Adhere to the gentleman's principles

Chapter 208 Shen Congwen cannot be tried

After watching everyone leave, Xiao Xuanjing turned to Xu Gong and said, "My dear Xu, please go down and interrogate those Xunyang officials with the Censorate later." After Xu Gong took the order and left, only Li Ziyan and Xiao Xuanjing were left in the huge palace.

Xiao Xuanjing looked at Li Ziyan with admiration in his eyes, and slowly said: "Ziyan, you went to Xunyang to investigate the case this time and lived up to my expectations. I am very pleased!" Upon hearing this, Li Ziyan hurriedly knelt down to thank him, and said timidly: "It is my honor to receive your majesty's love and trust. It is my duty to help your majesty solve problems and perform my duties faithfully."

Xiao Xuanjing nodded and said solemnly: "Therefore, I have another important matter that I need you to handle in person."

Hearing this, Li Ziyan cast his gaze towards Xiao Xuanjing, who continued, "Shen Yu is indeed a man of outstanding talent. He and I have served together as officials since we were young. When I ascended the throne, your father, uncle, father-in-law, as well as he and Yuan Song were all loyal and capable generals who assisted me. They could be said to be my right-hand men. However, today, his son Shen Congwen made a very serious mistake."

When he heard the name Shen Congwen, Li Ziyan raised his head suddenly, with a flash of surprise in his eyes. Then, Xiao Xuanjing continued, "Shen Congwen accidentally injured the King of Yue, causing him to remain in a coma. I hope you will be responsible for hearing this case in person."

"Accidentally hurt the King of Yue? This is absolutely impossible! Your Majesty Congwen and I grew up together. He has always been kind and gentle, and he has no grudges or entanglements with the King of Yue. How could he do such a thing?" Li Ziyan said in astonishment.

Xiao Xuanjing nodded in agreement, but then threw out another sentence: "However, the facts are in front of us. When the King of Yue was attacked in the Palace of the King of Yue, Shen Congwen happened to be at the scene."

Hearing this, Li Ziyan stood there in disbelief as if struck by lightning. Seeing this, Xiao Xuanjing said earnestly, "This matter concerns the dignity of the royal family. I need you to investigate it thoroughly. As long as you can handle this matter well, I will definitely reward you handsomely and entrust you with important tasks in the future. After all, you are still young and have great potential in the future."

Facing the emperor's expectations and inducements, Li Ziyan shook his head without hesitation and refused: "Your Majesty, Congwen and I are like brothers, and we grew up together. I really have no reason to interrogate him and cannot interrogate him."

Xiao Xuanjing's face darkened, and he said sternly: "What did you say? Li Ziyan, do you know that if you give up this opportunity, not only will you not get the reward of promotion, you may even..."

"Your Majesty, I understand, but I cannot do it." Li Ziyan replied firmly.

Xiao Xuanjing said earnestly, "Zi Yan, I heard that Jun Ning almost lost her life in the Xunyang case. This little girl has had a hard time! Back then, she went to Liangzhou with you when you were the county magistrate. She has gone through many hardships and suffered a lot."

Xiao Xuanjing paused and continued, "It seems that this girl is still young, even younger than my youngest daughter Yufu. A young girl under the age of eighteen has to manage her livelihood and help you solve problems and worry about you." He knew how to manipulate people's hearts, and these words really made Li Ziyan silent.

"Forget it, you've been traveling all the way, just follow me to the banquet first. I have already prepared a banquet to entertain you, several of my trusted ministers, and you should take this opportunity to think carefully." Xiao Xuanjing patted Li Ziyan's shoulder, then turned and left.

After the meal, Li Ziyan still firmly refused to try Shen Congwen's case. However, Xiao Xuanjing did not give up easily, but advised him to think about it carefully and asked him to give a clear answer tomorrow morning - after all, the day after tomorrow would be the day when Shen Congwen would be tried.

At the same time, Li Ziyan did not choose to return with Xu Gong or Li Yin and Zhao Nian. Instead, he left the palace alone and signaled Mo Yu to go back home first. At this moment, he was full of thoughts, as if he was shrouded by an invisible pressure. Faced with this difficult case and expectations from all sides, he needed time to think and weigh the pros and cons. And this quiet night may be the best time for him to find the answer...