The Trial (3)

Alas, the royal inner banquet had been shrouded in such impeccable secrecy that Wedno was entirely oblivious. Indeed, none of the distinguished personages present had any inkling of its details—save for Bargnar and the other direct participants! One could readily imagine that an Emperor, ever jealous of his reputation and styling himself a Sage King, would conduct himself with the utmost discretion when laying a trap with hidden experts to ensnare a meritorious official!

Even Godfather Ferdinand only knew that Yuna had brought Du Chen into the Imperial Capital in a carriage, but what transpired afterward remained a complete mystery to him!

Beyond a slight scratch of his head, Bargnar revealed little emotion, merely observing Wedno’s performance in silence. Yet, inwardly, he knew the Minister of Rites was an absolute Master at fabricating false charges and unjust cases. If the art of concocting such legal atrocities were to be graded by Battle God tiers, Wedno would easily be a Rank 9 Upper Battle God, perhaps even the legendary Rank 10 Battle God! Bargnar himself had exploited Wedno’s near-perfect “manufacturing” capabilities to eliminate many inconvenient individuals in the past. Thus, from a legal standpoint, it was absolutely impossible to find fault with Wedno—after all, many of the current laws had been personally drafted by Wedno!

But everything had changed because of that utterly confidential royal banquet… Bargnar’s heart felt on the verge of collapse. Should he laugh or cry? The king himself had become the most compelling witness to Francis’s innocence. Heh, what a truly ironic turn of events! Yet, his esteemed subject was to face his fate today...

Wedno cast a triumphant glance at Du Chen, who was being escorted by soldiers to the tribunal stand, and declared loudly, “Your esteemed Majesty, honorable sirs, and all those present!” With the aid of his battle qi, his voice, as sonorous and captivating as an orator’s, resonated in every ear.

“To accuse someone of a crime, the most crucial elements are: the time of the offense, the location, the motive, and the most vital factor of all—the evidence!” He gestured for several scribes to assist him on the stand, then pointed righteously at Du Chen. “Now, I shall systematically prove that Francis is undeniably the murderer in this aristocratic homicide, and then send him to the execution pyre to face the punishment he deserves!”

Amidst the jeers of the commoners, he angrily waved his hand, as if genuinely enraged by Du Chen’s “atrocities.” Adjusting the Crown of Scales upon his head, he stared at Du Chen and boomed, “Francis! The Duke murdered last night was named Aino! On the seventh of October last year, Lord Aino clashed with two commoners in the Northern City Trade District, and you commanded Aliza to assault him! Afterward, Lord Aino sought revenge with his men, leading to a fierce confrontation with you! Therefore, you two are sworn enemies. Do you… admit this?!”

Before Du Chen could speak, an old man among the commoners cried out, “No, that wasn’t a clash! Aino tried to seize my daughter, and Lord Francis saved us, father and daughter! I am willing to testify, even if they condemn me for offending a noble afterwards, I must speak!”

“Thank you, old man! You have confirmed the enmity between Francis and Aino!” Wedno smiled gleefully!

“Don’t talk nonsense, that’s not what I meant, what I meant was…” The old man was cut off before he could finish, politely “escorted” aside by two guards.

“Again, thank you, brave old man who fears no power! Your words are invaluable, and you will be a crucial witness in establishing Francis’s guilt!” Wedno proclaimed proudly. This was one of his renowned gambits: ‘Selective Misinterpretation!’

All the commoners’ jeers grew louder. Everyone understood what the old man had truly meant, or rather, only Wedno would interpret it in such a manner. Wedno continued his triumphant speech, as if the commoners’ jeers were cheers of approval—this too was his signature move: ‘Feigning Deafness and Muteness!’

“Do you admit to what that old man just said? Francis, if you deny it, I shall rule that old man guilty of slandering a noble, and sentence him to death!” Another famed maneuver: ‘Who Lives, Who Dies?’

Wedno cared not whether Du Chen would admit it. If Du Chen denied it, the old man would die, inevitably damaging Du Chen’s reputation. But if Du Chen admitted it, then…

Du Chen smiled. “Why should I deny it? I admit it. Why deny something I did? Release that old man immediately, for what he said is the truth!”

“You admit it? You admit that you murdered Lord Aino! And Lord Aino’s fiancée was violated and killed. You, too, are the culprit, and your motive was lust!”

Seeing Du Chen’s admission, Wedno continued to employ his ‘Selective Misinterpretation’ gambit!

“No, I deny that. I only admitted to having a dispute with Lord Aino before the new year. Furthermore, I have never even seen Lord Aino’s fiancée, let alone violated and murdered her!” Du Chen gave a scornful laugh.

