Princess Yongjia had a good idea, Shen Zhixiu was indeed well prepared.

That day, Su Yuanzhou heard about the Li family's conspiracy, although he didn't say it in detail in just a few words. But Shen Zhixiu still made thorough preparations, which came in handy today.

Shen Zhixiu said to Emperor Xuande again: "If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can just detain me first and wait for the Duke of Wei to return to the capital to question him again."

In fact, at this point, Shen Zhixiu was still a little scared.

If Su Yuanzhou hadn't heard some news by chance that day, Su Qingyu might have been plotted against when she entered the palace today.

Because Su Qingyu had cursed the Great Zhou and Empress Chen before, if the emperor heard that he had close ties with Miaojiang, he might convict him in a rage.

Although this matter can be explained clearly when the Duke of Weiguo returns to the capital, the emperor's mind is unpredictable. Perhaps before he can wait for the Duke of Weiguo to return, the emperor has already determined his guilt.

Emperor Xuande was reading a letter written by Duke Weiguo, which explained in detail the interactions between Shen Zhixiu and Zhaifang, the leader of the Jiuli tribe.

Duke Weiguo also specifically mentioned the Miao border defense map, saying frankly that if there was no Shen Zhixiu, there would be no current war situation in Qianzhou.

At the end of the letter, Duke Weiguo proposed that if the battle in Qianzhou was a great victory, he would also ask for credit for it to Lord Shen.

After putting down the letter, Emperor Xuande said, "This matter has been made clear. It is all a misunderstanding. No one is allowed to spread this matter or discuss it any further."

Censor Chen did not expect that Shen Zhixiu was well prepared and could easily resolve the dilemma.

After the emperor made the final decision, he stopped harping on the matter.

He immediately continued in a cold voice: "Sir Shen, how do you explain Mr. Zhou's identity?"

"I have verified that Mr. Zhou is the son of the former Qianzhou governor, An Jia. Is this true?"

Shen Zhixiu nodded, "This is indeed true."

Censor Chen continued to ask, "Then Lord Shen, have you ever thought about this? He is the descendant of a criminal and should be executed according to the law."

"Not only did Lord Shen not report this to the court, he also allowed him to stay in the capital for so long, and even checked His Majesty's pulse several times. Does Lord Shen really care about the safety of the emperor?"

Shen Zhixiu raised his eyebrows, "I guarantee with my life that Mr. Zhou will not do anything illegal."

Censor Chen laughed sarcastically, "Sir Shen, ten of your lives are not as important as the emperor's safety."

"You guarantee? If something really happens, will your guarantee be useful?"

Shen Zhixiu looked at Emperor Xuande and said, "Your Majesty, I will give you an explanation about Mr. Zhou's matter. But I think it is not appropriate to talk about this matter in the Hall of Supreme Harmony."

Seeing Shen Zhixiu's words again, Censor Chen sneered, "Sir Shen, Mr. Zhou's matter does not involve state affairs, so what else can't be said?"

Shen Zhixiu ignored Censor Chen and looked at Emperor Xuande. He said solemnly, "Your Majesty, please believe me. Mr. Zhou's matter is really not suitable to be discussed in the Hall of Supreme Harmony."

Emperor Xuande looked at Shen Zhixiu inquiringly, not knowing what he was up to. But based on his understanding of Shen Zhixiu, he must have a reason for saying so.

Moreover, he is a doctor. If there is really a hidden story, it is not impossible for him to show leniency.

But he wanted to let it go easily, but the others refused.

The prince turned his head and said thoughtfully, "Father, Censor Chen impeached Lord Shen for shielding a criminal. If you don't make it clear in public, I'm afraid you won't be able to convince the public."

Princess Yongjia also spoke up for the first time. "Brother, what the Crown Prince said makes sense. Since it was Censor Chen who impeached him in public, Lord Shen should have made it clear in public."

Shen Zhixiu looked calm. It didn't matter whether he said it or not, it wouldn't embarrass him.

He refused to tell the truth only out of consideration for Mr. Zhou's feelings.

Emperor Xuande looked at Shen Zhixiu again, "Mr. Shen, do you still insist on telling me in private?"

For some reason, Emperor Xuande always felt that it was better to discuss this matter in private.

Just as Shen Zhixiu was about to speak, a young eunuch suddenly came in from outside, walked up to Hu Lu and whispered a few words.

After hearing this, Hu Lu sent the eunuch away and said to Emperor Xuande, "Your Majesty, Mr. Zhou is at the palace gate right now. He said he has something important to discuss with you."

Emperor Xuande was stunned, "Call him in."

He added: "Since Mr. Zhou is here, let's wait until he comes to the palace before discussing this matter."

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhixiu stepped aside, a hint of surprise flashing across his drooping eyes.

Not long after, Mr. Zhou came in wearing a blue cloth robe.

He first saluted the emperor, then looked at Shen Zhixiu and nodded slightly.

Shen Zhixiu understood what Mr. Zhou meant.

He said, "Since everyone wants to know why I shielded Mr. Zhou, let me explain it clearly in public."

"Censor Chen asked me why I put Your Majesty in danger. It was because I firmly believed that Mr. Zhou would not harm Your Majesty."

"Of course, this involves Mr. Zhou's background."

Emperor Xuande looked at Shen Zhixiu suspiciously, "Mr. Zhou's background? What's going on?"

Shen Zhixiu looked at Mr. Zhou again, and only spoke after confirming that Mr. Zhou agreed to tell the truth.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Zhou is actually a member of the royal family. I didn't say it before because Mr. Zhou didn't want to talk about it."

"Besides, it is not a glorious thing to talk about. I did not say it out of consideration for the royal family's reputation."

Emperor Xuande was stunned. No wonder Shen Zhixiu was hesitant. Shouldn't this kind of thing be covered up?

Throughout the dynasties, it was common for the royal family to find their bloodline that had been lost among the people. But without exception, it was all confirmed privately and not spread to others.

Like today, it was the first time that a quarrel had been made in front of all the civil and military officials, and ladies of the imperial court.

Emperor Xuande glared at Censor Chen fiercely. He used to think that Censor Chen had some talent, but today he saw that he was just a show-off.

Censor Chen only impeached Shen Zhixiu for two things, one involving border military secrets, and the other involving royal secrets.

How could this Censor Chen be impeaching Shen Zhixiu? He was clearly here to cause him trouble.

Sensing the emperor's displeased look, Censor Chen's heart sank. He had completely lost the emperor's favor.

Things have come to this point, there is no need to hide it anymore.

Emperor Xuande asked, "Is Mr. Zhou a member of the royal family? Then what is his identity? Is there any solid evidence?"

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