The emperor sat high on the dragon chaise, his face gloomy as water. His tightly pursed lips and his brows twisted into the character “Sichuan” exuded a bitter coldness. Everyone in the hall was so arrogant that they dared not let out.
Just when he was silent, Zhou Taishi, who was responsible for this scientific examination, broke the silence and bowed and replied: “The emperor clearly understands that the test papers of students from Nanping Prefecture this time are not only novel and unique, but also the strategies proposed are extremely implementable, and they are really a rare pillar.”
The Minister of Rites on the side also echoed, with a light of appreciation in his eyes: “As the Taishi said, especially the top few, all have the best scholars. However, they are good at different fields and their own strengths, and it is really hard to distinguish the superiority. It is really a pity to abandon any person.”
The candlelight swayed, and the atmosphere was so solemn that it made people breathless.
Master Zhou quietly glanced at the emperor’s face, and he continued to say with thought, “Master, but this imperial examination is indeed suspicious.”
The emperor immediately asked, “What are the doubts?”
After hearing what the emperor said, Master Zhou thought in his heart and said righteously: “The number of juren in Nanping Prefecture accounts for half of it, which is really incredible. Could Nanping Prefecture be a place where dragons and tigers are hidden?”
His tone was full of surprise and doubt, which coincided with what the emperor thought.
The Minister of Revenue immediately agreed and said worriedly: “Yes, Your Majesty. Nanping Prefecture has always been unknown. This sudden rise has made people suspect that there is a fraud!”
At this time, the Minister of Rites stood up and refuted: “My lords, you can’t talk nonsense. The officials heard that most of these students from the examination were from the school run by Yan Wanwan. Maybe it was because of their unique teaching methods and cultivating many talents. This is a blessing for our dynasty!”
The Minister of Justice snorted coldly, with a disdain on his face: “Hmph, what is the cleverness of a school run by a woman? In my opinion, there must be an ulterior secret behind this. Maybe someone deliberately manipulated the imperial examination to disrupt the court’s principles!”
The ministers of the two factions faced each other and refused to give in to each other, and the court was in an instant.
The ministers who advocated thorough investigation were full of righteous indignation and demanded severe punishment for the mastermind behind the scenes; the ministers who believed that they should be rewarded and encouraged fought with reason and tried their best to protect the educational achievements of Nanping Prefecture.
The emperor on the dragon throne looked like a torch, and he looked coldly at the quarreling ministers.
Suddenly, he slapped the armrest of the dragon chaise and shouted: “Enough!”
The hall suddenly became quiet, and everyone knelt down and silent.
A cold light flashed in the emperor’s eyes, and he slowly said, “This matter is related to the fairness of the imperial examination and the majesty of the court. I will never tolerate it. If someone comes, set up an investigation team immediately and go to Nanping Prefecture to thoroughly investigate the matter. If there is any slightest favoritism and fraud, he will be killed and will not forgive me!”
Everyone shouted “Abide by the order”, and their voices echoed in the hall.
But everyone knows thisThe court turmoil caused by the rise of Nanping Prefecture has just begun.
In Jingzhao City, a list was like a huge rock that penetrated into the heart, causing a thousand waves. Everyone looked at the list with disbelief on their faces.
Those arrogant and arrogant students of Jingzhao were even furious. The students of Nanping Prefecture had only been studying for less than a year. Why could they be even better than those of Jingzhao talents?
In a rage, these students who were usually above the top flocked to the yamen and started to make a big fuss. They were in a state of anger and strongly demanded that the yamen thoroughly investigate whether there were any favoritism and fraud in the imperial examination.
The servants in the yamen were frowning and looked embarrassed in the face of this sudden riot. The imperial examination is a major event that concerns the foundation of the country. It is really difficult to convince the public by rashly judgingly stating that there is something wrong with the imperial examination without any evidence.
Besides, this is a shocking case. They are just insignificant little runners, so how dare they act rashly.
However, not long after, the boss summoned them, and gave them a careful advice with a serious expression, informing the court that this incident was extremely important and that they must investigate it thoroughly. Their top priority at the moment was to fully appease the emotionally excited students.
In the afternoon of that day, Yan Wanwan was called to question by the imperial envoy sent by the court.
As soon as Yan Wanwan stepped into the lobby, her eyes immediately captured the figure of the prefect.