sbdcsierra Chapter 659: Xiao Zhouzi is back (109 million votes plus additional content)
Chapter 659: Xiao Zhouzi is back (109 million votes plus additional content)
Having gone through so much together, Nangong Xuanyu naturally believed in Shen Zhinian.
Even if Nian Nian has some tricks in the harem, she will never harm a child.
Besides, Nian Nian knew that Ah Xu's position in his heart was much more important than that of the Third Prince. Why would she want to harm the Third Prince?
However, the emperor could not say such biased words openly, otherwise Ah Xu would be exposed to many dangers.
He must not be rude and biased, causing everyone to see him as a tyrant and Nian Nian as a seductive concubine.
Nian Nian also needs a clean reputation to be the most honorable concubine of the Great Zhou!
"Since I have asked Concubine Xian to assist in managing the six palaces, it means that I recognize her character and ability. I believe that Concubine Xian will come up with a reasonable explanation for this matter."
Many concubines looked at each other and fell into silence...
They are not unaware of His Majesty's style of doing things.
His Majesty did not like people who caused trouble for him, and he did not have the extra energy to judge cases for women in the harem. Most of the time, he only looked at the evidence he had found.
But when it comes to matters related to the virtuous concubine, His Majesty is very patient.
As expected, people’s hearts are biased…
Shen Zhinian and Nangong Xuanyu looked at each other, smiled slightly, and exchanged a tacit look.
He trusted her.
She also believed that he would not let her suffer injustice.
So, even if all the evidence points to her, she is not afraid.
Because his trust is her greatest confidence.
"Since Old Tian keeps saying that it was me who ordered him, then bring him here and confront me face to face."
Seeing Shen Zhinian say this, Nangong Xuanyu gave Su Quanye a look.
He immediately said, "Yes!"
Princess Yun'an frowned and said to the people around her, "I have always believed that Concubine Xian wanted to get rid of the Fourth Prince in order to pave the way for the Third Prince."
"But now, she really doesn't look guilty at all, and even dares to confront the servants of the Manufacturing Department."
"Is it because she is too good at disguising herself, or... did I really misunderstand her?"
Princess Qingyang did not answer, but just winked playfully: "If it is Third Sister who misunderstood Concubine Xian, what are you going to do?"
Princess Yun'an's arrogant face flashed with an unnatural look: "Humph! I am just worried about my nephew's safety, what's wrong with that?"
"If one day, the Fourth Prince encounters a similar situation, I will also seek the truth for him."
Princess Wenshu tugged at Princess Yun'an's sleeve and shook her head at her: "Third sister, the affairs of the harem will be decided by our brother, so we should stay out of it..."
Soon, the eunuch from the Ministry of Punishment came over, dragging a man with many whip wounds on his body. It was Lao Tian.
He knelt on the ground tremblingly and saluted respectfully: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you! I pay my respects to all the ladies!"
Princess Yun'an covered her mouth with a handkerchief and frowned in disgust, as if Old Tian was some dirty thing.
If a slave like this hadn't committed a crime, he would never have the qualifications to appear in front of her in his life.
Receiving Shen Zhinian's eye instructions, Handan stepped forward angrily and said, "Old Tian, I don't even know what Xue Sizi is. When did I ever give it to you to let you murder the Third Prince?!"
Unexpectedly, Lao Tian looked up at Handan and shook his head: "You are not Miss Fuqiu, and Xue Sizi is not given to me by you."
Then, he pointed at Fuqiu who was standing behind Shen Zhinian and said, "She is."
After these words were spoken, everyone looked at Shen Zhinian with even more suspicion!
Fuqiu took a step forward and said, "Then tell me, when and where did I give you the things?"
Old Tian lowered his head and said, "Three days ago, at midnight, at Tianyi Gate."
Fuqiu was a senior palace maid and had her own room.
At the time that Lao Tian mentioned, she was not on guard, she had already fallen asleep in bed. No one could prove that she had not met Lao Tian.
It seems that the other party is indeed well prepared.
Princess Yun'an showed impatience in her eyes and whispered, "In the past, the evidence was so clear, and my brother would have dealt with the person long ago. Why is it that when it comes to something related to Concubine Xian, he starts to get confused?"
To be honest, she also hated her brother who was blinded by lust.
Little Zhouzi came back at some point and reported a few words in a low voice beside Shen Zhinian.
Everyone was curious when they saw this scene.
Why didn't they notice when the eunuch beside Concubine Xian left?
In the crowd, two people looked at each other, and a bad feeling arose in their hearts...
Shen Zhinian knew what was going on, and looked down at Lao Tian: "Since you know my identity, you should understand what the crime of slandering me is."
"Since you may have been forced to do this, I will give you a chance. If you tell me who ordered you to do this, I will forgive you and let His Majesty give you a lighter sentence."
"If you have any difficulties, I can help you."
"otherwise……"
At this point, Shen Zhinian's voice was filled with an overwhelming pressure: "Don't blame me for being merciless!"
Lao Tian's body trembled, and a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes...
But he didn't know what he was thinking of. His eyes became firm again and he shook his head repeatedly, saying, "My Lady Concubine, I have told you everything. I really don't know what else you want me to say..."
"If it really doesn't work, just treat these things as my own doing, and give me a quick death. I really don't want to be punished by the Ministry of Punishment anymore..."
Xiao Zhouzi shook his head.
It’s really hard to persuade the damn ghost.
Since Shen Zhinian holds the power of the six palaces, how could he leave hidden dangers for himself?
Wherever she was in charge, she gradually replaced the heads of those departments with her trusted confidants.
Including Manufacturing Division.
Knowing the importance of the Manufacturing Division, after Shen Zhinian completely controlled the place, the first order he gave to the general manager was to find out the details of everyone under his command.
This project is huge.
But the general manager of the manufacturing department knew that this was a test given to him by the virtuous concubine.
If he fails to complete the first task, someone else can take his place.
So... after a long time, the general manager of the manufacturing department finally secretly found out their background and actually discovered quite a few spies.
He compiled everyone's identities and origins into a book and reported it to Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian did not act rashly, but asked the general manager of the manufacturing department to secretly keep an eye on the spies to see what they were trying to do.
I have to say that the person who planned this was very smart. He did not use those spies, but instead took advantage of Old Tian, who had a clean background.
Shen Zhinian just asked Xiao Zhouzi to go to the manufacturing department and ask the general manager to look through the book to see Lao Tian's background.