Chapter 2233: Chapter 2230: Confrontation

Standing behind, Minister Qi also squinted with a smile, constantly watching Chu Heng.

Although the current developments align with his plan, he must remain vigilant until everything is settled.

Upon hearing this, Chu Heng indeed showed a trace of urgency on his face and quickly said, "Emperor, I can explain. While these spices definitely have adverse effects on the body when paired with pig’s blood for consumption, as long as the amount is controlled, they will absolutely not cause harm, let alone poisoning and death. Moreover, this dish was originally excluded from the menu. When it was developed by the chef, he consulted with a doctor and decided not to keep it after confirming possible accidents."

"Then the chef’s statement is a false testimony. Otherwise, why did he commit suicide?" Chu Heng’s voice carried anger.

Imperial Censor Guo stated righteously, "The chef said that Madam had instructed him not to disclose the matter. Who could have thought that he would take his own life after giving his statement? I’m not sure if Lord Chu knows why."

Chu Heng subtly curved his lips.

"Lord Guo, please produce evidence before you accuse me of a crime. You mentioned that the chef committed suicide after his statement, correct?"

"...Indeed." Imperial Censor Guo felt something was off.

But the words had already been spoken, and there was no retraction. Moreover, considering the matter had spread in the capital, the people would certainly not dare to dine at Yonghe Restaurant now.

Chu Heng’s reputation might not be favorable either.

He was determined to see what evidence the opponent could present.

Just as the Ministry of Punishment has this testimony, though it is incomplete, Chu Heng could not produce any other evidence.

Chu Heng asked, "Since the chef had already finished his statement, why commit suicide?"

"Naturally out of guilt and to escape punishment." Imperial Censor Guo replied without hesitation.

"Since it was guilt-driven suicide, what crime did he confess to?" Chu Heng continued to inquire.

Imperial Censor Guo, feeling he was being questioned knowingly, responded angrily, "Naturally collusion for unjust gains, now causing a death, and unable to rest easy, leading to suicide."

Chu Heng nodded: "But actually, Yonghe Restaurant’s chef’s monthly salary is unrelated to the business affairs of the restaurant. Are you saying, Lord Guo, that he secretly earned unjust profits, behind the restaurant owner’s back?"

"If that’s the case, then this dish being served was solely the chef’s decision, what does it have to do with me?"

"Stop shirking responsibility. Before the chef committed suicide, he had someone relay a message saying he wanted to atone for the deceased, hoping not to implicate his family." Imperial Censor Guo snorted angrily: "The chef cooperated with the Ministry of Punishment to investigate. He wanted the imperial court to understand who was truly in charge. His death could protect his family."

"Lord Guo sounds so certain, I wish to ask Official Li, did the Ministry of Punishment verify what Lord Guo said: that I forced subordinates to obtain unjust profits for silver, and used their relatives to control them into serving me?"

Chu Heng spoke plainly, with a somewhat sarcastic tone.

Imperial Censor Guo felt provoked, his brows furrowed slightly, "Naturally, Official Li sent people to verify, Official Li, what do you say?"

Minister of Punishments replied, "Before I entered the palace, I did indeed arrange for bailiffs to bring the chef’s family to the yamen, but I have not received their interrogation testimony yet and came to the palace. I am unaware of subsequent developments."

Upon hearing this, Imperial Censor Guo’s forehead veins throbbed, unexpectedly finding the Minister of Punishments so uncooperative.

Clearly, it was a favorable situation to pull Chu Heng down.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.