"Director Liu, student Han Mo has something to say!"
Seeing those people immediately surrounding him, Han Mo pushed them away and said loudly.
"The evidence is conclusive, what else do you have to say? Guards, escort him out!"
Liu Li was a seasoned official, not a novice like Qin Hui who had just entered the bureaucracy. His actions were always somewhat reserved.
Since he had decided to crush Han Mo completely, he certainly wouldn't give Han Mo a chance to plead his case.
Although Han Mo was tall and strong, Liu Li didn't take him seriously. With a wave of his hand, he immediately signaled the soldiers behind him to act.
"Director Liu, if you act so unreasonably, are you forcing Han to beat the Dengwen Drum?"
Seeing that this fellow was about to resort to force, Han Mo shouted.
"If Brother Han intends to beat the Dengwen Drum, I, Zhong Yanchong, am willing to accompany you!"
Seeing that these people were starting to act aggressively, Zhong Yanchong resolutely stood by Han Mo's side.
"Director Liu is unjust! If you go, we will all go!"
From behind Zhong Yanchong, a student shouted, and with a rush, dozens of students stood up again.
Even Liu Li was a bit flustered now. What was going on?
The Dengwen Drum had been around since the Northern Wei dynasty.
According to custom, once the Dengwen Drum was beaten, the emperor would generally personally inquire.
If he, a Director of the Imperial Academy, forced dozens of students to beat the Dengwen Drum, even Cai Jing wouldn't be able to protect him.
"Wait! You all, stop arguing here. Can't you discuss matters properly without beating the Dengwen Drum!"
Seeing that the situation was escalating, several Taixue scholars around Liu Li quickly stepped forward to mediate.
"Director Liu, it's not that we insist on going and causing a stir throughout the city. It's simply because the cheating incident is completely unfounded. Now, someone with ulterior motives wants to make it an ironclad case. If I don't seek justice for myself, won't my life be ruined like this forever!"
Seeing that Liu Li was starting to back down, Han Mo strode forward, cupped his hands towards Liu Li, and continued.
"Academic Supervisor Qin, what exactly happened?"
Now Liu Li had no choice. At this moment, he could only hope that Qin Hui had some solid evidence.
"Director, please look. This is the exam paper he submitted, and this is what was found on his desk. Isn't this solid proof?"
Qin Hui's eyes darted, and he quickly handed over the exam paper and the forged crib sheet. Liu Li took them, examined the contents carefully, and then turned to hand them over to the Taixue scholars beside him.
"This is irrefutable evidence, what else is there to say?"
After carefully comparing the content on the two sheets of paper, Liu Li said dismissively.
"Han did not cheat. Han Mo does not know how this appeared on his desk!"
"No cheating, what proof do you have that you didn't cheat?"
Qin Hui said triumphantly.
After all, this was found on his desk, and it was found in front of so many people.
Even if he had manipulated things a bit, for Han Mo at this moment, it was like mud falling into his pants – it wasn't shit, but it looked like shit.
"Student actually has a method!"
Seeing the smug look on Qin Hui's face, Han Mo sneered and said.
"Do you think the Imperial Academy is any place you can do as you please? Everything must follow the rules of the Imperial Academy!"
Liu Li's eyes darted, he heavily slammed the table, and then angrily rebuked.
"The rules of the Imperial Academy, do they not permit students to prove their innocence? Director, don't you think your statement is too overbearing?"
As it was nearing the final step, how could Han Mo give up now?
Therefore, at this moment, he could only argue his case.
"Director Liu, I think he has a point! If cheating occurs in the Imperial Academy, and this gets out, it will likely make the Emperor look bad! Moreover, this scholar was promoted by the Emperor's special decree!"
Regardless, among the Taixue scholars, there were a few upright individuals. Seeing that Liu Li and the others were preparing to scheme here, one of the scholars directly stepped out and said.
"Since that's the case, then tell us! However, if your method is not in accordance with the rules, don't blame me for acting according to the rules!"
Liu Li sneered and said again.
"Student says that all the content on this exam paper was answered by myself. However, Academic Supervisor Qin said today that these items were found on Han Mo's desk. How about this: let several scholars re-issue the questions on the spot, and Han Mo answers them on the spot. Whether it's true or false will be clear at a glance!"
Han Mo smiled and said confidently.
"This..."
Qin Hui was stunned, he really hadn't expected this situation.
However, he really couldn't find any reason to refuse this method now.
"I believe this method is excellent! If he cannot answer, then he will be punished for multiple crimes and handed over to the authorities!"
The scholars had also seen clearly that Qin Hui and Director Liu were clearly in cahoots.
Now, it seemed like a mere student was fighting against two officials, but behind them were the struggles of the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Commander in the imperial court.
These small ants, if they wanted to avoid trouble, could only handle matters impartially.
If they showed any bias, they would likely immediately incur retaliation from the other side.
"I also believe this method is feasible!"
"Your subordinate agrees!"
In almost an instant, several Taixue scholars expressed their stance.
This time, Liu Li was a bit depressed.
These bastards reacted too quickly!
In this day and age, there were fewer and fewer fools.
However, looking at Qin Hui's expression, he also knew that this kid had most likely not cheated.
At this moment, if he agreed to this method, wouldn't he be directly clearing the young man's name?
Cai Xiao had specifically sent someone to find him, and he had already made a promise. If Han Mo escaped this ordeal, he would have difficulty accounting for himself!
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Just as Liu Li was hesitating, a young eunuch's shrill voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"My heavens!"
This time, even Qin Hui couldn't help but want to curse. Who was this person!
He had only bothered this kid a little, and now the Crown Prince had also arrived?