Wedno was not surprised by Du Chen’s denial. He gave a cold smirk, turned, and walked behind the tribunal stand. “Now I need you to explain what exactly you were doing in the early hours of September Thirteen!”

Du Chen looked up at His Majesty. Wedno slammed his hand onto the tribunal stand with a loud *thump*! He quickly pressed on, “If you cannot explain this, then legally, it cannot be ruled out that at that time, in the secluded Fifth District, you murdered Lord Aino and cruelly violated and murdered his fiancée!” Wedno roared with a hoarse voice! Still another stratagem: ‘The Thunderous Rebuke!’

“Good, motive, time, location—all are now established! Francis, what evidence do you have to refute this?! However, as Minister of Rites, I must remind you that legally, your servants and retainers cannot testify on your behalf, and in a noble murder case, slaves are not qualified to bear witness, especially for their own master! As for commoner testimony, it can only serve as reference, not as a basis for final judgment!” Wedno sneered inwardly, this particular law, he had drafted himself!

Du Chen shrugged, saying nothing. Or rather, he was simply waiting to see the farce unfold.

Wedno, performing like a clown, sighed theatrically and lamented, “Now we can imagine this: in the early hours of September Thirteen, in the Fifth District, you encountered a beautiful young maiden and, captivated by her beauty, cruelly raped her and then murdered her afterward… Moreover, the marks on the body suggest your methods were exceptionally savage… Then you discovered this maiden was Lord Aino’s fiancée…” This was Wedno’s ultimate technique: ‘Fabricating Reality!’ For what he described was almost indistinguishable from the truth, save for one detail: the protagonist was not Du Chen!

At this moment, the princes on the city wall suddenly noticed that Princess Yuna, usually poised and composed, wore a peculiar expression.

*Damn you, Wedno. First, you accuse Father of poor conduct, and now you… Hmph, Francis indeed met a beautiful noble maiden, but that was me, Princess Yuna! Wedno, it’s understandable to fabricate an unjust case for political gain, but you must choose your timing when framing someone! It’s over, you’re utterly finished. No one can save you this time!* Yuna surveyed the situation, and a thought struck her. After whispering a few words into Bargnar’s ear, she vanished from the city wall.

Du Chen observed the “impartial and incorruptible,” “awe-inspiring” Wedno with keen interest, then abruptly interrupted him, “Minister Wedno, evidence! You need to speak with evidence!”

Wedno looked at Du Chen contemptuously, circling the tribunal stand once to fully present himself before the commoners. “Of course I have evidence, and it is absolutely sufficient evidence! Evidence that you cannot refute! For that night, a Two-Star Fighter of the City Watch happened to be passing by and witnessed you disposing of the body after committing the crime! Fortunately, he is an Earth-element Two-Star Fighter most skilled in stealth, which is why you, a Three-Star Fighter, did not discover him. If it had been another Battle-Warrior, I believe you would surely have silenced him!”

Summoned by Wedno, a tall, strong young man in his early twenties stepped onto the tribunal stand. His face was youthful and somewhat nervous, immediately garnering goodwill from the crowd. “My name is Kuri, and I swear on the honor of a Battle God that I witnessed Francis’s crime and am willing to speak of the truth I saw, and the whole truth…”

Instantly, the commoners’ cries of injustice for Du Chen gradually quieted. Kuri hailed from the slums of the Southern District and had, through his own struggles, become a Battle-Warrior. Many commoners present knew him well and naturally placed great trust in his words!

It is always easier for people from similar backgrounds to believe each other!

Du Chen glanced at His Majesty Bargnar on the city wall. Their eyes met, and Bargnar gave Du Chen a cold gaze that silently commanded him to “handle it himself”—a king would never, in front of countless commoners, personally confirm that his appointed Minister of Rites was fabricating false charges and unjust cases. Otherwise, where would the imperial government’s prestige be? Where would the people’s trust be? Where would his own kingly authority be?

Realizing this, Du Chen’s heart sank. He then glanced at Antoine and Arges, who had recently arrived. Du Chen sneered inwardly, *Hmph, I know you two old coots won’t actively step forward to clarify things for me. You wish for me to beg you, so I’ll owe you a favor. Just you wait. Today, I’ll show you why the Precious Lotus Scripture shines so brightly!*

The witness Kuri pointed at Du Chen. “Indeed, he is the murderer!” Seeing Kuri’s fresh, youthful face now glaring fiercely at him, Du Chen frowned.

