Chapter 1300: Ironclad Evidence

Pei Mianman was in a panic. She had still underestimated the ruthlessness of the Emperor and Zhu Xiechixin. She had initially thought that in front of all the civil and military officials, they wouldn't dare expose that Zu An was Golden Medallion Eleven. But to her surprise, they directly pulled the rug out from under her, transferring her to another room. This way, even if there were any issues, she would lose the chance to speak up.

Equally anxious was Pei Shao. Once the check in the adjacent room began, her identity would be exposed, and then the Pei family would be ruined.

But now that Zhu Xiechixin had spoken and the Emperor had tacitly agreed, with all the officials watching, he couldn't find a reason to object.

At this moment, through the scrying mirror, Crown Princess Bi Linglong also spoke: "I believe this action is improper. The Embroidered Uniform Guard has always represented the dignity of the imperial court, let alone a Golden Medallion Embroidered Uniform Guard. How can they be subjected to an arbitrary inspection just because of a single statement?"

At this, all the civil and military officials caught on. It seemed there was indeed something problematic about this Golden Medallion Eleven, but what the Crown Princess said also made sense.

Soon, another fierce debate erupted in the court. Finally, Zhu Xiechixin said, "We, the Embroidered Uniform Guards, have always been synonymous with fairness and loyalty. We cannot allow ourselves to be doubted because of this, nor can we let our long-established reputation be shaken. In comparison, what do personal honor or disgrace matter? I believe Golden Medallion Eleven will understand."

Pei Mianman was about to retort, "I understand jack shit!", but Pei Shao had already stepped forward to mediate: "Since that is the case, your humble official will accompany them as a witness."

At the same time, he transmitted a message to Pei Mianman using internal energy: "You've done your best. Don't cause any more trouble. If you're exposed, not only will you and I be implicated, but so will our other siblings at home. Can you bear to see that happen?"

He pondered that he must find an opportunity to have a good talk with her when he had time. She was clearly supposed to be engaged to the Prince of Qi's heir, so when did her relationship with Zu An become so close that she would take such a big risk to stand up for him?

Although, due to various past events, he and Pei Mianman shared no father-daughter affection, they still had the title of father and daughter. The thought of his beautiful daughter, whom he had kept confined in the inner chambers, having such a relationship with another man without his knowledge, instantly gave him a sense of profound betrayal within his own family.

Hearing his words, the officials in the court voiced their approval. As a member of the Pei family, he had always maintained good relations with the Prince of Qi's faction. Moreover, he wasn't particularly close to either Xu Yu or Sang Hong, making him the most suitable person to act as a witness.

Pei Mianman hesitated, on the verge of speaking. She genuinely didn't care about this so-called father, but having lived in the Pei family for so many years, many old servants had watched her grow up, and some siblings occasionally looked after her. If her actions were to lead to their tragic demise, how could she possibly live with herself?

But if she left like this, wouldn't Zu An's guilt be completely confirmed?

Just then, a clear and resonant voice rang out: "I heard you're holding a meeting to discuss my affairs. How could the protagonist be absent?"

Hearing this familiar voice, Pei Mianman trembled. She hastily turned around, and there, the familiar figure—who else but Zu An?

Bi Linglong was also filled with both surprise and joy. She had always wondered why Zu An had suddenly disappeared and had even suspected whether he had truly done something foolish out of infatuation with the capital's most beautiful woman. Now, seeing him return, her anxiety and worries of the past few days completely vanished.

Sang Hong's taut body also completely relaxed. For days, he had been feigning composure. Others might still have fantasized that Zu An was merely briefly missing and could return at any moment, but he knew better than anyone that Zu An was indeed in the demon tribe, making him more desperate than anyone else.

Only upon relaxing did he realize his back was chillingly damp; his clothes were already soaked with cold sweat.

Now, his greatest curiosity was how Zu An had managed to return in such a short period, effectively overnight.

The joys and sorrows of humanity are not interconnected. While these people rejoiced, the officials aligned with the Prince of Qi were dejected. Only the Prince of Qi remained composed; ever since he realized that the Emperor's faction also seemed intent on eliminating Zu An, he had begun to ponder the underlying reasons and was no longer in a hurry to deal with Zu An himself.

Xu Yu was greatly alarmed: "You...how are you here?"

He was certain that Zu An had rescued Yu Yanluo earlier. Although the intelligence from the demon tribe's spies was vague, it was clear that Zu An had returned to the Serpent Tribe with Yu Yanluo. How could he possibly be back?

