Zhang Heng became famous overnight because of the Golden Pavilion incident.
Several students from impoverished families came to Zhang Heng for help, and Zhang Heng took the opportunity to accept this major case of cheating in the imperial examinations for students from poor families.
The atmosphere in the Dali Temple courtroom was somber.
Zhang Heng, dressed in a blue robe, stood in the hall, facing a seat full of noble families, powerful officials, and important courtiers, his expression calm and composed.
He slightly cupped his hands in a salute to the presiding judge, then looked around at everyone with clear, bright eyes.
"Zhang Heng, do you have any evidence to support your accusation that aristocratic families framed a poor family for cheating?" the presiding judge asked in a deep voice.
Zhang Heng calmly took out a scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "My lord, this is the duty record of the examination officials on that day, as well as the seating chart of the scholars involved."
He lightly tapped the paper with his fingertip, his voice clear and resonant: "According to the records, the examiner who found the 'cheating slips' that day was a disciple of the Langya Wang clan. The poor scholars he investigated were all seated in the center of the examination hall, within the examiner's line of sight. If they really wanted to cheat, why didn't they choose the edge? Why did they choose to put themselves in danger?"
A noble official in the hall scoffed, "Soliciting nonsense!"
Zhang Heng smiled slightly and asked in return, "Then may I ask, sir, if a scholar from a humble background truly colluded with the examiners, why didn't he just leak the exam questions directly, instead of using such clumsy methods to leave evidence?"
The man choked, and before he could answer, Zhang Heng's sharp gaze swept over the seats of the aristocratic families, and he continued, "Furthermore, the handwriting on the so-called 'cheating slip' is completely different from the usual writing of the scholar involved, upon comparison."
Zhang Heng remained calm and took out a stack of papers from his sleeve: "These are the usual writings of the scholars involved. Please compare them with the handwriting on the 'cheating slips' and take a look, gentlemen."
The presiding judge took it and examined it closely, his brows gradually furrowing.
"Cheating in the imperial examinations is not only not done in a way that is not well concealed, but also involves having others help copy the notes. Isn't that just creating unnecessary trouble?"
Zhang Heng pressed his advantage: "Furthermore, I have another question—if those from humble backgrounds really committed fraud, why are all those involved from humble backgrounds, and not from any aristocratic families? Are all the children of aristocratic families honest and upright, and would never stoop to committing fraud?"
His tone was calm, yet every word was like a knife: "Or is this case a deliberate setup, specifically targeting those from poor families?"
These words caused an uproar in the room!
The faces of the noble families below were ashen, and one of them angrily shouted, "You scoundrel! Don't you dare make false accusations!"
Zhang Heng remained neither humble nor arrogant, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Excellency is wise. This humble subject is merely reasoning. If the noble families have a clear conscience, what is there to fear in a confrontation?"
After a series of exchanges, Zhang Heng pressed forward relentlessly, and the powerful officials were forced to retreat in defeat.
He is logically astute and sharp-tongued, always able to seize upon loopholes in his opponent's words and turn the tables on them.
Previously, the aristocratic families had suffered a great defeat due to the Golden Pavilion incident. Although they had the numbers and power, they were rendered speechless by Zhang Heng's arguments, and the scene was extremely awkward.
Seeing this, the presiding judge had no choice but to adjourn the court and postpone the trial to another day.
After leaving the court, Zhang Heng was surrounded by a group of scholars from humble backgrounds as soon as he stepped out of the Dali Temple.
"Brother Zhang, today is truly gratifying!"
"Those aristocratic families, who are usually so arrogant, were rendered speechless by Brother Zhang today. It's truly satisfying!"
Zhang Heng showed no joy, but said in a low voice, "Don't be too happy yet. Although we have the upper hand today, the powerful families will never let this go."
He looked toward the palace, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "The real contest is yet to come."
Sure enough, Zhang Heng's residence was set on fire that very night.
Fortunately, he had taken precautions and did not stay at home, thus escaping disaster.
Upon hearing the news, Lu Jingze discussed it with Wang Xiuxiu overnight and sent someone to bring him to a safe place.
“The aristocratic families are resorting to desperate measures,” Lu Jingze said with a grave expression.
Zhang Heng smiled calmly: "The more anxious they are, the more it shows that we have hit a nerve."
"Next, they will probably use even more ruthless methods."
