Chapter 276: The Outcry - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 276: The Outcry

Unexpectedly, he turned out to be so stubborn, insisting on debating right and wrong here, which made Emperor Qi somewhat displeased. Once defiance is tolerated once, but repeated defiance indicates a lack of understanding, and keeping him in the cabinet might just invite trouble. Thus, the emperor grew increasingly disapproving.

Just as he was about to speak, someone rushed in, reporting that more than a dozen censors were outside, demanding to accuse the Minister of Personnel of abusing his power, colluding with aristocrats, and blocking the way for humble scholars.

Emperor Qi narrowed his eyes and looked at Elder Xu with increased wariness.

“Your Majesty, this was not arranged by me. If I truly intended to escalate the matter, why would I bring Yin Canwen here alone? I could have waited until the court session tomorrow to make the issue known to all, which would be even more effective.”

Elder Xu’s response made Emperor Qi consider the possibility that Elder Xu was not behind the sudden surge of censors.

So where did these censors get their information? How did they manage to come together in such a coordinated manner?

Before Emperor Qi could gather his thoughts, he saw the censors already waiting outside the hall, each of them holding their head high like a rooster ready to fight, displaying a determination to pursue justice to the end.

Censors held a position of official duty that required them to criticize both major and minor issues. Their criticism, especially if it was sharp and unrelenting, earned them respect among their peers. Those who dared to be particularly outspoken were regarded as exemplary censors.

Thus, the group waiting outside the hall was as imposing as Emperor Qi’s own imperial presence.

At this point, the emperor realized that if he wanted to cover up the issue, he was powerless. He had no choice but to order the immediate summoning of Wen Jingsong for a confrontation.

Upon hearing this, Yin Canwen and Bai Chaohai felt a weight lifted from their shoulders.

They were not afraid of the matter escalating; they feared the emperor’s potential desire to put an end to it quietly, which would be a real problem.

With the order given, the censors filed in, each one visibly agitated.

Most of them were from humble backgrounds and either had extreme personalities or spoke with sharp tongues. Sometimes, they used opportunities to criticize the powerful aristocrats. But in this case, they all had a sense of righteousness and wanted to stand up for the humble scholars.

Consequently, they took turns speaking out in the court, openly criticizing the emperor.

The hall was filled with a cacophony of voices: some accused Wen Jingsong of audacity, others claimed he disregarded the law, and many condemned various aristocrats.

The simultaneous outcry from more than a dozen people was overwhelming, even causing discomfort to Emperor Qi and Elder Xu.

“Ah, Your Majesty, this tactic is quite ruthless.”

The situation was such that, even if the emperor wanted to maintain balance and protect the Ministry of Personnel, he couldn’t silence these censors.

Punishing them would mean that the scandal would spread throughout Dongdu City.

But if he didn’t punish them, he would have to address their demands and thoroughly investigate and clean up corruption in the court.

What started with the imperial examination might soon reveal a host of secrets about aristocratic families.

How long would this cleansing wind continue to blow?

Thinking of this, Emperor Qi felt a severe headache. He truly resented the schemers behind this situation.

Meanwhile, Prince Ke, sitting comfortably in his own residence, was quite pleased. He said to Princess Ke:

“Princess, your strategy of using others to achieve your goals is truly brilliant. Not only did you spread the news discreetly, but you also guided these censors to investigate. We have provided them with evidence and leads. This time, not only will Wen Jingsong be in trouble, but even the Wei family will face severe consequences! Just thinking about it makes me happy. Princess, you are truly my brilliant flower.”

Princess Ke, praised, was delighted. She began to think about further utilizing Wen Yuwei, who had provided the idea behind this scheme.

Despite her outwardly gentle demeanor, she proved to be quite intelligent.

By using this tactic, even if others wanted to investigate, they would not easily trace it back to them.

With benefits gained and the Wen family dragged down, as well as the Wei family’s downfall, it was a win-win situation.

As she pondered how to keep Wen Yuwei useful, someone came in with news that the humble scholars had gathered at the palace gate, demanding that Emperor Qi address their grievances.

Among them were both those looking to stir up trouble and those genuinely seeking justice for humble scholars.

The crowd at the palace gate grew larger by the minute, forcing the Imperial Guards to deploy ten times the usual number to block them, fearing that any unrest could lead to an outpouring of public anger and attempts to storm the palace for justice.

“Good, under such momentum, I’m sure my father will have to act decisively and provide the people with an explanation. The Wei family should prepare for their homes to be raided and their clan annihilated!”

The mention of annihilation drew a sharp look from behind.

Prince Ke turned to see Wen Yuwei, tearfully kneeling and pleading.

“Please, Prince and Princess, considering my contribution in exposing the matter, spare the lives of my family. They are far away and know nothing about Minister Wen’s actions, let alone participated in them.”

Her plea was reasonable, and Prince Ke did not want to disappoint his supporters.

He said, “Miss Wen, do not worry. I will take you into the palace. Minister Wen will be summoned for questioning, and you may have the opportunity to expose his misdeeds in person.”

Wen Yuwei had already anticipated this when she joined Prince Ke’s residence.

She was not afraid to enter the palace. Given the situation, if she did not expose her uncle’s wrongdoings, she and her brother would likely face dire consequences. It was more important to ensure her own safety.

Moreover, her father and brother often pushed her forward to take the blame in times of crisis.

Thus, she raised her head resolutely. Although her eyes were still filled with tears, there was no trace of fear.

“I am willing to go with the Prince!”

“Excellent! Then prepare yourself, and let’s head to the palace!”

While Prince Ke’s residence prepared to bring in witnesses, the Feng family was also busy.

Yin Canwen had been in the palace with Elder Xu for a while, and the outcome was still unknown.

However, the escalating commotion outside surprised Feng Jinyao.

She was no fool. After Elder Xu brought Yin Canwen into the palace, she started to come to her senses.

The Wen family matter was something she intended to expose.

Her plan was to first enrage Wen Mengsheng, making him harbor intense animosity toward Yin Canwen and alter the examination results.

Then, with the help of her uncle Bai and the prepared evidence, she would drag the Wen family down.

But this entire situation was more complex and grand than she had anticipated.

Not only did she leverage Elder Xu’s influence to enter the palace, but the censors’ actions outside and the scholars’ protests were beyond her capabilities.

Thus, the exposure of the Wen family’s wrongdoings must involve powerful forces behind the scenes.