That one shout stunned the entire court—civil and military officials alike.
Everyone had thought that Marquis Changning, Wei Que, had come to defend the Wei family. After all, Su Yan’s accusations were serious, and the evidence he presented was clear and substantial. Once such matters are laid bare in court, even if the emperor wanted to protect the Wei family for the sake of Consort Wei, it would cost him dearly in reputation and public trust.
Besides distancing themselves from the crimes and pleading with the emperor and Empress Dowager for the sake of familial ties and the Wei patriarch’s past merits, there didn’t seem to be a more effective way out.
But no one expected that Wei Que would not only refuse to defend the Wei family, but would instead turn his aim directly at Su Yan and fire a heavy cannon.
Who would’ve guessed? The so-called “honest man” actually had such a vicious move up his sleeve!
Who was backing him? Had some lofty figure finally had enough of Su Twelve’s antics and decided to use the Wei family as a knife to bring him down?
The seasoned veterans of the court immediately thought of the Empress Dowager. Then they looked up at the emperor, sitting unmoved with an unreadable expression, neither approving nor denying. Sensing the uncertainty, they chose to wait and watch.
Those who were politically cunning or skilled at playing both sides fell silent. But among the more clearly aligned officials, there was an immediate split.
Those affiliated with the Wei family stood up in support of Wei Que, claiming Su Yan had harbored a wanted criminal and had sinister motives, that he cried thief while being the thief himself, and colluded with the Void Sect to orchestrate the Baizhifang explosion. They said they had already submitted memorials before, but all had been suppressed and never made public. They now asked the emperor to clarify his stance.
Others said that Wei Tu, commander of the Qingzhou Army, had once helped the former emperor suppress the northern frontier. He was a founding merit subject, and if His Majesty now punished his son for “some mistakes,” it would seem heartless, and chill the hearts of loyal ministers across the land. Moreover, Wei Yan was Consort Wei’s father, and maternal grandfather to the Second Prince. His wife was also the Empress Dowager’s own sister. For the sake of imperial dignity, shouldn’t His Majesty be lenient?
—Most of this group were nobles related to the Wei family, or officials aligned with Vice Chancellor Jiao Yang and Minister Wang Qianhe.
Many among them had benefited from the Wei family’s dealings. Some were veteran courtiers who had lived through the prior reign’s struggles over the crown prince and the early battles over national policy. Through years of favors and compromise, they had already formed alliances with the Empress Dowager, and now naturally took her side.
On the other side, officials loyal to Su Yan stood up to denounce the Wei family’s lawlessness and crimes against the people. They demanded justice, warning that if the emperor didn’t uphold the law, how could the common people ever believe in fairness?
They argued that the accusations against Su Yan were baseless retaliation in response to being impeached.
—This camp was led by Censor-in-Chief Chu Qiu of the Censorate, joined by many outspoken officials and members of the Chancellor Li Chengfeng’s and Vice Chancellor Yang Ting’s factions.
Even the current top scorer in the imperial exam, Censorate Advisor Cui Jinping, couldn’t stay silent. Same year, same school, same hometown—the “three sames” were the strongest bonds among officials. Cui Jinping considered Su Yan a peer and friend, and since he had already shown his support for the Crown Prince during the palace newsletter incident, he seized the moment. Ignoring his superior’s frantic glances to stop him, he rolled up his sleeves and joined the fray.
As both sides hurled arguments and accusations, Su Yan and the Wei father-and-son locked eyes— In each other’s gaze, they saw the same ruthless determination:
Only one of us is walking away from this.
Up on the jade steps, Lan Xi screeched, “Silence! Who dares to breach decorum before His Majesty?!”
The shouting storm was finally subdued, and a fragile calm returned.
All officials turned their gaze to the throne— Waiting for the emperor’s reaction. Even a slight gesture, even just a few words, would be interpreted as a hint of imperial will by these seasoned courtiers.
Back when Wei Que first opened his mouth, Su Yan felt a jolt in his chest— But he quickly realized, this accusation was not unexpected. Especially since Ah Zhui’s identity as a Hidden Sword Sect member was like a ticking time bomb—destined to explode sooner or later.
He had once considered confessing to the emperor, but the words had gotten stuck in his throat. He feared that defending Ah Zhui would be like delivering a head on a platter— Giving the emperor another target to punish, alongside Shen Qi.
