Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 636 Bloody Judgement of Life and Death
Earl's Mansion, side hall in the outer courtyard.

It was raining outside, and the rain was pouring down on the eaves tiles, hitting the green stone slabs under the corridor rapidly. The eaves pits that had formed on the stone surface over a long period of time were faintly visible in the rain.

Jia Cong was sitting in the main seat in the side hall, listening to Jiang Liu telling him the news he had heard.

He met Yang Hongbin by chance that day and learned that a major fraud case had been exposed in this year's examination, so he kept an eye on the development of the situation.

However, as a scholar of the current imperial examination and the top scorer in the imperial examination, his status is special. For the sake of caution, he does not seek information on his own.

So let Jiang Liu walk around the market and observe the situation.

After Jiang Liu finished telling the news he had heard, Jia Cong frowned slightly, walked back and forth in the side hall for a few circles, and stopped after a while.

Said: "Jiang Liu, the news you heard is quite strange.

Among them, Wu Liang paid a visit to Xu Liangxiong before the exam and received his guidance on topic writing. He also learned about the situation he experienced before the exam and how he found out that Xu Liangxiong would take over as the chief examiner.

The story of how the cheating in selling questions was finally carried out, the causes and consequences, the detailed connections, the coherence, does not sound like the talk of the common people at all.

It is not surprising that rumors of a major fraud case, which involves so many people, spread among the people. However, it is very strange that the rumors could be so detailed and concrete.

I have investigated many important cases before, and this is a clear account of all the details. Only official investigation documents can be so detailed. How can there be such a detailed account in the market?"

Jiang Liu said: "Third Master is right, I also feel a little strange when I heard this news.

Even the names and crimes of the eleven tribute scholars and juren implicated in the case could be found out on the market.

The most that ordinary people knew was who was arrested and imprisoned, but even their confessions in prison were leaked.

It was as if someone in the government deliberately spread the news...

Yesterday, it was widely rumored in the city that Lin Zhaohe, who ranked third in the imperial examination this year, was able to get such a high score by cheating.

Yesterday morning, Lin Zhaohe was arrested by the Dali Temple at Hongde Gate, and the court wanted to punish him severely.

When the news came out, there was more and more panic in the city. The four gates were opened early this morning, and a large number of students of today's science left Beijing in a hurry to avoid being implicated.

Third Master, Lin Zhaohe is ranked third on the list, a very important person, only two places inferior to Third Master. Such a person is like the face of the imperial court.

Even if he really cheated in the exam, the court would probably keep a low profile, so how could it become known to everyone?"

Jia Cong said in a serious tone: "You are right, this matter is a little unusual, someone must be secretly stirring up trouble and escalating the situation, trying to make it into an ironclad case of fraud.

If they just want to dethrone more than ten students and bring down a third-rank official, such a move is a bit of an exaggeration. I'm afraid they have other intentions..."

At this time, the housekeeper came to the side hall and delivered a message, saying that Yuan Jing, a sixth-rank eunuch in the palace, had entered the palace to summon the emperor for his oral instructions, and was now waiting in the main hall.

Jia Cong thought of the memorial he had sent to the palace yesterday, and guessed Yuan Jing's intentions, so he got up and rushed to the main hall...

……

Shenjing, the criminal department of the court.

In the dark and damp room, there were two torches stuck on the wall. The flickering light cast swaying and distorted shadows, accompanied by shrill and piercing screams, just like the frontal hell.

The two jailers were shirtless and sweating profusely. They whipped the two men tied to the rack violently. The dense shadows of the whips and the sounds of torturing flesh were horrifying.

In this damp and dirty torture chamber, all civility and shame were gone, and the ancient law of not punishing scholars and officials was like a joke.

Anyone involved in cheating in the imperial examination will have all their dignity and decency torn apart in an instant and trampled upon once they enter this torture chamber.

At the other end of the torture room, there was a sentencing table. Two officials sat at the back left, looking at the two prisoners being tortured on the two racks.

The prisoner on the left was a little fat, and under the crazy whipping, he screamed in agony, which was so heartbreaking that it was unbearable to hear.