*Damn it, His Majesty won’t help for the sake of his reputation, at least not now! So, what should I use to refute Wedno?!*

The murmurs of the commoners in the square converged, growing increasingly grating.

Just as Du Chen was deep in thought, a faint voice rose from the gradually quieting crowd beyond the Versailles Guards’ cordon. “Let me through! Please, let me through!”

A guard’s spear blocked an old man. He shouted, “I am Kuri’s father! I have a few words to say to my son!”

Wedno was startled. Kuri’s expression immediately betrayed panic; he involuntarily glanced at his superior sitting on the tribunal stand, City Watch Commander Buzer, and the grim-faced General Kirisek!

With permission from the Versailles Guards, the old man threw down his cane and climbed onto the tribunal stand. His angry face, framed by his gray hair, was particularly striking.

Wedno laughed, “Good sir, you are a commoner, and your words cannot serve as evidence for a verdict! However, shouldn’t you be proud to have such a son who fears no power?!”

“Proud? I am very proud! I just want to say a few words to my son! That’s not illegal, is it?” The old man’s expression was unusually calm, but terrifyingly so, like the ominous calm before a storm! He approached Kuri and suddenly raised his hand, delivering a sharp *slap* across his son’s face. Then, he turned back to Wedno with a faint smile. “Honorable High Judge, it’s not illegal for me to strike my own son, is it?”

Wedno was momentarily speechless.

The old man’s cane lay abandoned on the ground. He tottered, step by trembling step, after his retreating son, delivering another *slap*. He was shaking with rage. “You beast, get over here!”

*Slap!* The third slap landed on Kuri’s face. The old man then turned and bowed deeply to Du Chen, who had come to support him. “My benefactor, I am so sorry for this!”

Du Chen was stunned. He had no particular recollection of this old man; he had helped too many elderly commoners like him.

The old man turned to his son, indignantly barking, “Kneel!”

His trembling finger repeatedly jabbed Kuri’s forehead. The old man’s tears streamed down his face as he choked out, “You’re a City Watch dignitary now, a Battle God, a noble! I can’t control you anymore! I wouldn’t dare make a lord like you step down from the stand…”

“Father…” Kuri tried to speak, but the old man immediately cut him off with another slap.

“I just came to tell you, my lord, a few things… Last year, your father was on the verge of death from illness, but he dared not tell his son, who was cultivating in Berick City. At the time, your father lived in a leaky, drafty thatched hut, sick and starving, yet all the family’s money had been spent on your education! Helpless, your seventy-year-old father had to beg in the streets to barely survive… But when your father was begging in the northern city, he displeased a noble and was consequently thrown into a garbage heap by four or five warriors stronger than you, breaking his leg!”

Kuri was horrified. “Father, why did you never…”

“Shut up!” The old man’s chest heaved with rage. He coughed violently a few times, then continued, “It was raining heavily then, and your father lay in the garbage heap, covered in filth and blood. Even the usually kind commoners refused to help him… Do you know how your father survived in the end?!” He raised his voice. “It was Lord Francis, who carried your father through three streets in the heavy rain to find the Imperial Capital’s best healer!”

Kuri’s mouth slightly agape, he stood frozen.

“Now I will tell you, my lord, the second thing. After Lord Francis saved your father, he knew you were undergoing Battle God trials in Liberick City and urgently needed money for the fees…” The old man choked, unable to continue.

“Father, my Battle God trial fees…”

The old man rudely waved him off, interrupting him. Then, he bowed deeply to Du Chen once more, trembling, “Lord Francis, you gave me my life, and my son’s ability to become a Battle God is entirely thanks to your support! We… our whole family has wronged you!” The old man seemed to have used up his last ounce of strength, collapsing weakly onto the tribunal stand. Kuri rushed to his side to help him, but the old man forcefully pushed Kuri away. Du Chen quickly came over and helped the old man to his feet.

Du Chen supported the old man, taking him down from the tribunal stand. “It’s alright. Your son was merely taken advantage of! I don’t blame him; he is still too young.”

For the sixteen-year-old Francis to utter such words should have elicited laughter, but no one laughed. The commoners recalled Du Chen’s past kindness, and suddenly, their cries of injustice grew louder once more!

“We absolutely do not believe Lord Francis would commit a crime!”

“Kuri, you must speak the truth!”

Du Chen approached the stunned Kuri, patting his shoulder. “I understand. You belong to the City Watch, and if your superiors use military law to force you to do something, you simply cannot refuse!”

Kuri’s mouth opened and closed, his expression changing rapidly.

Wedno’s mind raced; he knew things were turning. He immediately said, “Battle-Warrior Kuri, your testimony is concluded. Whether Francis helped you in the past does not affect his crimes today. You may step down!” He signaled to the guards to take Kuri away.

