Chapter 120: The Dominant Prince

Although Changsun Wuji called it a temporary verdict, given his position in the court, once he spoke, from the emperor down to the civil and military officials, there was little room for dissent. Moreover, at this moment, Luo Binwang had offended not only the noble clans and prominent families but nearly every scholar across the empire.

Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, it could still have been handled with leniency or severity. However, the court would never stand against the great noble clans and families for the sake of a mere commoner of humble origin.

As Lu Houze had said, anyone with sense could weigh what was more important.

Even at such a critical moment, there were still those willing to defend Luo Binwang. Lu Xin’s sudden intervention drew all eyes once more, even causing Changsun Wuji, standing below the dais, to furrow his brow.

“Who are you?”

“I am Lu Xin, a humble commoner. I pay respects to the Minister. Earlier, you asked if there were any differing opinions. I naturally dare not withhold what is in my heart.”

As Lu Xin spoke, he stepped beside Luo Binwang. The child was still restrained by several powerful forces, unable to move. Lu Xin smiled faintly, flashing a grin at Sun Danyu, disregarding Changsun Wuji’s demeanor, and continued speaking.

“Our Great Tang Emperor is magnanimous and benevolent, loving his people as his own children. He treats us commoners as equals to the civil and military officials, let alone those noble scions who do not serve in the court. This child possesses poetic talent and unyielding spirit and came here to participate in the imperial examinations. Yet someone, relying on their status, first laid hands on him to humiliate him. As for the Dean of Studies, instead of discerning right from wrong, he immediately harshly reprimanded the child, which chills the heart. Minister, this boy is only ten years old, far too young to have undergone the coming-of-age ceremony. All present are his elders and teachers—treating him this way borders on cruelty, does it not?”

“Cruel? That brat broke my limbs—is that not cruelty? Such a lawless, disrespectful thief, can he still be regarded as a child?”

No sooner had Lu Xin spoken than Zhang Yuzhi beside him scowled fiercely and erupted in curses. Having had his limbs broken by Luo Binwang, Zhang was naturally the greatest victim. Fortunately, his martial arts and physical constitution were strong enough to withstand the pain without fainting. Still, he hated Luo Binwang to his core. Anyone who dared stand up for the boy was his sworn enemy.

“Hahaha, ‘this young master,’ Zhang Yuzhi! Everyone here knows you are the Commander of the Zhao Wu Battalion, son of the Duke of Changping. Who among the common folk dares provoke you? I ask those present, if you came from an ordinary family, would you dare offend a duke’s son? Surely, you’d be eager to curry favor instead. This child may be somewhat unruly, but was it not you who first bullied him?”

“Nonsense! In public, I, a government official and Commander of Zhao Wu, why would I bully a child? He arrogantly sat upon the stone lion in front of the Hongwen Academy, uttering insolent and foul words first. I merely ordered him removed. As a government official and descendant of a military family, blessed by His Majesty’s grace, should I not speak out to uphold the court’s dignity?”

“Well said—descendant of a military family, naturally grateful and devoted to His Majesty. But the child said he sat on the lion’s back to suppress evil spirits. Knowing his good intentions, why did you still strike him? What else could it be but deliberate humiliation? Moreover, you just admitted you were the first to act, did you not?”

“Hmph, evil spirits? The Hongwen Academy is a place blessed by the spirits of sages—no evil spirits dwell here. I have no wish to waste words with you. Minister Changsun, please judge this matter and severely punish these troublemakers who sow discord and spread falsehoods!”

“Enough, no need to quarrel further. I have made my decision. As a candidate, to cause a disturbance at the imperial examination and assault the chief examiner, injuring a peer to disability—such lawless and disrespectful behavior cannot be tolerated by the court. The law demands death for murder and repayment for debts; a severe sentence is warranted. However, considering his youth and the emperor's benevolence, I will reduce the punishment accordingly. Guards, sever his hands and expel him from Chang’an.”

Changsun Wuji, impatient after hearing the bickering between Lu Xin and Zhang Yuzhi, waved his hand to cut their argument short. When Lu Xin heard the verdict, his face changed dramatically, fury boiling over.

Previously, Sun Danyu had only intended to break Luo Binwang’s tendons and limbs—though painful, recovery was possible. But Changsun Wuji’s sentence was to sever both hands completely. To sever means to cut off the palms—this punishment was far heavier, effectively crippling Luo Binwang. Forget about holding office; even his cultivation would be lost.

Lu Xin had thought that Changsun Wuji, as a close imperial minister and court elder, would show some reason and mercy. He never expected the sentence to be harsher than Sun Danyu’s. Such an outcome was unbearable to him.

