When faced with the Chancellor's questioning, Vice-Chancellor Yu put on a nonchalant expression and smiled. "Milord, is there something wrong with this matter? The a.s.sa.s.sin did not have any bone vanis.h.i.+ng powder with him when he was locked into the prison. It's evident that someone was trying to silence him, and not just anyone has the ability to kill someone in the prison without being discovered — the culprit must have someone impressive behind him."

　　"Then have you thought about the consequences? If the Emperor pursues this, we would both be implicated."

　　"Your subordinate receives a salary from the Imperial Court and is loyal to the Emperor. Naturally, I must report the truth. If I twist the truth in fear of implicating the Supreme Court, how would that be different from the actions of a traitor?"

　　Ah! Checkmate. Vice-Chancellor Yu had unequivocally won this confrontation with the Chancellor.

　　The Chancellor immediately asked, "According to what you said, are you implying that it is this official who's cowardly and intentionally hiding the truth?"

　　"Your subordinate doesn't dare. I only mean that one should carry out the duties of their office. As the Vice-Chancellor, I must report the truth without regard for either position or politics. Even if Milord has other reasons for concealing the truth, your subordinate has no intention of finding them out. If one's actions are just and manners are proper, then they have no need to fear ox demons or snake spirits haunting them." [1]

　　"You…" He gnashed his teeth together in anger.

　　Vice-Chancellor Yu remained stoic as he raised a brow and needled him, "In any case, the Emperor has ordered that there is no need to investigate, nor should a single word be leaked about the matter. Since that is the case, the entire Supreme Court would also not be implicated and Milord's personal interests… can be rea.s.sured."

　　It must be said that this Vice-Chancellor Yu was quite talented at irritating others.

　　The Chancellor's face was hideously twisted and his eyes bulged so much they almost popped out of their sockets. He slammed a hand on the desk. "Vice-Chancellor Yu, you better understand that my official rank is more senior and so is my position. You will never have the chance to get the better of me. Don't think that I will let you off regarding today's matter."

　　As he spat out this statement, he picked up the doc.u.ment he had flung onto the desk and left furiously.

　　Behind him, Vice-Chancellor Yu was still peacefully sitting at his spot, sipping his tea.

　　He wouldn't be afraid even if the sky fell down. It was Jing Yi and the Chancellor who should be scared.

　　After a moment, Judge Yu entered. "Father, what did you talk about with the Chancellor? I just saw him leaving in a rage."

　　Why don't you guess!

　　Vice-Chancellor Yu smiled and twisted the cup in his hand. "This move can be considered to complete the arrangement of the chessboard."

　　"Your son is a little confused."

　　"Just wait. A good show is upon us."