Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 228: This Is Unfilial!

Shen Ruhui understood Liu Xuan too well. Even though he had feelings for Su Juan, the rise and fall of the family was of utmost importance. As the eldest son of the family, he had no choice.

Su Juan was no longer the Su Family Girl of the past; she was the current princess about to be crowned the Crown Princess. Historically, the harem was not allowed to interfere in any affairs of the previous dynasty. Not to mention the current Emperor, even future court officials would not permit her involvement.

Therefore, although Liu Xuan had feelings for Su Juan in his heart, he had never made it clear to her all these years.

But she would eventually have to choose a husband. It would be better to choose someone suitable and familiar now, someone without too much power behind them, so as not to be constrained, and they could treat each other with respect.

Shen Ruhui analyzed for Su Juan, "Among the other great families, those who have not yet entered office are mostly frivolous young men, unworthy in Your Majesty’s eyes. Those in office are unlikely to abandon their current paths. Observing all, Yu Zhong is indeed suitable in terms of character, appearance, and willingness, aligning with you, Princess Jinyang."

Seeing Shen Ruhui thoroughly analyzing the pros and cons for her, Su Juan’s forehead twitched, "You are truly a diligent and responsible advisor."

Shen Ruhui said, "Shen naturally puts Your Highness’s interests first in all matters."

Su Juan shook her head, "Let’s set this aside for now. Has Yan Zizhan found anything else?"

Shen Ruhui smiled, "I was just about to tell you. We found out a few things. Yan Zizhan originally came from Qingzhou. So I sent someone there, and after a thorough investigation, we discovered he was following an exile. Can you guess who he was exiled with?"

Su Juan was slightly taken aback. Those exiled to Qingzhou should have been from noble families or royal relatives. Yan Zizhan seemed to be in his thirties. Many have been exiled in recent decades, so who could guess.

"Stop playing riddles."

Shen Ruhui smiled, "It was the Chu Family from the Capital City implicated by the Second Prince’s rebellion. Apparently, he was the son of a cousin-in-law of the Chu Family. I had it investigated, and indeed, a cousin-in-law’s son lived in the Chu Mansion, but he died long ago of illness. This Yan Zizhan is clearly an imposter among the exiled."

"What kind of identity makes impersonating an exiled person necessary?"

Su Juan’s eyes darkened, "Capital offense."

Only someone who was already sentenced to death would impersonate a deceased person to be exiled, far from the Capital City to save their life.

"Shen guesses this person might be related to the Second Prince’s previous rebellion or other conspirators who were sentenced to death. Now they are plotting revenge by stirring up chaos in the Court and selling Da Jin to the Southern Country."

This person first sided with Prince Han, gained his trust, and when the plan failed, turned to Song Qianfan. While serving both, he stole Da Jin’s secrets to sell to the Southern Country.

Su Juan clenched the chess piece in her hand. She had always considered Yan Zizhan insignificant, given his lack of power or status. But unbeknownst to her, it was such a person orchestrating turmoil behind the scenes, becoming the primary culprit of Da Jin’s internal strife.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief, narrowly avoiding a disaster.

"What does Your Highness intend to do with this person?"

Su Juan dropped the chess piece back into the box, "Investigate who else he’s been colluding with over the years and how many are working for him. Once determined, deal with it thoroughly."

Not expecting Su Juan to be so decisive, as he thought she would at least have someone delve deeper, Shen Ruhui was slightly surprised, "Doesn’t Your Highness want to know his true identity?"

Involved with the Second Prince’s rebellion, placed in the Chu family with great effort, he couldn’t be an ordinary person. It was rumored the Second Prince had many confidants, perhaps Yan Zizhan was one of his...

Su Juan’s voice was cold, "No need to know."

He’s destined to die regardless of identity, which won’t change the outcome. Moreover, this conspiracy runs deep, with ties to the Southern Country. Keeping him around one more day would be a never-ending disaster.

Shen Ruhui smiled, "Shen understands."

He was worried that Su Juan might continue investigating, especially since the Pei Family’s case was being reopened. Some matters should remain buried; while the Pei Family’s case could proceed, regardless of Yan Zizhan’s background, he must die, as well as the Chu family members in the know.

...

With the letters and evidence from Prince Han, the Pei Family’s case gained new insight. The Ministry of Justice found more participants from that era. It became clear: the Pei Family neither rebelled nor harbored rebellious intentions, all stemming from the late Emperor’s suspicion and the Tao Family’s false accusations.

Su Juan entered the palace to report the case in full to the Old Emperor. Hesitant, the Old Emperor remarked, "I can issue a Decree exonerating the Pei Family, but the matters of the late Emperor... should remain unpursued."

After all, it was the late Emperor. For descendants to seek accountability for ancestors’ wrongs was to tarnish the Imperial Family’s reputation.

Speaking tactfully, the Old Emperor hoped Su Juan grasped this. The Pei Family was innocent, but the late Emperor couldn’t be at fault.

Su Juan stated firmly, "Grandfather, it’s my belief that if the late Emperor made mistakes, they should be accountable. The Pei Family’s grievances should be announced to the world. Those who advocated for justice on their behalf were implicated. It must be redressed so the world knows. Without clarity, people might ridicule the Imperial Family for avoiding responsibility."

[In the public eye, if the Imperial Family cannot admit wrongs, that truly invites ridicule.]

An Imperial Censor disagreed, "Your Highness’s words are too extreme. The late Emperor was a wise ruler, recognized by all. How can one speak recklessly?"

Bringing such matters to light now to berate the late Emperor is absurd. It would irreparably damage the Imperial and court reputations.

Su Juan replied, "Since the Imperial Censor knows the world sees, he should understand some matters must not remain obscure."

"Water can carry a boat, but also capsize it. If one cannot bear faults, how to inspire public trust or shoulder the realm’s responsibilities?"

[Enough of your pedantic notions now; why join in at times like this? It’s not your reputation at stake.]

Imperial Censor: "..." This old servant considers it for Your Majesty!

How can a son hold parents accountable? It is unfilial!

[Unfilial only disrespects the late Emperor. Yet if the Old Emperor, as a sovereign, cannot clear the names of the wronged and provide truth, he betrays the people.]

[And chills the hearts of the nation’s soldiers.]

Hearing Su Juan, several ministers looked down, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of addressing the late Emperor’s faults.

The Old Emperor was torn. Protecting the late Emperor would betray the unjustly killed or exiled back then, alongside the soldiers.

Yet not doing so would harm both the late Emperor and the Imperial Family’s visage.

He glanced at Su Juan, sighing, this girl indeed presents a dilemma for Us.