Zhang Heng's gaze was firm: "It's alright. Now that I've embarked on this path, I have no intention of turning back."
——
The following day, in the imperial court, the powerful families launched another attack.
"Your Majesty! Zhang Heng is arrogant and outrageous, openly slandering court officials. He should be punished!"
Lu Nancheng glanced coldly at the crowd and said indifferently, "The matter Zhang Heng mentioned has not yet been concluded by the Dali Temple, so how can there be any slander?"
The aristocratic official gritted his teeth: "But he's inciting public sentiment and disrupting the court!"
The official from humble beginnings immediately retorted: "Zhang Heng was merely stating the facts; how could he be accused of incitement? It is certain individuals who sent people to burn down civilian homes last night—that is true disregard for the law!"
The court was in chaos once again.
Lu Nancheng raised his hand to stop him, and said in a deep voice, "I will personally try this case. Court is adjourned!"
——
Seven days after the public trial, the final court hearing will take place.
The dark clouds hung low over the capital. Zhang Heng stood by the window, holding a newly discovered piece of evidence in his hand—an account book that a poor scholar had risked his life to deliver a few days earlier, recording in detail how clans had bribed examiners and bought and sold official titles in recent years.
The pages were faintly yellowed, but the ink was still clearly visible, and every transaction was shocking.
"Zhang Heng, it's time to set off." Lu Jingze's voice came from behind. He had specially changed into a light and practical outfit today, with a sword at his waist.
As soon as the two stepped out of the Hanlin Academy gate, a squad of imperial guards was already waiting.
The leading commander clasped his hands in a salute: "Your Highness, by order of the Emperor, we are here to escort Mr. Zhang into the palace."
The carriage slowly drove along Zhuque Avenue. Lu Jingze lifted a corner of the curtain and found that the once bustling street was unusually deserted today, with only a few pedestrians walking hurriedly with their heads down.
There seemed to be a shadowy figure moving about in the shadows at the street corner.
"Something's not right." Lu Jingze's hand was already on the hilt of his sword.
Before he could finish speaking, an arrow pierced the air, aimed straight for Zhang Heng's throat!
"Watch out!" Lu Jingze suddenly pulled Zhang Heng down, and the arrow "thudded" into the carriage wall, its fletching still trembling.
"Assassins! Protect the Prince and Mr. Zhang!" the Imperial Guard commander shouted, and the soldiers quickly formed a defensive formation.
Dozens of men in black suddenly appeared on the rooftops on both sides of the street, raining down arrows.
Two imperial guards fell to the ground, their blood staining the bluestone pavement.
"They're assassins!" A cold glint flashed in Lu Jingze's eyes.
He drew his sword, its blade flashing like lightning, instantly slicing down three incoming arrows.
Although Zhang Heng was not skilled in martial arts, he remained exceptionally calm. He stayed close behind Lu Jingze and took out a bamboo tube from his sleeve—it was a signal firework given to him by Wang Xiuxiu.
With a loud "bang," red fireworks exploded in the gloomy sky, standing out conspicuously.
Seeing this, the men in black intensified their attack, with several leaping off the rooftops to engage the Imperial Guards in close combat.
Lu Jingze's swordsmanship was superb, and he killed two assassins in succession, but the number of enemies was too large, and the Imperial Guards gradually became overwhelmed.
"Retreat into the alley!" Lu Jingze protected Zhang Heng as they retreated into a narrow alley, only to find that the end of the alley was already blocked by men in black.
"Lu Jingze, Zhang Heng, today is your death day!" The leader of the men in black tore off his mask, revealing a ferocious face—it was Wang Huan, the eldest son of the Wang family who had been ordered to be executed.
Lu Jingze sneered: "Wang Huan, switching death row inmates, is your Wang family plotting a rebellion?"
"Rebellion?!" Wang Huan sneered. "Just a purge of the court of corrupt officials! The Emperor is deceived by you villains; my Wang family has been loyal for generations—"
"Loyal and upright?" Zhang Heng suddenly interrupted loudly, "Loyal and upright people from your Wang family? Bribing examiners, buying and selling official titles, and framing poor scholars!"
Wang Huan's expression changed drastically: "Kill him! Take back the account books!"
Just as the men in black swarmed forward, the sound of orderly hooves and clashing armor suddenly came from the alley entrance.
"Protect the Prince!"
