However, what no one expected was that the matter spread with an unprecedented, odd speed. Initially, it was only a small group of people relishing the gossip, but later it became a topic of idle chatter after meals. Eventually, it even alarmed His Majesty the Emperor. Upon hearing that the Abe family had changed their surname, His Majesty the Emperor became furiously enraged. Furthermore, hearing that the Clan Leader of the Abe family had led members to the border, he was beyond shocked and deeply disturbed.
He summoned the Clan Leader of the Abe family immediately.
The Abe family, who had been struggling to find a defendant to argue against, now felt a surge of support from the Emperor himself. They were moved to tears and, feigning emotion, pushed all the blame onto Wang Daniu.
Having said that, they knelt heavily on the ground, their aged faces flushed with shame and indignation, "Your Majesty, this is by no means something we did willingly."
