Chapter 1646: A Difficult Trial

Inside the main hall of the Ministry of Justice, the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive. Behind the broad case table sat three chairs, and in those chairs sat three ministers, exchanging uneasy glances, their faces all dark and gloomy.

A trial targeting Lu Duoxun had just concluded, still without results, which left the three somewhat disappointed. Joint trials by three courts were not uncommon in the Great Han, but trying a chancellor like Lu Duoxun was truly a first in decades. With no precedent to follow, past experience no longer applied so readily, and the proper measure of things was indeed somewhat difficult to grasp.

Seated in the center was Xin Zhongfu, the current Minister of Justice. This gentleman was experienced in governance, always willing to take responsibility and dare to act, but even he could not help feeling the pressure with the task of "trying Lu" weighing on him.

Moreover, Xin Zhongfu could barely be counted as a member of Zhao Pu's faction—Zhao Pu had exerted effort in his promotion to Minister of Justice. Of course, Xin Zhongfu could not be considered a core member of the "chancellor's faction," only sharing a certain bond of past favor. Having reached the position of a department head, he was not easily swayed by others.

To Xin Zhongfu's right sat an old minister with graying hair and beard, the second-in-command of the Censorate, Right Censor-in-Chief Qian Wenmin. This was an old minister of considerable integrity, but owing to his age, he was truly no longer fit for heavy responsibility.

In recent years, he had been practically invisible in the Censorate. In fact, since Liu Xigu's passing, the Censorate had almost become Lu Duoxun's one-man show. It was precisely because of Qian Wenmin's advanced age that Lu Duoxun had not deliberately targeted him.

And this time, as the Censorate's representative participating in the trial of the Censorate's own chief, Qian Wenmin's position was somewhat awkward. On the other hand, if Lu Duoxun had problems, then as the Censorate's second-in-command, Qian Wenmin had done nothing—from the standpoint of duty, that was also a certain failure.

Therefore, throughout the entire trial, Qian Wenmin barely spoke, silently playing the role of an observer, never readily opening his mouth.

As for the one to Xin Zhongfu's left, he too was an old man, somewhat rough in appearance with thick, bushy whiskers—none other than Murong Chengde, Chief Judge of the Court of Judicial Review. Murong Chengde was the eldest son of Duke Luan, Murong Yanchao. He had not been long in his post as Chief Judge of the Court of Judicial Review, and before he could even sort out the affairs of his office, he encountered such a major case—so he was even less inclined to stick his nose in.

Of course, it was also because Murong Chengde was unwilling to lightly involve himself in Lu Duoxun's case—that was a pool of murky water. Had Emperor Liu not issued an edict, leaving no room for refusal, Murong Chengde might not even have been willing to attend the joint trial.

Thus, although it was a joint trial by three courts, the actual authority rested entirely with the Ministry of Justice. And for Xin Zhongfu, that authority held not a single cause for joy.

"Lu Duoxun refuses to confess no matter what. What do the two of you think?" Xin Zhongfu looked at Qian Wenmin, then at Murong Chengde, and asked.

Qian Wenmin seemed to be off in a daze, then suddenly "awoke," meeting Xin Zhongfu's gaze. In a hoarse voice drawn out with a long cadence, he said: "What did you say, Minister Xin? This old man didn't quite hear you!"

Xin Zhongfu sized up Qian Wenmin for a moment. Were it not for the past few days of contact, he might truly have believed the man had gone deaf with age. Seeing his demeanor, he knew there was no point expecting any substantive words from this old fossil's mouth, so he turned to Murong Chengde.

Murong Chengde likewise wore an expression of "don't look at me," but after pondering for a moment, he spoke with feigned impatience: "No matter how you interrogate him, Lu Duoxun simply won't confess, simply won't admit it. What can be done? This Lu Duoxun, I fear, is not someone the three of us can try. However, if torture were permitted, I'm not afraid he wouldn't confess!"

That was almost nonsense as well. Torture Lu Duoxun? That was basically out of the question. Clearly, neither of the two men beside him could be counted on. For a moment, Xin Zhongfu was greatly vexed.

But no sooner had Murong Chengde's words faded than a steady voice came from outside the hall: "Of course torture cannot be used—otherwise, wouldn't that be extracting a confession by force?"

Though the speaker had not yet appeared, the voice alone revealed who it was—Crown Prince Liu Yang. Soon, Liu Yang's figure came into view of the three, his stride firm as he walked briskly into the hall.

Seeing this, the three hurriedly rose to pay their respects and led Liu Yang to a seat. Liu Yang did not stand on ceremony, sitting down behind the case table, while the three ministers stood respectfully in the middle of the hall.

Looking at them, Liu Yang said in a gentle tone: "The three of you have worked hard these past few days. Finding myself free today, I came specially to offer my regards!"

