned to that duty quickly came with a silver needle. Then, he brought the food up to his nose to give it a sniff. He even licked it with the tip of his tongue.

Zu An’s eyebrows rose when he saw this. Isn’t this just too much dedication? If it were a pile of sh*t that was poisoned, would he give it a lick too?

That jailer quickly spat out the things in his mouth. He got up and said, “The food has Zombie Poison mixed in. Even though this poison isn’t fatal, it can make one lose their mind and become a living corpse.”

Everyone’s expression became serious when they heard the report. The poison wasn’t intended to kill Zu An. Were they worried that killing him would be going too far, risking too much? But turning him into a living corpse was another form of silencing him.

The messy-haired Imperial Director Zhen Xueyi finally spoke up. He gave Guo Zhi a cold look. “Who was the one who delivered Zu An’s food today?”

Guo Zhi quickly called for someone to look into it. The result made his expression change several times. “There was a new person who was transferred over. He’s already nowhere to be seen.”

“Absolutely disgraceful! You actually allowed someone to barge into the imperial prison and do whatever they want? Do you even want your position as the Right Guard General anymore?!” Jiang Boyang was already furious. When he saw Zhen Xueyi’s messy hair, he felt as if he could no longer hold himself back. Guo Zhi became the target for venting his anger.

Guo Zhi began to sweat buckets. His expression was full of shame. “I’ll immediately investigate this person.”

He wasn’t scared of Jiang Boyang. Even though the other party’s official rank was higher than his, they belonged to different departments, and as such, the latter couldn’t tell him to do anything. However, something major had happened in his own domain. If the emperor criticized him, he wouldn’t be able to bear that guilt.

Furthermore, he and Zu An had even called each other brothers, yet something had almost happened to Zu An in his own domain. This was just too humiliating.

Jiang Boyang’s expression thus eased a bit. However, he couldn’t remain in such a messy prison. He immediately got up to leave and gestured for the jailer to bring Zu An to the interrogation room.

When the others arrived, Jiang Boyang was already sitting upright in front of the table, with everything on top of it arranged neatly. Even the surface was spotlessly clean.

Zhen Xueyi and Murong Tong exchanged a look. How had this guy done it? They didn’t see him bring a rag or anything.

Jiang Boyang cleared his throat and said, “Zu An, how is the poison? Should we call over a physician to check your condition?”

Zhen Xueyi and Murong Tong became even more certain now. This fellow really did have some type of relationship with Zu An.

Zu An replied, “Thank you, Sir Jiang. This matter involves the crown princess’ innocence, so even if I’m poisoned, I’ill still do my best to cooperate with sirs.”

The three officials had strange expressions. This kid really was shameless! All of them could clearly see that he was fine right now.

Jiang Boyang was also caught off guard. “Alright then. Do you know who could have done this to you?”

Zu An sighed. “I could go on and on. I can tell you, but will you write it all down?”

Murong Tong harrumphed coldly. “Stop using excuses. Just start talking. Don’t tell me you think the three of us aren’t sufficient as witnesses?”

Zu An smiled, “Then I’ll start. The first one who might do something to me is Sir Murong. Everyone knows that Sir Murong lost his position of Security Officer because of my involvement.”

Murong Tong was furious. “You rascal! Who do you think you are? That was a normal court transfer; why would it be because of you?”

𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

You have successfully trolled Murong Tong for +388 +388 +388…

Zu An shrugged. He looked as if he didn’t feel like arguing with this fellow, that everyone who knew the truth knew it. Murong Tong became even more angry when he saw this.

Zhen Xueyi quickly grabbed him. “Ahem, this old one can vouch for brother Murong; he’s an upright person. Even if he’s a bit unhappy over that matter, he wouldn’t do something like this.”

Zu An used that chance to say, “I also feel that Sir Murong is the outspoken and forthright type of person. He wouldn’t use this type of treacherous scheme.”

Murong Tong stuck out his chest. He thought to himself that these were the best words that had come out of this brat’s mouth since he’d met him.

