Chapter 355
Zhou Guangming left in a hurry, and returned with his men shortly afterward.
Although the newcomer was dressed in simple clothes, he possessed an extraordinary air and refined demeanor.
The man followed Zhou Guangming into the hall and knelt down in the center: "This humble subject, Duan Huaichuan, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
The emperor burst into laughter the moment he saw him: "People really can't stand being nagged! Shen Qing, don't you agree?"
Shen Rang smiled but remained silent, his gaze towards Duan Huaichuan filled with a hint of surprise.
They actually dared to beat the drum to appeal to the emperor.
This matter is almost certainly settled.
This was Duan Huaichuan's first time meeting the emperor. Before entering, he thought he would be so nervous that he couldn't breathe, but when he actually stepped into the Golden Palace, he was frighteningly calm.
He seemed somewhat surprised only when he met Shang Shenrang's gaze.
"Duan Jieyuan, do you know that the Dengwen Drum outside is not something that can be struck casually?" The emperor looked at Duan Huaichuan, and even though he had not yet begun to examine his scholarship, his eyes already revealed a hint of appreciation.
Well, there are more and more people with outstanding looks in the court now. In the future, I won't have to face those same old faces every day when I go to court.
"This humble subject has been wronged but has nowhere to appeal. This is the only way out for me. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"I have heard about your case. Since you claim to be innocent, do you have any evidence?"
"When I came to Luoyang, I carried no more than a hundred taels of silver. Later, I received a thousand taels of silver from an old friend. However, the whereabouts of that money can be traced. Moreover, after I arrived in Luoyang, I stayed at an inn for a while before entering the Marquis's residence. I rarely went in and out. I have neither the ability nor the means to bribe the examiners, nor the time to do so. I beg Your Majesty to understand."
The emperor nodded slightly.
Once this news spread, the emperor ordered the examiners who set the questions to be interrogated. After several rounds of questioning, they all claimed not to know Duan Huaichuan. Now, Duan Huaichuan's words have somewhat dispelled the emperor's suspicions.
Moreover, the emperor had also read Duan Huaichuan's examination paper, and it was indeed exceptionally well-written, even bearing a hint of... that person's style.
The emperor suddenly asked, "Who is your teacher?"
"Your Majesty, my teacher's surname is Chen, and his given name is Zongwen."
Chen Zongwen...
It wasn't him.
The emperor's interest waned somewhat, and he began to test Duan Huaichuan's knowledge.
This question rekindled the emperor's interest.
No matter how obscure the knowledge asked, Duan Huaichuan could always answer it. Even when it came to well-known articles, his approach was always refreshing.
If the emperor still harbored some doubts before, after this exchange of questions and answers, even the last remaining doubts vanished.
"But this matter is of utmost importance..."
"Your subject is willing to vouch for Duan Jieyuan."
Upon hearing Shen Rang's words, the emperor had no more reservations and immediately issued an edict to thoroughly investigate the matter and clear Duan Huaichuan's name.
Duan Huaichuan thanked the emperor and left the Golden Palace with Shen Rang.
The two walked step by step along the palace path, the atmosphere far from harmonious.
"You planned all along to come and beat the petition drum today?"
"yes."
He was oppressed by the powerful and wealthy, but when it comes to the powerful and wealthy, is there anyone in the world more powerful than the emperor?
Since he couldn't rely on others, he turned to the emperor for help. After all, his knowledge and skills were genuine, and he wasn't afraid of being tested.
"But why would the young master be here, and..."
Shen Rang glanced at him indifferently: "Xi'er sent me."
When he mentioned Yunxi, Duan Huaichuan's expression stiffened for a moment.
Shen Rang didn't miss his momentary awkwardness, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Xi'er is pregnant."
Duan Huaichuan stopped in his tracks.
After taking a few steps, Shen Rang stopped, turned around to look at him, and said with a cold smile in his eyes: "Since Duan Jieyuan is an old friend of Xi'er, then our child should call Duan Jieyuan 'uncle' in the future."
The two stared at each other silently, as if an electric current was flashing in the air.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
