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Chapter 117: Chapter 117 Evidence of Si Jun’s Rebellion
Zhan Xinzhang, after all, was a Three Dynasties Elder, and Emperor Xuanwu did not want to slight him. Thus, he looked up and said, "Si Jun, you should also compare it yourself!"
Eunuch Li unfolded the letter and presented it to Si Jun, bowing respectfully.
Upon seeing the characters on the letter, Si Jun broke out in a cold sweat.
Even he began to doubt himself upon seeing the calligraphy.
Because the handwriting was indeed identical to his own.
Emperor Xuanwu noticed the change in his expression and frowned, asking, "What is it?"
Si Jun respectfully bowed and replied honestly, "Your Majesty, the handwriting is indeed the same as mine, but I swear I have never written such a treasonous letter!"
His voice was extremely steady, and he spoke logically and methodically.
Emperor Xuanwu’s gaze darkened slightly—whether Si Jun’s words were true or false, he could not tell.
After all, Si Jun’s demeanor had always been that of gentle and serene detachment.
He only enjoyed associating with scholars and poets, engaging in literary exchanges.
The three princes, having been cleared of suspicion, all breathed a sigh of relief—with them out of the picture, they didn’t care who else might be involved in the rebellion, as long as it did not ensnare them!
Amidst the silence, Zhan Feng, unable to contain his rage, glared at Si Jun, "So it was you... it was you who harmed my father!"
He never imagined that Si Jun, while sending him to negotiate with Tuoba Hong, did not trust him and had been secretly corresponding with Tuoba Hong himself.
During that surprise attack by a small Western Rong squad, his father had been seriously injured and had not yet recovered.
It turned out it was all Si Jun’s doing!
Si Jun, with an indifferent look, faced Zhan Feng, who was like a mad dog, and said, "What’s the rush, did you fail to frame me, and now you’re like a cornered dog?"
Zhan Feng’s face was fierce, filled with hatred as he glared at Si Jun, wishing he could tear apart the mouth of this hypocrite.
But at this moment, given Si Jun’s calm demeanor, there might still be more moves to come.
Zhan Feng restrained his expression, lowered his eyes, and sobbed quietly, shedding tears and snot.
He finally understood that he was merely a pawn for Si Jun.
It was unclear, whether he was now a mere expendable piece or still of some use on the enemy’s chessboard.
Emperor Xuanwu shouted angrily, "Enough!"
He continued to question Si Jun, "Are you suggesting that someone forged your handwriting to frame you?"
Si Jun answered without any hint of guilt, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
Zhan Lan, listening from outside the door, sneered to herself. Si Jun and his father were truly interesting—a father and son duo, yet playing the roles of emperor and subject.
Moreover, Emperor Xuanwu seemed to appreciate Si Jun’s seemingly honest demeanor.
Si Jun’s attitude towards this serious matter was far superior compared to the three terrified princes.
Even if Emperor Xuanwu harbored suspicions about Si Jun, he would direct an investigation in secret after today.
He would definitely tread lightly, shifting all the blame back onto Zhan Feng and the Zhan Family again!
Emperor Xuanwu speaking to Old General Zhan said, "General, you’ve heard as well. There’s much to delve into with this matter, and I believe Zhan Feng is deliberately framing the prince and Si Jun. I will have Master Lu Zhong of the judiciary scrutinize these evidences for their authenticity."
Old General Zhan felt extremely disappointed in his heart; he remembered the words Zhan Lan had told him in the carriage on their way to the palace.
"Grandfather, today Emperor Xuanwu will definitely shield the prince. It’s clear he wants to weaken the Zhan Family Army, even a young girl like me can see through his motives. Please prepare in advance, Grandfather."
Old General Zhan had quietly scolded Zhan Lan in the carriage.
Now, thinking back, he was just deceiving himself.
He understood Emperor Xuanwu’s intentions well; it was just a little embarrassing to be exposed by a young girl.
Moreover, Old General Zhan scolded Zhan Lan also because he didn’t want her to get involved in palace politics.
He thought of the parchment roll Zhan Lan had given him, along with the words she said in the carriage.
"Grandfather, I haven’t told even Mr. Zhan about this—when I sneaked into the Western Rong’s camp, I found a letter from Tuoba Hong that he hadn’t managed to send. The letter mentioned a prince, pointing very clearly to him. Only reveal it when absolutely necessary!"
With trembling hands, Old General Zhan took out the parchment from his sleeve.
In front of everyone, he unfolded it and read aloud, "Young Master Si, as someone true to his promises, I have already assassinated the main general of the Zhan Family. In half a month, Western Rong will invade Fengyu Pass. Regarding the provision of supplies, please find a way to cut off the Zhan Family Army’s retreat..."
Old General Zhan’s eyes, cold as an ice cellar, turned to Si Jun, "Young Master, these are the handwritten words of the Western Rong vanguard officer, Tuoba Hong, and his seal is also here. How do you explain this!"
"How can each of these pieces not align perfectly!" Old General Zhan angrily interrogated.
Si Jun, hearing Old General Zhan’s words, shuddered through his body.
He had not expected Tuoba Hong to point directly at him, but he quickly adjusted his mindset and immediately retorted, "General, the previous letter was someone forging my handwriting. Now, where has this letter come from?"
Old General Zhan presented the parchment, and Eunuch Li quickly handed it to Emperor Xuanwu.
Old General Zhan didn’t even glance at Si Jun; instead, he reported to Emperor Xuanwu, "This letter was brought out of the enemy camp at the risk of her life by Zhan Lan, the fourth daughter of the Zhan Family. Just a young girl, but single-handedly, with her eidetic memory, she drew out the Western Rong’s battle plans, helping our forces achieve a major victory in the first battle."
Upon hearing the name Zhan Lan, Emperor Xuanwu’s eyes brightened. High-ranking officials had mentioned this girl before.
Rumor had it that she had cut off the arm of the Western Rong’s main general, Asi Han, causing him to flee without fighting and turning the tide of the entire battle.
Emperor Xuanwu knew that Zhan Lan was currently outside the palace, yet he did not wish to commend the Zhan Family any further.
Even if she were an adopted daughter, her merits could not offset the issue at hand, and couldn’t be mixed with Zhan Feng’s case!
Si Jun, hearing the name Zhan Lan, was shocked—he had always suspected that Zhan Lan was no ordinary girl.
She had already obtained evidence of his "rebellion."
The last time they had met in the academy, she had not revealed the slightest hint.
Emperor Xuanwu, holding the parchment in his hands, quietly read the content—the words on it, exactly as Old General Zhan had said, not one letter amiss, with a seal unique to Western Rong at the bottom.
The seal of Western Rong was particularly difficult to forge, containing complex symbols unique to the Western Rong people, representing the meanings of individual names.
This would be exceedingly difficult for someone from Nanjin to counterfeit.
By now, Emperor Xuanwu too found himself sinking into doubt; no matter how composed Si Jun appeared, he could not stake his own life and imperial position on a gamble.
Visibly weary, he spoke, "Have my verbal command passed—let Master Lu Zhong hurry to the Taiji Palace!"
"Yes!" a young eunuch dashed off.
As the critical moment approached, Si Jun’s expression remained composed and calm.
Everyone awaited Master Lu Zhong; a man profoundly knowledgeable about the ancient and modern, who had considerable expertise on the writings and cultures of all four nations.
If today he declared Tuoba Hong’s letter to be authentic, it might be possible to incriminate Si Jun!
