Chapter 173
Prefect Zhang and Scholar-Official Chen hurried over upon receiving the news. The former's expression was grave, while the latter maintained his stern demeanor, though a flicker of triumph flashed in his eyes.
Initially, Kou Yuanxing's accusation was a false one, and Prefect Zhang was willing to show leniency, allowing the case to be concluded. However, at this very moment, Kou Yuanxing died by banging his head against a wall. With a bit of maneuvering by Scholar-Official Chen, the charge of forcing a candidate to his death was pinned on Prefect Zhang.
After hearing the report from the jailer Wang Shan, Scholar-Official Chen cast a meaningful glance at Prefect Zhang and said, "You lead the way. I will personally go to the prison to see."
"Yes, my lord." Wang Shan could only comply.
With his hands behind his back, Scholar-Official Chen, clad in his official robes, was about to take a step when his gaze swept over and he coldly rebuked, "All extraneous personnel, withdraw immediately!"
Scholar-Official Chen found Zhan Feiyu to be a nuisance. As for Chen Jin's assassination attempt on Zhan Feiyu, Scholar-Official Chen had already known about it. He cast a look of disgust at the utterly useless Chen Jin, who had thankfully been disowned, saving him further embarrassment!
"Lord Chen, this student has something I do not understand." Zhan Feiyu respectfully bowed to Scholar-Official Chen, then pointed at the slumped figure of Fatty Chen on the ground.
"Previously, Kou Yuanxing, without any evidence, solely based on a petition, accused Lord Zhang of examination fraud. Lord Zhang was temporarily relieved of his duties, and Lord Chen then appointed the Vice Prefect Qian, Military Judge Wu, and Investigator Han to manage the affairs of Nanxuan Prefecture in place of Lord Zhang."
Although Scholar-Official Chen held a higher rank, he was merely the scholar-official responsible for the imperial examinations, not the Commissioner of Jiangnan Circuit. Even if he had the authority to temporarily relieve Prefect Zhang of his duties, he had no power to interfere in the governance of Nanxuan Prefecture, only to have other officials from the prefecture temporarily take over.
As the head of the Chen family, Scholar-Official Chen knew Zhan Feiyu's intention as soon as she spoke.
With an arrogant gaze, Scholar-Official Chen appraised Zhan Feiyu and sneered coldly, "Zhan Feiyu, you are merely a minor scholar, without even a degree. The affairs of Nanxuan Prefecture are not for you to comment on! Do not think that because Prefect Zhang values you, you have lost your sense of proportion!"
Merely a disciple of Academician Gu, and so overestimating herself! Scholar-Official Chen sneered. If Gu Qingzhou were here, Scholar-Official Chen might have restrained himself. As for Zhan Feiyu, she was merely an ant that could be crushed at will.
"Lord Chen speaks wisely. This student dares not overstep his bounds." Zhan Feiyu bowed deeply, her attitude extremely humble, yet her words continued to infuriate.
"Today, Chen Jin committed a public assault at Li Ji's establishment, and moreover, he repeatedly claimed to be the First Prince's cousin and your nephew. Chen Jin acted with impunity and lawlessness. This student implores Lord Chen to temporarily recuse yourself and grant me justice!"
Upon hearing this, Scholar-Official Chen burst into laughter, his eyes darkening, yet his attitude remained arrogant. "Zhan Feiyu, do not forget that I am a third-rank official of the imperial court. What right do you, a mere scholar, have to dictate to me! You withdraw immediately, and I will not pursue this matter out of respect for Academician Gu. Otherwise, do not blame me for being impolite!"
Zhan Feiyu was not intimidated in the slightest and spoke with conviction, "Then this student has even more reason to suspect that Chen Jin was instigated! That is why he dared to openly assassinate me, a mere scholar!"
Scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants! Even if Fatty Chen had not been disowned by the Chen family, he was still a merchant of lowly status.
