Chapter 8: One must have evidence when speaking and acting

Let this palace admit guilt?

Liuju stood in the center of the great hall with a cold smile, looking down on the Han officials, marquises, generals, and all civil and military officers who harbored thoughts.

He then said with amusement: "I suppose that in recent days, whether you have read the newspapers or learned through other channels, you all have come to know some news that makes you sad and angry, especially concerning this palace."

As soon as he spoke, a buzz of whispered conversation immediately rose in the hall.

"The Crown Prince Liuju is still shameless and unrepentant at this moment."

"You wretch, the utmost in shamelessness!"

"How dare he—does he not fear provoking public anger?"

Led by Tiansheng and Nikuan, the officials all expressed contempt.

Meanwhile, the others showed expressions of surprise, suspicion, or worry, their gazes darting back and forth between Liuju and the surrounding colleagues.

Weizifu stood to the side, silently watching Liuju.

The worry in her eyes gradually faded at this moment as she recalled Liuju, when he was still a child, calling her "Mother" and acting coquettish by her side;

she recalled how not long ago he had protected her thoroughly, heroic and vigorous;

she recalled how, twenty years ago, just as full of vigor, on this treacherous court, he alone faced the ministers, commanded the Han, expelled the barbarians, and made the Han dynasty's prestige resound throughout the world—Liuche!

At this moment, Weizifu, eyes brimming with tears, held both memories of Liuche and earnest hopes for Liuju.

Huoqubing also stood upright at one side, the corner of his mouth slightly lifting, revealing a faint smile.

Images of growing up together with Liuju flashed in his mind; back then Liuju was kind and gentle, and he often worried that Liuju's excessive kindness would cause him to suffer in this complex palace and court.

But now, the Liuju before him made him look anew.

Liuju's composed manner of speaking and the faint aura of authority he exuded convinced Huoqubing that he already possessed the ability to become an emperor of an age.

Liuju took in everyone's reactions, naturally disdainful of confronting them one by one; instead he leisurely sat on the steps of the hall and spoke loudly:

"Someone, bring Attendant Suwen."

The hall grew noisy again, with some condemning Liuju's conduct as improper and without propriety, and others wondering why he was bringing Suwen to the hall at this time.

Before long, footsteps sounded from outside the hall; Zhangtang arrived, leading a Feathered Forest Guard, escorting the listless Suwen.

Suwen was no longer the arrogant bully he once was; upon seeing Liuju, Huoqubing, and Weizifu, his expression changed drastically.

Upon entering the hall he immediately crawled forward on his knees, wailing: "Empress, Crown Prince, I am guilty; my crimes deserve ten thousand deaths!"

Upon hearing this, the officials' faces changed; Tiansheng frowned tightly, and Nikuan was utterly shaken, his whole body trembling.

Liuju said in a deep voice: "Suwen, what crime have you committed?"

Suwen collapsed in terror, tears and snot streaming, stammering:

"I… I had my heart lard‑blinded by the King of Qi and Liu Qurou, who tempted me with promises of wealth and honor, making me spread false rumors in the palace to frame the Empress and the Crown Prince."

"Furthermore… I colluded with them to block the news of the late emperor's demise, keeping the mourning secret, intending to rebel."

"I know my sins are unforgivable; I only beg the Empress and the Crown Prince to spare my life."

Having said that, he kowtowed repeatedly, his forehead striking the floor until it left a bloody mark.

As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar rose throughout the court.

The officials stared at each other, their eyes filled with shock and anger.

The Chancellor Shi Qingyi, who had been passive and dared not speak until now, flared with indignation and rebuked:

"Suwen, you treacherous villain, how dare you commit such a grave treason—do you think you can justify the Emperor's trust?"

The other ministers shook their heads and sighed, feeling deep sorrow and anxiety over such a conspiracy occurring in the palace.

Nikuan's face turned deathly pale; he silently thought, "Not good," having believed their plan was flawless, never expecting that the crucial figure Suwen would be caught and would confess their plot.

He forced himself to stay calm, trying to speak: "Suwen, don't slander people with one‑sided words—do you not know that the crime of false accusation is punishable by death?"

Tiansheng wanted to speak out in reproach, but soon fell silent, his eyes flickering—the King of Qi and Liu Qurou were actually so careless as to overlook such a crucial figure.

Other officials colluding with the King of Qi also began to echo Nikuan.

Liuju naturally sensed their reactions, smirked inwardly, and then ordered: "Summon the Editor‑in‑Chief of Han Media, Sima Qian, for an audience."

"Han Media?"

"Sima Qian?"

Everyone present knew the great name of Han Media; the name Sima Qian also appeared for the first time on the Han court.

