PFC Chapter 1145 - 924 Truth 3_3
Chapter 1145 - 924 Truth 3_3
"Although Li Yu is a student from a humble family, he is also a student of Xu Zheng, the Great Confucian Scholar and Doctor at the Imperial College."A student from a humble family, a disciple of a Great Scholar—what did the Emperor suddenly think of?
"Do you know who this Li Yu is?
Where is he from?
Who are the members of his family?
Which clan does he belong to?"
The Emperor’s series of questions left the ministers kneeling on the ground with little time to think.
Xu Zhengzhong was the first to answer the Emperor’s questions.
"Your Majesty, it is true that Li Yu comes from a humble background, but he is also a collateral branch of the Li Family in the Capital City. Last summer, as he was preparing for the examination, he encountered people from the Li Family. He was accepted by the main family and received their training, which is why he became a student under Xu Zheng to single-mindedly study!"
At this time, Xu Zhengzhong did not know that his answers would result in Li Silang not only missing the top three but also cutting off his path to officialdom for life.
"The Li Family in the Capital City?
Which Li Family?"
The Emperor’s brows furrowed tightly, and the idea that had suddenly arisen in his mind became even more certain!
"Your Majesty, it is Li Xu, from the Ministry of Justice, who heads the Li Clan now!"
Upon hearing this, the Emperor set aside Li Yu’s exam script, deciding not to consider it at all.
The Emperor directly selected Xu Ke as the Third Place Scholar.
He handed the exam script to Grand Tutor Wei.
"Let Ji Youzhi come in!"
Grand Tutor Wei took the script and, with the examiners, retreated down the hall.
As they just stepped out of the Imperial Study’s door, Ji Youzhi arrived. He grabbed Xu Zhengzhong by the arm.
"Lord Xu, please stay. There’s something concerning you here!"
Everyone was surprised by these words and quickly turned their attention to Xu Zhengzhong and Ji Youzhi.
Ji Youzhi swiftly dragged Xu Zhengzhong back into the study, and the door slammed shut with a "bang."
The rest exchanged glances, sweat beading on their foreheads, their calves trembling.
But the guards outside prevented them from lingering and quickly moved on.
Just as Ji Youzhi entered, the Emperor called for Eunuch Ling to summon Ji Youze.
Eunuch Ling left immediately.
"Tell me, what’s wrong with Great Scholar Xu?"
Ji Youzhi replied.
"There are developments regarding the exam topic leak!"
"So it was really Great Scholar Xu who leaked the topics?"
Sitting high on the Dragon Throne, the Emperor’s voice was stern. As soon as these words were spoken, Xu Zhengzhong knelt down.
"I am guilty, Your Majesty!"
The Emperor slammed the table. "You are indeed guilty. As a minister of the cabinet, you dared to joke about the state’s affairs, the pillars of the court, leak exam topics, and engage in fraudulent practices with the Imperial Examination. Such audacity!"
Xu Zhengzhong trembled, his forehead touching the ground, "I deserve death!"
"How do you wish to die?"
"Your Majesty, I plead for your mercy, spare my wife and children, the old, weak, women, and children in my household, and let me be at Your Majesty’s disposal!"
"You are truly shameless. A crime as severe as fraud in the Imperial Examination, warranting execution of your entire clan, do you think only your death can resolve it?"
"Your Majesty, calm your anger, grant mercy, please!"
Xu Zhengzhong repeatedly kowtowed, begging the Emperor for leniency!
"Your Majesty! I plead on behalf of Great Scholar Xu!"
Suddenly, Ji Youzhi knelt down, pleading for Xu Zhengzhong.
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed upon hearing this.
"Why are you pleading for him?"
"Your Majesty, Great Scholar Xu has always been loyal to you and conscientious about court affairs. I plead with you to spare his life considering this was an unintended mistake!"
"An unintended mistake?
What do you mean?"
Shaking, Xu Zhengzhong secretly glanced at Ji Youzhi.
He couldn’t understand why the person who brought the matter to the Emperor was pleading for him now?
"Great Scholar Xu, just recount everything honestly!"
Ji Youzhi looked at Xu Zhengzhong, speaking solemnly.
"I..."
Xu Zhengzhong looked towards Lu Zezhong, who was kneeling by the side, struggling to hold on.
Lu Zezhong tightly closed his eyes, the cold sweat on his forehead mixing with Xiaosuisui’s ink, dripping one by one in front of him.
"Speak up!"
The Emperor waited for a moment, but seeing Xu Zhengzhong had no intention to speak, slammed the table, and shouted angrily.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty!"
"Lord Xu, if you don’t tell the truth, how can His Majesty forgive you?"
"Divine Hunter Ji, I...I truly don’t know what to say?"
"How can there be nothing to say?
Just tell us your difficulties when setting the exam topics and who else you discussed this with? Write everything down clearly! Right or wrong, His Majesty shall judge!"
"Yes! When I was setting the topics for the examination, as Your Majesty was not in the capital, I was truly in distress. At that time, Lord Lu happened to visit my home as a guest..."
"Great Scholar Xu! If you’re going to speak, do it seriously and don’t falsely implicate others!"