Chapter 573 - 466: Montmorillonite Powder (2)

Of course, he couldn’t openly show favoritism, but he disagreed with categorizing Marquis Lingyang as the mastermind.

Moreover, he had Ye Shengyuan’s testimony as evidence.

Regarding the weapon smuggling matter, he was aware, but the steward and Mrs. He were unaware, as he secretly collaborated with the Green Blade Sect behind their backs.

Marquis Lingyang was also unaware; the Green Blade Sect had long been colluding with Beihu and so on.

This is a crime of extermination of the family, and Ye Shengyuan is no fool—how could he confess to such a grave offense?

As for the apprehended elder Fen Biao and others from the Green Blade Sect, they vehemently insisted that the matter was unrelated to Marquis Lingyang...

Clearly, these individuals had considered how to respond to failure before going all out, and had planned it long ago.

If the plan failed, they would just protect Marquis Lingyang.

There would be opportunities to rise again later; if they dragged Marquis Lingyang into it, everyone would be doomed.

They would rather fight for survival for their sect and families.

As for Ye Shengyuan and the Ye Family, they should be the unluckiest, but Ye Shengyuan had no choice. No matter the decision, his branch of the Ye Family couldn’t escape death. As for how his testimony would bring disaster to the others in the Ye Family, he couldn’t care less anymore.

He would die anyway, why bother about others?

Deep down, Ye Shengyuan was inherently selfish and self-centered, which had never changed.

The case was at an impasse.

Su Mobai, the Imperial Envoy presiding over the case, finally understood the whirlpool he was caught in. He had been cautious and reserved in the court for years, risen to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and naturally grasped the Emperor’s intentions to some extent.

The Emperor wished to protect King Qi, and to do so, the charge against Marquis Lingyang couldn’t be too severe. Treason was certainly out of the question.

A charge of smuggling enemy supplies seemed lighter.

However, Pei Jian was aligned with the Crown Prince, and wouldn’t let go of the chance to sever one of King Qi’s arms.

Even a series of officials involved in the smuggling were implicated, proving connections to Marquis Lingyang.

Pei Jian’s competence and influence couldn’t be underestimated.

If he claimed there was no word from the Crown Prince to cooperate, he wouldn’t be believed; the Crown Prince might be weak, but on matters deciding destiny, he wouldn’t be soft-hearted.

Moreover, earlier this year, he had survived an assassination attempt, barely escaping with his life. Though there’s no evidence linking it to King Qi or Marquis Lingyang, suspicion alone sufficed.

Brotherly murder, using assassination tactics—even the Emperor fond of "raising venomous worms" couldn’t tolerate it.

Cui Xiang stood with Marquis Lingyang, appearing impartial but was really biased.

Su Mobai wasn’t a fool. In this case, even if Marquis Lingyang wasn’t the mastermind, he was deeply involved in the conspiracy.

Yet Cui Xiang aimed to reduce Marquis Lingyang’s charge, shifting the blame to the Green Blade Sect and Ye Family—anyone could see there was a problem.

Sure, Marquis Lingyang wasn’t highly born, gained his title through marital relations, and wasn’t particularly clever, so deceit wasn’t unreasonable.

But even if Marquis Lingyang wasn’t highly born, he wasn’t a fool; otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent his sister to the palace, now becoming the sole power below Consort Xue in the harem.

If an argument already erupted, another was inevitable.

Su Mobai, an old fox in the bureaucratic world, knew it wasn’t appropriate to express his opinion directly at this time.

He didn’t even show clear favoritism, only worked to muddle through.

Muddling through in the officialdom required skill; with insufficient skill, you might end up plastered against the wall.

If neither side could convince the other, they should keep arguing.

Allow them time to argue.

Su Mobai, the Imperial Envoy, meanwhile decided on secret visits. Having come to the northwest’s largest province, he might as well tour around—not knowing the political burden ahead.

Official-funded travel, with meals and expenses reimbursed; such good fortune only graced an official’s life a few times.

Shanglin Street’s bustling scene amazed him, offering a different kind of urban prosperity from the refined splendor of the capital.

The people here were simpler, warmer, and exuded a sense of freedom and magnanimity, also more sincere.

Ancient streets, historical vicissitudes.

Dongshan City’s construction could be traced back millennia; its layout had changed little over the years, though buildings were rebuilt repeatedly, remnants from thousands of years persisted, though not so many remained.

"Mr. Su is just unaccustomed to the local climate, nothing serious; taking a few doses of medicine will solve it," Wen Ruyu said.

Su Mobai was a gourmet, enjoying local cuisine whenever he arrived in a place; however, people’s stomachs needed time to adapt.

He ate something bad and ended up vomiting and diarrhea.

An Imperial Envoy falling ill couldn’t be neglected, so Pei Jian promptly invited Wen Ruyu, the head of the Medical Bureau and an esteemed physician, for treatment.

He trusted no one else.

"Thank you, Mr. Wen," Su Mobai slightly bowed, his rear still sore, forcing him to sit halfway on the chair.

"Old servant, this is Montmorillonite powder, mix with a little water to stop diarrhea effectively," Wen Ruyu pulled a small paper package from his medicine kit and handed it to Su Mobai’s elderly attendant.

"Yes, Mr. Wen."

Su Mobai’s stomach was unwell, so it wasn’t suitable to invite Wen Ruyu for a meal. Furthermore, he stayed in a temple, abstaining from meat unless he went out.