Chapter 194: Exile

The next day, early court was held at the Hall of Proclamation.

Chen Wenjin wore splendid court robes, strode into the court with head held high, his eyes showing a proud, self-satisfied air, and a hint of ruthlessness not easily noticed.

Li Xiangtian followed closely behind, and the two exchanged a glance, understanding each other implicitly.

Chen Wenjin stepped forward, holding up a memorial with both hands, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report!"

As soon as Chen Wenjin spoke, everyone's expressions varied; even Liu Ju on the Dragon Throne narrowed his eyes slightly.

It was obvious that everyone knew Chen Wenjin was up to something again.

Seeing Liu Ju nod, Chen Wenjin continued, "Your Majesty, although Huo Guang is imprisoned in the Imperial Prison, his crimes are heinous and his influence pernicious; without severe punishment, it is hard to appease the people's anger, and impossible to manifest Your Majesty's majesty and the justice of the law."

He spoke righteously, yet a faint smugness flickered on his face.

Li Xiangtian also stepped forward to echo, "Your Majesty, Huo Guang has formed a faction for personal gain, plotted rebellion, with solid evidence. Even now in the Imperial Prison he remains restless, secretly colluding with his followers, hoping to make a comeback. To preserve the stability of the Great Han's realm and court peace, I implore Your Majesty to order his execution at once, to eliminate future trouble."

While speaking, Li Xiangtian secretly observed Liu Ju's expression.

An uproar broke out in the court; officials whispered and debated.

Some of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian's followers nodded in agreement, loudly calling for Huo Guang's severe punishment;

While the upright officials felt deep sympathy for Huo Guang's plight and realized this was a plot by Chen Wenjin and his allies, they found it hard to rebut because the evidence was controlled by Chen Wenjin and his group.

At this moment, someone stood up anxiously and said, "Your Majesty, Huo Guang was personally promoted by you, and as a royal relative, his elder brother Huo Qubing held the title King of Xuanwei in the Great Han with great military achievements. Now, based solely on the evidence presented by a few officials like Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian, to hastily decide on execution—is this too rash? Please reconsider, Your Majesty."

Several other officials also stepped forward, urging Liu Ju to consider carefully.

It was clear that the Son of Heaven had not objected to Chen Wenjin and his allies, and showed some inclination to punish Huo Guang.

Seeing this, Chen Wenjin felt angry but forced composure, saying, "Your Majesty, the evidence against Huo Guang is overwhelming; these people are all his partisans, pleading for him is clearly an attempt to disrupt court order and obstruct Your Majesty's impartial governance."

Seeing someone speak for Huo Guang, Chen Wenjin naturally would not let it go, and moreover impeached that official.

Liu Ju sat upon the Dragon Throne, his expression calm, yet his eyes revealed depth.

He slowly took up the memorial presented by Chen Wenjin, examined it carefully; for a moment, everyone in the court held their breath, awaiting Liu Ju's verdict, and the whole court was filled with tense atmosphere.

And Huo Guang's fate hung by a thread at that moment.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded; Wei Zifu entered the court wearing a phoenix robe, her expression stern.

Princess Liu Sujun followed closely behind; her usual gentle face was now covered with frost.

Wei Zifu's gaze flashed like lightning as she swept over the court, finally resting on Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian, and she cried sternly, "How bold of you! Huo Guang devoted himself body and soul to the Great Han, risking his life and earning countless military merits; yet you now slander him thus and even plot to execute him—do you still have any regard for law, or for Your Majesty?"

Her voice echoed through the court, full of majesty, startling everyone present.

Princess Liu Sujun also stepped forward and rebuked righteously, "Chen Wenjin, Li Xiangtian, you two have formed a faction for personal gain, excluded dissenters in the court, and now you would strike at the loyal—you are simply destroying the foundation of the Great Han! What crime has Huo Guang committed? Who can guarantee that the so‑called evidence you submitted is not your own forgery?"

Princess Sujun's standing among the Great Han's populace and in the Son of Heaven's heart is known to all; now Liu Sujun's words carry weight, leaving Chen Wenjin and his allies somewhat flustered.

Chen Wenjin's face flushed and paled; he never expected Empress Wei and Princess Liu Sujun to appear suddenly and denounce him.

After a brief shock, he forced composure and said, "Empress, Princess, Huo Guang's guilt is provable; we subjects merely uphold court justice and Your Majesty's authority. Empress, Princess, do not let Huo Guang and his followers blind your eyes."

He tried to justify himself with high‑sounding reasons.

Li Xiangtian also hurriedly said, "Yes, Empress, Princess, Huo Guang's mind is meticulous, his methods ruthless; he has cultivated power in the court for years, harboring ill intent. If we do not remove him promptly, the realm of the Great Han will be in peril!"

Wei Zifu snorted coldly, "Honeyed words! You think you can brush this off? I will investigate thoroughly; if I find any involvement of yours, I will certainly not let you off lightly."

Princess Liu Sujun also gave them a cold stare, saying, "You had better pray that your conscience is clear; otherwise you will surely pay a heavy price for your deeds."

At this moment, Liu Ju sat upon the Dragon Throne, his face grave, brows furrowed.

His gaze swept over the faces of the officials below, then over the indignant Wei Zifu and Princess Liu Sujun, and over Chen Wenjin and his allies, who appeared righteous but were actually guilty, filling him with mixed feelings.

After long deliberation, Liu Ju spoke in a low voice that brooked no doubt: "Although evidence in the Huo Guang case is doubtful, many matters in the court are related to him. Considering his past service to the Great Han, I spare his life, exile him a thousand li, to serve as a warning."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court erupted.

Hearing this, Wei Zifu's face changed abruptly; she urged, "Emperor, Huo Guang is loyal and devoted—there must be some injustice—how can you decide so hastily?"

Princess Liu Sujun also looked anxious, knelt and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please reconsider; exiling Huo Guang may chill the hearts of loyal officials."

Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian secretly rejoiced, yet maintained an appearance of impartiality.

Chen Wenjin said, "Your Majesty is wise; this disposition shows your mercy and also reforms court mores."

Li Xiangtian bowed and said, "Indeed, Your Majesty's move is truly for the sake of the Great Han's realm."

Although the upright officials were unwilling, they could only sigh silently, for Liu Ju's decision had been made and they feared the power of Chen Wenjin's faction.

Some officials wanted to speak but held back, ultimately choosing silence.

They knew the young Son of Heaven keeps his word.

Moreover, given the current state of the court, it was clearly not the time for them to speak.

Liu Ju observed the court's reactions, waved his hand, and said, "The matter is settled; no further discussion is needed."

Having said that, he rose and left, leaving everyone in the court staring at one another.