Chapter 940 - 942: The Prince’s Retreat (2)
Jin Dapeng gave a cold smile and said, "Marquis of Jian’an defends King Qin. Could it be because he was involved in the plot to assassinate His Majesty? Is that why he dares to speak for a regicidal traitor?"
"You—slander me with bloody accusations!"
Pointing at Jin Dapeng, Wu Guosheng, the Marquis of Jian’an, turned blue with rage. The crime of regicide carried the punishment of executing nine clans—no one dared associate themselves with it!
Unrelenting, Jin Dapeng continued, "If you are not in league with King Qin, why speak on his behalf? Did you not hear His Highness the Prince say that the guard who attempted to kill the Emperor has confessed? It was King Qin who instigated him to act, displeased with His Majesty’s punishment of the Empress. The Temple of Dali has tortured him relentlessly these past two days with every one of the eighteen punishment tools, yet the guard has not changed his story. Thus, I am certain that it was King Qin who killed His Majesty. However, Marquis of Jian’an, you are trying to absolve him of this crime, clearly harboring treacherous intentions. In my opinion, even he should be sent to the Temple of Dali for interrogation!"
In the hall, Nangong Yi suddenly burst into laughter, his demeanor as clear and bright as the weather after rain, showing no sign of the anger of being framed.
After he had laughed his fill, he said, "The Prince has witnesses claiming I plotted against our Imperial Father. How convenient, for I too have witnesses who will prove it was actually the Prince who is the real culprit behind the murder of our Imperial Father!"
"Oh—"
At this declaration, the crowd erupted in turmoil!
General Li Kaifeng said, "Since King Qin has witnesses, please summon them here so that all the adults may listen for themselves and judge the matter in their own hearts."
"Yes, King Qin, please bring forth your witness. This concerns the Prince’s reputation, and I believe the Prince would allow it, right, Your Highness?" Prime Minister Ning turned to the Prince Nangong Shi, his tone exceedingly respectful.