The investigation into the Shen Minister's household had entered its seventh day.
The once-bustling ministerial estate was now under constant watch.
Imperial guards stood at every entrance.
Secret guards blended among servants and merchants.
Every ledger had been inspected.
Every servant questioned.
Every stable searched.
Every hidden room opened.
Yet...
Nothing.
---
Inside the Imperial Study, several officials knelt before the Emperor.
Minister of Justice Xu lowered his head.
"Your Majesty, every servant has been questioned separately."
"We have searched the residence twice."
"We inspected letters, financial records, warehouses, wells, gardens, underground storage rooms, and private chambers."
He paused.
"There is no evidence of treason."
Silence settled over the room.
The Emperor's fingers tapped lightly against the armrest.
"What about the servants?"
Minister Xu answered immediately.
"They have served the Shen family for many years."
