Heaven Slaying Blade

With a long sigh, Zhao Yi looked at Chu Mo: "Never would I have expected, one lapse in judgement would lead to everlasting regret. That year, Senior General Fan Wudi privately approached me, hoping to secure a batch of special military equipment. When he turned to me, at that time... I was beguiled, and astonishingly asked the general for the bribe of ten thousand taels of silver..."

A look of utter shame spread across Zhao Yi's face. His eyes reddened, tear-filled. He choked on his words, muttering: "I was foolish! The old general reprimanded me, saying I was money-mad! Far from grasping the gravity of my actions, I ended up holding a grudge against him! But I had no opportunity to take my revenge on the elderly general, so... I turned the brunt of my frustrations to his grandson. I don't even know what made me act that way. I... I deserve to die!"

As Zhao Yi spoke, tears streamed down his face. He whimpered: "A master craftsman from the Ministry of Works, along with a team of blacksmiths from various sects, forged a carriage using meteoric iron and the very best refined steel. It was meant to be presented to the royal family as a New Year's gift. However, because of my selfish motives, I took it to capture Young Master Chu... I am the one to blame for these unforgivable mistakes! Today is supposed to be a day of celebration. I, Zhao Yi, dare not to stain it with my blood. I plead with the Prime Minister and Marshal Fang, to grant me the chance to end my life at home!"

Zhao Yi's confession was so heart-wrenching, so convincing, that even Chu Mo almost believed him!

Seeing Zhao Yi's tear-streaked face - so sincere - Chu Mo found himself pondering if there truly had been some grudge between his grandfather and Zhao Yi?

However, he quickly cleared his mind; it was utterly impossible! While his grandfather was a general, there were higher-ranking generals and marshals, as well as several important officials in the Bureau of Military Affairs above him.

Why would an elderly general, go and personally seek military supplies from a vice-minister of the Ministry of Works...?

Seeking military supplies...special military supplies!

At this thought, a chill ran down Chu Mo's spine, intensifying his anger.

This Zhao Yi, even in his last moments, is still trying to deceive others!

If his story were to be believed, wouldn't it imply that his grandfather harbored seditious intent? Otherwise... why would a general clandestinely seek special weaponry from the vice-minister of the Ministry of Works? Wouldn't he report these needs to his superiors?

Chu Mo's frosty gaze fell on Zhao Yi with overwhelming anger. 'What an asshole... he's such an excellent actor. He should have joined a theatrical troupe, not the imperial court!'

The same thoughts were shared by many others present.

These were the crema of Great Xia's society. While they would enjoy theatres and operas on ordinary days, never had a performance touched them as deeply as this one... And astonishingly, the performer was a fourth-rank official serving in the court.

Indeed, life is like a drama! Thank goodness, we've seen the worst of Zhao Yi's performances!

Fufu, who hid in the corner with a twitching mouth corner, couldn't help but curse under his breath: "Shameless!"

A pretty maiden sitting not far from Fufu also gnashed her teeth, murmuring, "Absolutely despicable!"

Fufu perked up and glanced at the girl. He didn't recognize her. Were it not the wrong moment, he would have flirted with her, but for now, he was all consumed by anger.

While some were angry, others were delighted.

Prince Xia Ying, Second Prince Xia Xiong, Third Prince Xia Hao, and others all stared at Zhao Yi with surprise. It was the first time they had realized that the vice-minister of the Ministry of Works had such skills!

The lies he spun on the spot were so persuasive!

As for the truth... did it matter? They all knew that ultimately, everything came down to their imperial father's will.

Most importantly, when Zhao Yi bit into Fan Wudi... he bit hard!

It cut deep!

While he portrayed General Fan as a magnanimous man who chastised him for asking a bribe, the essence of his story was that the old general had privately asked him for special military supplies!

This is what mattered most!

Because it happened behind closed doors, there was no way to verify the truth. It would be like mudfalling into the pants - it might not be feces, but it still stinks. Even if their imperial father trusted General Fan, upon hearing this story, he would undoubtedly be uncomfortable.

"What a talent!" Xia Xiong watched Zhao Yi with sparkling eyes. He suddenly didn't wish to see him die! So, he glanced at Xia Hao beside him.

The three brothers had a kind of tacit understanding cultivated from their growing years.

