Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 434 - 409: Final Verdict!

Chapter 434: Chapter 409: Final Verdict!

Hearing the words "not guilty," Zhang San’s eyebrows shot up in joy, but he quickly restrained his smile.

Because Zhang San knew that it couldn’t possibly end so simply.

Emperor Kaihuang would certainly have more to say.

But at this moment, the people from the Zheng Family outside fainted one after another upon hearing this statement.

Wen Chudao, who had been confident that Zhang San was doomed this time, also turned pale.

Shen Wei breathed a sigh of relief.

Luckily it’s not guilty, because if it was, the Pharaoh might not be able to settle with Emperor Kaihuang, but could he not settle with me then?

Shen Erxian also felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief.

My son’s backing is secured now.

Actually, I don’t really need to be the Magistrate of Metropolitan prefecture; relying on my son, I should be able to live a well-fed life in the future.

Why else do we raise sons, if not to honor us and look after our interests?

Though some were joyful and others sorrowful, everyone knew that Zhang San’s case, now that Emperor Kaihuang had made a decision, was completely settled.

Just then, Emperor Kaihuang continued, "Although you are not guilty, you indeed have suspicions of colluding with the Heavenly Punishment Sect. Do you admit it?"

Zhang San nodded repeatedly, what’s there to fear from mere suspicion? After all, I was an undercover agent sent by the Town Martial Office!

This couldn’t be said in front of everyone, but Chief Li would definitely discuss it with Emperor Kaihuang.

"We cannot convict someone just because there is suspicion!"

Emperor Kaihuang said this, looking toward Shen Wei.

Shen Wei shamefully lowered his head.

"But we also cannot relax our vigilance against danger without concrete evidence."

As he said this, Emperor Kaihuang glanced at Zhang San.

Zhang San nodded frantically with a serious expression.

Emperor Kaihuang didn’t know whether Zhang San had understood his warning, judging from the look, he hadn’t.

"Therefore, Zhang San is innocent and need not be punished. However, as the suspicions remain, this matter needs to be handled carefully!"

Emperor Kaihuang said this as he swept his gaze through the crowd, his eyes landing on the Vermilion Bird.

"Vermilion Bird, take over the investigation into this matter involving Zhang San. I know you and he seem to have a grudge, but you are also the fairest. I am at ease having you handle this."

Vermilion Bird immediately stood up to accept the command.

Emperor Kaihuang looked at Zhang San again and said, "Since this needs to be dealt with cautiously, first you are to serve in the Northern Army, starting as a common soldier. Are you willing?"

Zhang San nodded with a smile, "The person I listen to most is you, Emperor Kaihuang. Wherever you send me, I will go! Whatever you ask me to do, I will do! I heard that you once promised to preserve the Imperial Family of the Yang Clan with magnificent riches and a Duke’s title. Is that true?"

Emperor Kaihuang was taken aback.

He had indeed said those words before.

But at that time, wasn’t this young man still a fugitive? How did he come to know of it.

Generally, people would forget such matters as would Emperor Kaihuang himself, and they wouldn’t dare to bring it up.

But Zhang San dared to mention it.

Originally, Emperor Kaihuang had already discussed with Li Moxian how to deal with Zhang San’s case afterward, but now Zhang San had brought up something Emperor Kaihuang had once promised.

Having been granted a noble title as a reward seemed rather like commending Zhang San, which naturally wasn’t suitable.

However, to deny it himself would damage the Emperor’s majesty, which was even less desirable.

Emperor Kaihuang’s eyes shifted slightly as he smiled and said, "Zhang San has been meritorious towards me and the Yang Imperial Clan. If merits go unrewarded, it would certainly dishearten the loyal ministers."

Upon hearing this, many people present were very displeased.

Especially the Crown Prince who, having learned to be astute, knew when not to speak personally, but rather to wait and covertly signal for someone else to step forward.

Yet, now that Emperor Kaihuang had spoken in such terms, who dared to object?

Zhang San’s lips couldn’t help but curl up slightly.

"But considering that both I and the Yang Imperial Clan are involved, and ultimately this matter is a private affair of the Imperial Family, it seems inappropriate to use state power for rewards. How about this, Zhang San, I will use funds from the Imperial Treasury to reward you, how’s that?"

Zhang San knew, when Emperor Kaihuang mentioned using the Imperial Treasury, it meant using the Imperial Family’s own resources, which certainly dashed any hopes of being granted a noble title.

But after all, he still had the suspicion of being a Saint Heir of the Heavenly Punishment Sect, so not being made a noble was normal.

If he were made a noble, and later his identity as the Saint Heir of the Heavenly Punishment Sect was confirmed, then Emperor Kaihuang might indeed have to send assassins to chase him to the ends of the earth.

Just as Zhang San was about to accept, he suddenly noticed Li Moxian continuously scratching at the hem of his own garment with his right hand, deliberately making a hole to draw his attention.

The gesture was exaggerated, clearly meant to catch his notice.

Although Li Moxian was not looking at Zhang San, in that instant, Zhang San understood the hint.

He then thought of the rumors about Emperor Kaihuang and Empress Gulu, even including the last time he had seen Empress Gudu.

Empress Gudu, being the Empress of Greater Sui, did not wear lavish clothing, and the most notable accessory she wore was a golden hairpin.

At that moment, Zhang San understood that if he really accepted the reward from the Emperor’s private treasury, given Emperor Kaihuang’s frugal nature, how could his treasury have anything of value?

It was just for show, after all.

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Emperor. But as a minister, it is my duty to protect you, the Imperial Family, and Greater Sui!"

"Moreover, now that Empress Gudu has adopted me as her son and you, Emperor Kaihuang, are my fellow disciple, truly like an elder brother to me, it would be highly improper for me to accept money,"

Emperor Kaihuang was indeed surprised that Zhang San would show such understanding.

Luckily, he had indeed not planned to give away anything valuable.

It was at that moment that Zhang San shifted his tone and glanced at the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince suddenly felt a chill up his spine, sensing a looming crisis.

"However, even though the Crown Prince is a royal, after all, we too are like brothers. I believe the Crown Prince certainly prioritizes filial piety and brotherliness. I’ll just go to the Eastern Palace later and pick up a small token as a symbolic gesture of Imperial generosity,"

"In this way, it will not only highlight the Imperial grace but also display the Crown Prince’s filial piety and generosity in sharing responsibilities with you, Emperor. What do you think?"

Emperor Kaihuang thought it over carefully and indeed found it to make sense.

After all, the money in the treasury was not abundant.

But if it was the Crown Prince who gave Zhang San a monetary reward, any amount would do.

What’s more, this could also serve as a chance to enhance the Crown Prince’s reputation.

Although there had been conflicts between the two before, now that things were settled, Zhang San seemed very sensible, knowing how to give the Crown Prince an opportunity to stand down gracefully.

At this moment, Emperor Kaihuang looked at Zhang San, then at the Crown Prince, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

Especially seeing the Crown Prince with his head lowered in a very "humble" manner, Emperor Kaihuang felt even more gratified.

Little did he know, it wasn’t that the Crown Prince wouldn’t raise his head; the Crown Prince was worried that upon seeing Zhang San’s face, he might lose control and let foul language spew forth!