Chapter 36: The First Signs of a Wrongful Case, The Beginning of Unraveling the Situation

Chapter 36: The Injustice Revealed, The Beginning of Resolution

Morning sunlight streamed through the lattice window, casting a warm glow upon Lin Shiya’s serene face. The jade pendant she held was smooth and radiant, exuding a faint luster as if it contained an endless reserve of strength. This was Murong Fu’s silent support, a token that allowed her to glimpse light in the darkness.

Taking a deep breath, she tucked the pendant close to her heart, resolve gleaming in her eyes. Pushing open the door, a cool breeze greeted her, carrying the subtle scent of grass and trees. In the courtyard, several birds hopped upon the branches, their crisp chirping seeming to cheer her on.

Lin Shiya looked up—the sky was a brilliant blue, not a cloud in sight. An unshakable spirit rose within her. She knew the road ahead would be filled with thorns, but she would not shrink back. She was determined to uncover the truth behind her family’s wrongful persecution, bring the treacherous to justice, and restore fairness to the world.

She began to handle court affairs with greater caution. Her keen intellect soon enabled her to navigate the intricate web of political struggle with ease. While carefully gathering clues about her family’s injustice, she adeptly maneuvered among the various factions.

Yet, beneath the calm surface, storm clouds gathered. In the imperial court, Chancellor Chen’s expression was dark and sinister, his gaze fixed on Lin Shiya like a venomous serpent. He had long felt uneasy about her meteoric rise. He understood that her investigation threatened his own interests and those of his cronies. She had become a thorn in his side that had to be removed, and soon.

“Top Scholar Lin,” Chancellor Chen’s sharp voice pierced the silence of the court, “as the newly appointed top scholar, you should be diligent in your duties and serve the court faithfully. Yet I have heard that you’ve been consorting frequently with other officials, suspected of forming factions for personal gain. Are you plotting something untoward?”

His accusation thundered through the hall, causing an uproar among the officials. His shrewd eyes glinted with malice as he twisted Lin Shiya’s actions into the crime of factionalism, seeking to bring her down with spurious charges.

The assembled officials wore varied expressions—some surprised, some doubtful, others gloating—all eyes now fixed upon Lin Shiya. The tension mounted, the atmosphere turning suffocating.

Lin Shiya drew a steady breath, her face composed. She slowly raised her head, her gaze icy and sharp.

“Chancellor, you are mistaken!” Her voice rang clear and unwavering through the hall. “My discussions with colleagues concern state matters, for the good of the nation and its people. How can this be called factionalism? If you accuse me thus, do you have evidence?” Her calm and collected manner surprised many, including Censor Li, who had hitherto kept a neutral stance.

Chancellor Chen sneered. “Evidence? Your close dealings with General Zhou and Scholar Su—isn’t that evidence enough?”

“Chancellor,” Lin Shiya replied with a faint smile, “it is only natural for colleagues to exchange ideas on governance. General Zhou guards the frontier and has rendered great service; I greatly admire him and see no harm in discussing military affairs with him. Scholar Su is learned and wise; what fault is there in seeking his counsel? Or is it, in your eyes, that officials may only scheme and bicker, never engage in earnest discussion?”

Her words were measured and powerful, leaving Chancellor Chen momentarily speechless. She skillfully leveraged her established connections from literary gatherings and court sessions, framing her interactions as legitimate and aboveboard, leaving him no room to retort.

“You…” Chancellor Chen sputtered, unable to find a suitable rebuttal.

“Your Majesty,” Lin Shiya turned to the throne and declared, “I request a confrontation in court to prove my innocence!”

The Emperor nodded, motioning her to continue.

Lin Shiya drew several letters from her sleeve, her voice steady and loud: “These are correspondences between the Chancellor and various regional officials, containing evidence of corruption and abuse of power. These same officials were involved in the wrongful case against my family!”

Her words sent a ripple of shock through the court. Even those who had supported Chancellor Chen began to waver—they had never imagined Lin Shiya possessed such crucial evidence.

Chancellor Chen’s face turned ashen; he had not foreseen that his crimes would be exposed so openly.

Trembling, he pointed at Lin Shiya and screamed, “You… you slander me! These letters are forgeries!”

“Forgeries?” Lin Shiya scoffed. “Why don’t you examine the seals and handwriting yourself? They are all genuine.”

She presented the letters to the assembled officials. The evidence was irrefutable.

Sweat beaded on Chancellor Chen’s brow as Lin Shiya pressed her advantage. “The Lin family was wronged because of the machinations of these officials, with you, Chancellor, as the mastermind!”

“You… You’re speaking nonsense!” he protested weakly.

Lin Shiya’s gaze bore into him. “Chancellor, the net of justice is vast and unyielding. All you have done will be brought to light and punished by the law.”

Chancellor Chen collapsed to the floor in despair.

Lin Shiya surveyed the assembly, her eyes bright with confidence. She knew this was only the first step in a long battle, but it was a crucial one.

