In the main hall!

Jingrong had merely tested him, yet Lord Qiao immediately severed all connection with Peng Yuanhai, giving off a feeling of “protesting too much” and “every man for himself when disaster strikes.”

Having served as an official for many years, his nature had naturally become somewhat slippery. Knowing that the Personnel Ministry’s memorial had caused a huge uproar, involving Prince Rong, involving an entire ministry and office, and possibly even involving the imperial family, his approach was to avoid what he could avoid and flee what he could flee.

That abyss was full of thorns and traps. If one stepped into it, who knew if it might lead to complete downfall and the extermination of the entire household.

This principle was something that probably every official understood.

Jingrong didn’t believe what he said. This old fox was not to be underestimated.

He narrowed those deep and gradually darkening eyes, seriously observing this tight-lipped fellow before him.

“Lord Qiao, you are a clever man. You should understand the meaning in this prince’s words.”

“Please speak plainly, Your Highness.”

He continued playing dumb!

“You say you have no deep friendship with Peng Yuanhai. This prince will believe you for now. But how do you explain that as soon as you left office, he immediately submitted a memorial impeaching this prince? A person without backing—where would he get such audacity? And he could even get the entire Court of Censors to help him? The scheming behind this seems quite significant! This point—could Lord Qiao perhaps explain it for this prince?”

Lord Qiao’s expression stiffened. He quickly raised his hands, lowering his body. “This matter absolutely has nothing to do with this official, and I had no idea such a thing would happen. If I could have predicted it, I would certainly have tried my utmost to stop Peng Yuanhai…”

“Good. Then this prince asks you, if it truly has nothing to do with you, then… what about Prince Yi’s manor?”

Was there a connection?

Put plainly, did it have any relationship with Jing Yi?

Jingrong stared at him, his eyes full of威pressure.

Today, he must pursue some answers.

Lord Qiao deeply understood that he was like meat hung on a barbecue rack, at others’ mercy.

He truly regretted—why had he come?

Why had he voluntarily bitten the hook?

Wasn’t this courting death?

Now it was fine—couldn’t advance, couldn’t retreat, stuck in the middle like a fishbone in the throat.

Seeing his miserable expression and his wavering demeanor, Jingrong reminded him again, “You should know what this prince wants. What this prince wants to hear. As long as you provide the answer this prince wants, this prince will absolutely not make things difficult for you. You can also leave here safe and sound.”

This was a threat.

Lord Qiao knew that if he didn’t leak some information to Jingrong, he wouldn’t be able to leave today.

So then—

Gritting his teeth, “Your Highness, please understand. That Peng Yuanhai, before following this official to the Personnel Ministry, was merely a minor civil official at the Hanlin Academy. At that time, he had a very good relationship with Lord Qu, who had not yet become the Director of Censors. The two were both students of Mingshan Academy—they were classmates. Later, Lord Qu was recommended by Prince Yi to become Director of Censors, while Peng Yuanhai went with this official to the Personnel Ministry. After that, the two had no further contact, and very few people knew about their previous relationship. This time, with the Personnel Ministry impeaching Your Highness, Director Qu actually helped secretly. This official is also confused about his actions this time.”

“That’s not what this prince wants to hear.” Jingrong cut him off.

Lord Qiao could only take a deep breath, lowering his head again and again. “Qu Jiang and Peng Yuanhai… are the First Prince’s people.”

Eh?

The deceased crown prince!

So the incident’s mystery was unraveled.

Sure enough, one had to press people. Without pressing him, one couldn’t get information from his mouth.

Jingrong summarized his words, “So you’re saying that before Lord Peng and Lord Qu were each promoted, both were on the First Prince’s side. Prince Yi, in order to win over Lord Qu, personally recommended him as Director of Censors. Having received such a generous gift, Lord Qu abandoned ship and changed course, beginning to serve Prince Yi loyally. And you brought Peng Yuanhai into the Personnel Ministry, also intending to persuade him to change course and stand with Prince Yi. But unfortunately, he absolutely wouldn’t accept your favor. Therefore, he also parted ways with Lord Qu, who had betrayed the First Prince. Is that correct?”

“Yes!”

“So to avenge the First Prince, Peng Yuanhai submitted a memorial impeaching this prince, attempting to use the incident of this prince being assassinated to direct all blame toward Prince Yi?”

“Yes!”

“And you knew he had this plan all along, so to avoid bringing trouble upon yourself, you resigned from office?”

“Yes!”

His answers were quite earnest.

But—

Jingrong was puzzled. “But didn’t Lord Qu already submit to Prince Yi? Why would he suddenly betray him? And you are also Prince Yi’s man—why, when you knew Peng Yuanhai planned to do this, did you not notify Prince Yi?”

“This official…”

He was at a loss for words.

“Since you’ve already said this much, there’s no need to hold back. Speak freely. Here, after all, the mountains are high and the emperor is far away. What you say, once it leaves that door, this prince will swallow it down and absolutely won’t repeat a single word of yours.”

This prince was truly greedy.

Unless he extracted all his secrets, it seemed he wouldn’t be satisfied.

Gritting his teeth, having already stepped into the tiger’s den, he might as well go all in.

He said, “Actually, since Your Highness left the capital, the guards watching inside and outside the capital have all been secretly replaced with Prince Yi’s people. This official has served for many years and understands the stakes of court politics. Back then, this official studied under Old Master Luo Chongyang and naturally learned some things. Prince Yi was originally only one step away from the position of heir apparent, but he was too impatient. The Emperor has been on the throne for twenty years—in his heart, he understands better than anyone. This official has elderly parents above and young children below. Choosing to resign and leave the capital when Prince Yi was gaining power was also out of concern that later… the plot would be exposed.”

The plot would be exposed!

Clearly, this old fox didn’t believe Prince Yi would become emperor at all.

As he said, Jing Yi was too impatient!

Lord Qiao continued, “Presumably, that Lord Qu thinks the same as this official, so…”

That’s why he betrayed and joined forces with Peng Yuanhai again.

How did that saying go?

True victory may not be true victory.

Jing Yi, oh Jing Yi, what you never would have expected was that a chess piece you’ve been nurturing at your side has become a fence-sitter!

Jingrong was very satisfied with his answer.

The corner of his lips curved up as he said, “Lord Qiao, you are a clever man.”

Lord Qiao said nothing.

“Rest assured, you can stay comfortably at the Imperial Manor. What you’ve told this prince today, this prince will absolutely not reveal a single word. This favor you’ve done, this prince will also remember.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“It’s this prince who should thank you.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“It’s getting late. Take Young Master Qiao and return. But if there are other matters related to the case, I must trouble Lord Qiao to continue cooperating.” His face bore a meaningful smile.

“Yes.”

He obediently agreed and bowed as he withdrew.

After leaving, he let out a long breath. His eyes carried bloodshot veins, as if he’d been forced into this state.

He raised his sleeve to wipe away sweat. His heart was still racing now. Previously, he had thought Jingrong was a taciturn person in court who let others manipulate him.

No power, no followers—no different from that sickly Prince Xian.

But today, he finally experienced the imposing aura Jingrong possessed, step by step forcing him to reveal the entire truth.

It seemed that whose world this Great Lin would ultimately be was still uncertain!