Chapter 684

A figure flashed rapidly through Li Tai's mind.

It shocked him into a start.

Could it be the Daoist who came to the mansion to pass a message yesterday?

Why did he want to publicize Zhangsun Wuji's crimes?

Could this also be his uncle's scheme?

Li Tai didn't know for a moment whether he should expose that Daoist? He knew too many secrets!

"Father, this son also doesn't know when I lost that golden token. This son absolutely could not have let people frame my uncle!" Li Er believed Li Tai's words.

At least for now, there was no conflict between Li Tai and Zhangsun Wuji.

There was no reason to do this.

He could only control the rumors first, not let the situation continue to develop, and then investigate slowly.

"Chai Shao, immediately go and collect all these leaflets on the streets. It is strictly forbidden for the common people to spread rumors at will!"

"Obey the decree!"

Chai Shao left.

But this matter was not over.

Another official stood out.

"Emperor, the leaflets listed many of Zhangsun Wuji's crimes; these accusations are particularly easy to incite the common people. We must quickly find a way to refute the rumors." Li Er smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Refute the rumors?

Can they be refuted?

Saying Zhangsun Wuji colluded with pirates, that would be fine. This kind of thing had nothing to do with the common people, so they would just watch the excitement.

But there was another fatal crime—manipulating the imperial examination!

Great Tang had a precedent for this, and it was the one most likely to provoke the common people's anger.

The difficulty of refuting the rumors was extremely high!

"Du Ruhui, this list of crimes says Zhangsun Wuji manipulated the imperial examination. You explain, where did this crime come from?"

Li Tai stood below, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

How to manipulate the imperial examination was something that Daoist had just taught him yesterday.

He hadn't even had time to implement it.

Could it be that he told him this method purely to tease him?

Du Ruhui stepped out to report.

"Emperor, Lord Zhangsun is currently away on official business and is not in Jin Ling. My questions have also just been drafted, and the imperial examination hasn't even begun yet."

"Accusing Lord Zhangsun of manipulating the imperial examination is truly absurd!"

Li Er secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It was good that it didn't exist.

He was truly afraid now that another incident of manipulating the imperial examination would occur.

If that happened, the Great Tang imperial examination would forever become a laughingstock, and there would never be a day to clear its name.

"Since there is no such thing, it proves that this person is talking nonsense and spreading malicious rumors!"

"In that case, the next item, accusing Zhangsun Wuji of secretly sending assassins to assassinate Ke'er, is also groundless?"

No one could answer Li Er's question.

In the great hall, only Li Tai knew that this matter was not groundless.

They had truly sent assassins, preparing to assassinate the Prince of Wu, Li Ke, within Great Qin territory.

It was just that it wasn't on his way to Chang'an, but on his way back from Chang'an.

Calculating, there was still some time.

Now that this matter was exposed, they couldn't take action anymore.

Otherwise, once Li Ke died, everyone would first suspect Zhangsun Wuji!

Li Er grabbed the list of crimes in his hand and tore it into pieces in a few strokes.

He threw it fiercely on the ground.

"Who is this Daoist? Why would he slander and frame Wuji like this?"

Du Ruhui reported.

"Emperor, please immediately issue an order to blockade the entire city and search for the Daoist who spread the rumors. When the time comes, under torture, I'm not afraid of not finding out the truth!"

Du Ruhui usually didn't get angry, but once he did, he was very imposing.

It made people feel goosebumps all over.

Li Tai was somewhat panicked at this moment.

That Daoist knew so many of his secrets. If he were captured, it would be very easy to shake out all the unspeakable things he had done.

This person could not be captured!

Li Tai said anxiously.

"Father, so much time has passed; I'm afraid that Daoist has already escaped from Jin Ling city, right?"

It would have been better not to say anything.

Saying this made Li Er so angry that smoke came out of his seven orifices.

This person spread rumors, causing great damage to the prestige of the Great Tang imperial court. After finishing, he just wanted to pat his butt and leave?

He couldn't let him run away like this!

"Someone, immediately blockade the city and search the entire city for this Daoist who spread rumors!"

"I want to see who he is!"