The prisoner on the right was of thin build, and under the crazy whipping, he only made suppressed groans, without any piercing and distorted screams.

He seemed to have used tremendous perseverance to retain his final dignity, which was quite touching.

Even the jailer who whipped him wantonly felt a strange sense of powerlessness.

As the chief of Dali Temple, Yang Hongbin has investigated and tried countless cases. He is accustomed to such interrogations with torture and would not show mercy according to common sense.

But looking at the two people being punished, they were originally noble scholars of the imperial examination, destined to pass the imperial examination, and rising stars in the official career.

Now they have fallen into filth, and are treated like criminals and pariahs, being trampled and whipped at the mercy of others. There is no greater sorrow for scholars than this.

Yang Hongbin had seen many prisoners being tortured and had long since developed a heart of stone, but as a candidate for the palace examination, this was the first time he had encountered such a punishment.

He himself was also a scholar and had served as a tribute scholar to the Huangji Palace. He felt sympathy for his fellow men and felt somewhat reluctant to see the two scholars fall to this state.

However, after several days of fermentation, the imperial examination cheating case has reached a climax. The current emperor has demanded a thorough investigation and severe punishment. Given the overwhelming trend, no one dares to stop it.

Even though Xu Liangxiong, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who was a third-rank official, was now imprisoned in the Dali Temple Prison. If he refused to confess, he would probably suffer physical pain.

Not to mention the two abandoned Imakō warriors in front of him.

This morning, in accordance with interrogation routine, Yang Hongbin escorted Lin Zhaohe to the magistrate's court to confront and interrogate the suspect Wu Liang.

However, Lin Zhaohe denied all allegations of fraud, and stated that since he came to Beijing, he had been acting cautiously and had never overstepped the boundaries, let alone committed any fraud.

Zhou Junxing proposed the use of torture to extract a confession, arguing that someone had reported the case and that the evidence was doubtful and difficult to dispel.

Under such circumstances, according to the normal practice of the three judicial departments, the use of punishment is ambiguous.

However, the matter involved a major fraud case, the emperor was furious, and the government and the public were paying attention. Even Yang Hongbin did not dare to easily obstruct the interrogation at this juncture.

Otherwise, it would give Zhou Junxing an excuse, and not only would Yang Hongbin get into trouble, but Dali Temple Minister Wei Guanyao would also be implicated.

All Yang Hongbin could do was to serve as a juror on the scene to make Zhou Junxing act with caution.

If Zhou Junxing abused torture to obtain a confession, or caused harm to someone's life, or forced a confession under torture, he would be able to stop it in time and leave behind counter-evidence.

Yang Hongbin did not expect that Lin Zhaohe, a weak scholar, would be such a tough guy.

He had been whipped twice and fainted twice, but not only did he refuse to confess, he was too reluctant to even utter a single scream.

Zhou Junxing and Yang Hongbin were both people with rich experience in torture, and they both realized that Lin Zhaohe was a much tougher nut to crack than Wu Liang.

It is not easy to get the desired confession from such a person.

Zhou Junxing looked at Lin Zhaohe who was being tortured with a gloomy and ferocious expression.

Yang Hongbin heaved a sigh of relief, but he was unsure how long Lin Zhaohe could hold out...

Most people will succumb to the severe pain of torture, but everyone's tolerance for pain is different.

Sometimes the endurance of the mind is stronger than the endurance of the body.

A strong and powerful man can be forced to surrender and confess with just a little torture.

There were also weak scholars like Lin Zhaohe, who were deeply influenced by poetry, books and other teachings, and were mentally tough and strong, far surpassing their physical weakness.

……

At this time, the jailer on the right suddenly stopped whipping and said, "Sir, this scholar is too weak and has fainted again."

Yang Hongbin glanced at the unconscious Lin Zhaohe, the muscles at the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and his heart became more and more moved.

He recalled that when he was arresting Lin Zhaohe in Hancheng Street, he unexpectedly met Jia Cong. Jia Cong had a good opinion of Lin Zhaohe and did not believe that this top scholar from Hangzhou Prefecture would commit cheating in the imperial examination.

