Chapter 189: Strict Investigation of Huo Guang

Liu Ju returned to the throne, gazing down at Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian, who continued to harangue and impeach Huo Guang, his expression calm and unruffled.

He lightly raised his hand, his long fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of the throne.

"Convey my edict."

Liu Ju spoke, his voice calm and steady: "Immediately order Zhang Tang to lead the Feather Forest Guard to Huo Guang's residence in Hangzhou for a strict investigation. The search must be meticulous, leaving no corner or document unexamined. Any item related to Sang Hongyang—whether a fragment of a letter, an obscure secret order, or any other suspicious object—must be swiftly presented before me."

He laid out the task, his tone resolute.

Liu Ju then rose, stepping toward the hall's doors with steady, firm strides, composed and unhurried.

He stood at the gate, his gaze sweeping past the layered palace walls toward the vast expanse beyond, as if all the mountains and rivers of ten thousand miles lay under his oversight.

After a brief pause, Liu Ju said calmly: "If Huo Guang truly colluded with the traitor Sang Hongyang and committed such betrayal of the court and harm to the state's interests, I will show no mercy; I will punish him according to Han law with the harshest penalty, to warn the world and let everyone know the fate of treason."

As his words fell, Liu Ju slowly turned, his gaze sweeping over Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian. Though his look seemed calm, it was like an invisible blade piercing deep into their hearts.

Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian felt their hearts jolt under that stare; Chen Wenjin's forehead instantly beaded with fine sweat, and Li Xiangtian's legs trembled involuntarily.

Yet, knowing they could show no flaw, they hurriedly knelt, forcing composure as they replied: "Your Majesty is wise; we will surely follow your edict faithfully."

Liu Ju gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering on them a moment before he turned and left.

In Huo Guang's residence in Hangzhou, he was buried in documents, attentively handling the mountain of official business.

His brow furrowed; at times he seized his brush to write swiftly, at times he lowered his head in thought, fully devoted to planning the Han dynasty's southern affairs.

The lamp stretched his shadow long across the room; the interior was silent save for the soft scrape of the brush on bamboo slips.

Suddenly, a hurried, heavy tread shattered the stillness.

Huo Guang instinctively lifted his head, but before he could react, Zhang Tang had already led the Feather Forest Guard striding in.

Huo Guang's face filled with shock; his brush slipped from his hand with a "pat" and ink splattered across the open documents.

He sprang to his feet, eyes wide, unable to believe what he saw, and blurted: "Sir Zhang, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhang Tang lowered his head slightly, a flicker of reluctance and sigh crossing his eyes; his lips trembled as if he wanted to speak, yet an unspeakable helplessness choked his throat.

In the end, he steeled himself, his voice low yet firm: "Huo Guang, the emperor has issued an edict ordering me to arrest you at once."

Upon hearing this, Huo Guang's body shuddered as if struck by lightning, swaying and nearly losing his footing.

His gaze instantly dimmed.

"It must be Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian, yet I have devoted myself wholly to the Han, never harboring a second thought—Your Majesty, why...?"

Huo Guang muttered to himself, his voice full of resentment and confusion.

At that moment, the old servant beside him could not help but shout: "This emperor is foolish and corrupt, favoring villains, and has wrongfully accused my master!"

Zhang Tang's face darkened as he shouted sternly: "Impudent wretch, cease your nonsense! The emperor is wise; his actions have their reasons—how could he allow a petty villain like you to slander him?"

Huo Guang also hurriedly called out to the servant: "Step back! Do not add to the chaos."

He understood clearly that the emperor had sent Zhang Tang out of consideration for old ties, giving him ample face and care.

Despite this sudden turn, Huo Guang gazed toward Chang'an, his eyes still full of loyalty, and said softly: "Sir Zhang, I know you are merely following orders. I, Huo Guang, have a clear conscience; I only hope the emperor can uncover the truth."

Zhang Tang gave a slight nod, his feelings mixed, he waved his hand; the Feather Forest Guard stepped forward and gently escorted Huo Guang away.

The residence fell silent, save for the documents stained with ink, as if they were recounting what had just transpired.

In the flower hall of the Chancellor's manor, a space newly built after Chen Wenjin's appointment as chancellor for leisure and display, filled with rare treasures from all over.

Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian were seated with their followers, discussing the many matters of the great southern development.

Meanwhile, on the lower hall, singers and dancers performed gracefully.

Suddenly, a close aide rushed in, face bright with excitement, shouting:

"Gentlemen, great news! Huo Guang has been arrested by Zhang Tang leading the Feather Forest Guard!"

Chen Wenjin had been sipping his tea leisurely; upon hearing this, his cup stalled in his hand, then his face split into a broad grin brimming with delight and exhilaration.

He slammed the teacup down on the table with a "pa" and burst into loud laughter:

"Excellent! Splendid! Huo Guang has finally fallen; from now on, no one in court will be able to ruin our plans."

Li Xiangtian's eyes also lit up instantly, but he soon furrowed his brow, worriedly saying: "Chancellor Chen, although Huo Guang has been seized, I still fear something might go wrong. After all, this matter is of great importance—what if..."

Chen Wenjin waved his hand dismissively: "You're just too timid! Since the emperor sent the upright and inflexible Zhang Tang, he must already have believed the evidence we submitted; Huo Guang's death sentence is unavoidable. Zhang Tang's handling of affairs is famously impartial—once he decides, there is no turning back."

The crowd nodded in agreement with Chen Wenjin's words, and flattering voices rose and fell throughout the flower hall.

"Chancellor Chen is wise; this move has eradicated a grave internal threat. Henceforth, the great southern development will depend entirely on you and Lord Li to direct, and it will surely proceed smoothly."

"Yes, yes; from now on, Chancellor Chen and Lord Li will be the undisputed authorities in court."

Chen Wenjin listened to these praises, his smile growing brighter; he rose, hands clasped behind his back, pacing the hall with the air of a master strategist.

"Hmph, this Huo Guang overestimated himself, daring to oppose us. Now that he's fallen, who in court would dare to challenge us?"

Li Xiangtian also rose, smiling broadly, and said: "Chancellor Chen, to celebrate removing Huo Guang, this stumbling block, and to pray for the smooth progress of the great southern development, we ought to hold a proper celebration."

Chen Wenjin waved his hand: "Of course! Someone, set out the feast—today we shall not return until drunk!"

The crowd cheered and leapt forward, toasting Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian; the flower hall rang with noise, laughter and flattery intertwining, displaying their arrogant triumph.