He had also hoped Ah Zhui could earn more merits, so that if the truth ever came out, his contributions might offset the original sin of his identity.
Had he confessed earlier, it might’ve given the emperor time to prepare— That would’ve been better than being exposed suddenly in court.
What was the emperor thinking now? The thought flashed by, but Su Yan had no time to dwell. What mattered now was to seize the momentum.
While the officials were still looking toward the throne, Su Yan took two quiet steps toward an Embroidered Uniform Guard captain beside the evidence boxes, and whispered quickly: “Go find Shen Qi.”
…Lord Su wants him to go fetch Lord Tongzhi? To say what? Do what?
The captain hesitated for a split second, but saw nearby officials glancing over. He couldn’t ask questions now. He gave a small nod and quietly slipped out of the square.
On the throne, Emperor Jinglong spoke—his tone unreadable, yet heavy with authority:
“Before any of you think to impeach or accuse someone, Learn first the proper decorum of the court— Or do you now believe that habit makes law, and rules no longer apply?”
All ministers bowed deeply and chorused:
“We dare not. May Your Majesty pardon our offense.”
Wei Que cupped his hands and said:
“May Your Majesty permit this subject to continue— My impeachment of Lord Su Shaoqing is not baseless rumor. I possess solid evidence—”
“——Lord Wei!” Su Yan suddenly spoke up, his voice clear and sharp, cutting through Wei Que’s words. “Did you not hear what His Majesty just said?”
Wei Que, who had been proceeding step by step into his next argument, was momentarily stunned by the unexpected interruption.
“What His Majesty said… I did hear it.”
“No, you didn’t.” Su Yan took a few steps forward, pressing aggressively, his momentum unrelenting. “His Majesty just clearly said we must speak by the rules. Tell me then, what are the rules for memorial responses in court? Is it that when a minister is following imperial orders and reporting to His Majesty, someone else—just because of a higher rank—can casually interrupt, derail the topic, and stop the emperor from hearing the full reply?
“Is it now up to you to decide what His Majesty hears, doesn’t hear, or how much he hears?
“Even ordinary people understand the principle of ‘first come, first served.’ When a father questions his youngest child, and the eldest son interrupts and talks over him, that’s considered ill-mannered and ill-bred. Do you not know this? Is that the Wei family’s family teaching? Is this what you call loyal reverence to His Majesty, Wei Que?”
“No wonder everyone says the Wei family is arrogant and lawless—you don’t even respect the emperor!”
The rapid-fire interrogation completely threw Wei Que off track.
“I didn’t—I wasn’t—I am sincerely loyal to His Majesty—heaven and earth can attest!”
Wei Yan, seeing his son flustered and rattled, cursed Su Yan inwardly:
So slippery—no matter what you say, he can pick bones from an egg. The way he dropped accusations like hats, with such pomp and righteousness— He was truly born to be a censor.
He couldn’t allow Su Yan to keep controlling the rhythm!
Wei Yan stepped forward, about to speak and shift the tide back. But Su Yan ignored him completely, turning straight to the throne and declaring loudly:
“This subject’s memorial was interrupted without cause— I am at fault for not maintaining proper decorum. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness and request permission to continue.”
Emperor Jinglong pressed down the faint curve of a smile on his lips.
“Indeed, we must follow first come, first served. I’ve only got two ears, and things must be heard one by one. Marquis Changning, wait until Su Shaoqing is finished—then you may speak.”
It felt like Wei Que had a boiled egg stuck in his throat, and he turned awkwardly to look at his father.
Wei Yan muttered quietly, “Hold steady. He’s doing this on purpose to stall for time. But no matter how long he stalls, he’ll finish eventually—we strike after.”
Wei Que took a deep breath and nodded.
Su Yan cupped his hands to the throne and immediately continued with unshakable momentum— As if Wei Que’s impeachment had been nothing more than a passing fart.
The officials, watching his poised and unruffled expression, couldn’t help but wonder: Was he just uncommonly thick-skinned, or were his mental nerves made of iron? Or… was he fully prepared, and Wei Que’s attack had landed exactly where Su Yan had planned?
Well then, might as well keep watching.