Zhan Feiyu was not only a scholar but also the top scorer of the prefectural examination, a newly minted scholar. If Fatty Chen dared to assassinate Zhan Feiyu, and the matter was pursued to its extreme, the crime would undoubtedly be punishable by death.
Looking at Zhan Feiyu confronting Scholar-Official Chen head-on, Prefect Zhang knew that her actions, though seemingly reckless and impulsive, were for his sake, and because Kou Yuanxing had died by smashing his head against the wall.
Before Scholar-Official Chen could speak, Zhan Feiyu glanced at the group of scholars who had arrived upon hearing the news outside the prefecture office. Her slender frame stood straight. "Kou Yuanxing is now dead. Does Lord Chen intend to force this student to death as well? The top scorer of the Nanxuan Prefecture examination did not die at the hands of a thug, but was forced to death by the Jiangnan Circuit scholar-official. I believe His Majesty and the court will surely grant me justice!"
"Zhan Feiyu!" A furious roar erupted, and Scholar-Official Chen glared at Zhan Feiyu with predatory eyes, squeezing out each word through his teeth, "Do you know the crime of falsely accusing an imperial official?"
If it were not for the Nanxuan Prefecture office and the presence of onlookers, Scholar-Official Chen would have truly wanted to kick the babbling Zhan Feiyu to death. She spoke of being forced to death, yet she stood here spouting nonsense!
"Chen Jin is your nephew. Why did he dare to commit murder with a knife at Li Ji's establishment? If Lord Chen is not the mastermind, why do you not recuse yourself according to the law?" Zhan Feiyu pressed on, refusing to back down, relentlessly pursuing the matter of Fatty Chen's assassination attempt.
Whether it was the common folk watching the spectacle outside the prefecture office or the scholars gathered in small groups, they all clearly sided with Zhan Feiyu, looking at her eloquent arguments and Scholar-Official Chen's ashen face.
Fatty Chen was Lord Chen's nephew. If he were responsible for investigating and trying the case, what justice could be expected? Moreover, Fatty Chen had been acting atrociously in Nanxuan Prefecture for years, simply because his surname was Chen, and the Chen family was the maternal family of the First Prince.
"You don't know, I was at Li Ji's at the time. The main hall was full, and with so many people present, Fatty Chen took out a knife and stabbed Miss Zhan in the back." The man speaking still felt a lingering fear.
Seeing the onlookers gathering, the man further described the perilous scene in vivid detail, finally sighing, "Fortunately, Miss Zhan is skilled in both literary and martial arts, otherwise, blood would have been spilled on the spot."
Qi Heng, the little fatty standing nearby, bravely stepped forward, ignoring Scholar-Official Chen's chilling gaze, and said sternly, "Kou Yuanxing accused Prefect Zhang that day, and Lord Chen ordered Prefect Zhang to recuse himself. Now that Chen Jin has assassinated Zhan Feiyu, why is Lord Chen so strict with others and lenient with himself?"
"To act privately according to the law is to break the law," another scholar chimed in loudly, almost pointing at Scholar-Official Chen and accusing him of perverting justice.
Another scholar from Qingya Academy stepped forward, bowed to Scholar-Official Chen, and said solemnly, "The law exists but is not followed. Even a good law is like no law. We implore Lord Chen to enforce the law impartially!"
"Only by upholding the three-foot law can we govern all under heaven." The scholar in the blue robe had a solemn expression, not because the law did not punish the masses, nor to curry favor with Zhan Feiyu.
Zhan Feiyu had defeated Fatty Chen that day and sent grain and silver to the border soldiers. For Zhan Feiyu's sincerity, they, as scholars, could not allow a villain like Fatty Chen to escape legal sanctions!
More scholars stood on Zhan Feiyu's side, looking up to her with admiration, as if they could not reach her but their hearts yearned for it.
Seeing this scene, Scholar-Official Chen was amused. He did not take Zhan Feiyu seriously, but a group of scholars was something he could not ignore.
