Chapter 230: Fulfilling the passionate and ambitious self of the past
The Chief Justice of the Dali Temple raised his eyebrows and thought to himself, aren't you trying to overturn the verdict for the Prince of Zhenguo?
Lu Chenyang acted quickly. Just as the Chief Justice of the Dali Temple and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice were about to go back to discuss how to judge the case, Lu Chenyang's men had already delivered the things.
The Dali Temple official took a look at the memorial. It was clearly documented, with the time, location, and individuals involved clearly spelled out. It was obvious that a thorough investigation had been conducted, with not a single word of nonsense. It even noted where the witnesses had met the witness and how they had met him.
Well, there's even evidence.
The Dali Temple Minister couldn't help but sigh, "Lu Chenyang...his reputation is indeed well-deserved."
He was not just trying to overturn Yan Xing's case, but he had actually conducted a serious investigation and had thoroughly investigated everything the Fifth Prince had done. He was truly seeking justice for the people.
He is not trying to bring down a political enemy, nor is he going against anyone. He is actually doing his job and investigating the case.
The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice also took it and took a look. He immediately understood what he meant and was moved.
They had indeed lived in a muddle for many years, and had compromised for the sake of power. They might not be able to do what Lu Chenyang did, but seeing someone truly seeking justice would still make them sigh.
In fact, they looked at Lu Chenyang as if they were looking at a legend.
Watching a man create a miracle, watching him do something they had once fantasized about but never done.
And no one would not admire such a person. When everyone was studying, they had imagined that they would let the people live a good life, assist the emperor, make the country peaceful and prosperous, and become a famous official.
Although such thoughts were quickly awakened by reality after becoming officials, they did not unexpectedly go with the flow. Occasionally, when they thought of their ideals of the past, they would just smile and pass it by. Even if they felt a little bitter in their hearts, they would quickly put it behind their minds.
Because that is impossible and it won't work in official circles.
That was an impossible thing to do, but now someone has done it, a county magistrate in faraway Lingnan.
In fact, every scholar, after watching Lu Chenyang's experience, will know that what he did is the ideal of every scholar when he becomes an official. But for others, it is an ideal, but for Lu Chenyang, it is just an action.
He started as an inconspicuous county magistrate and slowly rose to his current position. He still sticks to his original intention and has never changed.
Without any interests involved, they were willing to give this young man some convenience. They were not legends, but they were willing to lend a helping hand to make this legend even more brilliant.
Even if it means fulfilling the passionate and ambitious self I was back then.
The case of the fifth prince was judged very quickly, and the chief judge of the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice investigated the case almost without any obstacles.
There wasn't much to investigate. Lu Chenyang had already done it. They just needed to verify it. They had to find evidence, find witnesses, and ask for testimony, step by step, according to the normal process of handling a case.
No one took advantage of their privileges, and no one was perfunctory. Even when the victim was sought out to inquire about the case, no one accepted the silver that the victim cautiously offered.
They are the victims, yet they still have to spend money to buy justice for themselves.
An official from the Dali Temple subconsciously wanted to accept it, but then pushed it back. Accepting favors was a habit, but forget it, this time.
It wasn't that they had a change of heart, but they just thought of Lu Chenyang's calm and indifferent face. It would be fine for any other case, but this was a case that Lu Chenyang was personally overseeing. He had no tolerance for any flaws and would not let anyone who abused their power or bent the law go unpunished.
They were still frightened and they didn't dare.
This is the benefit of power. This is what Lu Chenyang said: the superior should lead by example. The kind of person he is will affect the behavior of those under him.
Many people then discovered that using the normal process to handle cases was surprisingly fast, with efficiency several times higher than before, which was incredibly satisfying.
Everyone had this feeling in their hearts, that handling cases could be done this way.
However, in just one month, the case was sorted out and ready for public trial.
This was a busy month for the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice, but Lu Chenyang was busy with other things.
After Lu Chenyang left the court, he had the collected evidence sent to the Dali Temple, and then he went to find Yan Xing, intending to take Yan Xing to beat the man who was down on him.
This was Lu Chenyang's first time at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and he should have met the Duke much earlier. However, Lu Chenyang felt guilty about not giving Yan Xing justice, as his son had been with him through thick and thin. So, he hesitated to meet him.
Now that he finally had an explanation, he came to visit with gifts.
The Duke of Zhenguo had a very good impression of Lu Chenyang. He had planned for many years but failed to do something - to prepare the second prince for the position of crown prince, but Lu Chenyang accomplished it in just six years.
What's more, Lu Chenyang did more than just this one thing. He also saved so many people. No one would dislike such an outstanding young man.
"Junior greets the Duke of Zhenguo." Lu Chenyang was polite and calm in front of the Duke of Zhenguo.
Good-looking, promising, without bad habits, with advantages all over his body. The Duke of Zhenguo liked her so much that he wished she was his own child.
"Chenyang... I'll just call you Chenyang. No need to be so polite, Chenyang. I admire so much of what you've done. You're a good child and have done so much for the people." The Duke of Zhenguo said kindly, "I've always been paying attention to you. Don't be polite. Just treat this place like your own and call me uncle."
Lu Chenyang smiled shyly and modestly, calling out crisply, "Uncle! You're too kind. The Zhenguogong Mansion is full of loyal and brave people who defend their country. I admire them deeply."
The two people praised each other and the atmosphere was friendly and harmonious.
Lu Chenyang felt that although the Duke of Zhenguo was a military general, he was a kind and understanding elder; the Duke of Zhenguo felt that Lu Chenyang was a man of great ability, both civil and military, yet so humble and polite, and was a rare good child.
It’s a pity that we met too late.
The Duke of Zhenguo said, "I heard you can fight. The battle you fought against the Prince of Nanyang was truly remarkable. Yan Xing also wrote about your fighting style in his letter to me, and it made my blood boil. Even I couldn't do better than you. Tell me more about it."
Lu Chenyang smiled modestly and said, "Uncle, you are too kind. You have fought countless battles like this where the outnumbered defeated the larger force. I am just showing off my skills in front of you."
Lu Chenyang's words weren't meant to be a compliment. The Duke of Zhenguo had fought in battles his entire life and had encountered many difficult situations. He had also encountered many situations where he had outnumbered the enemy, but he had never lost.
Only once, that time, he was convicted and the Second Prince was plunged into an unprecedented crisis.
Because no one thought he would lose, the defeat in that battle was like a handle used by Emperor Qianyuan to accuse him of treason and collaborating with the enemy.
The corners of the Duke Zhenguo's mouth could not help but rise, showing that he was very pleased with the praise.
But he still asked about some details.
Lu Chenyang also spoke respectfully, and finally he smiled and said, "Actually, I know that they underestimated us. They thought I was just a weak scholar and outnumbered, so they didn't take me seriously. What I did was just a secondary reason."
The Duke of Zhenguo shook his head and said, "I don't think so. This battle was won because of you." He paused and continued, "Because you have the support of the people, no one abandoned the city and fled. It is also because of you that the Dongyi people trusted us to send troops. You are the key to victory. Anyone else, even if they knew your tactics, would not be able to repeat them. You are the only important factor in this battle."
Because Lu Chenyang loves his people like his own children, the people work together to live and die with him; because Lu Chenyang is a kind and noble person, the Dongyi people trust him and are willing to let go of their hatred.
All this is because of Lu Chenyang.
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