A troop of golden-armored imperial guards surged into the alley like a tide, led by none other than Emperor Lu Nancheng himself!
He wore a bright yellow dragon robe, with an emperor's sword at his waist, and his face was as cold and stern as ice.
Wang Huan's face was ashen: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty..."
Lu Nancheng's gaze sharpened: "Wang Huan, do you know what crime it is to assassinate an official of the imperial court?"
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I am innocent!" Wang Huan knelt on the ground, his voice trembling. "It was Prince Jing and Zhang Heng who slandered my Wang family..."
"Slander?" Lu Nancheng sneered, taking out a stack of memorials from his sleeve. "Over the years, the memorials impeaching your Wang family have piled up like mountains! I have always considered your family's merits and repeatedly given you chances to reform, but I never expected you to become even more outrageous, daring to attempt an assassination in the street!"
Wang Huan suddenly looked up, a glint of madness flashing in his eyes: "Since that's the case... then don't blame me!"
He suddenly blew a sharp whistle.
In an instant, shouts of battle suddenly rang out throughout the capital, and flames could be seen shooting into the sky in the distance.
Lu Nancheng's face darkened: "You've colluded with the garrison commander of the capital!"
"Hahaha!" Wang Huan laughed wildly, "Today, this capital will belong to the Wang family! Most of the Imperial Guards are now under our control. Your Majesty would better obediently write your abdication edict!"
Zhang Heng was startled and looked at Lu Nancheng, only to find a cold smile on the emperor's lips.
"Really?" Lu Nancheng clapped his hands lightly.
Suddenly, countless archers appeared on the rooftops on both sides of the alley, all aiming at Wang Huan and his group.
Even more shockingly, the general leading the team was none other than Minglang, who was supposed to be stationed in Lizhou!
"Impossible!" Wang Huan exclaimed in shock, "You clearly promised..."
"Agree to join forces with you?" Minglang sneered. "Wang Huan, you underestimate the loyalty of the Ming family."
From the moment the powerful families began their attack, Lu Nancheng secretly ordered Minglang to begin preparations for returning to the capital.
It was meant to report on one's duties, but in reality, it was to protect the capital.
The soldiers and generals of Lizhou had honed their skills through countless battles, and in no time at all, they had subdued all the rebels.
Wang Huan's face turned ashen, and he suddenly drew his sword and charged towards Lu Nancheng.
Lu Jingze flashed, his sword flashing like lightning. Before Wang Huan could even raise his sword, a line of blood appeared on his throat.
"Brother, a rebellion has broken out in the city. We should close the net now," Lu Jingze said in a deep voice.
Lu Nancheng nodded and turned to Zhang Heng: "Minister Zhang, the evidence you possess is of paramount importance. Accompany me to court. Today, I will deliver justice to all the poor scholars who have passed the imperial examinations!"
The atmosphere in the main hall of the palace was as heavy as iron.
Dozens of officials from prominent families were escorted into the palace by the Imperial Guards, including many important ministers of the court.
Shouts of battle could be heard from outside the hall from time to time, but they were quickly suppressed.
Lu Nancheng sat high on the dragon throne, Lu Jingze stood on the left below the steps, and Zhang Heng stood on the right, holding the account book and other collected evidence in his hands.
"My esteemed ministers," Lu Nancheng's voice echoed in the hall, "today I will personally preside over the trial of the case of cheating in the imperial examinations."
An elderly, white-haired minister from a prominent family stepped forward tremblingly: "Your Majesty, I am innocent! It's all that villain Zhang Heng's fault..."
"Shut up!" Lu Nancheng slammed his hand on the table, his face contorted with rage. "You still dare to argue even now! Zhang Heng, present the evidence!"
Zhang Heng stepped forward, his voice clear and resonant: "Your Majesty, upon investigation, it has been found that over the past ten years, seven prominent families, including the Wang family of Langya and the Cui family of Qinghe, have manipulated local recommendations seventeen times, framed eighty-three scholars from humble backgrounds, bought and sold official titles on forty-five occasions, and bribed examiners with over one million taels of silver..."
As the charges were read aloud one by one, the officials from the noble families in the palace turned ashen-faced, and some even collapsed to the ground.
"Furthermore," Zhang Heng continued, "I have also discovered that in the Lizhou massacre several years ago, there were members of the Cui family in the capital who colluded with the northern border!"
