Chapter Seven Hundred and Thirty Three: Master Xiao
In the Wenhua Hall, Xiao Tan cursed Jiang Yuan in his heart, but could not utter the slightest rebuttal on his face.
At this point, he finally understood.
This time, he was completely plotted by Jiang Yuan!
Seeing Jiang Yuan tell the "truth" with a calm face, Xiao Tan was so angry that he almost exploded with anger. However, this could not change the situation, and the situation was developing in an increasingly unfavorable direction for him step by step.
Because, after Jiang Yuan finished speaking, the examiners from the Sixth Department also looked at each other and hesitated to speak.
Seeing this situation, the emperor first took a deep look at Jiang Yuan, then glanced at everyone present, and then asked.
"My lords, what Mr. Jiang Ge just said is the truth?"
this……
Facing the emperor's questions, several elders looked at each other.
The truth is the truth, but there is always something wrong.
It should be said that although several other readers present had some vague guesses about some of the inside information, they had not seen the whole story, so they just subconsciously felt that something was wrong.
However, the emperor asked a question and had to answer it. After hesitating for a moment, Yu Shanshan, the minister of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped forward and spoke cautiously, saying:
"Your Majesty, when I was reading the papers, I did have an argument about the ranking of some of the papers. During this process, Academician Xiao did highly praise the papers of Cheng Zong and others. However, after all, it is difficult to have a definite conclusion when discussing the papers.
Standard conclusion.”
"Moreover, the list that was finally submitted was agreed upon by the ministers and others. In addition to Academician Xiao, Mr. Jiang Ge, Mr. Zhang Ge, Mr. Zhu Ge and others also believed that this policy should be based on both moral merit and merit.
And I got it, and Cheng Longgu used it to solve the problem. Therefore, although the ministers had some objections, they did not insist too much."
It should be said that Minister Yu Shanyu, who was transferred from the Ministry of War to the Ministry of Personnel, has a kind-hearted character. He has the integrity of Yu Qian, but does not have his irritating spirit.
These words are impartial and can be regarded as a relatively objective restoration of the facts.
However, it is still disadvantageous for Xiao Tan.
Again, when it comes to policy and discussion, everyone has a different understanding of the topic. When looking at Jiang Yuan on this point, the most we can say is that he has insufficient knowledge and shallow knowledge.
Compared with Xiao Hao, who tried his best to defend Cheng Zong during the discussion process, Mr. Jiangge was really untouchable.
And this is obviously what Jiang Yuan wants.
After Yu Shan finished speaking, Jiang Yuan immediately kowtowed again and said.
"Your Majesty, I know that I lack talent and knowledge, and do not recognize people properly. I failed to accurately judge the grade of the palace examination paper. I have failed His Majesty's holy grace. Please punish me!"
Now that things have developed, many things have actually become clear.
Many people present realized that there might be some ulterior secret between Jiang Yuan and Xiao Tan.
However, I have to say that Jiang Yuan's hands and feet were too clean, and every move he made was within the scope allowed by the rules.
Cheng Zong was the person Jiang Yuan wanted to recommend, but whether it was during the deliberation process or when the final list was finalized, it was Xiao Fan who came up with the idea.
This makes it difficult for Xiao Tan to explain clearly in this matter.
Unless, he is willing to put the "deal" that he and Jiang Yuan reached in private on the table.
But the question is, does Xiao Tan dare?
Under the gaze of everyone, this Academician Xiao remained silent.
He...dare not!
Because once this matter is spoken out, it is proper to hurt yourself before hurting the enemy.
As a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, a clear scholar, and an examiner for the Imperial Examination, he cannot be impartial and only promote talents based on their virtues. Instead, he regards the first-class spot as a transaction, uses power for personal gain, and operates in secret. If this matter is confirmed, Xiao Tan Not only will your official career come to an end, but even your reputation will be ruined in one day.
This kind of thing has been done by some people, such as Xue Xuan, the former Minister of Dali Temple.
They would rather sacrifice themselves and demand justice, but not everyone is Xue Xuan.
Perhaps Wang Wen or Yu Qian would have such courage, but unfortunately, Academician Xiao is not such a person who dares to die together.
Furthermore, even if Xiao Tan can make this determination, he may not be able to do anything to Jiang Yuan.
Only today did Xiao Tan truly realize that in the past, he had indeed underestimated the old Jiang Ge.
It should be said that among the people in the cabinet, Jiang Yuan's presence is not very strong, and he is usually very low-key. Except for being unlucky with someone, the court does not pay much attention to him.
Although he can be seen in many major political affairs, most of the time, he is the one waving the flag and shouting in the background, not standing out, not standing out, and not attracting attention.
Therefore, after he came to the door, Xiao Tan agreed without taking any precautions. But who would have thought that this old guy would be so scheming.
The current situation is almost a dead end.
Regardless of whether Xiao Tan said it or not, he could not escape the blame. Even after telling the truth, he might be able to get Jiang Yuan to support him, but it was more likely that Jiang Yuan would be able to escape unscathed.
If you listen carefully to what he just said, you will know that when he opened his mouth, other members of the cabinet could testify, and when he closed his mouth, it was witnessed by the readers. This means that he had already thought of an escape route for himself.
In the current situation, it seems that the best way for Xiao Fan is to admit, like Jiang Yuan, that he was not accurate in solving the questions and misjudged the examination papers of Ke Qian, Cheng Zong and others, and then accuse him of improper marking of the examination papers. Take it to yourself.
In this way, it may be a crime of dereliction of duty, but it will not be more serious, and other readers can barely escape.
