Chapter 57: Upholding Justice

As he spoke, he lifted his shirt to show Chen Mu his injuries. Chen Mu took one look and saw that his body was covered in bruises—clearly the result of a savage beating with sticks.

“This is outrageous! They take imperial salaries and yet oppress the common people!”

Feng Zhong lowered his shirt and spoke with tears in his eyes, “Thankfully, I met several brothers who brought me to the mountain stronghold for treatment and promised to seek justice for me. I just didn’t expect Brother Wang would actually go as far as to kill someone.”

Chen Mu nodded. “I understand. When I return, I’ll immediately order an investigation into this matter. If it’s found to be true, I’ll be sure to execute this corrupt official.”

Feng Zhong was overjoyed, and knelt down, weeping, to kowtow to Chen Mu.

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

The others nearby were also beside themselves with happiness.

“Your Highness is truly wise!”

“We even dared to kidnap the Crown Prince—our crimes are unforgivable!”

“Your Highness genuinely wants to give the poor a chance—I can hardly believe it…”

Chen Mu hurriedly helped them up.

“Please, don’t say that. If there are corrupt officials within the court, it’s the court’s fault for employing the wrong people. This is the royal family’s failing.”

“But I believe that once the imperial examination system selects outstanding talents, Great Xia will have more officials who understand the hardships of the people.”

After further polite exchanges, someone said, “In that case, please descend the mountain, Your Highness.”

Chen Mu nodded. “Yes, and you all should come with me to bear witness.”

None hesitated; they all nodded in agreement.

…

At the foot of the mountain, Zhang Zhong led five squad commanders and fifty centurions of the Invincible Flying Army, along with several chosen sub-leaders—a force of over a hundred men.

From a distance, he saw there were guards at the stronghold. Zhang Zhong shook his head and said, “If we charge in now, they’ll surely use the Crown Prince as a hostage, and we won’t be able to rescue him.”

One squad commander responded, “But we have orders to rescue the Crown Prince. If we don’t act now, how will we answer to His Majesty?”

Zhang Zhong replied, “It doesn’t matter—His Majesty has instructed me to act as circumstances dictate. The only way now is to wait for nightfall and sneak in quietly.”

Just as he spoke, someone else said, “General, look—there are people coming down the mountain.”

Zhang Zhong turned to look. The person at the front seemed oddly familiar.

Could it be the Crown Prince?

How could that be? The Crown Prince had only just been taken captive—could he really be walking out on his own?

But as Chen Mu and his companions drew nearer, Zhang Zhong finally saw clearly: it was indeed the Crown Prince.

The squad commander beside him asked, “General, what should we do?”

Zhang Zhong was dumbfounded, thinking for a long moment before finally gritting his teeth.

“Let’s go. We’ll approach directly.”

Zhang Zhong led his men out of the woods, following the road toward Chen Mu.

The companions at Chen Mu’s side grew nervous at the sight of so many soldiers.

Chen Mu smiled, “It’s fine. I’ll speak to them.”

He quickened his pace, walking toward Zhang Zhong and his men.

Some were even more anxious, fearing that once Chen Mu rejoined the army, he would turn on them.

Brother Wang patted one of them, smiling, “Don’t worry. I trust His Highness.”

Seeing Chen Mu approaching, Zhang Zhong was overwhelmed with emotion. He and his men rushed forward to meet Chen Mu.

Zhang Zhong knelt to salute, “I have come late to rescue Your Highness. Please punish me.”

Chen Mu smiled and helped him up. “Not late at all—you arrived just in time. I’ve already discussed matters with these brothers.”

Zhang Zhong stood up. “Your Highness, let us escort you back to the palace.”

Chen Mu understood his intent: he wanted to reassure Chen Xingtian.

But Chen Mu shook his head. “Let’s go to the Imperial Examination Office first.”

Meanwhile, Feng Zhong and the others had come over. Chen Mu made introductions, and they all proceeded together to the Examination Office.

The Imperial Examination Office was the place where all matters concerning the current examinations were handled. The official they had met on the street also worked here.

When Chen Mu arrived with his entourage, those inside assumed it was merely a routine inspection.

Scholar Zhou came out smiling to greet them, bowing, “Your Highness, there are many applicants for the imperial examination this time. Soon, a host of talented scholars will serve the nation.”

Chen Mu forced a smile, “That is indeed a good thing. Unfortunately, some officials don’t see it that way.”

Scholar Zhou sensed something was amiss. “Your Highness, may I ask which official has caused delays in the examination?”

Chen Mu shook his head. “I don’t know his name. Call out everyone in charge of registration.”

Scholar Zhou nodded and invited Chen Mu to wait in a side room, then summoned all those responsible for registration.

Among them, one man’s eyes darted nervously—clearly guilty.

Chen Mu smiled and pointed. “It’s him.”

The man quickly stepped forward to kowtow, “Your Highness, what brings you to summon me?”

Because Chen Mu had previously disguised himself, the man did not recognize him.

Chen Mu pointed to Feng Zhong. “Do you recognize this man?”

The official looked at Feng Zhong. At first, he didn’t recognize him; but after a second glance, realization dawned—so the Crown Prince knew about this.

He coughed twice, “Your Highness, he seems familiar. Perhaps he’s one of the examinees who came to register.”

Feng Zhong and his companions glared at the man, their eyes full of resentment; one even snorted coldly.

Chen Mu smiled, “You won’t admit it?”

“Scholar Zhou, bring in everyone who assisted him.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Scholar Zhou complied and went to make arrangements.

Soon, Scholar Zhou returned with the assistants—those who served tea and water to the officials.

They all knelt to pay respects to the Crown Prince.

Chen Mu asked, “There are accusations that this official extorted money from examinees. Is this true?”

None dared to conceal the truth.

“Your Highness, it is true.”

Chen Mu slammed the table, pointing at the official, “Arrest him!”

Soldiers moved in to seize the official, who continued to protest his innocence.

Scholar Zhou was deeply embarrassed. “This is my failure. Please punish me, Your Highness.”

Chen Mu smiled, “It’s all right. No one can cover everything alone. From now on, I leave it to you: investigate every person involved in the examination. If you find any corruption or injustice, do not tolerate it.”

Scholar Zhou replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Chen Mu stood and walked outside.

Feng Zhong and the others quickly thanked him.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for upholding justice for us.”

Chen Mu replied, “It is my duty. But this matter is not over—I will let the whole nation know that the imperial examination will be conducted with absolute fairness.”

With that, Chen Mu led his group outside.

Outside the gate of the Imperial Examination Office, crowds had gathered, curious about what was happening. All they knew was that the Crown Prince had entered with soldiers; none knew what had transpired.

When they saw Chen Mu emerge, they hurriedly bowed.

Chen Mu called out, “Everyone, please rise.”

“Today, I have come because an official at the Examination Office has committed corruption, extorting bribes from candidates.”