Chapter 497 This Palace Will See Through It
In the Xizheng Hall, an emperor-level actor delivers a powerful performance.
Li Chen remained impassive, his expression betraying nothing.
Zhou Ping'an then furrowed his brow, looking troubled.
As for Li Yinhu's acting, it was a bit over-the-top. He wore an expression of anger and anguish, trying to convey his inner shock and fury through exaggerated expressions.
"This is outrageous! Utterly outrageous!"
"The capital city, being under the emperor's feet, has seen a series of assassination attempts. Tonight, criminals even brazenly robbed the prison of the Ministry of Justice. In over three hundred years since the founding of the Qin Dynasty, there has never been such a heinous act. Your Highness, my younger brother begs you, allow me to investigate this case. I will surely bring the mastermind behind it to justice and punish them according to law!"
Sitting in a large chair, elbows resting on the soft cushion, Li Chen glanced at Li Yinhu, shaking his head in regret for his over-the-top acting.
This poor acting drags down the entire performance.
He raised his hand, and Wan Jiaojiao beside him understood immediately and quickly brought up the water cup.
Not too cold, not too hot, just right was the temperature Li Chen was most accustomed to.
Li Chen calmly said, "This matter indeed slapped the face of the Qin Empire's laws and judiciary."
He turned to Zhou Ping'an and Li Chen said calmly, “Zhou Ping'an, as the Minister of Punishment, you are the primary responsible party. Do you have anything to say?”
Zhou Ping'an expressed his grievances and fear just right, with a hint of defiance in his eyes. He bowed deeply and said, "Your Highness, as the Minister of Punishment, it is indeed unforgivable that the prison of the Ministry of Punishment has been broken into."
"It's just that the humble minister is curious, why were there no problems before, but when news spread that King Zhao was going to supervise the execution of this group of White Lotus cult members, something happened?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, Li Yinhu beside him was furious. He pointed at Zhou Ping'an and shouted angrily, "What do you mean by that?! You're saying that I sent someone to break out of prison?!"

"That White Lotus sect is evil, their crimes are numerous and unforgivable, a thousand cuts wouldn't be enough. I am appointed as the executioner because of the Prince and the court's trust in me, how could I possibly attempt a jailbreak?!"
"Zhou Ping'an, if you don't make things clear today, I will not let you off!"
The entire Xizheng Hall echoed with Li Yinhu's roar. Zhou Ping listened quietly, then spoke softly, "Your Majesty Zhao Wang, the humble official meant no disrespect, merely curiosity. Your Majesty need not be so alarmed."
"You dog..."
"Okay."
Before Li Yinhu could continue his roar, Li Chen frowned and said: "You are at least a legitimate prince, ranking above the highest grade. To speak such vulgar language is unbecoming of your status."
Li Yinhu gasped for breath, looking very displeased. He clasped his hands and addressed Li Chen: "Your Highness, my heart is as clear as the sun and moon. I beg you to see through my sincerity!"
"This palace will naturally see through it."
Li Chen said calmly, then suddenly asked a very absurd question, "How long has it been since the incident happened?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, it has already been one hour."
Li Chen nodded and said, "Then it's about time."
Li Yinhu's heart skipped a beat.
Knowing Li Chen well, he knew Li Chen would never speak without a point.
He suddenly had a very bad feeling, a kind of gloom that immediately enveloped his entire mind.
Before Li Yinhu could consider a counter-measure, he saw Li Chen rise and say, “Let’s go, I shall take you to see those prisoners of the Bai Lian sect.”

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