Huh? Wait, if you knew that, then why would you say what you said? Weren’t you just messing with me?

You have successfully trolled Murong Tong for +666 +666 +666…

But how could he know that Zu An was only doing this to earn some Rage points?

Zu An then continued, “Apart from Sir Murong, the one who wants me dead the most is probably King Qi. After all, I made him look bad not too long ago, and then I crushed his heir’s knees. If I were King Qi, I would be itching to finish me off.”

Everyone’s expressions became strange. It looks like you at least know yourself well.

Jiang Boyang coughed and asked, “Do you know that slandering a court king is a huge offense?” At the same time, he gestured towards the scribe to not record that statement yet.

Zu An said, “I’m not framing him, I’m only bringing up points of suspicion. As for the rest, you all need to investigate that on your own.”

Zhen Xueyi and the others exchanged a look. They saw the seriousness in each other’s expressions. This case was already full of points of suspicion from the very start. Even Murong Tong, who was a strong supporter of King Qi, was starting to suspect his leader.

Zu An laughed coldly when he saw their suspicious expressions. “I already said that I’d be willing to talk, but I wasn’t sure if you could write it all down. And look where we are now.”

Zhen Xueyi, who had been casually sitting in his seat, said, “We obviously need to treat this matter seriously if it involves the king. Just keep talking for now. Are there any other suspicious people?”

Zu An chuckled. “Are you sure you want me to keep talking?”

All of them became unhappy. “Just keep going!” Who the heck are you kidding? You already even said King Qi’s name; is there anyone else more tricky to deal with?

But their expressions immediately changed the next second, because Zu An said, “The next one who might want me dead is his majesty!”

After a moment of petrification, all of them snapped out of their daze. Now, even Jiang Boyang became upset. “Brazen! Do you understand what kind of crime you’ve just committed?!”

You have successfully trolled Jiang Boyang for +22 +22 +22…

Is this kid stupid? If we really start an investigation, then these words alone are enough to condemn him for a great crime!

Zu An sighed. “I warned you, but you all forced me to say it. Even if there is disrespect, I guess we’ll all be disrespectful together.”

The three officials were speechless. But in the end, it was Zhen Xueyi who spoke up. “Tell us why you think his majesty would wish to kill you first.” He thought, Why does this kid deserve a beating so badly? I even want to teach him a lesson.

Zu An said, “This matter involves the crown princess’ purity, and if the crown prince were cuc… Ahem, and I might be innocent, I might not be. For his majesty, wouldn’t the simplest manner be to just get rid of me? As the ruler, one would rather accidentally kill a thousand innocents than let a single crook go. Isn’t that but a common practice?”

Everyone’s expression immediately became shocked when they looked at Zu An. This kid was just a brat off the streets, yet he actually understood the art of ruling so well! Was he self-taught, or had someone taught him…?

Jiang Boyang said, “Your analysis is reasonable, but there is one point you’re wrong on. His majesty doesn’t care if you are innocent or not; what he cares the most about is if the crown princess is innocent. He can kill you at will, but the crown princess is different. She isn’t someone who can just be swapped out. That’s why before we investigate all of this, his majesty wouldn’t act against you first.”

Zu An was surprised. He had really wondered if the one who wanted to silence him was the emperor. However, after listening to that explanation, only then did he realize that he still couldn’t see as far as these real old foxes.

Murong Tong became annoyed. “Enough, enough, this kid is rambling on just to mess with us. There’s no need to ask him so much anymore. I have something I want to ask you. We investigated some other eyewitnesses. Not only did they provide an oral confession, they also have proof.”

“What kind of proof?” Zu An was stunned. He began to think to himself. He didn’t think there was anything that could give away his identity!

Murong Tong said with a cold laugh, “There were people in the palace who found your clothes and the crown princess’… dress at the scene of the crime. How are you going to explain this?”

Everyone’s eyes bore daggers into Zu An when these words were spoken.