Who put the yellow robe on me?

Seeing the two arguing fiercely, Emperor Liang's expression became increasingly gloomy. His gaze shifted back and forth between the Ninth Prince Jiang Yu and the Sixteenth Prince Jiang Chen, and he was secretly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

The Ninth Prince Jiang Yu spoke sharply, and every word directly pointed out the relationship between Jiang Chen and the generals in the Western Regions. However, the Sixteenth Prince Jiang Chen looked calm, with a sharp gaze, and did not give in.

Emperor Liang felt a little uneasy. He knew very well that Jiang Chen was fighting in the Western Regions and that he did have many Western Regions generals under his command. However, he was not completely sure whether these people were truly loyal.

Although the Ninth Prince's words were somewhat aggressive, they were not without reason. The relationship between the Western Regions and Daliang has always been complicated. If these generals had ill intentions, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Prime Minister He," Emperor Liang finally spoke, his voice low and authoritative, "what do you think?"

Prime Minister He bowed slightly with a respectful look, but there was an elusive light in his eyes.

He slowly raised his head, his eyes sweeping between Jiang Chen and Jiang Yu, and then he spoke, "Your Majesty, I do not believe that the Sixteenth Prince would have any connection with the Western Regions. After all, the Sixteenth Prince and the General have already captured all the major cities in the Western Regions. Their achievements are outstanding and their loyalty is evident."

Jiang Chen felt a little relieved when he heard this, but then he felt a little uneasy. Although Prime Minister He's words were apparently defending him, there was a hint of reservation in his tone.

He keenly noticed that there seemed to be a second half to Prime Minister He's words.

As expected, Prime Minister He changed the subject and his tone became serious. "However, Your Majesty, what the Ninth Prince said is not without reason. We in Daliang are full of talented people. We have generals of the older generation, such as the General and Minister Su, and younger generations, such as the two sons of the Zhong family. Regardless of whether the generals of the Western Regions are truly loyal to Daliang or not, we must expend our energy to govern them. Any negligence could lead to disaster."

Jiang Chen's heart sank, and he thought to himself that this was not good. Although Prime Minister He's words seemed neutral, they were actually pointing the finger at him.

If Emperor Liang had followed Prime Minister He's advice, his two Western Region generals would likely have been imprisoned. This would not only damage his prestige, but also make it difficult for him to gain the trust of the people.

"Father!" Jiang Chen spoke hastily, his voice tinged with urgency. "The two Western Region generals under my command are my former subordinates from my time fighting in the Western Regions. They are loyal and have made great contributions to Daliang. They have no ulterior motives! Now that my ninth brother is trying to sow discord, I am willing to serve as a guarantor to prove my innocence!"

Emperor Liang frowned slightly, his gaze lingering on Jiang Chen's face for a moment, as if weighing his words. However, before Emperor Liang could speak, Ninth Prince Jiang Yu sneered, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Sixteenth Brother, you claim they are loyal, but who can guarantee they don't have ulterior motives? After all, the relationship between the Western Regions and Daliang has always been complicated. Who can guarantee they won't secretly collude?"

Jiang Chen's heart trembled, knowing that the Ninth Prince was deliberately trying to sow discord. He took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and said firmly, "Ninth Brother, if you have evidence, why not bring it out directly? If not, please stop making insinuations and trying to sow discord here!"

Ninth Prince Jiang Yu's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He snorted coldly and muttered, "Who knows if the Western Regions generals in your mansion are related to Minister Cao? What if these two Western Regions men are plotting a rebellion?"

Emperor Liang's expression darkened instantly, his gaze sweeping across the Ninth and Sixteenth Princes like a knife, his heart already filled with turmoil. He pondered for a moment, then finally spoke, "Prime Minister He is right! Where is the Ministry of Justice?"

The Minister of Justice, Bai Binggong, immediately stepped out and bowed, saying, "I am here!"

Emperor Liang said coldly, "First, take the two Western Regions people from Prince Yan's residence to the dungeon. We'll decide how to deal with them later."

"Yes!" Bai Binggong accepted the order without any expression on his face, as if all this was within his expectations.

Jiang Chen's heart sank, knowing that the situation was irreversible. He hurriedly took a step forward, his voice filled with anxiety: "Father! Your Majesty! Your son..."

However, Emperor Liang waved his hand and interrupted him: "This matter has been decided. There is no need to discuss it further."

Jiang Chen's face turned pale in an instant, and a feeling of powerlessness surged in his heart.

He knew that if he allowed these two Western Region generals to be taken to the dungeon, not only would his prestige be damaged, but he would also find it difficult to gain the trust of the people in the future.

He turned to look at the Vice Minister of Justice, Xiong Zhiheng, only to see Xiong Zhiheng shook his head slightly, signaling him not to argue any further.

Jiang Chen's heart trembled, knowing that arguing at this point would be futile. He took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and quietly stepped aside.

Seeing that Jiang Chen had stopped arguing, Emperor Liang looked around at the ministers in the hall and asked in a dignified tone, "My dear ministers, does anyone have any other suggestions?"

Yang Zhengming, the Grand Court Justice, and Bai Binggong, the Minister of Justice, exchanged glances before stepping out of line and bowing. "Your Majesty! I have something to report!"

Emperor Liang nodded and motioned Yang Zhengming to continue.

Yang Zhengming's expression was serious as he spoke slowly, "Ever since the Thirteenth Princess was found from the tax treasury, Minister of Justice Bai Binggong has detained Minister of Revenue Cao Shouku. According to Daliang law, the Dali Temple, the Ministry of Justice, and the Metropolitan Censorate have conducted a joint trial of Cao Shouku."

Emperor Liang nodded slightly, seeming satisfied with Yang Zhengming's handling of the situation. "What was the result?"

Yang Zhengming continued, "Cao Shouku spoke frankly about his crimes, admitting he was an accomplice and asking for Your Majesty's forgiveness. He expressed his willingness to reveal the principal culprit and all the details in exchange for a chance to live."

Emperor Liang sneered, a murderous look flashing in his eyes. "Imprison Princess Jingyi, forget about keeping her alive. If I don't kill all nine of her clans, Cao Shouku should be very grateful."

Yang Zhengming bowed his head slightly and spoke respectfully, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. However, Cao Shouku is the Minister of Revenue after all, and he is very familiar with the laws of Daliang. He knows that Your Majesty loves the Thirteenth Princess very much. If he gives up the main culprit, perhaps he can buy a chance to live."

Emperor Liang frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "What did Cao Shouku say to ask for a chance to survive?"

Yang Zhengming raised his head, his eyes swept across the hall, and then he slowly said: "Cao Shouku confessed that the mastermind behind this incident is..."

Before Yang Zhengming could finish his words, the atmosphere in the hall was already extremely tense. Everyone's eyes were focused on him, as if waiting for a secret to be revealed that would overturn the court.

Emperor Liang's eyes were as sharp as a knife, staring coldly at Yang Zhengming: "Go on!"

Yang Zhengming took a deep breath and slowly spoke, "Cao Shouku confessed that the mastermind behind this incident was... the Sixteenth Prince Jiang Chen."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in an uproar. Everyone's eyes turned to the Sixteenth Prince, Jiang Chen, their eyes filled with shock and confusion.