sbdcsierra Chapter 114
Chapter 114
The next day, in the court.
Liu Hanlin, born into the Liu family and pampered, naturally could not withstand the torture inflicted by the Imperial Guards.
With just one lash, he confessed to everything.
Among the other Hanlin scholars, few were innocent either; overnight, several confessions were presented to the emperor.
Upon seeing this long list of aristocratic families, the emperor rubbed his temples, momentarily at a loss for what to do.
He did want to clean up all the aristocratic families, but alas... this time too many aristocratic families were involved. If they were all dealt with according to the law, the entire court would probably be empty.
The emperor remained silent for a long time, which led those below to mistakenly believe that he was afraid.
Minister Liu was the first to step forward, and indignantly began to criticize Xie Jinghan.
"Prince Jing's actions are far too arrogant! These are all Hanlin scholars; how can you so hastily imprison them without any evidence? It's an insult to scholarship! There has never been such a thing in our dynasty's laws..."
"Liu Hanlin has already confessed."
The emperor kindly offered a reminder.
It seems that Xie Jinghan has kept the news very well hidden. Apart from sending it to me today, not a single official in the court knows about it.
The emperor watched with satisfaction as Minister Liu's expression changed rapidly, eventually turning into fear.
Minister Liu said in disbelief, "How is this possible? He is from our Liu family..."
His expression was panicked and incredulous, as if he knew nothing about the matter.
The emperor's playful expression vanished, replaced by a chilling gaze: "So, Minister Liu was completely unaware of this matter."
"Your Majesty, please see the truth!" Minister Liu bowed and cupped his hands, saying, "For so many years, I have worked diligently and conscientiously, never slacking off for a moment, all for the sake of the country, the people, and the century-old foundation of the Liu family!"
“Although our Liu family is not well-known, we have produced dozens of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). Why should we risk the reputation of our entire clan for such a trivial matter?” As he spoke, his expression became extremely solemn. “I beg Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter and restore the innocence of my Liu family!”
"As for last night's interrogation..." He sneered, then pointed at Xie Jinghan and said sharply, "The Hanlin scholars are of noble birth, and they haven't even undergone a joint trial by the three courts. How can they be so hastily convicted?"
"I urge Your Majesty to handle this matter impartially and to interrogate Liu Hanlin again!" he said firmly, his expression solemn.
At first glance, Minister Liu appears righteous and awe-inspiring.
Xie Jinghan clapped his hands and walked up to Liu Shangshu.
"Not only Liu Hanlin, but Gan Hanlin and Dong Hanlin have also confessed." Xie Jinghan's words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, startling the court officials with varying expressions.
The Liu family, the Gan family, and the Dong family are all here. Is Prince Jing going to completely break ties with them?
Ignoring the unpleasant expressions on the faces of the families, Xie Jinghan continued, "They even confessed to your entire plan."
“Of course.” Xie Jinghan smiled mockingly. “Righteous people like Minister Liu, Minister Gan, and Minister Dong are naturally not among those who confess.”
“However…” Xie Jinghan crossed his arms. He was tall and imposing. When he looked at Minister Liu and the others, he lowered his eyes and sneered, “The others will not be able to escape.”
"Before the court session," he said, bowing to the emperor, "I have already sent men to detain all those involved in this case at the Dali Temple. I hope Your Majesty will decide how to deal with them."
Upon hearing this, the emperor felt his head was about to explode.
He gave Xie Jinghan a disapproving look. For such an important matter, Xie Jinghan should have informed him first, and then the two of them could have discussed it and then put on a show in court.
However, Xie Jinghan made such a big commotion without saying a word, which clearly showed that he did not trust him and wanted to maximize the impact of this matter.
However, faced with his only younger brother, the emperor could only swallow his anger.
"If that's the case, then let's..."
"We beseech Your Majesty to uphold justice!" Minister Liu shouted, and the officials behind him knelt down in response.
"Your Majesty, please handle this matter impartially and in accordance with the law!"
According to the law, this case should be transferred to the Dali Temple, and Xie Jinghan would no longer be in charge of this case.
The emperor sighed and rubbed his temples, saying calmly, "In that case, transfer this matter to the Court of Judicial Review for handling."
Just as some people breathed a sigh of relief, the emperor announced, "Effective immediately, Prince Jing will concurrently serve as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
Upon hearing this, the princes' faces turned grim.
Some of the courtiers who were watching the spectacle nearly spat out their water.
As expected of His Majesty's most beloved younger brother, even in such a situation, His Majesty is determined to protect him.
The grand court assembly ended in discord.
The emperor's move clearly shows his support for Xie Jinghan.
The Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is only a fourth-rank official, while Xie Jinghan is a prince of the highest rank.
How absurd it is to appoint him as the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.
Minister Liu left the Taiji Hall with a gloomy face. Before leaving, he glanced menacingly in the direction of Prince Jing's residence.
Xie Jinghan is not without weaknesses.
……
The scandal of cheating in the imperial examinations was so widespread that even when Wen Shuyao went out, she could hear people talking about it.
Si Qing and Granny Qi stayed by her side closely, fearing that she might be implicated in this matter.
However, Wen Shuyao felt that this matter had little to do with her.
Who doesn't know Xie Jinghan's cold-heartedness and aloofness? In this world, the only people who could make him abandon his principles are probably the Emperor and the Empress.
However, she couldn't refuse Xie Jinghan's kindness.
So, he spent his days wandering around bustling streets like Zhuque Street with Si Qing, Granny Lin, and a group of guards.
In this life, it will be much easier for her to start a business. However, if she wants to live up to Xie Jinghan's trust, she will naturally have to act more prudently and not tarnish the reputation of the Jingwang Mansion.
"What exactly does the Princess Consort want to do?" Si Qing lowered his voice, afraid that Wen Shuyao would hear him.
He held Wen Shuyao's so-called business in utter contempt.
The Prince Jing's mansion is large and wealthy; how could they possibly lack such a small amount of money?
However, apart from Xie Jinghan, no one could utter a word against Wen Shuyao's decision.
Therefore, Si Qing could only follow Wen Shuyao around the capital all day long, accompanying her on her leisurely strolls.
Si Qing dismissed Xie Jinghan's concerns with disdain.
Anyone with eyes can see that Xie Jinghan has no feelings for Wen Shuyao; it's just a matter of duty.
Trying to use Wen Shuyao to threaten Xie Jinghan is utterly foolish.
Just as he was shaking his head and talking to Granny Qi, he suddenly heard a gust of wind.
A chill ran down his spine, and he almost immediately grabbed Wen Shuyao's hand.
"Princess, be careful!"
Granny Qi also shielded Wen Shuyao behind her, and in this bustling city, people were actually gathering around them.