Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 309

Chapter 309: Chapter 306: More Aggressive than Fire_1

Before long, Gao Demao, wiping sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, hurried in and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, the ones beating the Dengwen Drum outside Wude Gate are the examinees who failed the recent imperial examination. The examinees claim that this examination was corrupted and beg Your Majesty to give them justice."

The Emperor’s body slightly paused, the irritation in his heart dissipated, and his expression turned serious. "Do the examinees have any evidence?"

"Your Majesty, they have no evidence, but the leader outside is shouting loudly. He says that out of the top ten, seven have already been predetermined as offspring of meritorious families and eunuchs. These seven predetermined are Lu Yuanqing, Lu Yuanbao, Wu Anbang, Zhang Ruohuai, Lin Chaodong, Wang Chengyu, and Chen Zhaolu. They dare not doubt Lu Yuanqing, Lu Yuanbao, and Chen Zhaolu, but Wu Anbang, Zhang Ruohuai, Lin Chaodong, and Wang Chengyu being among the top ten is absolutely impossible!"

Gao Demao glanced at the Emperor’s increasingly darkening face and continued, "The leader also said that before the results of the examination were announced, Wang Chengyu and Lin Chaodong had bought houses in Dadu City, while Wu Anbang had taken up residence at his maternal grandparents’ home. They all purchased large quantities of celebratory goods, hoarded rice to prepare for distributing congee and money."

Lu Yuanqing, Lu Yuanbao, Wu Anbang, Zhang Ruohuai, Lin Chaodong, Wang Chengyu, and Chen Zhaolu. These seven were indeed the seven just mentioned among the top ten!

The Emperor gritted his teeth and asked, "Where are Wen Zhenkang and the other deputy examiners? Have the imperial guards detain them. They must not leave the palace!"

"Yes!" Gao Demao quickly got up and ran out.

Gao Demao, being a senior eunuch close to the Emperor, was not unaware of previous instances of examination corruption. Meritorious families often bribed the chief examiners. Having someone fill in for the exams was not uncommon.

During the previous examination, Gao Demao had thought that the meritorious families’ behavior was going to alarm the Emperor sooner or later. As expected... this time, it did cause a stir.

The Emperor suppressed his anger, his voice so cold it sent chills down one’s spine. "Crown Prince, go and seal all the examination papers from this palace examination and bring them to me! Summon the Principal and Dean of the Imperial College, and all the Scholars. You personally oversee them. Examine every single paper for me!"

"Your son obeys!" The Crown Prince hurriedly took the order and went to carry it out.

The Emperor’s hand trembled with rage. If the examination corruption was true, Wen Zhenkang must die!

King Yan of Xiliang had not yet left. Emperor Yan was also scheduled to depart tomorrow. Wen Zhenkang created this scandal to embarrass him.

Moreover, the purpose of the imperial examinations was to select talents for governance. Though he favored cunning officials and did not like overly capable ministers like Bai Weiting, who overshadowed their lord, he knew the court couldn’t truly lack capable men. If there were too few competent officials to handle affairs, the Jin Kingdom would be in danger.

"Summon Minister of Judicial Review Lu Jin!" The Emperor opened his eyes, murderous intent seething in his gaze.