As expected, his appearance caused the elite of the Cai faction to suddenly become quiet.
Although they wanted to pledge allegiance to Zhang Bangchang, in this moment of fluctuating loyalties, if Zhang Bangchang could not prove his sufficient strength to protect them, who would dare to step forward and declare their stance rashly?
"Your Majesty, I also believe that the Emperor should first distinguish between the genuine and the fake, and then discuss other matters!"
As a staunch supporter of Zhao Zhen, Wang Xiang did not hesitate to step forward directly.
"I second that!"
"I also second that!"
With him taking the lead, Zhong Shidao and Nie Shan directly stood behind him, followed by more than a dozen officials of varying ranks, who stepped forward one after another.
"Where is Yuwen Xuzhong?"
Seeing that the court was already leaning one way, Zhao Ji cast a deep glance at Zhao Zhen before speaking slowly.
"I am here!"
As soon as Zhao Ji finished speaking, Yuwen Xuzhong, who was nearing sixty, stepped forward directly.
"You are a Zhongshu Sheren and have worked with Prime Minister Cai for so many years. You should recognize his handwriting. It will be up to you to determine the authenticity of this item!"
As he spoke, Zhao Ji directly handed over the letter in front of him.
Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, a fine layer of sweat instantly broke out on Yuwen Xuzhong's forehead.
At this moment, the old man felt like cursing, having been drawn into a spectacle he was merely watching.
Although he was only a Zhongshu Sheren, responsible for handling documents, it did not mean he lacked political awareness.
This matter concerned the life and death of two major factions in the court. Having him determine its authenticity now was like handing him a death warrant!
If he confirmed this item to be genuine, then Tong Guan and Zhang Bangchang would likely face utter destruction shortly thereafter.
If he confirmed it to be fake, the retribution that Zhao Zhen's side would soon unleash might bring utter ruin to the entire Yuwen family!
Judging by the impassioned crowd today, it was evident that a master strategist was behind this entire affair.
If he were to disrupt such a grand scheme meticulously planned with so much effort, who knew what would happen next…
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this old minister, this old minister's eyesight is failing, and this matter is of great importance, I fear…"
Only when the young eunuch handed the letter to him did Yuwen Xuzhong, in his moment of panic, find the most reasonable excuse.
"Lord Yuwen, are you truly dim-sighted, or are you unwilling? Everyone in the entire Zhongshu Province knows that your calligraphy has become increasingly vigorous with age!"
As soon as Yuwen Xuzhong finished speaking, Zhang Shaoyou stepped forward directly.
Although a Zhongshu Sheren held a mere fifth-rank official position, they controlled one of the six departments of the Zhongshu, making them a typical case of having little rank but great power.
Among those who stood behind Zhao Zhen earlier, apart from Fan Zheng Guo, the Prime Minister, and Wang Xiang, Zhong Shidao, and Nie Shan, who were near-prime ministers, only he seemed capable of confronting him in this manner…
"Scholar Yuwen, just speak the truth. The rest is irrelevant to you!"
Looking at Yuwen Xuzhong with a blank expression, Fan Zheng Guo also spoke directly.
"That's right, just determine the authenticity of this item. Other matters are none of your concern!"
After Fan Zheng Guo spoke, Zhao Zhen also chimed in.
This made Yuwen Xuzhong's expression even more grim. Were they trying to appease him? This was clearly a threat!
Glancing furtively in the direction of Zhang Bangchang, Yuwen Xuzhong felt a bitter helplessness at this moment.
This was originally a matter symbolizing their two factions; how did he suddenly get dragged into it?
Despite his profound unwillingness, he was cornered and had no choice but to brace himself and open the envelope.
Cai Jing had served as Prime Minister for over a decade. He, having previously served as a Risheng Sheren, then participated in compiling national history, and later served as a Zhongshu Sheren, had been dealing with Cai Jing for more than ten years. Naturally, he was intimately familiar with Cai Jing's handwriting.
He recognized every character within, but when all the characters were combined, his entire body began to tremble.
"Is this item genuine or fake?"
Seeing him tremble and sweat profusely, Zhang Bangchang's sinister voice echoed from the side again.
"Prime Minister Zhang, this matter is of great importance. Should Lord Yuwen not identify it carefully? Are you trying to threaten him?"
As soon as Zhang Bangchang finished speaking, Fan Zheng Guo retorted with a cold laugh.
Regarding the divine battles above, Yuwen Xuzhong could only express his powerlessness at this moment.
Looking at Fan Zheng Guo, then at Zhao Zhen beside him, and the watchful Wang Xiang and Zhong Shidao, Yuwen Xuzhong gritted his teeth and made up his mind.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, according to my observation, this item does not appear to be fake!"
After Yuwen Xuzhong's statement, the grand hall became noisy once more.
Chen Dong dared to present this item as evidence, which indicated that there must be some explosive content within.
Now that it had come to this open confrontation, everyone's attention was focused on the Emperor.
"Prime Minister Cai's suicide note, why is it in your hands?"
After glancing at the contents, Zhao Ji's expression darkened as he looked at Chen Dong again.
The content of this item was identical to the memorial he had received. It was clear that this was likely a draft before Cai Jing wrote that memorial.
However, under normal circumstances, Cai Jing should have burned this item after writing the memorial. Even Zhao Ji found it somewhat perplexing why Cai Jing would leave such a thing behind!
Seeing the killing intent flickering in Zhao Ji's eyes, Fan Zheng Guo's heart clenched tightly.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this item was sold to this student by Cai Zhong, a steward of the Cai manor. I am familiar with Prime Minister Cai's handwriting, so I spent 800 strings of copper coins to purchase this item!"
"Cai Zhong?"
Upon hearing this name, Gao Qiu, who was standing by watching the spectacle, suddenly felt a jolt. Wasn't the person who delivered the memorial to him named Cai Zhong?
Meanwhile, Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, who had remained silent throughout the entire affair, suddenly looked grim. Others might not know, but he, as the Director of the Imperial City Department, certainly did!
This Cai Zhong was actually a secret agent of the Imperial City Department!
Was it a joke that an agent of the Imperial City Department would sell such an important item to an outsider for a mere 800 strings of coins?