The Chu family would not allow outsiders to bully him! The guard lowered his voice and said softly, "I suspect that Chu Chen was thrown into the Hall of Punishment because of this matter."
"Your analysis makes sense!" Chu Yunxiao's eyes flashed with brilliance, and he then ordered, "Send someone to investigate in secret immediately. If you find anything, remember not to alert the snake!"
"Your subordinate will attend to it!" The guard took his orders and retreated, quickly leaving the Ministry of Justice.
Inside the Hall of Punishment, Li Yang and the supervisor of the Hall of Punishment were discussing the interrogation of Chu Chen for tomorrow.
Suddenly, two men in black appeared at the prison door without a sound.
"Who are you?" Li Yang's expression changed, and he immediately became vigilant.
"Eunuch Li, don't be nervous. We are here to protect Chu Chen." The man in black on the left smiled and said.
"His Majesty wants us to tell Chu Chen that he already knows you are harboring a wanted criminal. He should cooperate with the investigation, and he will be released once the matter is cleared up."
"So you are from His Majesty's side." Li Yang breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands in thanks, "Thank you both, Eunuchs!"
"You're welcome." The men in black waved their hands and then said.
"We are just following orders. If Chu Chen is willing to cooperate, then all will be well. If he is unwilling to cooperate, then we will have to deal with him according to the rules."
"Chu Chen, you made your own mess, bear it yourself, and don't implicate us!" The supervisor of the Hall of Punishment snorted coldly, his words full of threat.
Chu Chen glanced at the two men, too lazy to bother, and closed his eyes to rest.
Seeing this, the men in black sighed and exchanged a look with the supervisor of the Hall of Punishment.
"Yes, your subordinate understands." The supervisor of the Hall of Punishment nodded, then turned and withdrew from the prison, leaving the dungeon.
The corners of Chu Chen's lips curled into a mocking arc, "What if I don't cooperate?"
"Chu Chen!" The faces of the men in black suddenly turned grim, "Since that's the case, don't blame us for not showing any old ties."
Buzz! A sharp and fierce sword light suddenly appeared before Chu Chen, slashing towards his neck.
"As expected, you're vicious enough to try and kill me in one go?" Chu Chen's face showed a cold smile.
Whoosh! Chu Chen did not dodge, but instead, he met the attack head-on, clenched his right fist, and punched out fiercely!
With a muffled thud, the air exploded, and the force of the punch scattered, shattering the iron bars of the prison!
"How is this possible!" The pupils of the men in black contracted sharply, and they looked at Chu Chen in disbelief. Chu Chen stood there motionless, while his arm was covered in bloody marks, glaring red!
"Let's go!" The faces of the men in black changed dramatically, and they pulled their companions and quickly fled the dungeon.
Chu Chen slowly retracted his fist, his gaze filled with coldness, "You are too inexperienced if you want to kill me."
Night fell, and Chu Chen lay on his bed, his mind constantly pondering how to escape.
"Chu Chen!" Just then, Chu Chen suddenly heard a call.
Following the sound, a graceful figure appeared in his sight.
Chu Yunfei, wearing a pink dress, her pretty face pale, her beautiful eyes red-rimmed and tearful, cried.
"Wuwuwu... Chu Chen, I finally see you. Do you know, I almost thought I would never see you again..."
Seeing Chu Yunfei crying like a tearful mess, Chu Chen said helplessly, "I'm fine."
"I heard you were arrested. Were you wronged? Wuwuwu..." Chu Yunfei said, weeping.
Chu Chen shook his head and offered no explanation.
"Don't worry, Father and Grandfather will help you clear your name and surely regain your freedom!" Chu Yunfei choked out.
"Clear my name? Heh heh..." Chu Chen chuckled contemptuously.
He knew very well that over the years, Chu Yunxiao had become accustomed to acting arrogantly with his strong martial arts. Even his own son was treated with such disregard!
"This Chu Yunxiao has no conscience at all. He will only use me to curry favor with His Majesty and will not consider my feelings."
Chu Chen said calmly, "Moreover, over the years, he has long forgotten my existence. Now, only his ambition for power and influence remains."
"Even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs, but Chu Yunxiao is worse than a beast!" Chu Yunfei gritted her teeth and cursed.
"Chu Yunxiao, I even considered you my own father, but I didn't expect you to be so wicked!"
Chu Chen smiled faintly and comforted her, "You don't need to worry about me. Although I am imprisoned in the Hall of Punishment, there shouldn't be any problem in the next few days.
Instead, when you go back, absolutely do not mention this to your father, lest you anger him. Then, I might truly be executed."
"Mm." Chu Yunfei nodded obediently. She knew her father Chu Yunxiao's temperament. If she dared to disobey him, she would surely be beaten again.
"Alright, you should go back now." Chu Chen waved his hand.
"Then be careful. I will find a way to rescue you as soon as possible." Chu Yunfei gave a few instructions before reluctantly leaving the dungeon.
As soon as Chu Yunfei left, another man in black walked out from the shadows and said respectfully, "Lord Chu, the Emperor has a message for you.
He hopes you can cooperate with us as much as possible, otherwise, you will be punished according to the law."
Chu Chen frowned, "I understand."
The man in black took a deep breath and continued, "Also, during this period, it is best that you do not set foot in the Chu family mansion.
After all, this case involves many people. Chu Yunxiao, in order to consolidate his position, will surely guard it strictly and will not let anyone approach."
Chu Chen fell silent upon hearing this. He was very familiar with this kind of situation. Back on Earth, he had experienced similar dangers.
The Chu family, and even the entire Nanling Prefecture, were a dragon's den and a tiger's lair. A slight misstep could cost him his life.
"I was careless this time. I didn't expect Chu Yunxiao to be so bold." Chu Chen muttered to himself.
Chu Chen narrowed his eyes, a chilling glint flashing in their depths, "It seems I have to find other ways."
The next day, at noon, in the Imperial Garden of the palace.
"His Majesty has arrived!" A sharp cry echoed throughout the venue.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Numerous civil and military officials knelt in worship.
Long Kun sat on the throne of the Son of Heaven, scanned the officials below, and said with a smile, "All my esteemed ministers, please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The civil and military officials shouted in unison.
After the officials were seated, Long Kun continued, "I reviewed ancient texts last night and found that the ancient Ministry of Justice had many cruel punishments that were quite in line with the clauses of the 'Criminal Law'.
Therefore, I have summoned all of you esteemed ministers today to select a few punishments to try out. If you deem them suitable, they will be executed according to these clauses."
Upon hearing this, the officials present were startled and couldn't help but exchange glances, their eyes filled with astonishment.
Liu Yuanshan, the Minister of Justice, hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Liu Yuanshan appeared very eager. The other civil and military officials looked at him with envy, wishing they could take his place.
This was because the Minister of Justice was in charge of formulating punishments. As long as one became the Minister of Justice, they would essentially be the Prime Minister, second only to the Emperor.