Chapter 745: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 745: Annihilation (2)
Mo Qingze’s performance had caught everyone’s attention. Even the usually inscrutable Emperor Huian could not contain his delight. He clapped and laughed heartily, praising Mo Qingze without reservation: “Our Da Chu indeed has a wealth of talent. Master Mo’s profound knowledge and quick wit are truly impressive; even the esteemed Wen Chenggong would have to commend such a promising young talent!”
Wen Chenggong, whose real name was Wen Tianzhong, was known for his extraordinary intellect from a young age, becoming the youngest top scholar in the history of the imperial examination system at just eight years old. He was an eminent scholar, authoring numerous classic works and renowned as one of history’s greatest literary figures. Later generations revered him as Wen Chenggong.
Emperor Huian’s rigorous standards and the use of Wen Chenggong’s name to praise Mo Qingze was a highly significant honor. The use of “Master” in the title reflected his immense satisfaction with Mo Qingze’s performance.
“Your Majesty overpraises me; I am truly ashamed!” Mo Qingze responded humbly, neither boasting nor overly self-deprecating. His calm and composed demeanor further improved Emperor Huian’s impression of him.
Mo Qingze’s impressive performance had made him the biggest beneficiary of the scandal. His newfound prominence and the favor of the monarch left the scholars present envious, fully aware that his future prospects were exceptionally bright.
Despite some harboring a bit of resentment, jealousy was hard to come by. If they themselves had been caught in a scandal, they doubted their ability to prove their innocence. Mo Qingze had managed to do so, a testament to his skill that left others envious.
What mattered most now was to build connections. Even without directly gaining any advantages, having someone to consult with for difficult problems in the future was invaluable. The intense questioning and answering session had been a profound learning experience, almost equivalent to an extra decade of study.
Mo Qingze, the most significant winner in this case, was being falsely accused of cheating and maliciously attacked. Within one night, the scandal had spread throughout the entire capital and, within less than half a month, reached even the most remote provinces, causing widespread chaos.
Those with insight could see that the true instigator behind the scenes was likely formidable. Some who were sharp enough to connect the scandal to the Crown Prince also guessed that the real target was Chu Heng. Identifying the mastermind behind the scheme was thus relatively straightforward.
Amidst this realization, some people felt sympathy for Mo Qingze, who had been unjustly wronged.
However, in the next moment, Mo Qingze knelt in the great hall, pointing solemnly at Zhao Gao, Qin Hui, and the other two who had falsely accused him. “The difficulties I face are all due to the slander of these three. I ask Your Majesty to hold them accountable!”
Knowing that the true mastermind was Prince Heng, Mo Qingze cleverly refrained from directly accusing him and instead focused on the three false witnesses.
Prince Heng was a prince, the biological son of Emperor Huian. Conflicts within a royal family were even more scandalous than those among commoners, drawing widespread attention.
Emperor Huian’s smile faded as he looked at the three men, who had crawled to the center of the hall. A trace of murderous intent flashed in his sharp eyes. His decision was swift and severe: “The three have committed the crime of cheating in the examinations, falsely accusing others, and giving false testimony before me. They have committed three offenses, and their crimes warrant the confiscation of property and death. However, showing mercy from the heavens, and considering their first offense, I do not wish to implicate innocent parties. Their property can be spared, but their crimes cannot escape. They shall be executed at noon in three days!”
Before he finished speaking, the three condemned men collapsed to the ground, their eyes filled with deep regret and despair as their lives seemed to drain away.
(End of Chapter)
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