It was as if in that instant, Kuri suddenly understood everything. He unclipped the City Watch saber from his waist and threw it forcefully to the ground! “Commander Buzer, I quit! I admit it, you used General Kirisek’s promotion order to lure me into slandering Lord Francis!”

*Thump!*

Kirisek slammed his fist on the table and rose. “Kuri, think carefully before you speak!”

Kuri gritted his teeth, his face flushed, and angrily retorted, “Lord Francis saved my father’s life and funded my Battle God trials… If I were to frame him again, I’d be worse than a beast!” He reached into his embrace and pulled out a parchment scroll. “This is the promotion order you gave me, telling me to accuse Lord Francis and promising me promotion to captain of the Third Legion!”

Saint Bovin Square erupted in an uproar!

Bargnar and Godfather Ferdinand exchanged glances on the city wall. His Majesty shook his head and sighed, thinking, *The commoners are ignorant and cannot accomplish great things, but sometimes, great figures are unexpectedly capsized in their petty gutters!*

“Your Majesty, you must make a decision now, if only for the sake of your reputation!” Ferdinand whispered softly, “I will cooperate with you!”

Bargnar slowly stood up. “Versailles Guards! Seize Kirisek and escort him to the tribunal dungeon!”

Kirisek’s expression changed drastically. But at that moment, his ally Wedno said eerily, “Who would have thought, General, that you would commit such an act, framing a noble, and deceiving me… Hmph, you must receive the punishment you deserve!”

“You, you are ruthless!” Kirisek suddenly gripped the saber at his waist. But just then, Princess Yuna, who had only just left, gracefully flew down onto the tribunal stand, landing behind Kirisek. Her smile was enchanting, but the words she whispered into Kirisek’s ear chilled the Imperial Capital Garrison Commander to the bone. “General, I have just taken command of your military authority. So, for the sake of your family, and for a more honorable demise, please do not resist!”

Kirisek gritted his teeth and whispered, “I am willing to expose Wedno in exchange for His Majesty’s clemency!”

Yuna shook her head. “General, do you not understand the current situation? To be frank, Francis attended a royal banquet in the palace last night in the early hours because His Majesty bestowed upon him the title of Earl!” Her voice was perfectly controlled, just loud enough for Wedno nearby to hear.

The Minister of Rites’ expression immediately changed drastically! But Yuna continued, “General, you must understand now, right?! The current situation demands a head to quell public outrage and restore His Majesty’s prestige! Alas, Minister Wedno is a Divine Scion and represents the impartial justice of the Empire’s laws as a High Judge… Heh! So, you must be sacrificed! My apologies!”

Kirisek’s face turned ashen. And though Wedno knew His Majesty could not publicly announce before the commoners that his High Judge had framed someone—as that would destroy the credibility of Imperial law—what would follow… It was over. He, too, was finished. Perhaps to fall with more dignity than Kirisek, and to keep his life, would be the best outcome for him now.

At this moment, the commoners’ discontent was also voiced. “That damned Kirisek, he must be punished!”

“Oh my, he actually dared to deceive the High Judge and frame such a kind Lord Francis…”

Bargnar’s resonant, authoritative voice rang out. “My people, today I am deeply pained, for one of my generals has committed such a shameless act! I, too, bear responsibility for this!” Bargnar sighed deeply, though inwardly he thought, *The best way to divert the commoners’ attention is Francis!* “However, this is also good; a worm within the imperial government has been exposed, and it proves that Francis is worthy of the honor of Saint John City’s virtues. He is an example for all officials of the Empire to follow!”

Indeed, at the mention of Du Chen, the commoners immediately erupted in cheers.

Bargnar smiled. “Furthermore, I have another announcement today. Francis has made immense contributions to disaster relief in the southern regions of the Empire! He has earned merit for the Empire and must receive due reward. I hereby announce the enfeoffment of Francis as an Earl of the Empire, and lord of eight hundred *li* of land along the Newin River!”

“Woah!” The commoners gasped in astonishment, a wave of surprised exclamations. In their eyes, this was an immense blessing. One person started, and gradually, the cries of “Praise Francis!” grew louder and louder.

At this, Kuri, the false witness, lowered his head dejectedly. He knew that although he had exposed the general’s conspiracy, his future in aristocratic circles was completely ruined… But he had no regrets!

