Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 720 Mutual Killing (Third Update)
If he had known that the two of them had this kind of relationship, he would never have agreed to write that letter of recommendation for Zheng Baosu!

In the end, he got himself involved too!

But what's the use of regretting it now that things have come to this?
Upon hearing this, Xie Anbai was first surprised, and then looked at Xie Anjun.

He spoke with a half-smile, "I never imagined that Lord Fan and Lord Zheng would have such a relationship... No wonder Lord Fan is so concerned about Lord Zheng's affairs. It seems that Lord Fan's decision to cooperate with Marquis Zhongyong was well thought out? Your Excellency, you've kept it a secret quite well."

Xie Anjun is going completely crazy!

"I don't!"

Xie Anbai looked surprised. "Nothing? Does it mean you didn't collude with Lord Fan and his son for profit, or did you—"

"nothing!"

Xie Anjun's voice was shrill; in his rage, he had completely lost his reason, pointing a finger at Xie Anbai and shouting insults.
"Xie Anbai! Don't think I don't know what you're thinking! Aren't you just trying to take this opportunity to smear me and bring me down?"

"Why would you think that?" Xie Anbai tilted his head, his expression even more puzzled. "I don't think I said anything just now, did I? Wasn't it Lord Zheng who accused you of being involved in this? He admitted it himself. And Lord Fan... he's been plotting for his own son for a long time. Since he chose you, he must trust you, right?"

"you!"

Xie Anjun almost fainted from anger.

But he was like a mute eating bitter herbs, unable to express his suffering—who would have thought that Fan Chengzhuo was hiding such a shocking secret!
Xie Anbai composed himself, his tone indifferent.

"If it weren't for you, how could someone as incompetent as Zheng Baosu have climbed to the position of Deputy Commander of Jingyuan so quickly? I remember that Father had already handed over his military power ten years ago and stopped interfering in military affairs, right?"

Xie Anjun was silenced by this one sentence.

His face alternated between pale and flushed, and the changes in his expression were truly remarkable.

Emperor Mu Wu didn't even glance at him.

If it were Xie Pei here, he would have more reservations, but Xie Anjun... does he even deserve it?
Emperor Mu looked down at Fan Chengzhuo and asked, "So, you did all those things?"

Fan Chengzhuo's words essentially took all the blame upon himself.

It seems to have nothing to do with Zheng Baosu.

As expected, Fan Chengzhuo lowered his head and responded in a low voice.

Emperor Mu Wu chuckled, "I didn't realize before that you were such a doting father."

If it weren't for Zheng Baosu, Fan Chengzhuo would probably never have admitted to these things, even if it meant his death.

Even at this moment, when Zheng Baosu exposed him, he harbored no resentment and chose to bear all the blame himself.

If it weren't for the fact that they were committing treason and collusion with the enemy, it would truly be "touching."

Fan Chengzhuo's back stiffened, but he couldn't utter another word.

In fact, he knew that with things having escalated to this point, both he and Zheng Baosu were doomed.

But he still wanted to make a request.

Even if it's just for the debts owed in the past years.

Everyone fell into a deathly silence, except for Zheng Baosu, who remained stunned for a long time.

He shook his head instinctively, "No, that's not how it is..."

How did Fan Chengzhuo suddenly become his father?!

Zheng Baosu tried desperately to deny it, but countless images kept flashing through his mind, forcing him to waver.

Just then, a very soft sigh came from the side.

It is Ye Chutang.

She spoke softly, as if murmuring to herself, but Zheng Baosu heard her clearly.

"Lord Fan's body is already in such a state, yet he still went to the palace, which shows how desperate he is to save his son. It's a pity... this effort will probably not be reciprocated."

Zheng Baosu's heart skipped a beat!
He stiffly looked up at the haggard, emaciated figure, and for the first time hesitated.

Could it be... that he was really wrong?
He had been filled with anger and fear, but Ye Chutang's words brought him a sudden moment of clarity. —If it weren't for him, Fan Chengzhuo really wouldn't have needed to come here today!
Perhaps... his initial intentions and remorse were indeed genuine?
But if it was really for his own good, why did you have to let him embark on this path in the first place?
Given Fan Chengzhuo's status and abilities, it would be good to simply assign him a sinecure and let him live a carefree life.

Why--

"Why do this?"

Emperor Mu asked in a cold voice,
"Have I mistreated you? Or has someone encouraged you, promising you a greater future?"

These words silenced the hall so deeply that you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone was silent.

Yes!

Fan Chengzhuo had no reason to do those things!

His career has been so successful all these years, what could he possibly be thinking that would lead him to commit such a heinous crime as confiscating his property and exterminating his entire family?
Fan Chengzhuo's body trembled almost imperceptibly.

He lowered his head and spoke slowly, word by word.
"It was all due to my insatiable greed and lack of reverence that this calamity has resulted—"

A ridiculous expression suddenly appeared on Emperor Muwu's face.

"Fan Chengzhuo, I am not so senile as to be that old."

Without greater incentives or a stronger behind-the-scenes organization, Fan Chengzhuo would never have done such a thing!
"Even now, would you rather sacrifice your own life and that of your only bloodline than lose your master?"

As Emperor Mu Wu spoke, his gaze fell on his forearm.
"Or... were you also coerced into doing this? If you tell the truth, I might be able to show leniency."

Fan Chengzhuo's heart was pounding in his throat.

His forehead was covered in cold sweat.

"No, there is none..."

"Say it!"

Zheng Baosu finally caught his breath, stretching his neck and shouting hoarsely.
"Someone must have instructed you, right! Confess now! Was it Vajin, or someone else...? You're already in this state, why are you still hiding and covering for them!?"

Zheng Baosu believed that there was someone else behind Fan Chengzhuo.

Emperor Muwu said that as long as he was willing to confess, everything could still be salvaged!

What is he hesitating about?!

Fan Chengzhu coughed violently, and for the first time, he showed a stern and reprimanding expression towards Zheng Baosu.

"Stop coughing!"

Zheng Baosu also became anxious.

"Who is more important than our lives?! Look at yourself! They've already decided to kill you! Are you trying to get me killed too?!"

He became increasingly angry as he spoke.

"What debt? What compensation? There's no father like you in this world! Even if I die, I'll never acknowledge you in the afterlife!"

"you--"

Fan Chengzhuo was so angry that he almost fainted.

Amidst the chaos, the eldest princess finally spoke again.

"Since none of them can explain it clearly, then... Marquis Zhongyong, why don't you explain it to me?"

Xie Anjun, who was suddenly called out, was startled.

"W-what?"

The eldest princess looked at him and smiled slightly, but there was no real smile on her face.

She said calmly:

"Both father and son mentioned you just now, so you should know the most about this, right?"