Considering that even Golden Medallion Eleven had been impersonated, he even suspected that the Zu An before him was also a fake. There was certainly such a thing as disguise in the world.

Zu An chuckled: "I was originally part of the imperial envoy tasked with handling affairs in Yunzhong Commandery. Isn't it perfectly normal for me to be here? Why, Lord Xu, you seem quite displeased with my presence."

At the same time, he gave Pei Mianman a reassuring look. They were too familiar with each other; almost instantly, she recognized him as her Manman.

Xu Yu's face darkened, but he did not reply.

Censor-in-Chief Yi Chong, who had been silent since his initial statement, now spoke again: "Lord Zu, your appearance is most timely. This meeting today is precisely to investigate your jailbreak to rescue the demoness Yu Yanluo and your collusion with the demon tribe in betraying the court. Do you have anything to say now?"

"Of course, I have something to say!" Zu An declared loudly. A group of ministers pricked up their ears, eager to hear his brilliant defense. To their surprise, he simply stated with a deep voice, "Utter nonsense!"

Yi Chong frowned. Duke Zhaoshu of Jiyang County, standing nearby, already chastised him: "Lord Zu, this is the imperial court. Please mind your language. Whatever you say must be supported by evidence. Do not curse like common street ruffians here."

Zu An snorted, "You want evidence? Did you present any evidence when you fabricated stories about me colluding with the demon tribe and betraying the country? And now, suddenly, you pretend to demand evidence?"

Zhao Shu was momentarily speechless. As a member of the imperial family and a dignified duke, being contradicted by a mere viscount in such a manner caused him to lose face.

Fortunately, Xu Yu came to his rescue: "You want evidence? It's simple."

After saying this, he clapped his hands, and several servant-like individuals were brought forward: "These are some of the servants from the imperial envoy's residence. They usually prepare meals for each room, perform cleaning, and change bedding. According to their testimony, you were not in your room precisely when Yu Yanluo was rescued from prison. During the period of her disappearance, you were also missing. How can such a coincidence exist in this world?"

Sang Hong's expression subtly changed. Despite all his precautions, Xu Yu had managed to infiltrate some spies.

Zu An scoffed, "Lord Xu, it's a shame you're the second-in-command of a commandery, yet you seem quite unfamiliar with proper procedures. Can these matters truly serve as evidence?"

"Such evidence is indeed somewhat weak," Xu Yu admitted, "but there are also the guards who were watching Yu Yanluo that night. They witnessed it firsthand. Although they couldn't clearly see the face of the person who broke her out, the build was identical to Lord Zu's."

Zu An laughed heartily: "Identical to my build? Grand Commandant, even when the Embroidered Uniform Guards are handling a case, can this kind of thing be used as evidence?"

Zhu Xiechixin's face was grim, but he still stated, "Such a lone detail is indeed difficult to use as evidence."

As if receiving a hint, Xu Yu continued, "Furthermore, before this, Lord Zu openly interceded for Yu Yanluo multiple times, even attempting to save her after her demon identity was exposed. Everyone in the Yunzhong Commandery official circles witnessed these actions. They can all serve as witnesses."

The officials under his command eagerly cheered him on.

At this point, Bi Linglong coldly stated, "Lord Xu keeps bringing up these unsubstantiated rumors and speculations. If imperial officials can be convicted based on such things, it shows a severe lack of respect for the court."

She had more officials under her command, and their echoing support naturally created a greater impact than Xu Yu's side.

Zu An thought to himself, it really is convenient to have a powerful confidante; she brings so many followers.

He smiled and gestured to Bi Linglong. Everyone else simply took it as a subordinate's gratitude, but only Bi Linglong's face flushed slightly, knowing that the look was a private understanding between the two of them.

At this moment, Eunuch Wen's high-pitched voice rang out again: "Silence!"

Only then did the Emperor speak: "What is all this commotion? If there is no new evidence, then my dear Zu naturally remains innocent, and this meeting shall be adjourned."

Sang Hong felt a sense of having narrowly escaped disaster. He never expected events to take such a dramatic turn. Just as he was about to congratulate Zu An, Xu Yu gritted his teeth and directly produced a secret letter: "There's more evidence! My spy risked his life to send back this intelligence from the Serpent Tribe. It meticulously details Yu Yanluo's return, stating she was accompanied by a human male whose appearance matched Zu An's perfectly. Crucially, Yu Yanluo affectionately called him 'A'Zu'."