"Prefect Zhang has good methods!" Scholar-Official Chen said with a cold smile, casting a sinister glance at Prefect Zhang, then at Zhan Feiyu. As for Yin Wuyan, who stood beside Zhan Feiyu, due to his ordinary appearance and the fact that he had suppressed his aura, Scholar-Official Chen merely took him for a guard sent by Academician Gu to protect Zhan Feiyu and paid him no mind.
"Since that is the case, I shall recuse myself!" After his outburst, Scholar-Official Chen calmed down. "The death of Kou Yuanxing will be investigated by Vice Prefect Qian. As for the case of Chen Jin assassinating Zhan Feiyu, since the witnesses and evidence are complete, he will be temporarily imprisoned. After he signs and fingerprints, he will be sentenced accordingly. I will not interfere!"
Scholar-Official Chen stroked his beard and sneered. The death of a Chen Jin was insignificant; the Chen family did not lack such an unlearned fop! However, it would not be so easy for Prefect Zhang to escape the matter of Kou Yuanxing's death.
Scholar-Official Chen had originally intended to ask Zhan Feiyu to recuse herself, but now he changed his mind. "Kou Yuanxing was a candidate in this prefectural examination and died unjustly. Zhan Feiyu, I specifically permit the five of you to follow the yamen runners to the prison, lest you think I am being unfair!"
"Thank you, my lord. I beg your indulgence for my impulsive words and actions, given my youth!" Zhan Feiyu was clearly capable of both yielding and advancing. She immediately seized the opportunity and bowed to Scholar-Official Chen to apologize.
...
The prison was not only dimly lit but also filled with an unpleasant odor. It was likely due to the lack of ventilation and the occasional injuries of prisoners, the smell of blood mixed with mold, making one feel nauseous.
"Lord Chen, this way." Wang Shan led Scholar-Official Chen and his entourage towards the innermost prison. Kou Yuanxing had been held there previously.
As they walked closer, the smell of blood became more intense. Zhan Feiyu's expression remained unchanged, but the three scholars behind her turned pale, one of them covering his nose and mouth with his sleeve.
Four jailers guarded the cell. Upon seeing Scholar-Official Chen and his party, they immediately knelt to pay their respects. The death of the prisoner they were guarding meant that they, the jailers, would also be held accountable.
Looking at the bloody wall and the corpse lying on the ground, its skull caved in, mixed with dried blood and straw, Scholar-Official Chen recoiled in disgust, stepped back two paces, and said coldly, "Vice Prefect Qian, you will lead the constable to investigate the prison. His Excellency and I will not enter."
These words, while seemingly a matter of recusal, were actually an unwillingness to be tainted by this sordid affair.
"Yes, my lord." Vice Prefect Qian was nearly sixty years old and would retire in two years. He never expected to be dragged into the dispute between Scholar-Official Chen and Prefect Zhang, but he had no choice and could only accept the order to investigate the case.
Yin Wuyan had remained silent throughout. At this moment, he gently patted Zhan Feiyu's head. Knowing that the young girl was brave, he did not stop her from coming to the prison.
Zhan Feiyu looked at the corpse lying on the ground through the cell door, feeling an inexplicable sadness. Human life was as insignificant as grass!
Geng Constable entered the prison and first turned the body over. Kou Yuanxing's blood-written confession was hidden in his chest. There were no paper or writing tools in the cell, so he had torn off his undergarment, bitten his left wrist, and used his right index finger dipped in blood to write.
Geng Constable unfolded the blood-soaked confession, seemingly examining it, but he quickly read it from beginning to end. "My lord, this is the blood-written confession found on Kou Yuanxing's chest."
Vice Prefect Qian took it and habitually intended to present it to Scholar-Official Chen and Prefect Zhang, but then he remembered that both of them had recused themselves, so he was the only one to investigate this case.
