Chapter 1175: Chapter 1011: Clues

How can this not anger the Emperor? What was supposed to be an easy victory turned into a humiliating defeat.

Why was the army ambushed on its way to the border? Surely, someone in the court had leaked the information.

At the time of the discussion, aside from the Six Ministries’ Chief of Staff and the Chief Minister, there were also two officials from the Hanlin Academy drafting decrees.

There aren’t many people to investigate for being a court spy. As for why Xue Haozhen and his son were implicated, and why Xue Haozhen didn’t present the so-called evidence to the Holy Emperor, it remains unknown.

The historical records do not have detailed accounts, and Gu Chengyu found only a few fragmented words in miscellaneous books. However, these were mere wild guesses and not reliable.

Some said the Xue Family was too prominent, subtly suggesting the ruler’s fear. Others said Xue Haozhen blocked another official’s path, aiming to bring him down to ascend himself.

The person who succeeded Xue Haozhen was indeed Teacher Liang Zhirui, so that book suggested as much.

Gu Chengyu read many historical accounts about the Xue Family’s extermination case, mostly unofficial histories with various reasons and opinions.

However, now in Gu Chengyu’s hand is a letter whose content is related to that battle. It even included a clever plan on how Dayan’s soldiers were ambushed on the road, as suggested in the letter.

It also pointed out the best location for the ambush, with an attached map. At a glance, Gu Chengyu noticed the map indicated a dangerous area.

This place was on the unavoidable path of Zhou Bozhong’s army, with steep peaks on both sides of the valley, and a large river blocking the front. If one were to cross this path, they would need to take a detour.

Zhou Bozhong faced an ambush, with enemies on three sides and a river ahead. Losing only twenty thousand soldiers was already a testament to Zhou Bozhong’s capabilities.

The content of this letter largely matched what he saw in historical records. Gu Chengyu carefully examined the handwriting, his brows tightly furrowed.

He recognized his teacher’s handwriting, and indeed, the handwriting was his teacher’s. The final signature and private seal left nothing to question, yet Gu Chengyu saw a clue in it.

According to Xue Haozhen in another letter, he intercepted this letter through various means, so it should not have been sent out. Xue Haozhen couldn’t have rewritten the letter and then handed it to Da Xing.

So why did the events unfold exactly as stated in the letter? Could it be that the letter was sent out after all? This is a significant doubt!

And why didn’t Xue Haozhen promptly present this letter to the Emperor? This letter could have saved many soldiers’ lives, should it not have been immediately presented to the Emperor?

Even if the Emperor was already prepared to act against the Xue Family, Xue Haozhen should have presented it as a life-saving measure for the Xue Family and to prove their innocence.

Gu Chengyu closed his eyes slightly, pondering for a long time, and thought of two possibilities.

First, Xue Haozhen believed that regardless of whether the letter was handed over, the Emperor wouldn’t change his punishment of the Xue Family.

Second, someone was secretly monitoring him, and he couldn’t even see the Emperor’s face.

If it were the first possibility, it would indeed be intriguing. But if it were the second, Gu Chengyu also found it unlikely.

It was rumored that on the day the Xue Family was ransacked and exterminated, Xue Haozhen took sick leave due to ill health and didn’t attend court.

That day, Xue Haozhen’s son Xue Shiqian was still serving in the Hanlin Academy and was arrested there on the same day.

Could it be that things were really this coincidental? Why didn’t Xue Haozhen attend court that day, was he truly ill?

Gu Chengyu looked at the letters and list on the table, wondering if Xue Haozhen had anticipated the Xue Family’s fate, surely he would have had a backup plan.

How could the backup plan consist only of these letters and a list? Gu Chengyu looked at the list on the table and suddenly smiled.

Liu Su’er noticed that Gu Chengyu’s expression was originally solemn but then suddenly relaxed and even laughed lightly, as if he no longer cared about the evidence. She was filled with doubt.

Gu Chengyu gathered all the evidence on the table and unexpectedly tucked them into his sleeve.

If so, these pieces of evidence must not be handed over to others by Liu Su’er.

Mrs. Tan and Uncle Qin stepped forward, pulling Liu Su’er over, seemingly to protect her behind them.

Gu Chengyu saw Mrs. Tan and the others on guard like facing an enemy, but he remained unconcerned. Then he smiled, but said nothing.

"Mr. Gu, after reading it, what are your thoughts?" Although Liu Su’er appreciated Mrs. Tan’s kindness, she was unwilling to back down.

"Thoughts?" Gu Chengyu turned his head, pondering for a moment.

"Sometimes, what you see isn’t necessarily the truth!" He leisurely walked to the table, sat down, and took the teacup, drinking the now-cold tea in one gulp.

"Are you suggesting that my grandfather’s evidence isn’t true? Could it be that my grandfather wronged these people? Moreover, there is corroboration, it’s not just empty words!"

Hearing Gu Chengyu deny her grandfather’s gathered evidence, Liu Su’er felt angry.

Furthermore, Gu Chengyu had just hidden the evidence, and now he spoke like this, does he really plan to destroy the evidence?

In her view, Gu Chengyu was simply unwilling to admit it! But does Gu Chengyu think she didn’t prepare a backup plan? Would she really be so foolish?

Gu Chengyu laughed lightly, "Miss, don’t get excited. Leave this evidence to me for safekeeping. You haven’t approached other officials about this matter, have you? Otherwise, it’s uncertain if you would still be here, not to mention overturning the case for the Xue Family."

Liu Su’er was shaken. She wasn’t dull and could think through the matter if given time.

If she approached other officials in the Capital with the evidence, it’s uncertain if they would support her. They might even confiscate the evidence, as who knows if the officials she approached were secretly in cahoots with Da Xing?

Moreover, even if the official didn’t want to get involved and returned the evidence to her, it still wouldn’t guarantee that they wouldn’t leak information.

By then, how could she, a weak woman without any foundation, resist those wolves and tigers?

Thinking of this, Liu Su’er couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat.

According to Gu Chengyu’s implication, he probably wouldn’t kill her. However, if this matter were to end here, she would be very reluctant.

"Mr. Gu, please don’t exaggerate. I have some heartfelt words to say, and I hope you will listen."

Gu Chengyu raised his eyebrows and nodded in agreement.

"Just as I believe in my grandfather, you surely believe in your teacher. Mrs. Tan had lived in the Capital for over twenty years and naturally heard of Mr. Liang’s deeds. At the time, no one in the court didn’t speak of Mr. Liang as an upright man with integrity, unwilling to associate with corrupt officials. How could such an official, who cared deeply for the people and the country, do something so damaging to his reputation?"

Liu Su’er looked directly at Gu Chengyu, her eyes filled with unwavering determination and conviction.

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