These words caused an uproar throughout the court.
"Nonsense!" the Cui family head shouted angrily. "This is slander!"
Lu Nancheng sneered: "Want evidence? Fine!"
He waved his hand, and a eunuch presented a brocade box. Opening it, he took out a stack of letters. "These are secret correspondence between you in the North. The handwriting and seals are intact. Still trying to deny it?"
The head of the Cui family was struck dumb, and knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, spare my life! I was confused for a moment..."
"A moment of folly?" Lu Jingze said sternly, "Wasn't it foolish of you to frame a poor scholar? Wasn't it foolish of you to send assassins to kill Zhang Heng? And now, aren't you foolish to join Wang Jiajia in this rebellion?"
Lu Nancheng slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials: "Issue my decree: the evidence of treason against the seven great families, including the Wang family of Langya and the Cui family of Qinghe, is irrefutable; their entire families shall be executed! All other officials involved shall be severely punished according to the law! The poor scholars falsely accused in the imperial examination fraud case shall be exonerated and granted official titles!"
As soon as the imperial edict was issued, cries and pleas for mercy filled the hall.
The imperial guards dragged a group of aristocratic officials out of the main hall; the once arrogant and powerful nobles were now prisoners.
After the court session, Lu Nancheng summoned Zhang Heng and Lu Jingze to the Imperial Study for a private audience.
"Jing Ze and Zhang Heng deserve immense credit for eradicating this scourge of powerful families in one fell swoop." Lu Nancheng personally poured tea for the two of them, a great honor indeed.
Lu Jingze shook his head: "It was all thanks to Your Majesty's strategic planning; I merely followed the plan."
Zhang Heng replied respectfully, "This humble subject has merely done his duty."
Lu Nancheng looked at Zhang Heng meaningfully: "Minister Zhang, you are unafraid of powerful figures and have spoken out for the people. I admire you greatly. Effective immediately, you are promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, in charge of matters related to the reform of the imperial examination system."
Zhang Heng was greatly alarmed and immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, this humble subject is still of limited experience..."
"If I say you're capable, then you are." Lu Nancheng helped him up. "A new dynasty should employ new people. The powerful clans have been eliminated; now is the time to implement new policies."
Lu Jingze laughed and said, "Don't refuse. By the way, Your Majesty, what about those poor scholars who have been exonerated..."
"All will be hired." Lu Nancheng said decisively. "The court needs fresh blood. In addition, I have ordered the revision of the imperial examination regulations. From now on, all examinations will be conducted anonymously, and examiners will be transferred from other regions to prevent cheating."
As the sun set, Zhang Heng walked out of the palace and found that the sky had cleared.
Outside the palace gates, a group of impoverished students were waiting. When they saw him come out, they all stepped forward to pay their respects.
"Brother Zhang!" the lead student exclaimed excitedly, "We...we've finally waited for this day!"
Someone nearby corrected him, "Now you should call him Lord Zhang!"
For a time, the palace gate was bustling with activity.
Looking at these faces as young as himself, Zhang Heng's eyes warmed with a smile: "This is just the beginning. His Majesty has decided to implement new policies; from now on, the court will appoint people based solely on their abilities."
The students cheered with joy, some even weeping with happiness.
In the distance, Lu Jingze and Wang Xiuxiu stood side by side, watching this scene.
"I never imagined that Zhang Heng could actually shake the century-old foundation of a powerful family," Wang Xiuxiu exclaimed.
Lu Jingze's gaze was far-reaching: "Because he represents not just an individual, but a changing tide of an era. The powerful families have monopolized power for too long; it's time for a new era."
That night, torches lit up the entire capital as the Imperial Guards continued their search for the remaining members of aristocratic families.
But the people have taken to the streets to celebrate this victory for justice.
In teahouses and taverns, storytellers have begun recounting the tale of Zhang Henggong's clever battle against powerful families, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
At the highest point of the palace, Lu Nancheng stood alone by the railing, gazing into the distance at the capital city that was about to be reborn, a rare smile appearing on his lips.
"Your Majesty, it's late," the old eunuch whispered a reminder.
Lu Nancheng said, "Look, aren't the stars in the sky brighter than usual?"
The old eunuch followed the emperor's gaze and saw that the night sky was dotted with stars, which were indeed more dazzling than usual.
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