Chapter 2396: Chapter 2393: Evidence in Hand

“Minister Qi condoned family members tampering with Madam’s private property, almost causing a death, breaking the law. I beg the Emperor to shine a light on this matter.”

Minister Qi Shang’s head roared as he suddenly thought of the things his Third Brother had been doing lately.

He trusted Elder Qi San greatly, the latter was quite capable, and it was impossible for him to be caught. Minister Qi Shang already had a plan in mind and loudly claimed innocence.

“Hmph, whether you’re innocent or not, your word doesn’t count, Minister Qi. The evidence is clearly laid out before us, yet you still plead innocence? No wonder we can only trace it to Elder Qi San and not you, Minister Qi Shang.”

Elder Zhong angrily rebuked and took out a memorial and letters from his sleeve, submitting them to Emperor Xuanming.

Emperor Xuanming squinted and motioned for the eunuch to bring them over.

Seated at the head, he opened the evidence in his hand and began to read.

The ministers below were as silent as chickens, not daring to speak at this time.

Xiang City’s complexion was also somewhat grim, glancing at Minister Qi Shang several times in secret. Minister Qi Shang bowed his head, no one could see his expression, nor did he respond to Xiang City.

Xiang City frowned, feeling that something was amiss.

If there really was a way out, Minister Qi Shang would surely have arranged it long ago; why had he still not reacted?

After a while, Emperor Xuanming finished reading all the materials and suddenly let out a cold laugh, “Minister Qi, take a look at these things. What’s going on here? I’m also curious if these matters are really linked to people at your residence.”

The eunuch respectfully took the evidence down and paused in front of Minister Qi Shang, raising it high.

Minister Qi Shang reached out to take it, and upon finishing, his heart sank entirely. He had never thought Elder Zhong’s evidence would be so comprehensive, clearly proving Elder Qi San’s actions.

Yet, his Third Brother still obliviously rejoiced, unaware that the Chu family had already grasped this evidence.

The Chu family!

Minister Qi Shang’s grip on the letter tightened, his heart filled with hatred for the Chu family. He suddenly knelt down: “Emperor, it’s my failure in family education that led my Third Brother to have thoughts of competing for business with the Chu family. I beg the Emperor to spare his life, considering my years of dedicated service to the imperial court.”

“Hmph, earlier I heard about this Elder Qi San’s notorious reputation. He’s most capable indeed, effortlessly succeeding in all business ventures. Who would have thought he’s such a cruel and ruthless character behind closed doors? Naturally, no one dares to compete with him; this is a matter of life and death. Others are merely conducting business to make a better living, while Elder Qi San, driven by envy, exterminates them completely. If everyone acted this way, then Great Chu’s economy might as well be handed over to your Qi family!”

“Minister Zhong, do not slander us. The Qi family’s loyalty to Great Chu and the Emperor is unwavering!”

“So unwaveringly loyal that you’d deliberately flout Great Chu’s laws? Minister Qi, your loyalty might truly give the Emperor a headache. As an elder, you condone family members knowingly violating the law, doesn’t that suggest you also disagree with Chu Law? Just recently, the Emperor, together with the Department of Commerce and Construction, affirmed some business laws, prohibiting the illegal acquisition of others’ achievements. Yet before turning around, Elder Qi San is either poisoning or bribing people to steal secrets. It seems Minister Qi Shang’s righteous words earlier stem from his excellent family upbringing—it clearly benefits himself!”

Minister Qi Shang’s eyes filled with anger, wishing he could tear Elder Zhong to pieces at this moment: “Emperor, spare us. I harbor no ulterior motives; Minister Zhong is completely exaggerating.”

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