The blood-written confession was not long, only six lines. It must be said that Kou Yuanxing's literary talent was excellent. In just six lines, he clearly explained the matter: Prefect Zhang had canceled his ranking in the prefectural examination in order to make Zhan Feiyu the top scorer.
Furthermore, because Prefect Zhang was angered by Kou Yuanxing's accusation of examination fraud, he intended to severely punish Kou Yuanxing as a warning. Kou Yuanxing, who was banned from taking examinations for life, had lost the will to live and could only die by smashing his head against the wall.
Geng Constable was still inspecting the cell at this moment.
The coroner began to examine the body. As the coroner spoke, a clerk beside him quickly took notes.
"The deceased died due to a head impact against the wall. There were no other fatal external injuries on his body," the coroner said, tidying the deceased's clothes. "The deceased had a bite mark on his left wrist, dried blood on his right index finger, and residual blood around his lips..."
After hearing the coroner's autopsy report, Zhan Feiyu's brow furrowed. From the current situation, it seemed that Kou Yuanxing had indeed committed suicide. Of course, it was also possible that someone had forced his head against the wall to kill him.
However, Vice Prefect Qian had just read the blood-written confession, and Zhan Feiyu had also heard it. The confession was brief and clear, with no hidden meanings, so was it possible that someone had forced Kou Yuanxing to commit suicide?
"Reporting to my lord." Geng Constable had finished inspecting the cell and found no abnormalities.
As for whether Kou Yuanxing committed suicide or was murdered, the jailers who guarded the prison stammered, "Kou Yuanxing was held in solitary confinement. Because the case involved examination fraud, no one was allowed to visit him. Meals were delivered to the cell door, and there were two keys to open the cell door: one was held by the head jailer Wang Shan, and the other was held by the person on duty."
In other words, if Kou Yuanxing was murdered, the killer must have entered the cell and gathered two keys to open the cell door.
However, Wang Shan's key had never left his person, and the on-duty jailer's key was also securely tied to his belt. Therefore, based on the current evidence, Kou Yuanxing had committed suicide.
Scholar-Official Chen listened, then sneered at Prefect Zhang, and then looked at Zhan Feiyu. As for Yin Wuyan, who stood beside Zhan Feiyu, due to his overly ordinary appearance and the fact that he had concealed his aura, Scholar-Official Chen merely took him for a guard sent by Academician Gu to protect Zhan Feiyu and paid him no mind.
"Since that is the case, send the body to the Yizhuang first. I heard that Kou Yuanxing was raised by his widowed mother. Vice Prefect Qian, send someone to Huai County to inform Kou Yuanxing's mother. A white-haired person sending off a black-haired person is the greatest sorrow in the world." Scholar-Official Chen sighed with emotion and was the first to turn and walk out of the prison.
Prefect Zhang cast a complicated glance at Kou Yuanxing's corpse. According to the coroner's examination, Kou Yuanxing's time of death was precisely after he and Master Xiao had left last night. Scholar-Official Chen was not making trouble at the moment, but Prefect Zhang knew that this was merely the calm before the storm; the real crisis was yet to come.
Yin Wuyan patted Zhan Feiyu's shoulder. The two of them followed the yamen runners and the four scholars out. The death of Kou Yuanxing was so tragic that the scholars really did not want to stay any longer.
Leaving the dim prison, Zhan Feiyu whispered, "Big Brother, was Kou Yuanxing forced to commit suicide?"
"It's not convenient to see Prefect Zhang now. I'll accompany you to see Master Xiao." Yin Wuyan had investigated many major and important cases. Kou Yuanxing's death was actually quite clear. Chen Minzhong forced him to commit suicide to frame Prefect Zhang. Regardless of whether there was evidence, with such a case occurring, Prefect Zhang would likely have to leave Nanxuan Prefecture.
"I'm Going to Take the Imperial Examinations in Ancient Times" will continue to be updated on the no-error chapter.