Therefore, Third Prince Xia Hao stepped forward, saying earnestly: "I bear a part of the responsibility for this matter. I never imagined that Zhao Yi, being blindsided, would commit such a grave error."

Over there, Xu Zhongliang and Fang Mingtong remained expressionless, maintaining a calm demeanor from start to finish.

At this moment, seeing Xia Hao step forward, Fang Mingtong let out a chuckle: "You say, go ahead and say it."

Fang Mingtong's attitude made many of those present unable to suppress their amusement. It was clear to everyone that this grand marshal of the military was not buying Zhao Yi's nonsense, and he certainly wasn't taking it seriously!

Xu Zhongliang lowered his eyelids, standing there as if he had turned into a statue. However, no one dared to underestimate this head of the cabinet; they all knew that once he spoke up, it would essentially set the tone for this matter!

Xia Hao wore a self-reproachful look and sighed, "Zhao Yi once told me about his past issues with Senior General Fan Wudi. It's well known that there were...some unpleasant things between the general and me. Therefore, Lord Zhao wanted to join forces with me to cause some embarrassment for the general. However, I am, after all, a prince! And I am also a subject of Great Xia. How could I participate in such deeds, even if I did have grievances with the general? So, I sternly refused!"

Pfft...

Chu Mo, consumed by anger, let out a laugh, his handsome and somewhat naive face filled with mockery.

Xia Hao carried on as if he hadn't seen it, continuing by himself: "I reprimanded Lord Zhao, telling him that as an official, he should prioritize national affairs! The result was that he seemed somewhat despondent, saying that sooner or later, he would find an opportunity to show the old general who's boss! When the time came, arrest his grandson and detain him for several days, just to let him get anxious and vent his anger!"

Xu Zhongliang and Fang Mingtong had no expression on their faces. Many in the banquet hall felt a faint stirring in their hearts.

The Third Prince is really something!

With this speech, he managed to transform the ironclad murder case of Zhao Yi intending to assassinate Chu Mo into a mere prank intended to scare the old general. At the same time, he solidified the fact that the old general had indeed asked Zhao Yi for special weaponry privately!

If Zhao Yi were imprisoned later, he would only be sentenced for a few years at most, for taking bribes and kidnapping as a prank. And he hasn't killed anybody...It probably wouldn't be as easy for Fan Wudi, to wash off this dirty water.

Aside from a few less astute ones, all those present in this room, including the ladies and young men, were shrewd individuals.

Many of them looked at Xia Hao with a hint of fear in their eyes.

A prince who can engage in warfare and scheming...is truly terrifying!

Xia Hao continued his performance: "I reprimanded Lord Zhao harshly at the time, but...I am after all a military officer and sometimes, I'm a bit slow-witted. I didn't tell my elder brother, the Crown Prince about it, nor did I report it. I thought that Lord Zhao, was just talking big. Who would have thought, he actually carried out such a foolish act, and I am to blame too!"

At this point, Crown Prince Xia Ying finally stepped forward, his face filled with grief: "How could you be so careless! Is this a minor matter? How could you not tell me about it? You...you really make me angry! After this, I must report to our father and severely punish your reckless behavior!"

Xia Hao hung his head low, his face filled with guilt: "I accept the punishment…"

Xia Ying again looked at Zhao Yi, his face filled with regret: "Lord Zhao, as a distinguished fourth-rank official, how could you be so narrow-minded? The old general asked you for special weaponry, it must have been for the nation, for the people! The old general has been loyal and upright his entire life, yet you stooped to taking bribes from him, have your senses been smothered by lard?"

Zhao Yi fell to his knees with a thud, sobbing and weeping: "I deserve to die, I deserve a thousand deaths!"

"This festive day really isn't the time to handle this matter. In my opinion, you should go home and await your punishment! After the New Year, I will report this to our father, and he will decide your penalty!" Xia Ying shook his head, sighing as he spoke.

"I, Zhao Yi, a convict...comply..." Now crying even more bitterly, Zhao Yi seemed as though he had suffered a great injustice. His compliance with the royal decree had yet to be fully enunciated before he was choked up.

The brilliantly lit banquet hall

Suddenly flashed with a dazzling, eye-catching light!

As this light emerged, the entire hall paled in comparison.

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Fifth night watch update!

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