"We thank Your Highness for your concern!" The three wore expressions of honor.

"How is the trial progressing?" Liu Yang asked.

The three exchanged glances—clearly, this was the true purpose of Liu Yang's visit. It was still Xin Zhongfu who spoke, answering with some embarrassment: "Regarding all the crimes under investigation, Lu Duoxun denies everything outright, insisting he has been wronged and refusing to confess! Therefore, the trial has temporarily come to a standstill!"

Liu Yang's face showed little reaction to this. After a moment's deliberation, he said: "Let me see the trial records!"

"Yes!" Xin Zhongfu immediately gestured to the Registrar at the side. The Registrar, who ordinarily would never have the chance to come into contact with the Crown Prince, promptly presented the records with great eagerness.

Liu Yang flipped through them seriously for a while, then raised his eyes and said: "The charges listed here—is the evidence sufficient?"

Xin Zhongfu replied: "Most of the matters are still under investigation and evidence collection. However, regarding forming cliques for private gain and violating laws and regulations, there is solid evidence. Yesterday, a large number of letters exchanged between Lu Duoxun and his partisans were seized from the Lu residence, including some secret directives, and even some important court documents, as well as records of hidden affairs and assessments of governance successes and failures he had collected over the years..."

"The contents are likewise still being verified. We have also questioned him on these matters, but Lu Duoxun remains stubborn and unrepentant, refusing to admit guilt, insisting it is a frame-up. We are truly at our wits' end."

Hearing this account, Liu Yang's brow finally furrowed, with a faint hint of displeasure—though it was unclear whether that displeasure was directed at Lu Duoxun or at the trial officials themselves.

Seeing this, Murong Chengde rarely took the initiative to speak: "Your Highness, your minister believes that Lu Duoxun is well aware of his own crimes and how serious they are, and therefore will never voluntarily confess. Bound by the legal system, we cannot press too hard either. The matter is precisely deadlocked at this point..."

The court's legal system—it was probably only when applied to these bureaucrats that it was so strictly observed...

Glancing at Murong Chengde, Liu Yang roughly understood what these men's concerns were. It was understandable, and so he did not directly rebuke them.

Seeing the Crown Prince silent, Xin Zhongfu asked cautiously: "May I ask Your Highness, have you come bearing the Emperor's will?"

"The Emperor's will was already clearly indicated at Chongyuan Hall!" Liu Yang's tone turned serious: "Must the three of you specially consult His Majesty on how to conduct the trial and how to pass judgment?"

"We dare not!" The three hurriedly replied.

In fact, had Liu Yang not said this, Xin Zhongfu truly would have had that thought—there was nothing more reassuring and freeing from burden than Emperor Liu's explicit attitude and will when carrying out one's duties.

Heaving a sigh, Liu Yang pondered for a few moments, then said softly to Xin Zhongfu: "Minister Xin, does the Criminal Code stipulate that for a case to be finalized and sentenced, the criminal's personal confession is absolutely required?"

Xin Zhongfu was somewhat embarrassed—he rather understood the Crown Prince's meaning—so he clasped his hands and said: "A signed confession naturally makes things more thorough. But when encountering the stubborn and unyielding, as long as the evidence is sufficient and conclusive, a verdict may still be rendered according to law!"

"Since Minister Xin understands this, then why cannot the trial work proceed?" Liu Yang looked at Xin Zhongfu and asked.

With that, Liu Yang set down the trial records in his hand and directly instructed: "First, finalize the cases with sufficient and complete evidence! Otherwise, if His Majesty asks, can you account to His Majesty with the same words you used to fend me off today?"

"Yes! Your minister understands. Thank you for Your Highness's guidance!" Xin Zhongfu replied solemnly.

"You go about your business—I'm returning to the palace!" Liu Yang had no intention of staying long, walking straight out as he waved his hand: "No need to see me off!"

After Liu Yang left, Xin Zhongfu and the other two could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. In truth, they were fully aware of everything Liu Yang had said—it was just that certain misgivings were always hard to avoid.

Now, with the Crown Prince's instruction, they could feel considerably more at ease—at least half the burden was lifted. Xin Zhongfu quickly regained his composure and instructed the Registrar beside him: "Go, bring out all the case files on Lu Duoxun, and gather all the office staff. Screen, verify, and reach conclusions on every matter, every charge!"

"This matter cannot be allowed to drag on like this after all. Since Lu Duoxun cannot be broken by interrogation, we shall proceed from the evidence!" Xin Zhongfu said to Qian Wenmin and Murong Chengde standing beside him.

Though the Crown Prince's instruction had shifted the attitudes of these two, they still merely murmured assent, saying "yes" and "indeed," yet continued to act as if Minister Xin were in charge—which made Xin Zhongfu curse inwardly without end.