Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 735: The Duke’s Perfect Counterattack in the Trial (4)_1

Chapter 735: Chapter 735: The Duke’s Perfect Counterattack in the Trial (4)_1

Or are they speculating that Princess Hejia’s father, even if ultimately convicted, wouldn’t implicate her in his crimes under the Emperor’s protection? This is indeed highly probable!

No matter which it was, it was enough to let them know how much Emperor Huian valued Mo Yan, and some ministers who had previously looked down on her humble origins began to reassess her worth.

Emperor Huian seemed unaware of the storm his little gesture had stirred up. Seeing that it was about time, he announced the start of the public trial.

Soon, the guards brought in four long tables and eight chairs, placing them on either side of the grand hall. Subsequently, officials handpicked from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Personnel, and Ministry of Revenue took their seats, ready to preside over the examination scandal.

Then, Mo Qingze was led into the grand hall by guards.

Having been in the Ministry of Justice’s Prison for half a month, Mo Qingze appeared to be in good spirits, despite his clothes being filthy and tattered. Covered in black soot and with several holes burnt through, the charred edges made it clear they were scorched in last night’s fire.

Mo Yan watched her father kneeling on the ground intently, and after confirming that aside from the burnt clothes and singed hair, he had no burn injuries, she finally let her suspended heart settle. Yet, even knowing Xiao Ruiyuan and Chu Heng were fully prepared, her heart couldn’t help but worry, fearing unforeseen complications.

Mo Qingze also noticed Mo Yan seated in front of the hall. Seeing the worry hidden in her eyes, he gave her a reassuring smile. His handsome face was devoid of any fear, unease, or the negative emotions of despair.

Following the standard interrogation procedure, the Chief Judge of the Ministry of Justice inquired in detail about Mo Qingze’s name, place of origin, and educational background. Once confirmed these personal details were correct, he asked with a stern expression, "Mo Qingze, someone has accused you of exam cheating, with both eyewitnesses and physical evidence present. Do you admit to the crime?"

Mo Qingze’s expression became solemn, and he bowed to the Chief Judge, proclaiming with a resounding voice, "I have studied laboriously for decades, sat for countless exams large and small, and I dare guarantee my life that I have never engaged in any acts of cheating! I swear to my death that I am innocent of this exam fraud!"

Seeing Mo Qingze kneeling upright in the center of the hall, disheveled yet unbowed, the sentiments of the students still brimming with scholarly pride softened towards him. They felt that such a person didn’t seem like the kind who would engage in petty scheming.

Expecting such an answer, the Chief Judge of the Ministry of Justice’s expression was unchanged. He stood up and requested permission from Emperor Huian, "Your humble servant requests the witnesses be brought into the hall to confront Mo Qingze in public, and seeks the Emperor’s gracious approval."

Emperor Huian listened to the murmurs in the hall and said with a heavy gaze, "Granted!"

The witnesses, who had been waiting outside the hall, were brought in by guards; they were three young men around the age of twenty-five.

Perhaps it was their first time in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a place of such solemnity, or perhaps it was because the hall was filled with the most powerful individuals in Great Chu, but the three young men walked to the center of the hall with shifty eyes, their legs so weak they knelt beside Mo Qingze and shakily kowtowed to greet Emperor Huian.

Normally, there would be nothing amiss, as anyone would be scared when first exposed to such a situation. However, contrasted with Mo Qingze’s prior demeanor, the cowering appearance of these three made for a poor showing. They seemed less like witnesses and more like culprits guilty of cheating, now being questioned.

In a corner, two students whispered among themselves:

"These three don’t look honest at all, quite different from the accused, Mo Qingze. Do you think they might be giving false testimony?"

"You can’t judge a book by its cover. Who knows what lies beneath? Maybe those three are just too timid, and Mo Qingze is just acting!"

"Well, that may be true, but nothing is decided until the end. We should just wait and see."

"Yes, after waiting so many days, a little longer won’t make a difference."

...

Such doubts were not isolated; King Heng heard them all and clenched his fists tightly. His gaze shifted from Chu Heng nearby to Mo Qingze, who was kneeling in the center of the hall, and a coldness spilled from his eyes.

Hearing the greeting of the three, Mo Qingze couldn’t help but turn his head towards them. The moment he saw their faces, he blurted out in shock, "How can it be you?"

This tone suggested he recognized them. Mo Qingze did know them; they were his peers from Changshan Academy, whom he had met during academy competitions with other institutions.

While not as close as he was with Han Zhiyun, their relationship was nonetheless amicable. Before the banquet, he had even sent them invitations, but they had all declined, claiming to be preoccupied. Little did he know they had conspired against him!

Upon hearing Mo Qingze’s exclamation, the three men unconsciously lowered their heads to avoid his angry gaze and, with solemn voices, advised Mo Qingze, "Brother Ziyu, we’re sorry, but cheating on the exam is wrong on your part. What we did was for the benefit of countless scholars who have endured years of hardship. If you blame anyone, blame us, but we don’t regret what we have done!"

Mo Qingze trembled with anger upon hearing this, his shaking index finger pointing at the three, unable to voice a word.

This scene, as witnessed by others, only added to the speculation. The general assumption was that a man caught cheating by three friends, who, out of morality, reported the incident after the examination results were announced.

When it came down to it, it was difficult to say who was right or wrong.

The Chief Judge of the Ministry of Justice ignored the whispers and asked the three kneeling before him, "You previously accused Mo Qingze of cheating, claiming to have witnessed someone exchanging the exam questions and answers with him. Recount what happened before everyone here."

Upon hearing this, the three men glanced at each other and then one began to recount everything they had witnessed...