At that time, Yang Hongbin also felt that Jia Cong's words made sense, and he promised to try his best to mediate. Now it seems that the time has come...

Zhou Junxing looked at the unconscious Lin Zhaohe with a sinister and cruel expression, and shouted to the jailer: "Wake up the prisoner and continue to torture him until he confesses!"

The jailer carried a bucket of cold well water and was about to pour it over the unconscious Lin Zhaohe's head, but was stopped by Yang Hongbin on the spot.

He said: "Master Zhou, Lin Zhaohe is a weak scholar, his body is not strong enough, he was tortured several times and fainted several times.

You and I are both experts in torture. It is not difficult to see that his body has reached its limit. If the torture continues, his life may be in danger.

This is his third time in a coma and his body is extremely fragile. If he is awakened by cold water now, he will easily become over-excited and die suddenly from heart palpitations.

Lin Zhaohe has not confessed yet, and the charges have not been dropped. He will still be ranked third on the list of Jinke Gongshi, and if he is tortured too much, he will die.

Although Lord Zhou is favored by the emperor, I am afraid that he will not be able to stop the people from talking nonsense. By then, both the Court of Magistrates and the Dali Temple will be cursed and stigmatized, and they will not be able to escape the blame!
When Zhou Junxing heard this, although he felt vicious and fierce in his heart, he had to compromise in the face of Yang Hongbin's warning.

He had heard that Yang Hongbin, the chief of Dali Temple, was a powerful figure, and this time he had witnessed the interrogation process of the fraud suspect.

Except for the first day of the incident, the Magistrate's Court arrested, interrogated and convicted Wu Liang at lightning speed, and the Dali Temple had no time to get involved.

During every subsequent interrogation of suspected imperial examination candidates, Yang Hongbin would stick to the torture room like taffy and could not be shaken off.

Moreover, he constantly gave instructions and strict control on the methods and standards of torture, which made Zhou Junxing feel extremely helpless.

If Yang Hongbin had not been present, Zhou Junxing would have been able to do whatever he wanted. He had countless ways to make Lin Zhaohe sign and confess.

It would not be like now, after several tortures, he would be completely at a disadvantage in front of a weak scholar. However, what Yang Hongbin said was in line with the three laws of the criminal law, and even someone as arrogant as Zhou Junxing would not dare to disobey.

Now that there is a major case of cheating in the imperial examinations, the government and the public are shocked and the emperor is paying attention. If he continues to act arbitrarily under the surveillance of Yang Hongbin, he will give others an advantage.

By then, before he could even get the credit for investigating the imperial examination fraud case, he would be brought down by the Dali Temple first...

……

With Yang Hongbin present, Zhou Junxing could only temporarily put Lin Zhaohe aside and turn his attention back to Wu Liang who was being whipped.

Wu Liang's body was obviously stronger than Lin Zhaohe's. He had been tortured repeatedly in recent days, and although his body was weak, he had not completely collapsed.

After two rounds of whipping, even his screams became weak, but he still did not faint.

Zhou Junxing raised his hand to signal, and the jailer stopped the whip, and Zhou Junxing walked to Wu Liang's rack.

He said: "Wu Liang, you are guilty of cheating in the examination. The evidence is irrefutable. Your future career is ruined. You should be executed for your crime!

Don't be stubborn anymore. Just confess the truth about how Lin Zhaohe colluded with you and committed fraud before the imperial examination.

Dali Temple Master Yang and I can intercede for you outside the law, so that you can escape punishment and return home to live a peaceful life. This is your last chance to survive, so don't make the mistake again!"

Zhou Junxing's words were full of sinister temptation, which seemed to be able to arouse the most evil thoughts in other people's hearts.

At this moment, the unconscious Lin Zhaohe moved slightly, and seemed to be waking up a little...

Yang Hongbin, who was present, frowned. He knew that Zhou Junxing was trying to induce a confession. Since Wu Liang had already been charged, he would never be able to escape punishment even if he blamed Lin Zhaohe.

