Xiang City was full of malice as they looked at him, continuously accusing him of his inhumane actions.
Today was the Grand Assembly.
Many officials were present.
Some uninformed officials, upon hearing Xiang Cityâs words, couldnât help but harbor doubts about Chu Heng.
Though some didnât believe it, those slightly cleverer knew that this matter was indeed troublesome.
If those soldiers were indeed injured due to this, the injury was already a fact. No matter how Chu Heng explained, he would inevitably be embroiled in turmoil.
The reputation would be greatly affected. If he couldnât explain it clearly, though he had Emperor Xuanmingâs protection now, it wouldnât matter. But if one day the Emperor no longer wished to protect him, these would become evidence to be used against him in the future.
This matter, though still distant, might not necessarily happen.
However, looking at it presently, if left unchecked, Chu Heng might find it difficult to move an inch in the Ministry of War in the future. Even if some knew he wasnât intentional, the injury was a fact. In the Great Chu military training, such exaggerated situations had never occurred.
Naturally, it would provoke fear among some soldiers.
If Chu Heng were to oversee them again in the future, they wouldnât be convinced in their hearts.
"Minister Xiang, full of slander, one might truly believe I am a worthless person who reached this position without any achievements, needing such a blatant method to claim merit. Or, you think the soldiers in the Capital Garrison are blind, allowing me to achieve this effortlessly?" Chu Heng said coldly.
Although he clearly wasnât sarcastic in demeanor, his words were incredibly sarcastic.
Making Xiang Cityâs expression immediately turn unpleasant, as if suddenly slapped.
Many officials on the Imperial Court showed different expressions, especially those opposing the group behind Elder Zhong.
"Who knows, perhaps Lord Chu is indeed that daring. This official is simply stating the truth. If Lord Chu feels wronged, after the Ministry of Punishmentâs interrogation, if itâs truly a misunderstanding, this official doesnât mind apologizing. But if itâs not a misunderstanding, such behavior by Lord Chu is unsuitable to remain in the Ministry of War, let alone contact soldiers for important training. Great Chu will not be destroyed by someone like you." Xiang City said sarcastically, his indignation apparent.
Emperor Xuanming finally spoke: "In that case, Minister Chu shall accept the investigation by the Court of Judicial Review. Results by Lord Zhou shall be submitted to the palace within three days. Until results are out, everyone should best stay quiet."
"Emperor..." Xiang City, upon hearing Emperor Xuanming assign the matter to the Court of Judicial Review instead of the Ministry of Punishment, felt somewhat unwilling and shot a secret glare at Chu Heng.
Who didnât know that Lord Zhou of the Court of Judicial Review had a good relationship with Chu Heng?
The Minister of Dali Temple was also the Emperorâs person.
As long as the Emperor didnât mind Chu Heng, this matter certainly wouldnât hurt him, probably not causing any trouble at all.
Far worse than his initially predicted worst result, Xiang City naturally wasnât reconciled. More so, he feared Emperor Xuanmingâs last warning, which was clearly directed at him, warning the court officials.
Why was Emperor Xuanming so good to Chu Heng?
It was too trusting.
What happened in between?
Emperor Xuanming raised his hand slightly, and the morning assembly was adjourned.
Xiang City, who had initially planned to spread rumors in the capital to ruin Chu Heng, dared not act rashly after Emperor Xuanmingâs final warning.
Perhaps it was because he had become too absorbed in his thoughts.
When he walked out of the grand hall, he was already among the last few, while others dispersed sparsely ahead.