ATPnovel Chapter 63 Are all the Crown Princes useless?
Chapter 63 Are all the Crown Princes useless?
Is this true?
Yang Jian was genuinely angry.
His anger stemmed not only from the possibility that his grandson might break the law, but also from his utter disappointment in the Crown Prince.
Are they all a bunch of useless trash?
Such a simple scheme, such an obvious weakness, was actually seized upon and exposed in public at the grand court assembly!
Moreover, Yang Jian's anger went far beyond that.
His gaze swept darkly over Yang Guang, who seemed to be "sacrificing his own family for the greater good," a hint of disgust flashing deep in his eyes.
That scoundrel actually used the imperial examination system to suppress the Crown Prince!
It's important to understand that the imperial examination system was Yang Jian's innovation to break the monopoly of the Guanlong aristocratic families on officialdom and to select talent from humble backgrounds! This was his proudest achievement and the cornerstone for consolidating his imperial power!
The sanctity of this system must not be desecrated by anyone.
But now, this national treasure has been used as a tool in the struggle for succession by his own son and grandson, and defiled in such a filthy and bloody way!
Even though he had suspected that all of this was Yang Guang's scheme, the shock and anger of being fooled and used as a pawn were still uncontrollable when it was exposed in public.
"Explain yourself! What exactly happened?!"
Yang Jian's finger trembled as he pointed at Yang Yan, his voice like that of a wounded tiger: "Did you really impersonate someone else? Did you kill Liu Wenchang?!"
All eyes were focused on the slender boy.
Gao Jiong frowned, his eyes filled with regret and helplessness; Yang Su remained expressionless, like a clay sculpture; Yang Guang lowered his head and wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve.
There is sympathy, there is pity, but more than that, there is indifference and scrutiny, the kind of pleasure that comes from watching prey fall into a trap.
It’s over.
This child is doomed.
This reflects the sentiments of the vast majority of people inside the hall.
Just when everyone thought Yang Yan would panic, kneel down and beg for mercy while crying, or make incoherent excuses.
Yang Yan made a move.
He gently flicked his sleeves, took a step forward, and instead of kneeling, bowed respectfully with his hands clasped. His clear voice echoed throughout the hall without trembling in the slightest.
"Your Majesty, I did indeed go to the Imperial Examination Hall."
"I also took the exam."
He admitted it? He actually admitted it?
Yang Yong's eyes rolled back, and he almost fainted.
Yuan Xiaosun was overjoyed and was about to press his advantage when Yang Yan's next words cut him off.
"But the Imperial Censor made a mistake."
Yang Yan suddenly turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning, piercing Yuan Xiaosun's eyes. There was no trace of his usual cowardice in his eyes; instead, they were like a drawn sword!
"You're saying I hired someone to commit murder? You're saying I ruined Liu Wenchang's life for a spot?"
Yang Yan sneered, extended a finger, and gently shook it: "Absurd! It's utterly ridiculous!"
"I am the eldest grandson of the current emperor, the Prince of Changning! If I wish to seek fame and fortune, I only need to ask my imperial grandfather for a favor. Why should I compete with a poor scholar for that single-plank bridge?"
"I'll assassinate him? Does he even deserve it?!"
This extremely arrogant statement stunned all the officials in the court.
Although it sounds harsh, it's actually incredibly logical!
Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!
Yuan Xiaosun was choked by these words, his face turning red. His scepter trembled as he pointed it at Yang Yan, and he said sharply, "What...what a sharp tongue! The evidence is conclusive, Liu Wenchang's body is barely cold, yet Your Highness not only shows no remorse, but also so shamelessly insults the dead! Is this the upbringing of the Crown Prince?"
Yang Guang raised his head at that opportune moment, his eyes filled with heartache and indignation. He sighed deeply, "Yan'er, a mistake is a mistake. Although your second uncle loves you, this is a matter of life and death. How could you... how could you trample on the dignity of a poor scholar just to escape punishment?"
This exchange instantly plunged Yang Yan into the abyss of being cold-blooded, ruthless, and abusive.
Yang Jian sat on his high throne, his face so dark it seemed to drip water. He hated his unworthy descendants most of all, and even more so their audacity in daring to do things without taking responsibility.
"Yang Yan, I'm asking you one last time."
Yang Jian's voice was deep and hoarse, carrying the unique oppressive aura of an emperor—a murderous aura accumulated from countless killings. "Did you actually commit murder to take someone else's place?"
"I dare not deceive my imperial grandfather; it is true that I impersonated someone else to take the exam."
Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Yang Yong's vision went black. If it weren't for the pillar behind him blocking his way, he probably would have collapsed to the ground.
Yang Yan's voice was eerily calm, showing neither the panic of being exposed nor the humility of kneeling and begging for mercy, as if he were stating a trivial matter.
"But I have never had any contact with that scholar named Liu Wenchang, let alone harmed him. The reason I borrowed his name was only because I heard that he had unfortunately died drunk, and no one was claiming his examination certificate. I was confused for a moment and had a foolish thought, so I ordered someone to fetch it."
Yang Jian narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze like that of a tiger scrutinizing its prey, filled with a dangerous aura.
"A moment of confusion?"
These two words were squeezed out from between Yang Jian's teeth, carrying a heavy chill.
He didn't care about the life or death of a scholar, but he utterly despised the depravity of the royal family.
"Yes, my grandson was indeed confused at the time."
Yang Yan showed no fear, but instead nodded heavily in agreement with Yang Jian's words.
Just when everyone thought he was about to confess and accept punishment, Yang Yan suddenly changed his tone, his voice becoming firm and powerful:
"But my actions were not merely for personal gain; there are three grave crimes I was compelled to commit, which I now wish to explain to my Imperial Grandfather. If, after my explanation, my Imperial Grandfather still deems my crimes unforgivable, I am willing to accept the death penalty!"
Three major crimes?
Everyone was stunned again. Had this kid gone mad? Did he want to die even faster?
Even Yang Su, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Something seems off about this script.
Yang Yan didn't give anyone time to react. His voice suddenly rose, filled with the passion and fervent enthusiasm unique to young people.
"My grandson's first sin is arrogance!"
He took a step forward, his sleeves fluttering in the wind.
"My grandson has studied in the inner palace since childhood, under the tutelage of the Grand Tutor. Although I dare not claim to be a scholar of vast learning, I do boast that I have read several volumes of military and historical texts. He spends his days secluded in the Eastern Palace, always thinking that his vast knowledge is enough to govern the world!"
"However, knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial. I do not wish to be a frog in a well, so I wish to take this opportunity to live in anonymity and compete with the talents of the world to see the true level of my learning! To see what I, Yang Yan, am really without the identity of the eldest grandson of the emperor!"
These words were spoken with great conviction.
The ministers who were originally ready to kick him while he was down had their words of rebuke swallowed back.
This reason... though arrogant, also reveals a youthful spirit.
This is hardly a sin! It's clearly a thirst for knowledge! It's self-reflection!