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Gu Changjin, however, said, "Minister Hu, Pan Xueliang has not admitted his guilt."

Upon hearing this, Hu He turned to look at Gu Changjin, unsure if the young man had truly understood his words.

In the current situation, whether Pan Xueliang confessed or not, or if he was guilty, was no longer significant. By referring the case to the Supreme Court, Pan Xueliang's guilt had essentially been determined.

"Minister Hu, it would be best for you to drop this matter," Hu He suggested, driven by his concern for talent. "Look at what has happened to those who spoke up for Pan Xueliang today. If you continue to defend him, you'll be opposing all the scholars. Your three years of hard-earned reputation could vanish in an instant. Are you willing to risk that for Pan Xueliang's redemption?"

Hu He was well-known among the censors in the Board of Supervisors for his good temper, always smiling like a jovial Buddha, adept at diplomacy and adapting to the times.

The Chief Censor likely entrusted Gu Changjin to him with the hope that he could soften the young man's character.

From Gu Changjin's previous actions, whether it was petitioning the emperor or addressing the court, he tended to take unconventional routes, which could easily jeopardize his future and life with one misstep.

Gu Changjin nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Minister Hu, for your advice." He didn't mention whether or not he would actually withdraw.

Assuming that Gu Changjin had taken his words to heart, Hu He waved his hand. "You were injured while trying to save Pan Xueliang. Go home and tend to your wounds."

Gu Changjin nodded in agreement, stepped out of the main hall, and stood in the corridor for a moment. Instead of leaving, he headed towards Meng Zong's office.

Meng Zong, the Left Censorate Inspector, was currently serving in the Board of Censors. If Pan Xueliang's innocence were to be proven, it could not be done without Meng Zong's involvement.

Upon seeing Gu Changjin, Meng Zong didn't seem surprised. He put down his writing brush and asked, "Is this about Pan Xueliang?"

"Inspector General," Gu Changjin bowed respectfully, "I am indeed here for Pan Xueliang."

Meng Zong looked at him and said, "Do you plan on investigating this case to the bottom?"

"The former Minister of Revenue is an esteemed statesman with a renowned reputation, admired by countless scholars. His current tarnished name might be due to hidden circumstances. I believe that this case affects the image of key officials in the hearts of the people. I don't think the former Minister would be someone who engages in corruption." Gu Changjin paused before continuing, "Moreover, Pan Xueliang hasn't admitted to any guilt. If that's the case, why not continue the investigation?"

Meng Zong's sharp gaze locked onto Gu Changjin. After a moment, he asked, "You want to save Pan Xueliang?"

"I don't have the full picture of the case, so I dare not claim to be saving anyone," Gu Changjin replied. "I only wish to give Pan Xueliang a chance to be judged by the Three Judicial Departments." He continued, "If, after their joint hearing, they still find him guilty, I believe he will accept the verdict willingly. It is one of the primary responsibilities of the Three Judicial Departments to ensure the guilty are punished and the innocent vindicated. They oversee justice and fairness for all citizens of Great Yin. We must never forget this duty, regardless of the time or place."

Raising his eyes to meet Meng Zong's piercing gaze, Gu Changjin said, "And Pan Xueliang is a citizen of Great Yin."

Justice and fairness for the people.

Pan Xueliang was a citizen of Great Yin. If he was innocent, he deserved to be cleared of all charges.

Meng Zong clasped his hands together and spoke calmly, "In this dynasty, cases that warrant the joint examination of the three judicial bodies are major ones. Pan Xueliang's case doesn't yet qualify for such treatment. If I were to refuse, what then?"

Gu Changjin replied with neither arrogance nor humility, "As an official in charge of criticism, it is my duty to oversee the conduct of all officials. If the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, and the Board of Censors act unfairly or unjustly, it is my responsibility as a critic to speak out."

He lowered his gaze while keeping his hands in a respectful gesture, but his back remained straight, never bending.

This was the unique resilience of a young man with a sense of justice, a quality Meng Zong hadn't seen in a long time. He resembled a green bamboo that remained steadfast in a storm, or a sword sheathed but still sharp.

Meng Zong stared at him intently, and where Gu Changjin couldn't see, his sharp eyes softened, even hinting at a smile.

"You must be aware of the emperor's intentions. You're risking your future for Pan Xueliang. If you bet wrongly, will you regret it?"

"No," Gu Changjin answered firmly. "I have faith in the Emperor and all the officials in the court who work for the good of the country and its people."

He knew well that the Board of Censors had Xu Fu's support and wouldn't let his career end just like that. Moreover, there were Great Minister of Punishment, Minister Tan, and others. Even if the one on the Throne Room were to be enraged, they, bound by old ties, would protect his official hat.

Meng Zong's gentle expression faded, and he returned to his usual stern demeanor. He nodded, saying, "The joint investigation of Pan Xueliang's corruption case by the three judicial bodies has been approved from the Board of Censors' side. As for the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court, you'll have to speak to them personally."

According to the laws of Great Yin, a case could be reviewed by the three judicial bodies only if ordered by the emperor or if all three heads of these institutions agreed that it warranted such a joint investigation.

Gu Changjin acknowledged solemnly and left the Board of Censors for the Ministry of Justice.

After listening to his purpose, Minister of Justice Lu Zhuo fell into a long silence before he said, "Someone predicted that you would come here today. Do you know who that person is?"

Gu Changjin replied, "This official has no idea."

Lu Zhuo looked at him and sighed deeply. "That person said if you didn't give up on Pan Xueliang's case, they wished to meet you in person. Since it's already decided, we might as well go to the Supreme Court now. I'll take you there to see this person."

Drinking the tea in his cup like an ox chewing on peonies, Lu Zhuo continued, "The Ministry of Justice agrees to the joint investigation of Pan Xueliang's case of academic fraud. Let's go. If Li Meng refuses, I'll personally take off his official hat with my dagger."

With that, the elderly minister actually pulled out a short dagger and carried it with him.

In the past three years at the Ministry of Justice, Gu Changjin had always received the high regard of this Chief Justice, who could be said to have nurtured him with all his might.

The path to the golden throne was not an easy one. Without the support of the entire Ministry of Justice back then, how could he have obtained a retrial for Xu Li'er and Jin's family?