The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 672

"Now that Wang Haiyang is dead, the stronghold cannot be without a leader for a day. Now, who are you willing to support as your new leader?"

Those people simply didn't know how to answer.

They have just returned from the assault.

They all looked shaken.

Xu Tian looked at everyone and then said, "This time, I can forgive you for embezzling project funds, but from now on, you must repent and start anew."

"Xu Dede, the second-in-command of the mountain stronghold, is both talented and capable, making him the most suitable candidate to be the new leader. What do you all think?"

When Xu Tian said that Xu De should be their boss, no one objected.

Xu Tian was very satisfied with the result.

When he left with his men, Xu De led his men to see him off.

"Brother Xu, no need to see me off. All good things must come to an end. Take care!"

Xu De smiled and said, "Lord Xu, rest assured! I will abide by everything you have listed."

"From now on, this place will only serve as a training ground, no longer a bandit's den."

Xu Tian nodded in satisfaction at Xu De's promise.

It wasn't just a verbal promise; Xu De had already made a three-point agreement with him beforehand in order to protect the brothers in the village.

Only then could Xu Tian be at ease and let them revitalize the mountain stronghold.

After returning to the county government office, Xu Tian said to Song Ren, "We must go back to the capital and expose all of the prime minister's crimes."

Songren also strongly agreed.

The two then secretly returned to Kyoto.

Xu Tian has already collected all the evidence against the prime minister.

He didn't tell anyone about his return to Kyoto this time.

The reason was that they were afraid the prime minister would find out and ambush him on the way.

"My lord, we have arrived."

They rode at breakneck speed.

After returning to Kyoto, they even stayed in relatively remote inns.

"This secret return to the city was known only to His Majesty."

Xu Tian said in a calm tone.

Song Ren understood this perfectly well.

Xu Tian did this because he didn't want the prime minister to know.

When he saw Xu Tian appear in the court during the morning court session, he was instantly dumbfounded.

How come he didn't know that Xu Tian was back?

Xu Tian looked at the prime minister and smiled.

"When did Lord Xu return?"

"I've heard that you're doing quite well in that county town."

Xu Tian simply smiled at the Prime Minister's words.

"That's all thanks to the kindness the people have shown me."

The prime minister had no idea why Xu Tian had come back this time.

The emperor did not recall him at all.

It seems he came back on his own!

His heart was filled with doubt.

Just then, the Emperor arrived.

Everyone stood solemnly, shouting, "Long live the Emperor!"

Li Er looked at Xu Tian.

"Minister Xu, why did you rush back so quickly this time? Is there something important?"

Xu Tian stated frankly, "What I am concerned about is the theft of the project funds this time."

Li Er was shocked. "Oh! Who has such audacity? They even dare to rob the project funds!"

"Don't they know this is the imperial court's money?"

“Intercepting government funds is a serious crime.”

Xu Tian lowered his head and said, "What His Majesty says is true, but those corrupt officials have a high-ranking official backing them up."

When he finished speaking, Cheng Yaojin, who was standing to the side, became furious.

"Who has the audacity to break the law?"

The prime minister was already terrified and completely lost his composure.

From the very beginning, he suspected that Xu Tian might have returned because of this matter.

However, this matter is now confirmed.

He only hoped that Xu Tian had no evidence.

Then, he can turn around and sue Xu Tian for false accusation.

Xu Tian presented all the evidence he had brought to the Emperor.