The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 170 - 150, gather evidence in seven days, kill in ten days, Zhao Douan’s words strike at the heart.

How to explain?

The expression on Zhou Cheng’s face was exceptionally ugly, yet after all, he was an old hand adept at navigating the treacherous waters of court politics.

Based on the dialogue in the painting, although it was clear he was leading the conversation, there was not a single piece of concrete evidence.

In other words, taken individually, each sentence he uttered was unobjectionable—his original questioning of Wang Shan was rational and well-founded.

On the contrary, it was Wang Shan himself who had changed his testimony.

What is commonly known as "the art of speaking" is to not commit to anything concrete in speech, yet the implication beneath relies entirely on the listener’s interpretation.

Zhao Douan could accuse him of deliberate leading and insinuation.

But conversely, Zhou Cheng could argue that his questions were nothing more than routine procedure, reasonable skepticism.

At this moment, Zhou Cheng was incredibly relieved at his own prudence, which had bought him some wriggle room.

Therefore, in response to Yuann Li’s inquiries, Zhou Cheng did not answer, but instead straightened his features and looked down upon the assembly:

"If I recall correctly, according to our court’s regulations, the priests from the Heavenly Master Mansion, unless specifically summoned by an imperial order, are strictly forbidden from meddling in any court affairs. Priest Jin Jian is a disciple of the Heavenly Master; surely you are aware of this rule."

Zhao Douan was taken aback.

At this point, the old official was still attempting to find fault with the source of the evidence.

Did he believe that the scroll would fail to condemn him?

Jin Jian was startled, seemingly not anticipating being involved himself.

He glanced at the other party and lied blatantly without blushing:

"This scroll was not recorded by me; I merely delivered it."

Well done... Zhao Douan nodded in approval; although this sister seemed somewhat naïve, her intelligence was sufficient.

"Zhou Cheng!"

From the jury’s bench, Ma Yan’s thick-fingered hand slapped the table as he rose to his feet, declaring coldly:

"Zhao Douan has produced evidence. Now it’s your turn.

Conspiring with Wang Shan to stage this act—feel free to deny it, but I will personally report today’s events to Her Majesty! This matter is not over."

Zhou Cheng remained silent, as if pondering his next move.

But by this time, the trial against Zhao Douan had obviously concluded.

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Justice glanced at Yuann Li, stood up, and proclaimed:

"Given the new evidence, procedure dictates that the related criminals be detained for retrial."

Zhou Cheng did not attempt to interfere this time.

Everyone also understood that the so-called "retrial" would not occur.

They were simply waiting for Ma Yan to relay the news to the palace, to clarify the misunderstanding.

One could well imagine that the Empress would undoubtedly issue a decree to release Zhao Douan.

As for the charges against Zhou Cheng, that wouldn’t happen so quickly.

He was, after all, one of the nine ministers, a Minister obligated to the late Emperor’s will; at least for now, Zhou Cheng remained the presiding judge.

The officials began to rise and the crowd outside prepared to disperse.

Yet just when everyone thought the day’s drama had come to an end.

From outside the Ministry of Justice, suddenly came the sound of horse hooves like thunder!

The crowd turned in surprise, looking back, and Zhao Douan, along with the people in the hall, all looked up.

Two fierce military horses nearly arrived simultaneously; two figures dismounted, regardless of the doormen’s obstruction, and with the chill wind from outside the capital, they forcefully made their way through the crowd.

"Zhang Han? Haitang?"

In that moment, many onlookers recognized these two Directors from the Imperial Court.

"Why have they returned? Were they not assigned to handle a case just days ago?" voiced a few informed individuals in astonishment.

Ma Yan also raised his eyebrows and glanced at Zhao Douan with a hint of speculation.

"Master Zhao!?"

As soon as the two Martial Artists forced their way into the hall, appearing still unclear on the situation and seeing him wearing prisoner’s garb, they grew anxious.

Haitang’s face changed, not understanding why such a calamity had befallen during their short absence from the capital.

