"I imagine, there are probably people who desperately want them dead right now, because you fear the words they may speak will turn against you!"

...

"Your subjects are terrified!"

In an instant, the entire grand hall was filled with kneeling courtiers. The meaning behind Ye Luo’s words was unmistakable to everyone present.

Ye Luo was essentially accusing someone of wanting to silence these individuals through execution to prevent certain information from coming to light.

Within this court, it’s feared that some may have already been bribed by the Demon Clan, or worse, could themselves be members of the Demon Clan. Naturally, many would fear the consequences of continuing the investigation!

It’s even possible that those who initially clamored for the execution of these criminals had ulterior motives—to use this opportunity to eliminate the trail of evidence for their own benefit!

"My son, what do you think we should do about this matter?"

The Emperor of Great Tang unexpectedly sought Ye Luo’s opinion!

Of course, this was because Ye Luo had the most comprehensive grasp of the situation. Furthermore, the Emperor was acutely aware that Ye Luo, who had been meticulously selected by the Border Guard as their envoy to the Demon Clan territory, was held in high regard by them!

Indeed, even the Emperor himself had great expectations for Ye Luo. Otherwise, he would not have gone to such lengths to provide for Ye Luo in every aspect!

Thus, at this moment, the Emperor inquired about Ye Luo’s thoughts on how to proceed.

The truth is, Ye Luo had no particular experience with such matters. More importantly, Ye Luo had no desire to overstep his bounds in this matter!

"Your Majesty, this matter is deeply intertwined and critically important. Thus, I believe we should appoint a capable official who is not too conspicuous to thoroughly investigate it. Naturally, this official must also possess unwavering loyalty and be impervious to temptation."

Anyone could discern that Ye Luo’s words carried a hidden meaning; it seemed Ye Luo already had someone in mind.

Of course, no one raised objections to this suggestion.

It could be said that investigating this matter was akin to handling a burning hot coal!

At present, there are few clues, yet once the investigation begins, it could implicate many individuals. As a result, this investigation would be a thankless task.

Perhaps the Emperor would favor it, but it would undoubtedly upset a sizable group of officials!

It might even paint a target on the investigator’s back for the Demon Clan! 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

So, who exactly did Ye Luo intend to assign to this matter?

The Emperor of Great Tang was also quite curious about Ye Luo’s choice.

After all, Ye Luo was essentially unfamiliar with everyone in the court!

"Tell us, who do you propose to handle this matter?"

The Emperor questioned Ye Luo.

Ye Luo flashed a slight smile and directly pointed to Xiaoyao King, saying, "Xiaoyao King is the most suitable candidate. Of course, there are two individuals who can assist him as well!"

"Me?"

Xiaoyao King was startled. To be honest, he wasn’t prepared for this at all. In Xiaoyao King’s mind, Ye Luo was practically one of his own. After all, Xiaoyao King already approved of Ye Luo, and was merely waiting for the Emperor’s decree to unite his daughter and Ye Luo in marriage!

Yet now, Ye Luo was assigning this task to him? How did this feel somewhat like a trap?

Xiaoyao King was considered a significant figure in the court. Being born into the Royal Family and viewing Ye Luo as family, Xiaoyao King naturally wouldn’t hold back. He strode directly toward Ye Luo.

"Boy, isn’t this a trap? Can’t an old man enjoy his freedom? Why are you pulling me into this mess?"

It was evident Xiaoyao King was slightly irritated. If it had been anyone else in Ye Luo’s place, Xiaoyao King might have already exploded in anger.

The Emperor of Great Tang remained silent but smirked slightly. He was well aware of the entanglements between Ye Luo and Xiaoyao King.

At this moment, he was more intrigued, eager to see why Ye Luo was pushing this responsibility onto his future father-in-law!

Ye Luo looked at Xiaoyao King, who was clearly unhappy, and—ignoring the fact they were at court—smiled and said, "Xiaoyao King, you’ve had your freedom for long enough. Now that the Empire faces such a predicament, don’t you think it’s time for you to step up?"

"Let whoever wants to handle it take care of it. I, Xiaoyao King, am used to my freedom. These affairs are not suited for me!"

Within the court, many officials subtly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Ye Luo’s recommendation of Xiaoyao King.

The truth is, the Great Tang Empire had countless officials, and naturally, factions ran deep. The Emperor had long maintained a laissez-faire attitude—so long as these factions didn’t create major disturbances, he rarely interfered.

The Emperor of Great Tang was widely regarded as a wise ruler, particularly adept at balancing the interests among factions.

However, Xiaoyao King was an exception. Due to his special status, he held significant power but did not belong to any faction.

Xiaoyao King was mainly responsible for logistical matters within Great Tang, including military supplies, local officials’ salaries, and more. In essence, his work touched upon a broad spectrum, but he never accepted bribes.

As such, Xiaoyao King naturally earned widespread goodwill.

Regardless of whether they were civil or military officials—or even other princes—none of them held grievances against Xiaoyao King.

Thus, Ye Luo’s nomination of Xiaoyao King as the investigator appeared to be a universally acceptable choice.

Ye Luo observed Xiaoyao King’s reluctance and smiled, saying, "Xiaoyao King, I haven’t even finished speaking. Why are you so hasty?"

"Boy, spit it out. Hmph, if you don’t give me a reasonable explanation, I’ll give you a beating!"

Upon hearing this, several officials couldn’t suppress their smiles.

After all, this was the Ninth Prince—few aside from Xiaoyao King would dare to act so brazenly.

Ye Luo turned to the group of officials still prostrate on the ground and said, "Among these individuals, some are undoubtedly deserving of death, but there are others whose actions are forgivable."

"Minister Xin, rise!"

The Minister Ye Luo referred to was named Xin Chengying. Though his rank wasn’t high, he wielded significant influence as one of the advisors responsible for overseeing Great Tang’s talent selection process!

"Minister Xin, do you acknowledge your guilt?"

"This guilty subject confesses. This guilty subject should not have assisted those two individuals in securing county magistrate positions!"

...

Why did Ye Luo single out Xin Chengying?

Naturally, there was a valid reason. Through the memories of the Pearfall Palace Young Master, Ye Luo discovered that the Pearfall Palace Young Master had a peculiar regard for Xin Chengying.

This individual had only performed one act for the Demon Clan—helping two people secure county magistrate positions.

However, in truth, he had no knowledge of their identities, even now.

When Ye Luo summoned him forward, Xin Chengying never protested his innocence. Though he was unaware of the full situation, he correctly deduced the identity of those two individuals and immediately admitted guilt.

Based on the Pearfall Palace Young Master’s memories, Xin Chengying had, on several occasions, exhibited extraordinary sensitivity to anomalies, nearly thwarting some of the Pearfall Palace Young Master’s plans. As for why he aided those individuals in securing positions? It was because his family’s lives were threatened!