I swept the Phoenix with the Onmyoji Shikigami

Chapter 298 I am innocent

The examiner said earnestly, "I have heard of your talent for a long time, but the imperial examination is not only about talent and knowledge, but also about character and integrity. Perhaps, this failure is a rare opportunity for you to hone your skills and grow."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xing bowed deeply to the examiner, expressing his gratitude with deep regret, and said, "Thank you for your teachings, sir. Shen Xing understands."

Shen Xing staggered back to the inn, feeling frustrated and confused.

The numbness of alcohol made him temporarily forget the pain of failing the imperial examination, but the resentment and anger burned like a raging fire in his heart. He sat in the corner of the inn, drinking one cup after another until everything in front of him became blurred.

When he staggered to his feet and prepared to go back to his room, fate seemed to play another cruel joke on him.

In the dim corridor, he happened to run into a book friend who usually looked down on him. This book friend seemed extremely excited at the moment, with a red face, as if he had some good news.

"Oh, isn't this the talented Shen? Why, did he fail the exam?" The book friend's tone contained a hint of sarcasm and pride.

Shen Xing was already in a bad mood, and he became even more furious after hearing this. He was about to explode when he heard his book friend continue:

"To tell you the truth, the rankings for the imperial examinations have already been determined. Do you think you can stand out with your talent? Don't dream! There are too many people who have been selected this year. Even some of those who have been ranked high have not been able to squeeze into the list, let alone a lonely person like you who has not been affiliated with any family."

These words were like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering the last bit of fantasy in Shen Xing's heart.

He couldn't believe that his years of hard work and persistence could not withstand the shady manipulation and prejudice. In anger, he lost his mind and pushed the book friend hard.

However, what he never expected was that this push caused the book friend to lose his balance, and he rolled down the stairs and fell heavily to the ground, without a sound.

Shen Xing was stunned. He stared blankly at his book friend lying on the ground, his mind going blank.

He couldn't believe that he would do such a thing. Fear, regret, helplessness...all kinds of emotions intertwined together, almost suffocating him.

He knew that he had caused a big disaster.

With shaking hands, he wanted to check on his book friend, but was afraid to face the possible outcome. In the end, he could only sit on the ground helplessly, letting his tears fall silently.

At this moment, Shen Xing deeply realized the cruelty and injustice of the imperial examination system.

He realized that he had to make changes and could no longer be bound by such a system. However, the predicament before him made him feel unprecedentedly confused and helpless.

He didn't know how to face the rest of his life, let alone where his future would lie.

Shen Xing slowly opened his eyes from the chaos of a hangover. His head hurt like a blunt knife cutting his flesh, but what made him even more heartbroken was that the noise and accusations from the outside world had overwhelmed him like a tide.

He struggled to sit up, the world before his eyes was blurry, and the only thing he was about to face was the lawsuit weighing on his heart like a huge rock.

"Shen Xing, do you admit your guilt?" Inside the government office, the gavel slammed, causing Shen Xing's heart to tremble. He looked up and saw his book friend's family in tears, their eyes full of flames of hatred that seemed to devour him. "You killed my son because of a personal grudge, it is unforgivable!"

Shen Xing tried to speak, but his voice was so hoarse that it was almost inaudible: "I... I didn't, it was just an accident..." He looked around, but found that the people staying in the hotel either lowered their heads and remained silent, or had flickering eyes, and no one testified for him.

"Accident? Humph, I think you have been planning this for a long time!" The book friend's family was furious and took a few steps forward, almost getting close to Shen Xing. "You have argued with my son many times, and we have seen it all. What else do you have to argue about?"

Shen Xing's heart sank to the bottom. He looked at those familiar faces, but found that they were either indifferent or afraid, and chose to remain silent. Even the waiter, who was usually kind, said in a trembling voice: "I... I did see them quarreling, and... I also saw Mr. Shen push the book friend..."

"No! That's not the case!" Shen Xing almost collapsed. He struggled to stand up, but was restrained by cold chains. He shook his head vigorously, tears mixed with sweat, "I really didn't hurt him on purpose. It was just a misunderstanding, an accident!"

However, his excuses were seen as sophistry in the eyes of the crowd, and some even began to whisper and accuse him of not repenting. Shen Xing felt an unprecedented despair surge in his heart, as if he was abandoned by the whole world and was isolated and helpless.

"Shen Xing, do you know that you should be beheaded according to the law?" The interrogating official's voice was cold and ruthless, as if he was sentencing him to death.

Shen Xing closed his eyes, tears silently falling. He felt the fragility and helplessness of life, and also felt the injustice and indifference of the world. However, in this abyss of despair, he did not give up hope. He secretly vowed to find the truth and clear himself of the grievances.

"I will find evidence," Shen Xing said silently in his heart, "I want everyone to know that I am innocent." His voice was small, but full of determination and unyielding. At this moment, Shen Xing's injustice and tenacity moved everyone present.

……

In the dim cell, the candlelight flickered, illuminating Shen Xing's thin and resolute face. The door rang softly, and a beam of light penetrated the darkness. The prime minister's daughter Hua Yue'er, led by the yamen runners, quietly walked into this cold place. Although her steps were light, they carried a firmness and determination that could not be ignored.

"Shen Xing..."

Hua Yue'er's voice was slightly choked. She took a few steps closer, her eyes full of complex emotions - heartache, regret, and indescribable helplessness. Shen Xing looked up and saw that it was her. A flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, which was then replaced by warmth.

"Miss Huayue, why are you here?" Although Shen Xing's voice was hoarse, he tried his best to maintain politeness and distance.

Hua Yue'er shook her head gently, tears welling up in her eyes:

"Shen Xing, when I heard about your situation, I immediately asked my father for help. But...but I am about to marry the general's son. This is the family's decision and I can't resist." When she said this, her voice lowered a few degrees.

Shen Xing stared at Hua Yue'er, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but he finally decided to open his heart.

"Hua Yue, do you know why I ended up like this?" He spoke slowly, his voice trembling with an imperceptible tremor. "I was already disheartened after failing the imperial examination, but unexpectedly I was framed for intentional injury. All this was because of the undercurrent behind the imperial examination, which was so sinister that I had never expected."

Hua Yue'er frowned when she heard this, her eyes filled with indignation and sympathy.

"Shen Xing, I believe you. I have always admired your talent and character. There must be a misunderstanding. I will talk to my father in detail and ask him to investigate the matter thoroughly." Her words were firm and powerful, revealing her unconditional trust and support for Shen Xing.

However, behind this trust, another ripple arose in Hua Yue'er's heart.