For a while, the court ministers related to Qi Min all showed concern, and many glared daggers at this person, as if he was a traitor.
But joy painted Pang Shao’s face.
He knew Qi Min’s people weren’t all clean. Even if the so-called colluding evidence wasn’t seized, some vulnerable points could be discovered. He had fooled Qi Min, and used this chance to tear up his power by the roots. It was better to cut the weeds and dig up the roots, so as to avoid those people who still wanted to avenge Qi Min.
With this in mind, he stepped forward and said, “This servant also thinks so. The crime of colluding with the enemy cannot be looked down upon. Your Majesty, why not try this approach?”
The Hou Zhu, hearing that person’s suggestion, was already tempted. Hearing Pang Shao agree, he said, “Then, let’s go with aiqing’s suggestion.”
Immediately, Pang Shao smoothly recited the full names of several officials, all of whom always went against him, but whose vulnerabilities couldn’t be caught.
But after he finished, that official who first made the suggestion commented, “Your Majesty, although Zhao Dunting-daren was the one who accused Qi Min, he’s still Qi Min’s pupil, and although he is always on friendly terms with Qi Min, he can’t be left out.”
Hearing that, Pang Shao impassively glanced at that person.
And saw that person looking up at the Hou Zhu, waiting for the Hou Zhu’s instruction.
Pang Shao coldly laughed in his heart.
Truly a person so eager that he became brainless. He himself had already delivered his words, and he still had to interrupt. It seemed he had gone mad from wanting to make worthy contributions and lost his sense of propriety.
Anyway, there was no trace of his contacts with Zhao Dunting, and the only physical evidence was those several letters framing Qi Min, which had long been sent to Qi Min’s residence. Even if an investigation was needed, Zhao Dunting was not afraid. After being checked along with the others, it would instead purge him of the suspicion of fabricating charges.
With this in mind, Pang Shao coldly looked at that official, and said:
“This official was careless and forgot Zhao-daren,” he said. “Since they have a master and apprentice relationship, have him investigated along with the others.”
The palace was thrown into chaos. The news was delivered to the prince’s residence very quickly as well.
Jiang Suizhou watched as the situation gradually shifted to the direction of his plans, and his dangling heart gradually was laid down.
Toward sunset, the most significant news was sent in.
Letters were found in Zhao Dunting’s residence.
They were actually Pang Shao’s. The continuous letters, according to the words of Pang Shao’s attendant, instructed Zhao Dunting how to frame Qi Min step by step, even telling him to send the letters Pang Shao had prepared over to Qi Min’s study with the excuse of visiting the sick.
The letters were placed in the most hidden secret compartment in the room. All matters, step by step, all could be matched with the events of these days.
Zhao Dunting was filled with surprise seeing those letters, and immediately cried as if wronged. But with the ironclad evidence, he had no way to refute, and was imprisoned then and there, replacing Qi Min out.
Meanwhile, Pang Shao attempted to explain to the Hou Zhu, but the Hou Zhu did not bother to listen even a word: he lost his temper and had people drag Pang Shao out of the imperial palace.
Jiang Suizhou knew that since Pang Shao did not commit collusion, although he framed a court minister, he wouldn’t really receive a substantive punishment.
However, the crack between him and the Hou Zhu would be more severe to the extent that it couldn’t be healed.
This, to Pang Shao, was a loss more grave than being punished.
Jiang Suizhou breathed a sigh of relief and instructed Xu Du to rest up, then left his residence. He headed back to Anyin Hall.
When he passed the garden, he had the palanquin take a detour to the wine cellar in the prince’s residence. After taking two jugs of fine wine, he left.
Such a great occasion, how could he not celebrate with wine?
When he returned to Anyin Hall, lamps had been lit up all around. He hugged the wine jugs as he stepped off the palanquin, and went straight into the main house. But his footsteps faltered.
He stood right in the middle of the courtyard, gazing northward, only to see the lights of Huo Wujiu’s room passing through the window gauze, slightly flickering.
Jiang Suizhou’s heart faintly stirred.
How could he drink this merry wine alone?
With this thought in mind, he turned on his feet and walked toward the light.
