Chapter 1036: Chapter 672: Lying Through One’s Teeth

Gu Chengyu’s question was extremely tricky. If he said yes, Gu Chengyu might then send someone to Li Taixing to inspect. If flaws were found then, wouldn’t that be handing over evidence to Gu Chengyu?

If he said no, how should he explain the letter he previously sent to Hu Maoshen?

Min Feng was suddenly caught in a dilemma, lowering his head as he felt the intense gaze of the three people in the room focused on him, as if he was trapped in an icy cave.

The study fell into silence once more, and even Hu Maoshen didn’t speak.

Why did Min Feng lie to them for Li Taixing? There’s no need to think—it was just for Silver.

He hadn’t even set foot in Jiangnan before he started collecting Silver. Even if this person rises to a high position in the future, he fears being a traitorous official.

An official with such poor self-control, how could he not be tempted by Silver Coin and beauty?

"Min Shidu, I urge you to think it over before answering. The Emperor bestowed the Imperial Sword to me before I came to Jiangnan for disaster relief. The Imperial Sword punishes unjust rulers at the top and disloyal ministers below; tyrants are deposed and traitors beheaded! If you lie, the Imperial Sword in my hand will not relent."

Gu Chengyu’s tone became extremely severe by the end. His gaze was piercing, and his eyes were like daggers.

Min Feng felt as if that arrow-like gaze was going to pierce through his chest.

The final shout startled Min Feng to the point of nearly kneeling, sweat slid down his cheeks, his heart in complete chaos.

How could he still care about the Imperial Sword issue? He was desperately trying to devise a solution.

The Imperial Sword? The Emperor shows such favor to Gu Chengyu? Hu Maoshen glanced at Gu Chengyu, not able to help but elevate his view of Gu Chengyu by a few degrees in his mind.

The Imperial Sword is an official sword; receiving the Imperial Sword must be a great honor.

Since the founding of this dynasty, no official has ever held the Imperial Sword. Gu Chengyu is the first in the current dynasty.

"Min Shidu, in the letter you gave me previously, you stated that what Li Taixing said was true, right?" Hu Maoshen asked coldly, with a stern face, directed at Min Feng.

Min Feng was in a panic at that moment, he listened to Hu Maoshen’s question and had no choice but to nod helplessly.

Suddenly, inspiration struck him, and he finally thought of a solution. He couldn’t shoulder this burden alone, so he had to push the blame onto someone else.

He understood well what the Imperial Sword represented. With the Imperial Sword, one could behead corrupt officials without prior approval.

If Gu Chengyu disliked him and beheaded him, even if his teacher wouldn’t let it go in the future, could he possibly come back to life?

So how could he dare provoke Gu Chengyu now? How could he show any disrespect towards Gu Chengyu?

"The esteemed officials surely know that I am an officer of the Hanlin Academy, not very familiar with the river embankment matter. On that day, along with several Ministry of Industry officials, we patrolled the river embankment. Mr. Li from Yingnan Mansion said the embankment was leaking, and he was greatly concerned. Thus, I led the Ministry of Industry officials on repeated inspections, eventually blocking those two places. Doctor Duan from the Ministry of Industry said although these two spots were patched up, they weren’t stable, requiring regular reinforcement, so the issue of leakage indeed exists."

Min Feng gradually calmed the chaos in his heart, a plan taking shape in his mind. Duan Zhijie was never as solicitous to him as the other officials from the Ministry of Industry. Moreover, he didn’t quite appreciate the way Duan conducted himself.

Therefore, needing someone to take the blame this time, he brought Duan out without hesitation.

Gu Chengyu sneered, it seems Xia Qing’s teachings over these two years had some effect after all.

Not to mention anything else, this ability to make others take the fall was surely Xia Qing’s expertise, wasn’t it? Min Feng didn’t learn anything else, but he fully mastered deceit and shirking responsibility.

"In that case, let us summon Doctor Duan to confront you and see if your words hold true."

Gu Chengyu absolutely didn’t believe this matter. Before coming to Hangtian Prefecture, the river embankment was still intact, and Li Taixing had already reported to Hu Maoshen.

Even if there was leakage, it must have happened afterward. The reasons for leakage could be many; who knew if it was man-made?

"This?" Min Feng displayed a look of difficulty on his face, and Gu Chengyu glanced at him.

"Does Min Shidu have something unspeakable?"

Min Feng opened his mouth hesitantly, for quite a while, until Hu Maoshen couldn’t wait any longer, he finally spoke.

"I do not wish to speak ill of others behind their backs, as that is not the behavior of a gentleman. However, this matter concerns my reputation and life, so I must defend myself."

Min Feng furtively raised his eyes towards Gu Chengyu, finding Gu Chengyu looking at him with a half-smile, making him feel irritated and frightened.

Hu Maoshen showed impatience after hearing this, gave Min Feng a glance, and then said: "Just say what you need to."

His impression of Min Feng was extremely poor now, and his tone was not as gentle as before.

Min Feng naturally sensed Hu Maoshen’s change in attitude, cursing Hu Maoshen and Gu Chengyu in his heart.

This Hu Maoshen saw Gu Chengyu was favored by the Emperor, and therefore he cozied up to Gu Chengyu?

If not, why was he previously cordial to him, but changed his attitude immediately when Gu Chengyu arrived, making him indeed a true villain.

"Previously there was some friction between me and Mr. Duan, but it wasn’t a big deal, it might be because my teacher is the Prime Minister, and this time I was appointed as River Patrol Imperial Censor by the Emperor, although my rank is low..."

The few present naturally understood the unfinished words of Min Feng. How could they not hear the implied meaning of Min Feng?

It simply said Duan Zhijie was petty and jealous of Min Feng’s smooth career progression, thus having some animosity towards him. Now that Min Feng was in trouble, Duan Zhijie naturally wouldn’t speak well of him.

However, this matter couldn’t be concluded with just a few words from Min Feng, claiming Duan Zhijie was such a vindictive villain.

Gu Chengyu knew what Min Feng was plotting, simply wanting to blame Duan Zhijie. But previously Gu Chengyu and the others had dealings with Duan Zhijie, and they all felt Duan Zhijie’s character was good, not the kind to be villainous.

"My words alone may not be persuasive, but the Ministry of Industry officials who were with Doctor Duan can all testify for me!"

Saying this, Min Feng couldn’t help but gain a bit more confidence. He was sure the other officials from the Ministry of Industry would back him up; even if he was lying through his teeth, so what?

"Officials! The Ministry of Industry gentlemen are requesting an audience!" The steward entered the study, announcing to everyone.

Yang Chaoying glanced at Hu Maoshen and Gu Chengyu, seeing neither speak, so he said: "Quickly invite them in!"

At the same time, he was inwardly drumming, as those gentlemen had stayed behind the government office for several days. From their daily behavior, he felt they were constantly flattering Min Feng.

Which side they would stand on once inside, this question no longer needed verification; who dared to stand against Chief Minister Xia?