Chapter 664
: Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao's Night Trial, Ming Dynasty will also have a "Nigh
Lu Feng investigates the assassination case in Kunning Palace and leads to the discovery of Lin De, a corrupt official in the Jiaofang Bureau (Part 1)
At this time in Kunning Palace, the previous chaotic scene of tense situations and people fleeing in panic had dissipated.
However, the solemn atmosphere was like lead-cast dark clouds.
It weighs heavily on everyone's heart, making it hard to breathe.
Although the candlelight in the hall was still swaying gently, it seemed to be frightened by the depressing atmosphere, and its light dimmed a little.
The dim light cast mottled shadows on the wall, adding a bit of eeriness.
The lingering scent of incense has not yet dissipated, intertwined with the tense atmosphere in the air.
It was like an invisible net that tightly enveloped everyone, making people feel even more depressed.
The guards guarding Kunning Palace all held weapons and had cold expressions.
They stood around like silent statues, motionless.
The guards had eyes as sharp as hawks, and they watched the dancer assassin who was surrounded in the center with vigilance.
The situation, which was like facing a powerful enemy, filled the entire Kunning Palace with a murderous atmosphere, as if the air was frozen.
At this time, Zhu Gang was holding a soft sword in his hand, and there was still a faint trace of blood on the sword.
Although the crisis was temporarily resolved, his expression remained grim, and his eyebrows were tightly knitted together, as if they could pinch a fly to death.
At this moment, Zhu Gang's eyes were filled with deep thought and vigilance, like the twinkling cold stars in the night sky, as if he was trying hard to guess the hidden mastermind behind the assassin.
Chunlan hid behind Zhu Gang, her delicate body still trembling slightly, like a dead leaf shaking in the autumn wind.
The look of fear had not yet completely faded from her delicate face.
Chunlan's eyes were filled with fear after surviving a disaster.
Tears welled up in her eyes and could burst out at any time.
Queen Ma, whose face was as pale as paper, sat upright in the main seat.
She clutched her sleeves tightly with both hands, her knuckles turning white.
At this time, Queen Ma frowned, a few fine wrinkles could be seen on her forehead, and her expression was full of worry.
This sudden assassination undoubtedly shocked and unsettled her, and she secretly wondered what huge impact this incident would have on the situation in the palace.
“Who on earth did this?
How dare you act so presumptuously in my Kunning Palace!"
Queen Ma finally couldn't help but speak, her voice trembling slightly, but with an unquestionable majesty.
Zhu Gang bowed slightly and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, mother. I will investigate this matter thoroughly, find out the mastermind behind it, and bring peace to Kunning Palace."
Just then, there was a noisy sound of footsteps outside the hall.
Several Jinyiwei were seen moving quickly like black ghosts, and in an instant they surrounded Fengluan Linde, the highest official of the Jiaofangsi, who was a ninth-rank official.
They wore flying fish costumes and embroidered spring swords on their waists.
His expression was stern and his eyes were as sharp as lightning.
It seemed to be able to see into people's hearts, revealing a frightening majesty.
Linde's face was pale at this moment. His green official uniform, which usually looked quite neat, now looked disheveled due to panic.
Beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down his forehead, slid down his cheeks and wet his collar.
His legs trembled slightly and he wanted to explain, but fear seemed to strangle his throat.
Linde's lips moved, but in the end only a few discordant sounds came out.
Those eyes, which were usually quite shrewd, were now full of panic and helplessness, like a hare cornered by a hunter. The face of Jinyiwei Commander Lu Feng was as cold and murderous as if a thick layer of frost covered the coldest part of winter.
The chill seemed to be able to penetrate the air and seep into the bones of others.
He walked slowly forward with steady and heavy steps, and every step seemed to step on people's hearts.
His eyes were like those of a sharp hawk, staring at Lind with a keen insight, as if he wanted to see through every fear and secret in Lind's heart.
Linde felt as if a thorn in his back was being stared at like this.
His legs couldn't stop trembling, and he wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into to escape this tangible pressure.
Everyone in the hall held their breath. The huge Kunning Palace was so quiet that only the sound of Lu Feng's steady footsteps and Lin De's rapid and panicked breathing could be heard.
"Linde, do you admit your guilt?"
Under Lu Feng's sharp and intimidating gaze like an eagle, Lin De felt a chill suddenly rising from his spine, and his whole body couldn't stop shaking violently.
It was as if a pair of invisible and powerful hands suddenly sucked away the strength from his legs.
Lind's knees went weak and his whole body sank involuntarily, almost falling to his knees with a plop.
He subconsciously tried to support his body with his hands, but in his panic he missed and could only wave his hands in the air a few times in vain.
The muscles on his face twitched uncontrollably with fear, and beads of sweat the size of beans kept rolling down Lind's forehead.
At this moment, his eyes were full of panic and helplessness, like a lamb to be slaughtered.
In this majestic palace, Lind was completely enveloped by fear and lost the courage to resist.
"My Lord, I don't know what crime I have committed... I hope you can tell me clearly."
Lu Feng snorted coldly and slowly flipped through a booklet that recorded Lin De's deeds.
The booklet's paper looked a little old, with some wear and tear on the corners, probably because it had been read over and over again.
He looked stern, and spoke word by word, "Because you value your career and status too much, in order to maintain your position in the Jiaofang Department and your influence in the court, you sometimes make decisions that go against your conscience.
When faced with a power struggle, you will choose to stand on the more powerful side without hesitation, even at the cost of sacrificing some innocent people.
In addition, there is some timidity in your character.
When faced with a major crisis or something that may endanger your own interests, you often choose to evade responsibility rather than bravely face and solve the problem.
This withdrawn attitude can sometimes lead to problems getting worse.
You are a little greedy and have a certain desire for wealth.
Although you maintain an honest image on the surface, you secretly take advantage of your position to accept bribes from dancers or related personnel and provide them with special treatment or opportunities. "
Every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting Lind's heart hard.
His face instantly turned as pale as paper, his lips trembled slightly uncontrollably, and his eyes were full of fear and despair.
Lu Feng continued, "Lin De, during your tenure at the Jiaofang Bureau, you accepted bribes many times and sought convenience for those people with bad conduct.
Whenever the Jiaofangsi selected dancers and musicians, you would secretly ask for bribes. If your wishes were not met, you would reject the talented people."
Lin De shouted at the top of his lungs, "Sir...it's unfair...I...I never did this..."
Lu Feng threw the booklet at Lin De's feet and shouted angrily, "And you embezzled the money allocated by the Jiaofang Bureau, causing many instruments to become old and damaged, but you never repaired them.
He was extremely harsh towards his subordinates on a daily basis, and would beat and scold them at will if he was dissatisfied with them at the slightest.
These crimes are irrefutable, what else do you have to say?" (End of this chapter)