Chapter 154 Okay, I'll go with you.

All the candidates were stunned at first upon hearing these words, and then they erupted in uproar.

"What kind of logic is this? What if the suspect you're talking about falsely accuses someone else without any reason!"

"Lord Shangguan has been honest and upright all his life and has never shown favoritism. Is it appropriate for you to pin such a crime on him?" Immediately, some of the candidates expressed their dissatisfaction.

"That's right! It's true that the old man loves fine wine, so it's good that he wrote a few more poems."

To insist that the old master is connected to those privately made dragon robes—isn't that utterly ridiculous?

"That's right, that's exactly the point."

Moreover, the old master has been away from court for many years; it's highly inappropriate for him to be involved in such matters.

"I'd rather believe the beauty I saw the other day was a fox spirit than believe that you, sir, are involved in something like this!"

...

The candidates chattered amongst themselves, most of them glaring at the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice and the Prince of Wu with hostile eyes.

That's right, their status is not as high as the two people in front of them.

But they are candidates for the imperial examinations, candidates who will participate in the metropolitan examinations next year.

Who doesn't come to the capital with a heart full of aspirations for the world?

These two people in front of me... although one of them is a prince, the world of Dayu is not something that this prince can sit still in.

The scholars had no shortage of pride.

Several candidates even stepped forward to stand in front of Lord Shangguan, shielding him behind them.

Lord Shangguan looked at the candidates with a smile, feeling deeply comforted.

The younger generation in Chongqing is promising; they seem unafraid of authority and are good prospects.

Of course, some people don't speak so harshly, trying not to offend either side.

"Everyone, don't panic or get angry."

Is there some misunderstanding here?

"Yes, Your Highness is bound by imperial orders and will certainly not make any decisions on your own."

The old man was honest and upright throughout his life and would never do anything foolish.

There must be some misunderstanding.

"Yes, as the prince just said, it was the person involved in the case who implicated Lord Shangguan. As long as the matter is clarified, everything will be fine."

This is no big deal!

"Don't get angry, don't get angry!"

...

"Heh, you fence-sitter!"

"Spineless! He has no integrity whatsoever as a scholar!"

"Is he trying to find a better branch to climb again?"

The scholars, who could argue over a single line of poetry, immediately began to quarrel.

Lord Shangguan wasn't angry at all. Everyone has their own ambitions, and everyone's future path will be different, so their choices will definitely be different.

Those candidates who didn't want to offend anyone came from all over the country. Some of them were from poor families and were able to come to the capital to take the exams only with the help of their clans.

Some families, though possessing modest wealth, are not particularly distinguished.

I actually saw someone like the prince today, and my first instinct was to speak up for him.

And then there are those who are simply afraid of offending anyone.

Some people may not offer you any help, but they can stab you in the back at a crucial moment...

...

Lord Shangguan waved his hand, signaling everyone to stop arguing.

Everyone immediately fell silent.

Lord Shangguan stood up and looked at King Wu.

"Your Highness, are you referring to the suspect in the case of illegally making dragon robes who identified me?" Lord Shangguan asked solemnly.

"Yes! That person is... Yang Zhengtong, the Crown Prince's trusted advisor and tutor."

I don't want to believe him either, but he insists that you ordered him to do these things.

The laws of Chongqing stipulate that all those involved in a case must be investigated!

So... I would like to ask you, sir, to make a trip and speak with Yang Zhengtong face to face.

"Let's see what's really going on here!" King Wu said calmly.

Upon hearing this, the candidates realized that they intended to take Lord Shangguan to the Ministry of Justice, and their anger intensified.

"The people in the Ministry of Justice are making a mountain out of a molehill!"

"Heh, isn't it all just a matter of them talking?"

"This is a confession obtained through torture! I've heard that the Crown Prince's Chamberlain is an upright man!"

"Sir, you can't go. They're trying to force you to confess under torture..."

Lord Shangguan waved his hand again.

Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Lord Shangguan then looked at King Wu.

"Your Highness, are you referring to that Yang Zhanshi who identified me?"

“Yes! Yang Zhengtong identified the old man. This is not something I alone know; the two vice ministers of the Ministry of Justice also know about it,” the Prince of Wu said immediately.

Lord Shangguan nodded.

"Very well, since it was Yang Zhanshi who identified me, then I have nothing to say."

However, I must still defend myself: I have nothing to do with what the prince is saying.

I disdain doing such things.

But I am a native of Dayu, and I once impeached many people in the Dayu court for the sake of the fairness of the law.

Therefore, I will certainly comply with the requirements of the Great Yu laws and cooperate with Your Highness's summons.

Lord Shangguan's words left everyone in the courtyard speechless.

The King of Wu was even more surprised.

In fact, he was already prepared for Lord Shangguan to ignore him.

But now...

"My lord, it's just a simple inquiry. You can simply confront Yang Zhengtong."

"That guy is the type who won't admit defeat until he sees the coffin. Once you get there, he'll definitely panic!" King Wu hurriedly said.

Lord Shangguan ignored him and instead glanced at the scholars in the courtyard.

"You have studied hard for ten years not for wealth and glory, but for the desire in your hearts."

Wealth and glory are fleeting and short-lived. You must follow the passion in your hearts and strive to be useful to the people of Chongqing!

I'm getting old, and there's not much I can teach you anymore.

I'll teach you another one today.

One must be upright! Uprightness is the first principle of life; to walk and sit upright is the true nature of a gentleman.

Never resort to underhanded tactics or shady methods to harm others!

"Have you memorized them all?" Lord Shangguan looked sharply at the scholars in the courtyard.

The candidates immediately bowed and agreed.

"I will remember the old man's teachings!"

Only then did Lord Shangguan turn around and look at King Wu.

"Your Highness, let's go! But before we leave, may I change my clothes?"

Today, I am dressed in my everyday clothes to meet these candidates.

"Since this is a confrontation, I'll change my clothes. Please have a seat, Your Highness. I'll be right back!"

The King of Wu immediately agreed.

Anyway, the Shangguan residence is here, so he's not afraid that Lord Shangguan will run away.

"Please, my lord! I will wait here!" King Wu also respectfully performed a disciple's salute.

However, Lord Shangguan did not accept the greeting and turned to walk towards his own courtyard.