Zhang Han remained more composed, quickly perceiving the atmosphere was amiss, and he said sternly:

"Haitang and I just returned to the city, and upon hearing of today’s Three Agencies trial at the city gate, we hurried over."

Zhao Douan, however, paid no mind to these things and asked first:

"Was your journey successful?"

Both Haitang and Zhang Han understood and nodded simultaneously.

Zhao Douan smiled.

His smile carried a trace of emotion.

Though based on travel time, it was expected that they would return, their coincidental arrival at this tribunal seemed almost like destiny.

"Could it be that the wronged souls who perished thirteen years ago are also silently aiding us?"

Zhao Douan couldn’t help but speculate, thinking to himself, since the stage was set and the east wind had come, then why not strike on the day rather than waiting for the right moment.

"I am no longer in trouble," Zhao Douan first explained to the two.

Then turning back around, he stared directly at the high "judgment seat" where the Minister of the Ministry of Justice sat, his gaze cold:

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"Now it’s your turn to be in trouble."

Without waiting for Zhou Cheng to respond, Zhao Douan then declared aloud:

"I would ask the esteemed officials to stay seated a moment longer. Today, with all the directors of the Three Legal Departments present, I take the liberty of submitting a petition."

"A petition? Whom do you wish to accuse?" the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Justice asked with a furrowed brow:

"Let me say this upfront—if you’re claiming to accuse Master Zhou of framing you..."

Zhao Douan shook his head:

"The individual I am suing is indeed Zhou Cheng. It’s not for framing me but for, thirteen years ago, conspiring with Wang Shan, the former Imperial Court Director Wang Zhen, and others in persecuting the loyal and upright, spreading chaos among the hierarchy, and falsely accusing and murdering the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice Xue Lin along with dozens of officials!"

The voice came like a thunderclap!

As he spoke these words, those about to leave the scene all stopped in their tracks, wondering if they had misheard.

Is there another twist?

"Xue Lin? Who is that?" Qian Kerou and others were clueless.

Zheng Laojiu’s eyes revealed reminiscence, "That was something from over a decade ago..."

Many of the older officials felt a stir of memory, recalling this past event.

On the high platform.

Yuann Li, who deemed himself a mere "spectator" today, had a smile brimming in his eyes as he turned to look at Zhou Cheng.

But he saw this man in his sixties, upon hearing the words "Xue Lin," the crimson of his official robe trembled subconsciously, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

Then his face quivered and his expression changed dramatically,

"Scoundrel, if you dare to smear this official’s name, come..."

"Mr. Zhou," the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Justice suddenly held his hand and said gravely,

"This is a court of law."

Then, this Minister from the Imperial Faction, whose actions were unimpeded after the fall of Pei Kaizhi, turned to Zhao Douan and spoke calmly,

"Master Zhao, you should realize that if there’s no solid proof, falsely accusing a Third-Rank Official is a grave crime. Are you sure you want to continue?"

"Thank you for the reminder, Chief of Staff," Zhao Douan only expressed his thanks.

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Justice sighed, knowing that after today, the court would likely be shaken once more.

With Zhou Cheng no longer obstructing, Zhao Douan walked slowly, neither hurried nor slow, and began to tell the story:

"As you all know, the Imperial Court is responsible for monitoring the misconduct of officials. Unfortunately, since the last conflict, Master Zhou had been investigating me in secret, and I, likewise, have been investigating Mr. Zhou…"

Then, he narrated how he enlisted the help of two colleagues, starting with the missing records to track down the descendants of Xue Lin, and learning the truth of the past from the lips of Xue Xuan.

During the process, he omitted the fact that he was acting under the Empress’s orders, merely claiming it was his own initiative

—this was logical, after all, the stereotype of Lord Zhao seeking retribution against those who offended him, determined to strike back, had long been ingrained in people’s hearts.

And when he recounted the truth as told by Xue Xuan, the outside of the hall became noisy.

Wang Shan, who was originally pale as death, was now nearly transparent.