Wu Liang seemed to be deaf to Zhou Junxing's words, his expression was dull, but his heart felt as if it was being cut by a sword.

The evidence of cheating in the imperial examination is conclusive. His future career in the government has been ruined and he should be executed!

Zhou Junxing's words seemed to cut him into pieces, making him extremely painful and completely hopeless.

I started to learn since I was a child and studied poetry and books all my life in order to pursue a successful career in the government.

A lifetime of hope was destroyed in an instant. Even if there were a mountain of regret, it would be of no use and could not be undone...

Zhou Junxing continued, "As long as you truthfully confess the fraud committed by you and Lin Zhaohe, you will not only be spared physical pain, but you can also be released from prison today.

I am a fourth-rank official in the court, and I will never regret my words. My words are as good as gold and I will never break them!"

Wu Liang was in a state of confusion, and said, "My Lord, this is my fault, but Yichun... Lin Zhaohe has never cheated, and he even advised me to concentrate on poetry and books, and not to indulge in tricks.

I am a well-read student who knows etiquette, morality, and honor. I cannot betray my moral integrity and falsely accuse my classmate and best friend. Lin Zhaohe did not commit any fraud. Your Excellency can see this clearly. "

Zhou Junxing smiled sinisterly and said, "How dare Wu Liang to make up excuses? Slap him with a branding punishment!"

Yang Hongbin stood up suddenly and said, "Master Zhou, Wu Liang's confession is still open to discussion. Do you want to force him to confess?"

Zhou Junxing sneered, "Master Yang, didn't you hear clearly what Wu Liang said just now? Lin Zhaohe once advised him to concentrate on poetry and books, and not to indulge in tricks.

This means that before the examination, Lin Zhaohe knew about the suspected cheating in the drafting of the questions, and the two of them are not immune from the responsibility. This guy is treacherous and cunning, and he will not confess unless he is tortured!"

After hearing this, Yang Hongbin's face changed slightly. Wu Liang was eager to excuse Lin Zhaohe just now, and his words gave Zhou Junxing a handle. He was speechless for a moment.

Zhou Junxing took advantage of Yang Hongbin's hesitation and signaled to the jailer.

The jailer was very nimble. He pulled out a red-hot iron from the brazier and branded Wu Liang's left chest, shoulder, and elbow, where his clothes were torn...

When Wu Liang was first imprisoned, he still had illusions about a career in the imperial examinations. He refused to confess even after being whipped several times, until Zhou Junxing branded him twice.

The excruciating pain of his burnt flesh completely crushed Wu Liang's resolve and he confessed to the charges brought by the Magistrate's Court.

Those two brandings destroyed the propriety, righteousness, integrity, and moral principles that he had accumulated over more than ten years of hard study, and also left an indelible shadow of terror in his heart.

The iron in the jailer's hand had not yet touched his skin, but the scorching heat of the iron had instantly evaporated the cold sweat on the surface of his skin into water vapor...

Wu Liang was so frightened that he was shaking all over. He could no longer distinguish between reality and illusion. The stench of burnt flesh and the piercing pain seemed to have spread throughout his body, making him want nothing more than to die quickly!

The feeling of shame that made him collapse in an instant once again filled his entire nerves, and the cry and escape from the bottom of his heart could no longer be restrained and blurted out!

"I confess! I confess everything..."

Yang Hongbin closed his eyes helplessly, sighing in disappointment. Zhou Junxing won...

He thought of Jia Cong's regard and concern for Lin Zhaohe, and felt a strong sense of powerlessness in his heart. This outstanding talent who ranked third on the list had fallen just like that...

……

Zhou Junxing sneered complacently and ordered the jailer, "Put him down on the rack and make him sign a confession!"

Wu Liang was put down from the rack by the jailer. His whole body seemed to be hollowed out. He stumbled a few steps. The clerk of the Magistrate's Court had already dipped his pen in ink, waiting for him to record his confession.

At this moment, a weak voice suddenly came from the rack on the right: "Xiwen, why are you accusing me and falsely accusing me?"

The voice was extremely weak, almost dying, and it would be difficult to detect if you didn't listen carefully.