“Hahaha… I never imagined the illustrious Changsun Wuji would be so close to petty men and unable to distinguish right from wrong. If the court is controlled by men like you, then surely the Great Tang is doomed.”

“Impudent rabble, what did you say?”

Lu Xin’s words shocked everyone. All the candidates turned pale, trembling with fear. Zheng Huiming, Wang Xiding, and others immediately stepped forward, their voices stern in accusation.

Changsun Wuji, apparently not expecting public rebuke, first showed surprise, then his face darkened, eyes flashing with ferocity. As Minister of Personnel and Duke of Qi, a first-rank court official, he had done what he believed was right and in line with popular sentiment. To be insulted in front of all these candidates was simply unimaginable.

“Rabble? So commoners cannot speak now? You noble scions and officials’ descendants think you can silence me—and silence all the people of the empire? If the Great Tang court lets men like you, who bully the weak and confuse right and wrong, govern, the realm will surely fall!”

Now beside himself with anger, Lu Xin spoke without restraint. The candidates were frightened and began to disperse, wary of getting involved. Outside the Hongwen Academy, murmurs grew loud again, the once quiet courtyard now noisy.

“Have you said enough? You’re just a commoner, how can you speak so arrogantly here without shame?”

Suddenly, Lu Tingfang approached from afar, his voice thunderous and imbued with power, instantly silencing all other sounds. His every movement seemed to carry a unique charm, causing everyone to gaze at him anew.

If the noble scions like Zheng Huiming and Wang Xiding held an innate aristocratic grace, Lu Tingfang exuded the aura of a great scholar. No matter who met him or how high their status, they would see him as a man of profound learning and talent.

Such a presence was even more formidable—like a crane standing among chickens, lofty yet naturally commanding respect.

Lu Xin turned sharply, a cold smile curling his lips.

“Lu Tingfang, you’re also a commoner. Is your birth so noble? I am trying to save someone, while you all are killing. Who is truly shameful here?”

“Hmph, ungrateful wretch. Do you think this is some backwater village? This is Chang’an, imperial capital of the Great Tang. Before you stands a first-rank duke and Minister of Personnel. How dare you shout here as if you were a sage?”

“Hahaha… If anyone is a sage, it’s you. If anyone is to become immortal or ancestor, it’s you. Lu Tingfang, I only wish to take him away. What you choose to do is none of my concern.”

“Take him away? Ha, you won’t.”

Lu Tingfang shook his head expressionlessly, then slowly moved to the side of the bronze bell. The wind stirred his long hair. In the next moment, he punched the bronze bell and grasped Luo Binwang’s arm.

In an instant, the bronze bell shattered into countless beams of light that dispersed into the air. Luo Binwang screamed in pain, fresh blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. Looking towards Lu Tingfang, dressed all in black, he showed no sign of exerting energy, simply holding Luo Binwang’s arm and completely suppressing the child.

The scene made Lu Xin frown deeply. Even Zhang Yuzhi and Zheng Huiming stood agape in shock. Luo Binwang’s strength was undeniable; after breaking through his realm, he was unstoppable. No one present could match him. If not for the combined efforts of several noble scions wielding their treasures, he could not have been subdued. Yet now, Lu Tingfang merely grasping the boy’s arm was enough to control him utterly. Those with insight recognized the terror of this power.

Moreover, Lu Tingfang had arrived in Changsun Wuji’s carriage. His status was enough to make these noble sons wary.

“Minister Changsun commands the severing of this man’s hands. Legal Officer, why do you not carry out the sentence swiftly?”

No sooner had Lu Tingfang spoken than a burly, dark-skinned man in the Yuzhou Prefectural uniform stepped forward from among the constables. He nodded slightly to Lu Tingfang, then bowed deeply to Changsun Wuji in the distance. Without another word, he drew a large blade from his waist with a sharp “whish.”

This scene made all the candidates tremble in fear, their expressions growing more anxious.

Yuzhou Prefecture, later known as Jingzhao Yin Prefecture, was responsible for maintaining order in the capital, wielding immense power. The Legal Officer there, a judicial military officer of the fifth rank, was a significant official. To the candidates without any official titles, this was a very high rank. Yet, upon Lu Tingfang’s command, this Legal Officer personally took up the execution—such a display silenced everyone utterly.

“Lu Tingfang, what are you doing? You’re aiding the wicked!”

“Hahaha… Aiding the wicked? Are you saying the current sovereign is a tyrant? Lu Xin, kneel before Minister Changsun and admit your fault at once. I will then plead for your life. Otherwise, you will share his punishment.”

Lu Tingfang shook his head with a cold smile and suddenly threw Luo Binwang to the ground.