"Your subject pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
Lin Yuyin knelt in the center, at the clear dividing line between civil and military officials, and as he prostrated himself, he held the box in his hands above his head.
"Were they found?"
He asked.
Lin Yuyin replied, "Yes!"
"Were they all apprehended?"
Lin Yuyin replied, "Yes!"
All the civil and military officials were bewildered. What charade were these two, the Emperor and his subject, playing? They couldn't quite understand.
"Very good!"
Ji Hong nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Ji Jinmo. His voice held a smile, and his tone was laced with a mocking chill. "Imperial Uncle, would you care to guess what is inside this box?"
Hearing this, everyone instinctively craned their necks, looking at the box Lin Yuyin held.
The size of the box was more than enough to fit a human head.
A head... Everyone shivered. The sudden speculation that flashed through their minds chilled them to the bone. Could this possibly contain the head of Princess Nan Shiying?
The mere thought of this possibility filled everyone with a terrifying dread, as if their hearts were being violently squeezed. If their suspicions were true, then the grand hall today would surely descend into a living hell!
Everyone quickly shook their heads, forcefully banishing the absurd and terrifying thought. Although the box was of suitable size, based on the conversation between His Majesty and General Lin, whatever was inside was definitely not a head. It was more likely some… evidence of crimes, evidence against the Regent and the military officials who supported him!
For a moment, the military officials standing behind Ji Jinmo felt their mouths go dry.
Every person makes mistakes, whether by intent or coercion. But once something has happened, once it's done and leaves a trace, it will inevitably be discovered or even used for blackmail. Some things are merely unwritten rules, but they cannot be openly discussed, especially not in the imperial court, the pinnacle of power and justice, and certainly not when facing an Emperor who was determined to destroy the Prince and themselves.
They subconsciously glanced at the upright figure standing before them.
Of course, there were military officials who remained unperturbed, but as they were of the same faction, they couldn't help but feel some concern.
Ji Jinmo's dark and cold eyes reflected Lin Yuyin's figure. As his gaze fell upon Lin Yuyin, the latter felt as if he were being swept into a frosty gale, his body trembling slightly, almost losing his grip on the box.
"Evidence!"
Ji Jinmo slowly uttered the two words.
Liu Wan jun, standing behind Ji Jinmo, suddenly felt a strange sensation. While the Prince had always presented an image of unshakeable composure, today, for some reason, he seemed slightly different from usual.
Given the current tense situation, with a sudden presentation of a box amidst the drawn swords, even if the contents were not disclosed, the Prince's reaction seemed too indifferent.
It was as if he were feigning ignorance while knowing everything.
Liu Wan jun's gaze darted back and forth between Ji Hong and Ji Jinmo, as if dissecting something, analyzing something.
The demeanor of these two today, seeming both genuine and feigned, gave the impression of a grand theatrical performance being staged.
Suddenly, Liu Wan jun had an epiphany!
A play!
Yes, a play!
Liu Wan jun finally understood where that strange feeling originated.
These two were perhaps putting on a double act in front of all the officials!
So this evidence?
Sensing Liu Wan jun's probing gaze, Ji Hong secretly cursed him – that old fox!
Liu Wan jun's eyes met Ji Hong's. Liu Wan jun was slightly taken aback. What was that look from His Majesty? Why did it seem like he was being scolded?
Liu Wan jun was silent for a moment, then lowered his head, his eyes cast down.
He activated his stealth mode.
Ji Hong pursed his lips and let out a cold laugh. He did not say whether Ji Jinmo had guessed correctly or incorrectly. Instead, he addressed Lin Yuyin, "Present it!"