But when Wu Liang heard it, it was like a bolt from the blue, and made him stop immediately.

Although the voice was faint, it was piercingly cold, as if it could split his body in half and drain out his soul, leaving him without any cover or escape.

They have been classmates and close friends for many years. They studied in the same private school in the countryside when they were young. When they grew older, they went to study together in Hangzhou Prefecture. They became close friends and were as close as brothers.

Wu Liang never dreamed that, as fate would have it, such heart-wrenching words would one day appear between him and Lin Zhaohe.

Wu Liang looked back and saw Lin Zhaohe, who was covered in blood. He seemed to use all his strength to raise his head slightly.

Amidst the disheveled hair, there was a weak yet sharp gaze that seemed to be able to pierce through his heart.

Wu Liang was trembling all over, as if he was being judged by some unknown being. He shouted, "Yichun, I didn't accuse you, it was Zhou Yan who accuse us. I really can't stand it anymore..."

Lin Zhaohe's weak and sharp eyes were still fixed on Wu Liang.

The atmosphere in the torture room seemed to be frozen. A mysterious breath oppressed everyone's heart. Even the ruthless and arrogant Zhou Junxing stopped talking and doing for a moment.

Yang Hongbin looked at the seriously injured and dying Lin Zhaohe, a strange light flashed in his eyes, and he was secretly shocked in his heart.

Finally, perhaps it was Wu Liang's grief-stricken and anxious expression that infected Lin Zhaohe in some way, and the sharpness in his eyes gradually eased.

He said in a weak voice: "No matter who harmed me, it doesn't matter anymore. I, Lin Zhaohe, have fallen to this point and I know that I can't escape.

This is my fate. I have no choice but to die. I have never committed any fraud, but I have to bear this stigma. I will not accept it!"

Every word of Lin Zhaohe's was like a heavy hammer, hitting Wu Liang's chest hard, making his heart ache and filling him with guilt and despair.

He thought about how, because of his trickery, he had been struck by misfortune and had been thrown into the Magistrate's Court, where he had been tortured and had lost all his manners, living a life worse than death.

Because of his confession, more than a dozen tribute students were implicated and humiliated and abused him all night long, making him lose all face and lose interest in life.

Becoming famous through the imperial examinations and getting a name on the list of successful candidates have all become an empty dream.

Now his future is ruined, he is doomed, his reputation is ruined, and he will be cursed for the rest of his life.

I have already fallen to such a state, why should I implicate innocent friends and classmates and make them suffer the same fate as me?

Harming others and yourself only adds to your sins. What's the point of struggling like this? Rather than living in shamelessness, it's better to seek liberation...

A crazy thought, which seemed to have been suppressed for a long time, finally broke through the shackles and spread throughout Wu Liang's body. His eyes instantly turned blood red.

At this time, Zhou Junxing was a little impatient and said, "Don't say anything more. Take Lin Zhaohe back to the cell and wait for the next trial. Let Wu Liang confess and sign immediately..."

Just now, Wu Liang was taken down from the rack. Although he was covered with wounds and his steps were unsteady, the jailer would not go to help him. He stumbled and only took a few steps away from the rack.

The two jailers followed Zhou Junxing's instructions. They passed by Wu Liangshi and were busy removing Lin Zhaohe from the rack.

Wu Liang stood there with his body hunched over. Because of the boiling blood and the numerous injuries on his body, he seemed to have lost the feeling of pain in an instant.

He turned around strangely and rushed towards the rack which was only a few steps away...

Yang Hongbin's face changed drastically, and he shouted, "Stop him!"

But it happened so suddenly that everyone in the torture room was caught off guard.

No one expected that Wu Liang, who was wailing incessantly under torture and was far less tough and tenacious than Lin Zhaohe, would do such a drastic action.

There was a violent crash in the torture chamber. The sound was so harsh and resolute, as if it carried a crazy sense of relief...

Wu Liang hit his head on the rack, blood splattering everywhere!

Lin Zhaohe, who was being taken off the rack by the jailer, saw the shocking scene in front of him and screamed miserably: "Xiwen!"

(End of this chapter)