Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 307

Chapter 307: Chapter 304: Imperial Court Senior Official_1

The next morning, after Bai Qingyan finished practicing with her red-tasseled silver spear in Qinghui Courtyard, Nanny Tong, who handled affairs for Bai Qingyan, returned and brought two lists.

"This one is the list you asked me to check. It includes examinees who stayed at various inns and were talented but not selected... and those examinees who were honest. The names circled have already left Dadu City. Those not circled are still lingering in Dadu City, probably waiting to see who tops the list."

Nanny Tong unfolded the other list: "This list is the result of Lu Ping’s personal investigation of various purchasing activities..."

Bai Qingyan took the towel handed by Chun Tao, wiped the sweat from her face and neck, and instructed Chun Tao to prepare water.

Chun Tao handed the warmed tea to Bai Qingyan and turned to instruct the kitchen to prepare water.

"It’s quite coincidental. Early this morning, Lu Ping went to the largest rice shop in the city. Before he could inquire, the clerk recognized him. The clerk thought Lu Ping was sent by the second madam to buy supplies for the second lord. The clerk smiled and said that our second young lady is overly cautious in her actions. While the Lu family, Minister Chen’s household, the Vice Minister of Public Works’ residence, and General Zhang’s mansion all sent people to buy large amounts of red paper, firecrackers, and stockpiles of rice right after the examination, preparing to distribute porridge after the results are out."

"But our second young lady has remained inactive. After finally sending someone to have rice delivered for porridge, it wasn’t even half of what the Lu family and Minister Chen’s household purchased! The clerk even joked with Lu Ping, asking if the second madam found out and specially sent Lu Ping to buy more."

All of these families... were high-ranking officials in the Imperial Court.

Even Zhang Duanrui’s household had prepared in advance?

Bai Qingyan handed the teacup to Nanny Tong and took the list for a look. Zhang Duanrui’s eldest son was only eleven. Had he also taken the imperial examination? Zhang Duanrui hadn’t mentioned it...

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s gaze on General Zhang’s household, Nanny Tong hurriedly explained, "General Zhang’s elder brother passed away early, and his widowed sister-in-law brought her eldest son to Dadu City for the examination, residing in General Zhang’s mansion. General Zhang’s nephew is also among those taking the examination. The remaining names on the list are those who came from various places, either having bought houses in the city or residing with their uncles or grandfathers."

Calculating the time, the chief examiners had not yet begun to discuss the rankings with the Emperor.

Bai Qingyan handed the list of residences that had made early preparations for the porridge distribution to Nanny Tong: "Spread this list quietly. Say that these noble households have bribed the chief examiners, thus ensuring that... these people will definitely be in the top ten."

"Send someone to pose as merchants or scholars... to spread this news within Dadu City!" She pointed to the first list, "Make sure the failed examinees hear about it quickly! Have Uncle Ping arrange for people to provoke these examinees... to beat the grievance drum before the results are announced and ask the Emperor to preside over justice!"

Bai Qingyan continued thinking aloud, "Once the grievance drum is sounded, the Emperor will definitely investigate the corruption in the examination. But if these people’s names indeed appear in the top ten before the announcement, the Emperor will take it even more seriously and investigate thoroughly! It will depend on whether these scholars dare to use their lives to seek justice for their years of hard study, or kneel before power."