Kuri looked up and suddenly saw Du Chen looking at him kindly. Then, Earl Francis bowed to His Majesty and loudly declared, “Your Majesty, I implore you, although Kuri committed perjury, he also exposed Kirisek’s conspiracy! Your Sage King’s demeanor of clear rewards and punishments is known throughout the land, so I ask you to bestow upon Kuri the reward he deserves! As for his crime… I, as the victim, declare my forgiveness for him, and as a Divine Scion, I ask the Holy Church to pardon his sins, and furthermore, I am willing to pay all his atonement fees!”

After His Majesty Bargnar nodded, the commoners’ cheers reached an absolute climax. Gradually, the shouts of “Praise Francis!” transformed into “Long live Lord Francis!”

This great cry made Bargnar frown slightly, and sent a jolt of alarm through Du Chen. He quickly turned to His Majesty on the city wall, bowed, and with his battle qi circulating, loudly proclaimed, “Thank you for your Majesty’s grace! It is only through your guidance that I could achieve these meager merits. Without you, there would be no Francis! Please allow me to praise you alongside everyone, Sage King Lanning, His Majesty Bargnar!”

Du Chen raised his arm and shouted, “Long live His Majesty Bargnar!”

All the commoners, following their idol, also began to cry out, “Long live His Majesty Bargnar!”

…

After directing the commoners’ praise toward His Majesty, and seeing the approving gaze His Majesty cast upon him, Du Chen breathed a sigh of relief. *Damn, that saying, ‘To serve a monarch is like accompanying a tiger,’ is absolutely classic!*

…

The public trial concluded.

The satisfied commoners gradually dispersed. But not long after, inside the Sinos Duchy’s embassy in Lanning, a certain individual cackled lecherously, “Heh heh, Francis has been promoted and prospered! As my student, he should now have more Silver Coins to fund my artistic pursuits!”

Jamis, who had just lost his shirt in a game, squatted in a corner, chuckling.

Annie gave Jamis a scornful look, though inwardly, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Phew, I was so worried! It’s good that Francis is alright! Student Porter, you’re so clever; you actually guessed that Francis would be rewarded ahead of time!”

Porter pushed up his glasses and gave an awkward smile.

However, then the sentimental, maidenly Annie thought, *Right, was Mr. Bovin’s astrology accurate then? Francis truly wasn’t in danger, so when he said I’d meet a love rival, and a very powerful one, would that also…*

“Hey, I’ve got great news for you all!” Sem rushed into the room, his face beaming. “The Sinos Ambassador told me that after the public trial, Grand Duke Arges, head of the Saint Sigurd Cain family, and Prime Minister Antoine jointly notified all Imperial Capital nobles that in ten days, Brother Francis is to be engaged to the Prime Minister’s granddaughter, Miss Avril!”

He grinned sincerely, genuinely happy for his good friend.

Suddenly, Sem noticed that the atmosphere in the room felt off, especially Annie’s despairing, ambiguous gaze, which made him realize his mistake!

He quickly tried to amend, “Hey, Student Annie… Well, actually, there’s a rumor that Brother Francis doesn’t agree to this marriage… But a father’s command is hard to defy…” Sem hadn’t finished speaking when Jason pulled him away.

Porter looked at Annie regretfully. “Student Annie, you…”

“I’m fine. I want to go for a walk!” Annie walked out of the embassy in a daze, wandering aimlessly through the streets. *Francis is getting engaged… And to the Prime Minister’s granddaughter! Old Bovin’s astrology really was accurate, but Francis didn’t agree! That’s right, Francis himself didn’t agree, so there’s still room for maneuver!*

Annie quickly ran to the Imperial Capital’s post office. Upon entering, she called out to the attendant, “Have you opened a postal route to Emerald City yet? Wonderful! Please give me some stationery!”

She bit the end of her quill, smiling shyly, and wrote on the paper: “Grandpa, Father, Annie was wrong. Annie shouldn’t have run away, nor should she have forced you not to send anyone to protect her! However, Annie intends to marry herself off. Please send family members to find me right away, alright?! I have a very good prospect, and I, I will marry no one else! Please trust Annie’s judgment!”

She drew a peculiar symbol at the bottom of the letter. “Done. Please mail this letter to the Dampier Inn in Emerald City and hand it to the innkeeper!”

Having done all this, Annie left the post office with a shy smile.

Annie was smiling, and Du Chen was smiling too, because everything in the Imperial Capital had been settled—except for the engagement ceremony, which he didn’t care about in the slightest.

Consequently, the hundreds of villagers who had come to seek justice for Du Chen were also rescued. Hundreds of lives, originally destined to be political sacrifices, were all credited to Du Chen by the Precious Lotus Scripture!

Before the Old Five lotus had even fully manifested its power, the Sixth had already begun to bloom…