Sima Qian, who had long been waiting outside the hall, strode in briskly, upright and full of vigor.

Huoqubing could not help but praise: "What an elegant gentleman, bearing the demeanor of ancient sages."

Weizifu also nodded, speaking gently: "Although I have long dwelt in the deep palace, I too know the great name of Han Media; I never expected the editor to be so young—truly he has great potential!"

Sima Qian wore a plain‑colored long robe, stepping forward steadily, his steps light yet firm, carrying an innate confidence and composure.

His eyes were bright and profound; as he swept his gaze over the court officials, a hint of wisdom and serenity showed, and every gesture displayed the bearing and spirit of a cultured gentleman.

"Editor‑in‑Chief of Han Media, commoner Sima Qian, pays respects to the Crown Prince, the Empress, the Champion Marquis, and all officials."

Sima Qian's voice was clear and full of breath, reverberating in the hall and causing a slight echo.

Liuju nodded slightly, his expression solemn, and said:

"Sima Qian, I summoned you today so that you may truthfully inform the officials about the affairs of Han Media."

Sima Qian respectfully answered, then straightened his back, faced the crowd, and spoke calmly:

"Thanks to the Crown Prince's trust, the Han Media that I manage, publishing the Chang'an Morning Post, has always adhered to fairness and objectivity, delivering news from all quarters to the people of the Han."

"Now the King of Qi's treacherous intent is plain for all to see; I, as a commoner, must certainly seek an explanation for this on behalf of the world."

"What? Sima Qian actually belongs to the Crown Prince?"

"The true owner of Han Media is actually the Crown Prince?"

"The Crown Prince hides his hand very deeply!"

Everyone was shocked and turned pale.

Tian Sheng and Ni Kuan's faces turned pale, they exchanged glances, and Ni Kuan shouted, "Sima Qian, the matter of the Crown Prince's rebellion was exposed by your Great Han Media."

Now you actually go back on your word, confuse right and wrong, and disgrace His Highness King Qi—could it be that you've taken some benefit from the Crown Prince and are trying to whitewash his crime?

On this imperial court, how can we allow a petty person like you to act recklessly?

Tian Sheng also chimed in: "Exactly! That newspaper originally wrote it clearly enough; now you bring out these so-called evidences—who knows if they're forged?"

You, a mere commoner, dare to play tricks on this imperial court, deceiving the assembled officials—do you still have any law in your eyes, any respect for the late emperor's spirit?

Sima Qian's face remained calm as water; facing their reproach, he merely gave a faint cold smile, then spoke slowly: "Lord Ni, Lord Tian, don't get worked up and randomly pin charges here."

Our Great Han Media has always based its reports on facts, faithfully reporting events under heaven.

That earlier false report about the Crown Prince was secretly orchestrated by King Qi and Liu Qu... etc., who coerced and enticed us to publish it, hoping to slander the Crown Prince through public opinion and create chaos.

Sima Qian said, producing the newspaper, pointing to the signatures of King Qi and Liu Qu... on it: "The signatures serve as proof; even this proclamation was personally drafted by them."

As for the writing fee, I have already handed it over to the state treasury per the Crown Prince's order to show impartiality.

The Crown Prince himself is inherently fair and selfless, pure and spotless—where does this talk of going back on one's word come from?

But you two lords, so eager to clear King Qi's name, not hesitating to hurl abusive words at me, a petty commoner, in this court—could there be something guilty in your hearts?

Sima Qian's words were sharp and composed; he fixed his gaze steadily on Ni Kuan and Tian Sheng, showing no fear.

He exuded a righteous, awe-inspiring aura for fighting justice, causing the surrounding officials to look at him anew.

Ni Kuan, hearing Sima Qian's words, his face grew ever uglier, fine sweat beading on his forehead; he suppressed his inner panic and shouted a rebuttal:

You yellow-mouthed brat, don't spout nonsense here! What evidence do you have proving His Highness King Qi has committed such deeds?

I see you are clearly acting under others' orders, spouting nonsense here, trying to confuse the senses!

Sima Qian declared solemnly: "Our Great Han Media, after thorough investigation, has gathered evidence that King Qi and Liu Hongzhong colluded with Liu Qu... and others, deliberately fabricating various rumors and misdeeds about the Crown Prince."

They spread rumors through various channels, aiming to frame the Crown Prince and thereby seize the throne.

Their intentions deserve death, their actions are shameful!

Immediately he looked around and continued: "By order of the Emperor, Great Han Media will from today publish the Chang'an Evening Post, exposing King Qi's misdeeds."

You officials are fortunate to witness the debut issue; today counts as a blessing for your eyes.

After Sima Qian finished speaking, he ordered his attendants to distribute the freshly printed Chang'an Evening Post.