The news came early the next morning.
After the investigation by Imperial Envoy Li Qingmu and Capital Prefect Zhao Mengran, the case of the Duanmu Family cursing the Emperor sixteen years ago proved to be completely baseless. The local government acted without receiving orders from the Capital City, exceeding their authority. The officials involved in the case back then were punished, and all honors of the Duanmu Family were restored. The ancestral hall was repaired and incense offered to comfort their spirits.
The imperial decree shook both the court and the public again.
The Emperor issuing such an edict was almost self-defeating, admitting to his past negligence and oversight. This could send a wrong signal, suggesting that the Emperor had begun to weaken and compromise with ministers and the populace.
This was actually good news for the ministers.
A weak Emperor is easier to manipulate!