“Charge five: Last year during the Dragon Boat Festival, while His Majesty and all officials were at the Eastern Garden archery event, Wei Jun, overcome by lust, r*ped a palace maid behind the Longde Hall’s corridor. Afterward, he coerced an Embroidered Uniform Guard—under orders from Feng Que’e—to kill and cover up the incident.”
“Fortunately, the Embroidered Uniform Guard in question was still righteous at heart. Though afraid of Wei Jun and Feng Que’e’s influence and dared not report it, He rescued the girl, who had nearly hanged herself in despair, and secretly sent her out of the palace to avoid further harm.”
“That maid is still alive today. In her possession, she holds a torn silken loop from Wei Jun’s robe—proof of his assault.”
In plain terms, a palace maid could be considered the emperor’s woman-in-waiting. If favored, she had the right to become a concubine. So, violating a palace maid was not just r*pe—it was tantamount to placing an invisible green hat on the emperor.
No wonder then— As soon as Su Yan spoke those words, the entire court was stunned. The looks directed at the Wei father and son were as if they were smeared with filth, and anyone too close might catch a whiff of the stench.
Wei Yan’s face turned beet red— Partly from Su Yan’s relentless attack, but more from rage at his own brother.
He knew Wei Jun was lecherous, but he had never imagined he would dare lay hands on a palace woman— Worse still, to leave behind the victim and physical evidence!
How could they even begin to defend themselves?
Wei Que, who still had a shred of shame, was wishing he could crawl into the earth.
“Charge six…”
“Charge seven…”
Each accusation Su Yan made was well-organized, with solid evidence, and hard to refute. The level of detail was striking. Just the first three charges took a full hour to lay out.
By the time the sun climbed overhead, he still wasn’t done.
The court had begun before dawn. Officials had risen at the third watch, assembled by the fourth, and whatever light breakfast they’d had was long since digested. If one stood among them now, they’d hear a chorus of rumbling stomachs.
Yet bound by the decorum of court, no one dared to reveal their exhaustion in words or movement.
Many were starving and drained, silently praying for court to adjourn soon.
As for who won between Su Twelve and the Wei clan?
Who cares! This official just wants to go home and eat!
But unfortunately, Su Shaoqing—also the imperial censor—was still on fire, blazing through his speech without even sipping water, his voice crisp, articulate, full of righteous vigor. When he finally reached “Charge Ten,” the sun had begun to tilt westward.
Clearly, he could go on all day.
Some of the frailer officials saw black spots before their eyes. Finally, one collapsed from low blood sugar, causing a small commotion.
Emperor Jinglong exchanged a glance with Lan Xi.
Lan Xi immediately understood. With a flick of his horsetail whisk, he shouted:
“It is past noon. His Majesty will now retire from court. Unfinished business shall continue at tomorrow’s morning audience—!”
Tomorrow?!
Was Su Twelve’s impeachment like an opera?
Would it last three days straight?
Who could keep up with this?
Wei Yan and Wei Que both saw stars.
And the worst part—once court adjourned, Su Yan would surely move fast to protect the Embroidered Uniform Guard witness. If they lost their key witness, how could they press the counter-impeachment?
No, they had to act quickly. Mr. He must be notified at once to take Jinghong Zhui down!
Wei Que’s hand trembled as he gripped the memorial tightly.
Wei Yan took a deep breath and said under his breath:
“Don’t worry. Mr. He is shrewd and calculating. If he advised you to impeach this way, he must have prepared for this. Perhaps the Hidden Sword Sect remnant has already been captured.”
Wei Que nodded stiffly.
“I hope so. But about Uncle’s r*pe of the palace maid…”
Wei Yan’s face darkened with fury.
“He brought this shame on himself. What kind of idiot leaves such filthy crimes in his enemy’s hands? He’s made his bed. If we can’t protect him… Then make arrangements— But he mustn’t drag you, me, or your sister down with him.”
The emperor stepped down from the throne and left. The civil and military officials withdrew from court in proper order. Su Yan had several Embroidered Uniform Guard carry the boxes of evidence and followed behind, preparing for the next battle tomorrow.
But right now, he had an urgent matter that had to be dealt with immediately.
—Let’s hope Qilang and I are still of one mind, Su Yan thought. It had already been more than three hours since Wei Que entered the court. Please, let me make it in time!
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