bestfiction Chapter 293 Playing the emotional card
Chapter 293 Playing the emotional card
From his early education to becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination, Su Mu always believed in "being upright and unyielding, and never compromising".
However, the investigation into the case of Prince Yong's abuse and murder of a pregnant woman was like a heavy hammer blow, severely impacting the principles and bottom line he had upheld for many years, plunging him into deep self-doubt for the first time.
Although Emperor Wenjing was occasionally negligent in his duties, he was by no means an incompetent ruler.
Su Mu was well aware of this.
Emperor Wenjing knew that Prince Yong was cruel and inhumane, yet he so cruelly murdered more than a dozen pregnant women. Those unborn babies also died under his atrocities. The heinousness of his methods was simply inhuman.
Emperor Wenjing, however, chose to protect such a person out of personal favoritism.
Does the life of the imperial family matter, but the life of ordinary people doesn't?
If Emperors Wen and Jing acted this way, where would the laws of the Great Zhao Dynasty stand?
Therefore, he was willing to defy Emperor Wenjing with the mindset of mutual destruction, but what he got in return was Consort De openly attacking his family.
Given Emperor Wenjing's methods, Su Mu did not believe that the emperor was unaware of Consort De's private actions.
Emperor Wenjing did not react and tacitly approved of the matter.
Su Mu didn't want to admit it, but at this moment, the belief he had held in his heart for many years was like a shaky tree, beginning to wither due to the decay of its roots.
While imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice, he even considered remonstrating with his life.
If it weren't for Yun Shang secretly coming to see him...
Thinking of this, Su Mu lowered his eyes imperceptibly.
He and Yun Shang both worked for Prince Chen, but on the surface they were just colleagues who were 'not very familiar' with each other.
Moreover, Yun Shang is a cold and aloof person. He may seem polite, but he is actually cold-hearted and difficult to get close to.
He never expected that Yun Shang would actually be willing to go to such lengths for him.
He knew very well that, given Yun Shang's temperament, if she was unwilling, she would refuse even if it was ordered by the Prince of Chen.
On the day he was in the Ministry of Justice prison, Yun Shang secretly met with him at night and spoke to him.
"The current situation is like a small boat in a storm; a slight misstep could capsize it. I know you are upright and incorruptible, but being too forceful and outward will only lead you to your doom."
"Brother Su chose to assist His Highness Prince Chen because he values His Highness's benevolent heart. I believe Brother Su knows how to choose for His Highness's long-term benefit."
"A tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind, and the same is true for a person who stands out too much. To assess the situation carefully and temporarily avoid the limelight is the best choice for the current circumstances."
"Prince Chen asked me to tell Brother Su that the way things proceed from here on out is entirely up to Brother Su."
With Yun Shang's words echoing in his mind, Su Mu rose again and kowtowed, his tone sincere and remorseful, "I am obligated to serve the emperor, but I was momentarily confused, stubborn, and disobeyed His Majesty's wishes. I am guilty and willing to accept His Majesty's punishment!"
Emperor Wenjing was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his previously cold and indifferent eyes.
He didn't expect that Su Mu's first words would be to admit her mistake.
Su Mu kowtowed again, his tone earnest: "This guilty subject was so focused on the case that he neglected Your Majesty's considerations, acted rashly, and failed to consider the overall situation. I beg Your Majesty to punish me!"
Emperor Wenjing stared at him silently for a moment, then slowly said, "It's rare for you to be willing to lower your head and admit your mistake."
"Do you still want to continue investigating the case of Prince Yong?"
Su Mu looked up and said, "Your Majesty has ordered me to investigate, so I will investigate."
Emperor Wenjing tapped the armrest of his dragon throne lightly, seemingly satisfied.
"Rise down first. If you keep kowtowing, you'll ruin the floor tiles in my study."
Su Mu thanked the emperor and stood up, his hands at his sides, his expression respectful.
Emperor Wenjing looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze and slowly said, "Su Mu, you should no longer interfere in the case of Prince Yong. You went to the Ministry of Justice prison and must have suffered a lot. I will give you a few days off to rest at home."
This means that Su Mu's heinous act of "killing someone in the street" is completely disregarded.
Clearly, Emperor Wenjing also knew that Su Mu was not the one who did this.
Su Mu lowered his head slightly, his expression respectful: "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."
"Your Majesty, I acted rashly and without considering the whole picture. I will be more cautious in the future and will prioritize the overall situation."
"Your Majesty, I will obey your orders."
Emperor Wenjing was very satisfied with Su Mu's attitude.
He was very comfortable using Su Mu, and he didn't want to give up such a talented person unless absolutely necessary.
He said in a good mood, "You are an official, and although you have entered the Ministry of Justice, you are only under investigation. How dare the people in the Ministry of Justice torture you and even try to poison you? I will definitely send people to investigate this matter thoroughly and will not let you suffer this injustice for nothing."
Su Mu knelt down and kowtowed, loudly expressing his gratitude, "Your Majesty, this humble subject thanks you!"
Throughout the entire process, Prince Chen sat weakly to the side, not uttering a single word.
Emperor Wenjing was also very satisfied that Prince Chen did not interfere too much.
He waved his hand at Su Mu, "Your injuries look quite serious. Go to the Imperial Hospital and have the imperial physicians give you a proper examination. Liu Haifu, you personally escort Lord Su there."
Liu Haifu exclaimed "Hey!" and quickly went over to help Su Mu up.
Only when I helped him up did I realize that my hands were quickly stained with blood.
Liu Haifu exclaimed "Ouch!" with a look of pity on his face. "Lord Su's injuries are so severe, yet he hasn't uttered a sound. It's truly, truly..."
A hint of worry flashed in Prince Chen's eyes, but he did not speak.
Emperor Wenjing frowned, somewhat displeased with the Ministry of Justice's harsh treatment, and said in a deep voice, "What are you all standing there for? Quickly help Minister Su to get treatment for her injuries."
Su Mu bowed and said, "This humble subject takes his leave."
Liu Haifu helped Su Mu out of the imperial study. Emperor Wenjing's gaze fell on Prince Chen, his kindness tinged with scrutiny.
"Xiao Qi, why did you go to the Ministry of Justice prison in the middle of the night?"
It was clearly unusual for a prince to appear in the Ministry of Justice prison in the middle of the night.
Emperor Wenjing's questioning of him at this moment was unexpected by Prince Chen.
Prince Chen originally thought that Emperor Wenjing would start by questioning him about why he had so coincidentally saved Su Mu, who was almost poisoned.
However, he had already thought of how to respond. He coughed lightly twice, a weak smile appearing on his pale face, and slowly said:
"Su Mu, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, has been arrested and imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is currently overwhelmed with work. Since I have assumed the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, I cannot be negligent or slack off."
"Today, there happened to be a case involving a criminal imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's jail. I led people to interrogate the criminal and happened to witness someone trying to harm Lord Su."
"Your subject has always admired Lord Su as a person and believed that he would not treat human life lightly. Seeing that he was almost assassinated, I was filled with righteous indignation and agreed to bring him to the palace to see Father Emperor."
Emperor Wenjing nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Prince Chen as if assessing the veracity of his words.
After a moment, he slowly said, "I see."
"It's cold in winter, and you should go to the government office less often while you're sick. Let the subordinates handle the miscellaneous matters. Why should a prince like you go personally? Your health is the most important thing. Don't let your mother worry about you."
Prince Chen respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow Your Majesty's teachings."
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.