The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 556 - 415. Such a Cheap Duke (Asking for Monthly Tickets at the Beginning of the Month)_2

Your Majesty, I believe this rumor is being maliciously spread, likely by rebels in the Capital, with the sole purpose of tarnishing the court's and my reputation, thereby driving a wedge between the ruler and subjects. I hope Your Majesty will discern right from wrong and restore my name!"

Rebels?

The officials heard this word and slightly smirked, thinking, Duke Cao, you have truly been out of touch with the current state of the Capital for too long.

All the so-called rebels in the Capital have already been dealt with by the Zhao family. Even a three-year-old knows not to blame rebels if they need someone to take the fall.

Imperial Censor Chen was even more agitated, exclaiming loudly:

"Your Majesty! There's never smoke without fire in this world! Now across the whole Capital, both in the streets and the court, everyone discusses Cao Mao's scandal. Public opinion is overwhelming and can't be ignored!"

Cao Mao nearly lost his composure, thinking to himself why the public opinion is so "overwhelming," everyone here knows the reason better than anyone.

On the dragon throne, the Empress remained calm and composed, responding:

"Rumors are unsubstantiated words; evidence speaks louder. Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Lu Zhi, tell us about the case."

In the hall, Lu Zhi stepped out from the crowd. Given his rank, he rarely had the opportunity to attend court unless it was a major meeting.

He felt uncomfortable in the situation but still loudly reported:

"Your Majesty, in the past two days, I have personally investigated the Northern Blood Saber case and verified through multiple sources that the previous conclusion contains dubious points. The one who defiled Lang Shiba's wife is suspected to be the son of Duke Cao..."

"Slander!" Cao Mao was anxious. Not recognizing Lu Zhi, he pointed and cursed at him: "How dare you defame me?"

"Duke Cao! Allow Junior Minister Lu to present the case details," the Empress's lofty and cold voice came from behind the beaded curtain.

Yuann Li also added timely, softly:

"Duke Cao, this is the Golden Throne Hall, not a military camp in Jubei City. Such shouting and yelling, even if Her Majesty doesn't mind, is still against etiquette."

Cao Mao was choked by this and had to remain silent.

Lu Zhi, stubborn by nature, showed little respect for him, immediately outlining and detailing what he had discovered during the investigation.

Just as Lang Shiba had said while imprisoned, many were aware of this matter, and Cao Mao's handling back then was not very appropriate.

However, due to the entire court's reluctance to offend Duke Cao for a seemingly insignificant Assistant General, they turned a blind eye and silently agreed to the documents sent from Jubei City.

Now, under Yuann Li's handling, the related evidence chain was easily uncovered, and as Lu Zhi stated, the atmosphere in the hall became oppressive and gloomy.

Even though the officials present were seasoned politicians, they inwardly scorned what the Cao Mao family had done, regardless of what was said.

Cao Mao's face turned increasingly unpleasant, with fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He finally realized something was wrong.

Originally, he expected that the Empress would want to use this issue to caution him and would definitely give him a way out. Cao Mao had even prepared himself to admit to some minor charges in the impeachment.

This would effectively show his submissive posture, and the Empress could punish him once with these charges, which he could accept.

But from the beginning of the court session, the Empress gave him no chance for redemption, instead assuming a stance as if to convict him.

"Your Majesty!"

Finally, after Lu Zhi finished his presentation, Cao Mao took a deep breath and suppressed his agitation.

He forced himself to calm down, bowed towards the dragon throne, and loudly said:

"Your Majesty, I do not know how this Junior Minister Lu conducted his so-called investigation, nor do I know where those alleged pieces of evidence came from.

I only know that back then, Lang Shiba instigated a riot in the camp, attempted to assassinate his superior, and injured and killed several comrades. When faced with military arrest, he violently resisted, causing much bloodshed...

There is solid evidence for all this! How could such a criminal harbor any camaraderie? Where is the discipline of military law?

Even taking a step back, if there were any reasons to justify his killing back then, still, military law is ruthless! This person violated military law and should be executed according to regulations, serving as a warning! How can the alleged grievances of such a disloyal and treacherous villain be trusted?

Or are this Junior Minister Lu and Imperial Censor Chen advocating for a military criminal? Overturning the case?

Haha, if such news spread among the troops, how would those soldiers view it? If they learn that you sympathize with a madman who killed comrades, wouldn't it further undermine the court's prestige?"

Cao Mao became alert!

After sensing the unfavorable atmosphere, he immediately abandoned his original plan of retreating and did not trouble himself to refute Lu Zhi's evidence—those matters were difficult to rebut without examination.

So, he smartly chose to redirect the focus, narrating Lang Shiba's crimes.

And he tied the case with military morale.

However, before Cao Mao could carry on, Xue Shence, who had been silent amidst the crowd, suddenly stepped forward.

This "Military God" of the Great Yu spoke faintly: "Your Majesty, I have a report related to military affairs and request Your Majesty to summon the Divine Mechanism Camp officer Tang Ping and Northwest Border Army adjutant Tang Zhao into the hall."

Cao Mao was stunned.

The Empress nodded lightly: "Summon them."

Immediately, a eunuch went out to pass on the message. Shortly thereafter, the hall doors parted slightly, letting in harsh daylight and scattered snowflakes.

Tang Zhao and Tang Ping, brother and sister, respectfully entered the Golden Throne Hall, both appearing extremely cautious as they paid their respects to the Empress.

The Young Master took out a thick "book" from his arms, saying:

"Your Majesty, in recent days, rumors about Lang Shiba have spread wildly among the Capital Camp. The soldiers are deeply sympathetic towards that Northern Blood Saber, learning of his imprisonment has incited great outrage.

Thus, generals in the army jointly petitioned, requesting that I deliver this 'Ten Thousand Army Book' to Your Majesty, asking Your Majesty to reopen the case to appease the unrest in the hearts of tens of thousands of Capital Camp soldiers."

As they spoke, the siblings each grabbed one end of the thick, folded silk cloth and unfolded it towards the sides.