The grand court assembly did not proceed smoothly.
Lu Heng had been poisoned at the palace banquet and had fallen into unconsciousness.
The envoy from the Kingdom of Nanchang seized the opportunity to accuse Emperor Chongwen of poisoning Lu Heng, claiming it was an attempt to instigate war between the two nations.
The Eastern Qi, which had remained neutral, now sided with the Kingdom of Nanchang, denouncing Emperor Chongwen. The prince of Eastern Qi even declared his willingness to assist Nanchang and avenge Lu Heng.
With the two countries on the brink of conflict, war seemed imminent.
Gu Sinian, dragging a bound and gagged individual, threw him before the assembled crowd. After surveying the scene, he spoke slowly, "The one who administered the poison has been apprehended. I request His Majesty to interrogate him in the presence of all foreign envoys to uncover the mastermind."
Judging by his attire, the man was clearly a palace eunuch.
Even the chief eunuch by Emperor Chongwen's side recognized him.
Gu Sinian removed the cloth stuffed into the eunuch's mouth, allowing blood to trickle down his lips.
"He had poison hidden in his teeth. To prevent him from biting his tongue to commit suicide, we had to knock out his teeth."
Not just the teeth hiding the poison.
All of his teeth had been knocked out.
After all, if he were to become desperate, biting off half his tongue would also render him unable to speak.
The envoy from Nanchang was the first to exclaim, accusing Gu Sinian of brutal methods.
Gu Sinian feigned confusion. "Your Crown Prince was poisoned. At this moment, shouldn't you be thanking me for apprehending the poisoner?"
"This is all, this is all definitely a conspiracy by your Great Feng. You're crying wolf! This must have been planned in advance by you," the Nanchang envoy shouted furiously. "You can drag anyone out, beat them into confession, frame others, and absolve yourselves completely."
Gu Sinian raised his index finger and shook it. "As an envoy, this gentleman is undoubtedly a man of dignity. It is unbecoming for a man of dignity to shout so loudly! Furthermore, His Majesty has not yet conducted the interrogation, so how can it be considered a coerced confession?"
Indeed, Gu Sinian had brought the man here for Emperor Chongwen to interrogate.
"Or perhaps, this gentleman, you fear that His Majesty's interrogation will reveal results you cannot bear, and therefore, you are acting guilty?" Gu Sinian pressed, rather aggressively.
"You, you, you, you are slandering me!"
"I didn't say anything," Gu Sinian said, flicking his sleeves and adopting a smile. "Your Majesty, it would be best if you proceed with the interrogation quickly, so we can ascertain who is playing tricks."
Emperor Chongwen coughed lightly. "Lord Gu is young and energetic. Please excuse his behavior, esteemed guests."
The envoys from various nations harbored their own thoughts.
None of them were foolish and all understood that this matter was more complicated than just the poisoning of the Nanchang Crown Prince.
It was uncertain if they would be able to return to their own countries safely.
The outcome of the interrogation astonished the Nanchang envoy.
This eunuch was one of their people.
"Absurd, utterly absurd!" the Nanchang envoy declared, refusing to believe it.
Only when the eunuch identified the person who had instructed him and presented a token of proof did the Nanchang envoy reluctantly accept the truth.
It was someone from within their own envoy delegation.
"This is now your country's internal affair," Gu Sinian said, spreading his hands. "I presume, esteemed envoy, you have a plan to deal with this."
"May I inquire about our Crown Prince..." the Nanchang envoy began with difficulty.
"He is naturally being personally attended to by the Crown Princess. Esteemed envoy, surely you have not forgotten that your Crown Princess is a renowned physician," Gu Sinian replied.
"The Crown Princess is not—" the Nanchang envoy's words were cut short.
Indeed, how could the Crown Prince have risen above the struggles of numerous princes without making thorough arrangements?
Yes, the Crown Princess had merely not accompanied them openly.
Now…
The envoy bowed to Emperor Chongwen. The Crown Prince's situation was no longer his concern, but he still had to handle his country's internal matters. As for the forces behind this, the Crown Prince would certainly not suffer such a ordeal in vain.