"Utter nonsense!"

Zhou Cheng burst into an angry sneer:

"A mere criminal’s daughter, naturally dissatisfied with the judgment, holds a grudge against this official, fabricating lies to frame me, attempting to overturn the late Emperor’s decree, how ridiculous? If this counts as evidence, wouldn’t that be a joke to the whole world?"

You see, he’s getting anxious… Zhao Douan snickered:

"Zhou Cheng, don’t try to suppress me with the ’late Emperor’. The late Emperor was indeed wise, but alas, was deceived by certain treacherous ministers. As for the evidence you demand, of course, I have it."

At this moment, although one was on the high platform and the other below,

The momentum had completely reversed.

Zhao Douan spoke confidently,

"As we three got to know the confessions, we wanted to investigate, but alas, many records were lost. In the end, we could only go to the Imperial Court of Supervision to seek Mr. Yuan, who generously offered to seek justice for the souls wronged thirteen years ago.

Only then were we able to gather the scattered documents of old cases and find out where the offices were located."

At this revelation, everyone looked astonished, looking up to the high platform at the doctor in Green Robe who had always appeared just interested in the excitement.

Zhou Cheng, even more, turned his head woodenly, staring at Yuann Li:

"It was you..."

"…" Yuann Li looked composed with profound meaning as he glanced at Zhao Douan and smiled,

"As it was an old case once presided over by the Imperial Court of Supervision, it was within my responsibility, just a little effort I could make."

Mr. Yuan has taken the field!

The crowd nearly exploded at once; if Zhao Douan’s earlier narrative had not made people aware of its serious nature,

Yuann Li’s entrance significantly increased the weight of Zhao Douan’s words.

People began to speculate if this was another great move by a major figure in the court.

Zhao Douan’s story continued,

"Then, my two colleagues worked tirelessly through the night and finally found critical evidence. To avoid startling the quarry, we used the pretext of an external case to go and gather it."

By this time, Haitang and Zhang Han exchanged a look and spoke up in turn, briefly describing their search for the witnesses.

Due to the long time interval, their process of collecting evidence had some hitches, but those who made it to the position of Master were no simple characters.

Despite hindrances, they succeeded.

"I have with me the relevant scrolls that were lost at that time, available for verification."

Zhang Han took out a cloth-wrapped package from his bosom and, after thinking, handed it over to Ma Yan.

Haitang also took a few papers out of her waist pouch and said,

"I’ve found a few witnesses, currently protected elsewhere, and they’ll be coming to the capital later. But they’ve all written down their confessions and signed them."

Ma Yan acquired evidence x2

Zhao Douan then turned, pointing at Wang Shan, kneeling on the ground, already ashen,

"As for this man, he is a key criminal involved in the case back then. When I went to arrest him, I happened to witness Zhou Cheng and this man secretly conspiring. As for the related evidence, well, the gentlemen have already seen it earlier."

You arrested him to protect yourself, didn’t you? How come it’s…

On the jurors’ bench, the Imperial Censor in a Green Robe, Hee Zheng, wanted to speak.

The next second, he suddenly realized, perhaps, from that moment, they had been fooled, misled by the Zhao thief, thereby overlooking the knife secretly thrust at them.

Building the plank road publicly, but secretly ferrying through Chen Cang.

This proverb didn’t exist in this world, but Zhao Douan’s tactics matched it coincidentally.

Seven days to gather evidence, ten days to assassinate.

The Three Agencies’ trial that Zhou Cheng had prepared for Zhao Douan now became his own public trial.

"All the physical and testimonial evidence are available for the Three Agencies to verify."

Zhao Douan, dressed in prison clothes, looked up at the "chief judge’s seat" high above, where Zhou Cheng sat in defeat, corners of his mouth curling up, each word a conviction,

"Zhou Cheng, do you plead guilty?"

Zhou Cheng remained silent, his face deathly pale.

A brief silence.

Then, the entire courtroom erupted into turmoil.