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice echoed from the shadows, “A vast net, indeed, and nothing escapes it!”

All eyes turned toward the source. From the gloom strode a man in plain clothes, tall and handsome, his eyes bright with intelligence and authority.

Lin Shiya’s heart skipped a beat—this voice, this figure…

Could it be him?

She could scarcely believe her eyes.

Murong Fu had appeared in the court!

His arrival only heightened the tension. He walked to Lin Shiya’s side, his gaze lingering on her with a subtle, meaningful smile. Their silent exchange was understood by them alone.

A warm surge filled Lin Shiya’s heart—his silent support gave her new strength.

Scholar Su frowned, appreciative of Lin Shiya’s talent but choosing self-preservation in this dangerous moment. He coughed lightly and averted his eyes, as if uninvolved.

“Top Scholar Lin is truly courageous!” General Zhou’s booming voice shattered the silence as he strode to her side, openly expressing his admiration. “I’ve long despised Chancellor Chen’s treachery. Top Scholar Lin, you have my full support!” His forthright words reinvigorated the court.

Chancellor Chen slumped in defeat, glaring with venom at Lin Shiya and Murong Fu.

Murong Fu’s gaze swept the hall before settling on the Emperor. He bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet commanding. “Your Majesty, I have a report.”

The Emperor nodded for him to proceed.

Murong Fu spoke in a deep, measured voice. “In my view, Top Scholar Lin’s words are all true. Chancellor Chen’s crimes are clear; he must be punished to the full extent of the law.”

His words were the final straw, shattering what remained of Chancellor Chen’s resolve. The Chancellor shut his eyes in despair.

“Guards!” the Emperor commanded. “Arrest Chancellor Chen!”

The Imperial Guards promptly stepped forward and took him away.

Lin Shiya looked at Murong Fu, gratitude swelling in her heart. She knew that without his intervention, today’s outcome might have been very different.

Murong Fu approached, lowering his voice. “You did well.”

Lin Shiya smiled, her eyes bright.

Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed by—a cold blade shot straight for Lin Shiya.

In a split second, Murong Fu reacted, pulling her into his arms as he struck at the assailant. With a muffled groan, the attacker was sent flying and crashed to the floor.

The assembly stared in astonishment—it was a masked assassin.

The assassin tried to rise, but Murong Fu pressed a foot to his chest, pinning him.

“How dare you, assassin, attempt to murder an imperial official in the court!” Murong Fu thundered.

The assassin clenched his teeth, remaining silent.

Murong Fu pressed down harder. “Speak! Who sent you?”

The assassin writhed in pain, but refused to answer.

“So you refuse to cooperate?” Murong Fu said coldly.

“Wait,” Lin Shiya interjected. “Let him be imprisoned and interrogated thoroughly.”

Murong Fu glanced at her and nodded, signaling the guards to take the assassin away.

The immediate crisis had passed, but the atmosphere in the court was heavier than ever. All present realized this attack was no accident—there was a deeper conspiracy at work.

After Chancellor Chen was taken away, silence fell over the court. The Emperor regarded Lin Shiya.

She bowed humbly. “Your Majesty, I am unworthy—merely fulfilling my duty.”

“Beloved Minister Lin,” the Emperor said after a pause, “I will personally see that the Lin family’s case is investigated, and justice restored.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Lin Shiya replied, her heart full of emotion.

After court, Lin Shiya and Murong Fu walked side by side.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “If not for you today, I…”

“There’s no need for thanks between us,” Murong Fu interrupted. “Besides, I only did what was right.”

Lin Shiya looked at him, her heart overflowing with gratitude. She knew Murong Fu helped her not simply as a friend, but because he was Emperor of Beiyan, and justice was his duty.

“By the way,” Murong Fu said, “about your identity…”

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened.

“I know you are a woman,” Murong Fu said calmly. “I knew from the first time we met.”

She looked at him in astonishment—she had not expected him to have known all along.

“You…” For a moment, Lin Shiya was at a loss for words.

Murong Fu smiled gently. “No need to worry. I will not expose you.”

She breathed a sigh of relief, unsure of his reasons, but deeply grateful.

“However,” Murong Fu continued, “I hope you’ll tell me why you disguised yourself as a man to take the imperial exams.”

Lin Shiya was silent for a moment, then began to share her story—her family’s injustice, her aspirations, her hopes for the future.

Murong Fu listened quietly.

“I understand,” he said at last. “I will do all I can to help clear your family’s name and bring you justice.”

“Thank you,” Lin Shiya replied, her voice full of emotion.

“There’s no need to thank me,” Murong Fu said. “This is not only for you, but for the future of Beiyan.”

Lin Shiya gazed at Murong Fu, moved by his words. She knew he was an emperor with a heart for his people and the world.

“What will you do next?” Murong Fu asked.

Lin Shiya thought for a moment. “First, I must return to the old Lin residence…”

Before she could finish, a sudden flurry of hoofbeats sounded in the distance…