Chapter 670: Do You Know the Crime?

Tianzhou Governor's Office, deep night nine o'clock, the lights were blazing.

The entire mansion was illuminated by countless lanterns as if it were broad daylight; from the main gate to the main hall's corridor, red silk and colored lanterns hung on both sides, and every few steps on either side stood an attendant in a crisp uniform.

The main hall was even more lively, with over a dozen banquet tables packed full, and mountain delicacies and sea fare arrived like a flowing stream.

Almost all of Tianzhou's military and political officials had gathered here.

Those rarely‑seen faces now wore Laughter, holding wine cups as they weaved through the Crowd, exchanging greetings and compliments.

People from the Five Great Families of Tianzhou made up the majority of the attendees.

At the highest seat in the main hall, three people sat.

On the left was Du Jianchuan; on the right sat a gaunt elder in a crimson brocade robe, his hair silver‑white yet spry, eyes half‑closed, a faint Laughter at the corner of his mouth, as if nothing could pique his interest, yet nothing escaped his gaze.

The elder was Prince Fu, a figure of extremely high rank in the Imperial Family, a grandfather‑generation to the current Emperor, enfeoffed many years ago in Zhenzhou not far from Tianzhou; he rarely appeared in public, and only officials like Du Jianchuan could hope to summon him.

Sitting in the middle was a eunuch dressed in a deep‑purple python robe.

The eunuch was not old, about forty, his complexion fair, his features bearing a hint of femininity.

He held a cup of tea, his gaze sweeping the main hall as if watching a play unrelated to him.

Two black‑clad attendants stood by his side, heads lowered, silent.

Du Jianchuan accompanied with Laughter, occasionally leaning over to say a few words to the purple‑robed eunuch.

He held a wine cup, his Tone respectful and warm, a stark contrast to his usual officious demeanor.

"Heavenly Envoy, you have traveled a long way, the journey must have been hard. Today's banquet may not be called lavish, but all are local specialties of Tianzhou; we hope the Heavenly Envoy will grace us with your presence,"

The eunuch smiled faintly, his voice carrying a distinctive sharpness.

"Governor Du, you are thoughtful. Our household is merely running an errand for the Emperor, unworthy of such elevation,"

He set down the tea cup, his gaze scanning the Crowd, as if casually asking,

"Governor Du, why is Commander Qiao absent? We heard his injury has almost fully recovered; this banquet was arranged for him. If he does not come, our errand will be hard to report,"

Du Jianchuan's eyes flicked, his Laughter unchanged, but his Tone added a note of difficulty.

"Heavenly Envoy may not know, Commander Qiao bears the heavy duty of defending the city; the subordinate has already sent word at once. Yet his military duties may delay his arrival. We hope the Heavenly Envoy will understand,"

The eunuch, hearing this, slightly furrowed his brow, his Fingers lightly tracing the rim of the tea cup, and said a half‑smile remark.

"Very well, we are merely idle; waiting a while is no trouble,"

Du Jianchuan hurriedly said he dared not, yet his face wore a Cold Smile, his mind already turning countless thoughts.

Since Qiao Zhenyu crushed Chi Tian Yi Lang, his reputation in Tianzhou's realm has instantly surged to a very high level.

Those officials who usually showed utmost respect now, upon seeing Qiao Zhenyu, seemed willing to bow their waists to the ground.

As for Du Jianchuan, the Governor who has overseen Tianzhou for many years, he appeared somewhat dimmed by this turmoil.

What unsettled him further was hearing that the Heavenly Envoy had come to, on behalf of the Emperor, confer upon Qiao Zhenyu the title of Four-Star General.

Four-Star General is an honor only officials of his rank can bestow; if Qiao Zhenyu truly receives this title, who rules in Tianzhou will be hard to determine.

Du Jianchuan calculated in his mind, glancing at Prince Fu seated on his right.

He had specially invited Prince Fu to sit, hoping to use the senior Imperial Family member's presence to curb Qiao Zhenyu's aura.

Although Prince Fu seldom involves himself in worldly affairs, his seniority stands, even the Emperor must address him as Uncle‑Lord, and his words carry weight in Kyoto.

Prince Fu seemed to sense his gaze, slightly lifting his eyelids, giving him a look, then closing them, still appearing indifferent.

People in the main hall were still waiting.

At that moment, a resonant voice came from outside the door: "Commander Qiao has arrived!"

【7】 All conversation in the main hall halted instantly.

All the conversation voices in the main hall stopped instantly.

Hands holding wine cups froze mid‑air, chewing motions stopped, and everyone's gaze swarmed toward the doorway.

The main gate swung open, and two figures entered one after the other.

The one leading was Qiao Zhenyu.

His complexion had improved greatly from previous days, cheeks rosy, stride steady, clad in a brand‑new dark‑red general's uniform.

But to everyone's surprise, Qiao Zhenyu's bearing was not like the protagonist's; he turned his body slightly, his footstep half a step slower than the person behind, glancing back now and then, like a guiding attendant.

Behind him followed Jiang Feng.

Jiang Feng had his hands in his pockets, his steps unhurried, as if strolling in his own courtyard.

His expression was calm, he casually chose a seat by the side, lifted the tea cup on the table and poured himself a drink.

The main hall was silent for three breaths.

The guests exchanged glances; Wu Tong and Lu Zhanlian met eyes, said nothing, yet both silently rose, gave a slight bow toward Jiang Feng's direction, and then sat down again.

Heavenly Envoy sat on the main seat, his gaze passing over the still‑dazed guests, landing on Qiao Zhenyu, then shifting to Jiang Feng seated in the corner.

His brow furrowed slightly, he turned to Du Jianchuan, his voice tinged with doubt.

"Governor Du, what is happening here? A distinguished Commander Qiao, yet he seems to act as someone's lapdog?"

Du Jianchuan felt a sudden thump in his heart, then a vague, indescribable secret joy rose.

He knew his chance to lodge a complaint had arrived.

He lowered his voice, feigning helplessness, and said,

"Heavenly Envoy may not know, that gentleman's surname is Jiang, said to be a highly cultivated master. Commander Qiao holds him in great esteem, even regarding himself as a junior. The subordinate has advised him several times, yet Commander Qiao persists, and I cannot say more…"

His words were neither light nor heavy, not a direct accusation, yet each hinted that Qiao Zhenyu, as an official of the court, bowed submissively to an unknown person, a breach of decorum.

After finishing, he added,

"However, Commander Qiao has just achieved a great feat, and his actions may be somewhat flamboyant. We hope the Heavenly Envoy will not take it to heart,"

But the Heavenly Envoy merely let out a cold snort.

"A distinguished Imperial general, yet he bows low before others, utterly treasonous!"

"General Qiao, do you know your crime?"