NOVPUB
Chapter 948: Chapter 951 Accuse Him
King Qin fiddled with the Court Beating Wood, as if speaking offhandedly, "It is universally acknowledged by all doctors that musk, once added to medicine, works wonders against epidemic diseases."
"Furthermore, according to the account books, the relief for White Stone Town totaled two hundred thousand taels of silver. Servant Fu, if you are willing, I too will give you two hundred thousand taels to go and provide relief in Cheng County. If there’s any surplus, I will immediately deal with Lord Qin," he said.
Who would dare to guarantee that only two hundred thousand taels would suffice for disaster relief when using musk?
Even he himself would not dare to make such a guarantee.
Yet Qin Longyun managed to do so, which proved just how beloved he was in White Stone County.
If there weren’t enough trust and recognition, who would be willing to help out?
What was most precious was that besides wealthy households providing silver, medicine, and food, the common people also organized themselves to gather herbs in the mountains, to alleviate the imperial burden. 𝚗𝚘v𝚙𝚞b.𝚌𝚘m
How could someone dare to strike at an official so loved by the people? Did they really think those above were all clueless?
"Perhaps the Prince has forgotten the charges against Lord Qin for smuggling salt and iron."
King Qin, accepting Servant Fu’s advice humbly, said, "No rush, we must investigate each case one by one. Let’s now look into the salt and iron case. Eleven, share your findings."
His guard was comprised of nineteen personnel, each named by a number.
"Prince, this subordinate discovered remnants of Xuan Eagle Mountain Village in Lady Qin’s shop. To take revenge on Lord Qin, they concocted this plot. They also produced correspondence with Lord Li, proving that Lord Li was an accomplice," Eleven reported.
This raised deep questions about why Li Zhengtian had arrested Qin Longyun.
The whole Daxing Dynasty abhorred bandits, yet an official colluding with them—what else could that be if not treason?
Li Zhengtian, in a panic, blurted out, "You...you’re talking nonsense!"
"I had someone authenticate it; the handwriting is indeed yours," Eleven said calmly, producing the letters.
The remnants of Xuan Eagle Mountain Village left the letters with the goal of extorting Li Zhengtian once their plan succeeded. They never expected the letters would become ironclad evidence of his crimes.
Li Zhengtian’s face turned pale instantly.
Many things can be falsified, but handwriting is a habit formed over many years, and even the most skilled individual can’t perfectly replicate it.
Moreover, he was left-handed; the chances of the handwriting being forged were even slimmer.
"Does anyone present have any further questions? If not, I will proceed with the judgment," said the Prince.
Servant Fu was almost grinding his teeth in frustration, wondering why King Qin had so readily agreed to his request for a public trial.
It turned out King Qin had been well-prepared, just waiting to slap him in the face!
He knew he had to remind the Empress and Prince Liang to eliminate King Qin as soon as possible; otherwise, if King Qin continued to grow in power, there would likely be trouble down the line.
Everyone in attendance looked toward Servant Fu, who was backed by Prince Liang. With both sides in a state of hostility, it was uncertain who would come out on top.
"Prince, I wish to accuse Lord Li and Prince Liang," Qiao Duo’er suddenly said.
"Speak," replied the Prince.
An accusation against Prince Liang was exactly what King Qin could hope for.
His own mother had died wrongfully, and the Empress could not be separated from the blame. He had just been looking for an excuse to take action against them.
Qiao Duo’er took a deep breath and slowly outlined the crimes of the two men.
"Lord Li came this time with four carts of supplies, all of inferior quality. His subordinates said he had given the relief funds to Prince Liang. However, feeling that the relief funds were inadequate, he contemplated setting the city on fire."
"Lord Li once sent men to assassinate me and Lady Qin. Fortunately, at that time, Young Master Bai had sent men to secretly protect me and Lady Qin. We even captured an assassin on the spot, who had a marker from the Li Family on him. But because he was sheltered by Prince Liang, Li Zhengtian escaped punishment," Qiao Duo’er alleged.
