"Reason is not clarified, and cases are not investigated clearly. Your Majesty, I request General Fan to bear witness!" Geng Fangda had gone all out this time.
Xie Jiayan and Yu Mingjing exchanged glances. It seemed the real excitement was about to begin.
General Fan was a subordinate of the Seventh Prince, and this was a blatant attempt to drag the Seventh Prince into the matter.
The Seventh Prince did not want to be involved in the Wang family's affairs, and neither did His Majesty.
Therefore, at the time, General Fan was only responsible for investigating within the Northern Army, nominally assisting Feng Qirui.
Although General Fan was impulsive, he knew the court was a treacherous place, and a single misstep could lead to one being used as a stepping stone.
His lack of promotion for so many years was inseparable from his outspoken and ill-tempered personality. Now, he had learned to be smarter.
It was one thing to cause trouble for himself, but he was now a man of the Seventh Prince. The Seventh Prince intended to promote him this time, and if he didn't cherish this opportunity, he would soon be replaced by Yu Mingjing as the latter grew older.
"Your Majesty, I was only stationed at the Northern Army at the time to cooperate with General Feng and serve as a witness. General Feng told me that the main generals discussed important matters that night, and only Commander Hu's side had an error. Later, General Feng tested him again and confirmed that Commander Hu was a spy. Your Majesty knows I am a rough man, and such meticulous work as investigating cases is not suitable for me. Therefore, I only know the outcome but not the cause," General Fan's voice was loud, his attitude sincere, and his demeanor seemed genuine.
His Majesty seemed amused by General Fan's self-deprecating words, or perhaps he was reminded of the past. He smiled and said, "Your temperament is still the same as before; you never take credit for yourself."
"I did nothing, so I dare not claim credit."
His Majesty's smile deepened. "You need to change this temper of yours!"
"Yes!" General Fan was like an obedient and honest person in front of His Majesty.
His Majesty twirled the thumb ring on his finger. "Lansheng, the case of Prince Han's rebellion need not be investigated further. Let it end here."
Prime Minister Mo's ears perked up. He hadn't misheard. His Majesty said to let it end here, with a tone that was full of subtle meaning, a sense of helplessness.
"Your Majesty, absolutely not! If the true mastermind behind this is not found to serve as a warning, how can we prevent them from instigating others to rebel? This matter must not be allowed to end here!" Yao Zhinian knelt down directly.
If he couldn't bring down the Wang family, he would die with regret. This was the best opportunity.
His Majesty frowned. Yao Zhinian was usually quite capable, but why was he so muddled now, only concerned with his own grievances? This matter could be approached from a different perspective. Why couldn't anyone in the court guess His Majesty's intentions?
Prime Minister Mo remained silent. He understood His Majesty's meaning, but he couldn't speak at this moment, as it would easily draw trouble upon himself, leaving him in a no-win situation.
Since His Majesty had chosen the Yao family to be the target, Yao Zhinian should play his part.
His Majesty put on a troubled expression. "Get up and speak!"
Yao Zhinian did not get up immediately. "My sole concern is the peace and stability of the Great Wei dynasty. If the mastermind is not found, I cannot bear to live with the shame. I dare not rise."
Yu Mingjing was anxious. If his identity were not so sensitive, he would have liked to give Yao Zhinian a hint to broaden his thinking. Who was behind the Wang family? Would His Majesty easily let it go without making the five great clans bleed?
Minister Qin truly saw things clearly. He had successfully shifted the focus to His Majesty not punishing Wang Ningqing because His Majesty was Wang Ningqing's cousin, making everyone remember the family ties and dare not speak easily.
Heaven knew how much His Majesty detested Wang Ningqing. Now, he probably hated him even more.