The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 1155

Chapter 1155: 562 Original Form Revealed (Two Updates)_3

Secretary Xing said politely, "Eunuch, please wait a moment while I straighten my clothing to avoid impropriety in front of the hall."

"Hmm." Eunuch Su responded indifferently and, with the palace maids, turned and left Secretary Xing’s chamber.

Lowering his voice, Secretary Xing said to Xiao Hen, "I don’t believe Sun Ping would assassinate His Majesty. Sixth Brother, find out the truth."

Xiao Hen nodded solemnly.

No sooner had Secretary Xing left than Xiao Hen wrote a letter to Empress Xiao.

The letter stated that Sun Ping was dispatched by him, and the confession had been obtained under his interrogation. It clarified that Secretary Xing was not involved and that there were hidden details concerning Sun Ping’s matter.

But after hesitating for a moment, he ultimately did not send the letter.

Secretary Xing was taken to the side hall of Huaqing Palace.

Empress Xiao sat on the main seat, looking down with an authoritative and icy demeanor at Secretary Xing kneeling on the ground. She said, "Secretary Xing, at this point, do you have anything to say? Was Sun Ping really sent by you?"

Secretary Xing replied, "To answer the Empress, Sun Ping was indeed dispatched by this humble official, but I do not believe he would commit the act of assassinating His Majesty."

Empress Xiao said, "Is it that you do not believe, or is it that you want to distance yourself from this matter?"

Secretary Xing said, "Sun Ping is a personal aide close to this humble official. If he has died an unwarranted death, I must strive to verify the truth and seek justice for him. Why would I be eager to disassociate myself?"

Narrowing her eyes, Empress Xiao said, "So you mean to say that I am falsely accusing you?"

Unperturbed, Secretary Xing replied, "This humble official wouldn’t dare."

Empress Xiao said indifferently, "I, too, would like to believe you, but the evidence is conclusive."

Looking up, Secretary Xing asked, "May I inquire what evidence the Empress is referring to?"

Empress Xiao stated gravely, "There is both witness and physical evidence!"

Eunuch Su came forward with a tray, upon which lay a piece of brocade. On top of the brocade was a blood-soaked soft knife, along with an inkstone stained red with fresh blood!

"These are the murder weapons used by Sun Ping," Eunuch Su explained how the Emperor was attacked.

Princess Ning An and Eunuch Wei’s accounts were consistent. The Emperor was Princess Ning An’s strongest support. The court was in a heated debate about whether to bestow upon her the title of Senior Princess, and His Majesty intended to confer it.

The incident involving His Majesty was a tremendous loss for her.

Therefore, analyzed from this angle, she had no motive to commit the crime.

As for Eunuch Wei, he was an old servant by His Majesty’s side. Who would suspect his loyalty?

At this point, Secretary Xing realized how pale his speculations seemed against the two powerful witnesses.

Empress Xiao asked, "Do you have anything else to say?"

Secretary Xing replied, "This official has nothing more to say."

Empress Xiao commanded in a cold voice, "Bring forth the men, escort Secretary Xing to Dali Temple!"

Kneeling on the ground with his back straight, Secretary Xing slowly removed his official hat and carefully handed it over to the palace maids who had come to detain him.

Empress Xiao then called over the officials from the Dali Temple and led them to the scene of the crime to gather evidence. All the palace maids who had been previously interrogated were questioned again, one by one.

Empress Xiao remained busy until late at night, until finally, she couldn’t hold up anymore and fell asleep leaning against the back of the chair in the side hall.

The night was deep and quiet.

The candlelight in the Sleeping Palace flickered dimly and brightly.

Eunuch Wei, kneeling at the foot of the Dragon Bed, silently wiped away tears.

A ghostly shadow quietly entered the room, her gorgeous skirt trailing over the polished floor.