Chapter 1107: Clues Are Given to You
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Chapter 1107: Clues Are Given to You
The emperor was well aware that while the evidence was substantial, it still fell short of being considered significant. Meng Yunzheng's experience was limited, as such evidence might have been enough to deal with Gong Qiu in the past, and the emperor might have turned a blind eye. Even the collusion and private dealings within the faction had not crossed the emperor's bottom line.
However, at this moment, the emperor could not tolerate Gong Qiu any longer and hoped for more substantial evidence. Ideally, he wanted evidence of Gong Qiu colluding with the Second Prince, which would allow him to deal with both of them simultaneously.
Thus, without waiting for Meng Yunzheng to finish speaking, the emperor interrupted, "Apart from these two pieces of evidence, did you see anything else in the secret chamber?"
Meng Yunzheng furrowed his brow, appearing a little nervous. He carefully recalled and his eyes brightened as he said eagerly, "Yes, there was something else in the secret chamber. There was a large locked box. However, at that time, I was in a hurry, and the guards outside returned. I couldn't carry the large box with me. I thought the account books would be enough to prove Gongqiu's guilt, so I quickly took them and came to report to Your Majesty."
In other words, he knew nothing beyond the account books. He was unaware of Gong Qiu's secret meetings with Liu Guifei or his collusion with the Second Prince. He had no knowledge of the extent of Gong Qiu's crimes or the significant and earth-shattering actions he had taken.
But he probably thought, Emperor, you can go investigate yourself. The secret chamber is right there, and the evidence... is right there.
The emperor fell into deep thought for a moment and then gave some instructions to Xi Ping, who quickly left the study.
Now, only the emperor and Meng Yunzheng remained in the study. Meng Yunzheng nervously asked, "Your Majesty, will Gong Qiu, with such heinous crimes of embezzlement and corruption, be sentenced to death?"
The emperor replied, "What if I say he won't?"
"How could that be? Then, how can I avenge my mother? I..." Meng Yunzheng's face turned pale, and he knelt on the ground, lost in thought. But in the next moment, he stood up again, "Your Majesty, I will go back and find more evidence. Gong Qiu committed so many evils; there must be more evidence yet to be discovered. I'll go now."
The emperor waved his hand, "Enough, I understand the situation. I will handle Gong Qiu's case, and what you said will be taken into consideration."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You can stay in the palace for now. If there is anything, I will summon you at any time."
Meng Yunzheng respectfully nodded, "Yes."
The emperor waved him off, and someone came to escort Meng Yunzheng away.
Meanwhile, the once chaotic Gong family was suddenly invaded by a considerable number of Imperial Guards, heading straight to Gong Qiu's study.
The steward hurriedly rushed forward to stop them, but the leader of the Imperial Guards drew his sword and forced the steward back, saying, "Gong Xiao, the eldest son of the Gong family, accuses Gong Qiu, the Ministry of Works official, of embezzlement, corruption, and collusion. The emperor has ordered us to investigate the truth and bring Gong Qiu to the palace."
The steward's face changed drastically. How could the young master accuse his own father?
But before he could ask anything, the Imperial Guards had already ordered people to guard the Gong family, and they quickly went to Gong Qiu's study.
When Madam Gong heard the news, she forcibly supported her ailing body and hurried over, only to find that the secret chamber had already been opened.
The leader of the Imperial Guards led his men in searching the secret chamber, and they soon noticed a large locked box.
Madam Gong insisted on entering, but the Imperial Guards' drawn swords frightened her, leaving her too scared to say anything.
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