Gu Siya's expression turned ferocious, his previous elegance completely gone.
"Lord Xie, if you have something to say, please say it quickly. I have important matters to attend to," Gu Siya gritted out.
"We invited Young Master Gu here precisely because there is something to discuss, and it is a significant matter," Xie Chen said slowly. "I must say, Grand Scholar Du indeed acts decisively."
Gu Siya's face darkened further. "Lord Xie, a dignified official of the court, are you now acting like a gossiping old woman, interfering in other people's family affairs?"
Xie Chen shrugged. "Why is Young Master Gu so agitated? I might be interested in other people's family affairs, but I am not interested in Young Master Gu's."
Gu Siya let out a cold snort.
"Guards, cuff him," Xie Chen said with a smile.
"Xie Chen, what crime have I committed that you wish to cuff me?" Gu Siya exclaimed in alarm.
"Young Master Gu, do not be hasty. I will enumerate your offenses one by one," Xie Chen replied.
Gu Changwei arrived at that very moment.
"Xie Chen, what is the meaning of this?" Gu Changwei took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He had always been at odds with Xie Chen, and now Xie Chen was getting close to Qin Tingxue. Although they were divorced and Qin Tingxue had never been important to him, he still felt a sense of displeasure, as if his possessions were being coveted.
"I am acting on the Emperor's orders to investigate a case and apprehend a criminal who intended to harm His Majesty," Xie Chen stated.
"Xie Chen, this is personal revenge!" Gu Changwei's eyes turned bloodshot.
"Duke, please choose your words carefully," Xie Chen said sternly. "I have always been just and upright. How could I possibly engage in favoritism or bend the law? Guards, show the Duke the evidence."
The crimes of Li An, as well as the dealings between Gu Siya and Li An, were all clearly recorded.
Furthermore, there was even evidence of dealings between Li An and Gu Changwei.
"Li An attempted to assassinate His Majesty. Duke, tell me, are those who were closely associated with him not considered accomplices?" Xie Chen pressed Gu Changwei.
Gu Changwei felt that his interactions with Li An were beyond reproach.
"Lord Xie, are you not being rather unreasonable?"
Xie Chen smiled without replying, then threw the evidence of how Li An had abducted Qin Tingxue, and how Gu Siya had lent Du Fangfei's estate to Li An, before Gu Changwei. "Duke, please examine this before you argue with me."
Regarding the matter of Qin Tingxue, Gu Changwei had questioned Gu Siya, and Gu Siya had denied his involvement.
Gu Changwei had naturally believed him.
But now, the evidence was undeniable.
Gu Changwei looked at Gu Siya with a complex and unreadable expression. *Aya lied to me.*
"Father, I have very few friends, and Li An and I get along quite well."
Over the years, Gu Siya knew precisely how to evoke pity from Gu Changwei.
Because of his status as a concubine's son, it was difficult for him to make friends. Coupled with his frail health, he was unable to do this or that. It could be said that Gu Siya had not made a single friend all these years.
As expected, Gu Changwei's face was filled with concern again. *Siya only has this one friend.*
Moreover, he had thought highly of Li An initially.
He had been pleased that Siya and Li An were on good terms.
However...
Gu Changwei's thoughts became complicated. After the incident involving Empress Lu and the Lu family, Emperor Chongwen had already warned him.
He had also spoken to Siya, implying that he should let the matter with Li An go.
He had thought Siya would listen, but it turned out...
Upon further reflection, Gu Changwei could also understand. Siya merely wanted to rise in prominence, to prove himself, and to bring honor to him, his father.
"I truly considered him a friend. When he asked to borrow my estate, how could I refuse?" Gu Siya said, his eyes reddened and his voice choked with emotion.
This deeply pained Gu Changwei.
"Lord Xie, you have heard him. My son was deceived by Li An. Given the Gu family's relationship with His Majesty, how could we possibly be involved in the act of harming the Emperor that you speak of?"