That voice echoed throughout the entire Golden Throne Hall.

All the civil and military officials held their breath, none daring to speak. Emperor Qizhen looked at Qin Shiyu, who insisted on continuing the investigation, and said: “The person who went missing back then might have already died outside before the great fire! But you petitioned to reopen the case, and I approved it. I even ordered Jingrong to lead the investigation. Later, when you wanted to exhume the body for portrait painting, I approved that too. This time, when you wanted to issue a maritime arrest warrant, I issued it as well! Yet after all this investigation, we’ve found nothing. It’s been over ten years since the incident. Every time I bring it up, I feel immense grief. Duke Yuguo was my blood brother—no one wants to know the truth of that case more than I do. But I truly cannot bear to disturb the peace of Duke Yuguo’s household any further. The dead are gone and should rest in peace. This case ends here. No further investigation is allowed.”

His voice was thunderous!

Qin Shiyu refused to give up and tried to plead again, “Your Majesty!”

“My mind is made up.”

No room for rebuttal.

He commanded the Court of Judicial Review: “Chief Justice Yu, this case is closed. No one is to touch the matter of Duke Yuguo’s household again. Otherwise, I will charge them with the crime of defying imperial orders!”

With that, he swept his sleeves and left!

The entire court of civil and military officials was struck speechless.

They looked at each other, and one by one, they withdrew.

Chief Justice Yu, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Revenue, who had been kneeling on the ground, also rose trembling to their feet. Since the Emperor had ordered the case closed, they were spared further trouble.

But Qin Shiyu was extremely agitated, frozen in place, his body trembling.

So unwilling!

Jingrong’s expression was grave. After following this case for so long, to have it closed just like that—not to mention the many unresolved doubts, his own year or two of effort had also been thrown away.

Damn it!

Jingxian was also in the hall. This was the first time he had seen his father lose his temper so severely in court. It truly scared the baby senseless!

But—

His expression was also grave. Originally, Zhao Huai had been his only lead to avenge his mother consort. Just when the truth of what happened back then was about to be revealed, complications arose that disrupted the entire plan. However, he wasn’t surprised. Emperor Qizhen’s order to stop the investigation was simply to cover up the real truth. The more he did this, the more it proved his panic and unease.

After all, over seventy lost souls!

Could Emperor Qizhen rest easy?

He wanted to reveal the truth of what happened back then, piece by piece, but he had no evidence. The outcome of speaking out would be only one thing: death!

Therefore, he must find evidence!

At this thought, his hands inside his robe clenched into tight fists.

Afterward, he left the Golden Throne Hall together with Jingrong and Qin Shiyu.

The three walked one after another.

Each with their own thoughts!

Upon reaching the palace gate, Qin Shiyu finally couldn’t contain himself.

He swept his sleeve and said: “The case clearly has a hundred loopholes—why won’t His Majesty allow a thorough investigation?”

Puzzled and furious!

Compared to him, Jingrong was much calmer. He furrowed his brow: “I thought that once we found Zhao Huai, we’d know what happened back then. I didn’t expect it to be like looking for a needle in the ocean. However, this matter cannot end here.”

“What does Your Highness mean?”

“Father Emperor ordered no further investigation, meaning the court cannot interfere—it doesn’t mean we cannot interfere.”

That’s right!

Qin Shiyu had a sudden realization. “Exactly! As long as the truth remains unclear, we’ll keep investigating.”

He completely agreed.

And Jingxian, who had remained silent, also spoke: “If you need my help, just say so.”

Qin Shiyu was surprised. “Prince Xian, you mean…?”

“I want to help.” Brief and to the point.

But—

Jingrong said: “Jingxian, this case has nothing to do with you. It’s best if you don’t get involved, otherwise…”

Before he could finish, he was interrupted.

Jingxian: “I was able to enter court because you helped me, and the successful bandit suppression was also largely thanks to you. Now that you want to continue investigating, I naturally want to contribute. You often say we’re brothers, so since we’re brothers, don’t tell me not to get involved anymore. I truly want to help.”

His eyes were sincere and determined!

Jingrong thought for a moment, patted his shoulder, and said: “Alright. If I need help, I’ll certainly come to you.”

“Good.” He felt reassured.

Soon, the case of Duke Yuguo’s household was officially closed again at the Court of Judicial Review. All the maritime arrest warrants for Zhao Huai were withdrawn. Everything related to this case came to a halt.

The people of the capital had originally wanted to watch the excitement, but now there was nothing to see. Those who needed to go home went home, those who needed to cook cooked.

Dispersed!

All dispersed!

When Wen Xian and Zhao Huai learned of the Emperor’s decree, both were extremely displeased.

They went to find Jingrong and Ji Yunshu.

As soon as they entered, Zhao Huai said: “That dog emperor stops the investigation with just one sentence?”

Clenching his fists.

Extremely indignant.

This wasn’t the first or second time he had cursed Emperor Qizhen as a dog emperor in front of Jingrong.

But brother, could you give me some face?

That’s my father after all!

Jingrong maintained a calm attitude and said: “Rest assured, the case won’t end here. This prince will continue investigating.”

Hmph!

Zhao Huai: “Continue investigating? The dog emperor forbids further investigation—would you court officials dare to take action?”

“Master Wen, this prince keeps his word. You want the truth, and I want it too. This case will definitely have a day when the truth comes to light.”

“Bah! The so-called truth is simply the dog emperor having a guilty conscience. He knows that once Zhao Huai is found, his crimes from back then will be exposed, which is why he forbids further investigation.”

This…

Actually made sense.

Meanwhile, Ji Yunshu was getting a headache from all the noise and rubbed her temples.

Seeing her like this, Jingrong felt worried.

He turned to her side and asked: “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

She shook her head and raised her eyes to look at Wen Xian and Zhao Huai.

Standing up!

She walked before the two and said: “I promised from the beginning that I would definitely uncover the truth. At least we now know who the missing person is. As long as we continue investigating, there will definitely be results.”

Though her voice lacked some strength, her eyes were extremely determined.

Wen Xian met her gaze and asked very seriously: “At this point, can we still trust you?”

“Yes!”

“You guarantee it?”

“Yes, I guarantee it!”

Ji Yunshu was resolute.

Wen Xian gradually felt reassured by her determined eyes and attitude.

But Zhao Huai wasn’t buying it. He said: “No good. Things have already dragged on for so long—we can’t delay any longer. We need to take the young lord and leave now!”

Uh!

Ji Yunshu’s heart tightened, and she said to him: “You promised me that before the matter is cleared up, you wouldn’t take Wei Yi away.”

“But we also can’t leave him in the capital.” Zhao Huai declared forcefully, about to go find Wei Yi.

But before he could leave, Lang Bo and Shi Ziran appeared at the doorway at some unknown moment, blocking his path.

At the same time, Lang Bo raised his sword and swiftly placed it against his neck.

“Lackey!” Zhao Huai cursed.

Being called a lackey, Lang Bo’s cheeks trembled with anger. He applied slight pressure with his wrist, and the sharp blade immediately cut a deep gash in his neck.

Blood seeped out.

“Zhao Huai, we already spared you once at Gaoshan Fortress. Don’t be ungrateful. My prince is merciful—that doesn’t mean I am too.”