Exonerating Li Kaifeng was one of his subordinates who had always been utterly loyal to him—his loyalty to Li Kaifeng far surpassed his loyalty to the Emperor. Thus, during this critical moment, he dared to stand up and speak for Li Kaifeng.
With one person speaking up for him, naturally, there came a second and a third.
"Your Majesty, you say the Great General colluded with the abolished prince, do you have any evidence? Could it be that Your Majesty has misunderstood the Great General? The Great General surrounded the palace only because he mistakenly thought that Your Majesty was harmed. He was merely showing his loyalty. Please, Your Majesty, do not be misled by slander and hurt the heart of a loyal minister!"
"Your Majesty, the Great General has been sincerely loyal to you for decades in the court. Please examine this matter carefully and restore the Great General's innocence.