However, after glancing at Jiang Yuan next to him and seeing a hint of pride in his expression, Xiao Tan still couldn't swallow this breath.
After a quick spin in his mind, Academician Xiao discovered a possibility while trying to protect himself. After hesitating for a moment, driven by unwillingness, Xiao Tan finally spoke.
"Your Majesty, in fact, I had my doubts about Cheng Zong's test paper. However, at that time, Mr. Jiangge praised it very highly, and I was confused by it for a moment. Just now during the deliberation, I also praised Cheng Zong's test paper.
A few words."
"Now that I think about it, it was Jiang Ge Lao, Zhang Ge Lao, and Zhu Ge Lao who initially praised Cheng Zong's volume as superior to Ke Qian's, and advocated that it should be obtained with both moral merit and merit. Cheng Long Gu Shi was the key to solving the problem.
, I, like the other reviewers, had doubts, but in the end I was convinced."
"This minister has a weak mind and lacks talents and learning. However, as your Majesty said, Mr. Jiang Ge is in Hanlin, from the six ministries and in the cabinet. He is very familiar with Wenhan affairs and court affairs. Why can't he make judgments?
Just two test papers?"
"This minister is confused, please let your majesty clarify it!"
The meaning of these words is actually a hint that Jiang Yuan and Cheng Zong have an ulterior relationship.
Jiang Yuan wanted to put the blame for the failure in the imperial examination on Xiao Tan, so Xiao Tan would turn the blame back on him.
After all, Jiang Yuan judged the examination papers of Ke Qian and Cheng Zong in the beginning, and Jiang Yuan also proposed the initial ranking opinions. Although Xiao Fan agreed in the end, if he was wrong, then Jiang Yuan
Abyss cannot escape either.
With Jiang Yuan's knowledge, it was impossible not to see the pros and cons of the two test papers. However, there must be a reason why he recommended Cheng Zong instead of Ke Qian.
Xiao Fan didn't think about it carefully at the time, but now that he thinks about it, this might be the way to break the situation.
After all, Xiao Tan really couldn't imagine that he and Jiang Yuan had any grudge that would warrant Jiang Yuan targeting him like this.
Moreover, at this point, Academician Xiao no longer expects that he can escape. He just hopes that he can drag Jiang Yuan into the water while ensuring that he is not completely doomed.
It should be said that this is a key flaw.
However, there are often times when the only flaw is likely to be left on purpose.
After Xiao Fan said these words, he immediately regretted it, because after he finished speaking, Jiang Yuan not only did not panic, but actually relaxed a little.
Therefore, Xiao Tan secretly thought that something was wrong, but it was already too late.
I saw Jiang Yuan knocking his head to the ground twice, with a face full of grief and anger, and said.
"Your Majesty, although I have made mistakes in the examination papers for this palace examination, I am not talented enough and cannot distinguish between high and low scholars. I have failed to bear the divine grace. However, I believe that my heart is fair. How can I dare to use public weapons for personal favors?"
"The records of Cheng Zong and Ke Qian were made wrong by my Majesty, and I have no complaints because of this. However, if you say that I engaged in malpractice for personal gain and deliberately suppressed the scholars, this is false, and I will never dare to admit it.
Things."
"I don't know why Scholar Xiao slandered me so much, but I dare to guarantee it with my life. I have nothing to do with Cheng Zong. Even before reading the book this time, I didn't know this scholar. If your Majesty doesn't believe it, I
I am willing to be interrogated by the judicial department. As long as I can prove my innocence, I will not be afraid even if I am imprisoned by the Imperial Guards. Please be careful, Your Majesty!"
Zhu Qiyu couldn't help but sigh when he saw Jiang Yuan's expression of sincerity, almost writing the word "grievance" on his head.
Xiao Fan, as expected, he is still too bookish!
You have already been plotted by others, and you cannot be careful about your words and deeds. This is just speculation. Without evidence, can you just say nonsense?
Now that Jiang Yuan has countered this army, he has been directly pushed to the forefront, and more importantly, as a result, Zhu Qiyu is also somewhat unable to get off.
Jiang Yuan had already said this, and there were only two ways Zhu Qiyu could do it. One was to conduct a strict investigation, but it was possible that nothing would be found in the end, and the other was to be lenient.
Glancing at the boy next to him, Zhu Qiyu sighed helplessly, his face finally turned gentle, and he spoke.
"Excuse me, Mr. Jiangge. I can certainly trust your character. Although there were mistakes in this palace examination, I believe it was a misunderstanding. All the ministers are important officials of the imperial court, so they will not be influenced by mere officials.
He will ruin his reputation for the rest of his life."
This means handling it with care. When everyone present heard this, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
However, Jiang Yuan did not just go down the steps, but continued to grab the ground with his head, saying.
"Your Majesty's holy grace is so great that I am so grateful. However, I have not been punished for my mistakes and the discipline is not correct. I did not read the papers properly in this palace examination and failed to promote talents for the country. I have really neglected my duty. I have asked for a three-month salary to be fined. I will shut up and reflect on my mistakes.
I sincerely request your majesty’s permission!”
Zhu Qiyu's eyes narrowed and he said nothing. Such an expression made Jiang Yuan's back feel a little cold. However, he still endured the discomfort and knelt on the ground without raising his head.
Now that the matter has come to this, Zhu Qiyu can naturally see that Jiang Yuan's move seems to be asking for punishment, but in fact it is "asking for justice."
Although it is said that there is no ranking for the examiners of the Imperial Examination, but, again, because of the special nature of the Hanlin Academy, Xiao Tan occupies a dominant position among the ten examiners.
So, if something goes wrong now, he will naturally receive the heaviest punishment.
More importantly, from the moment he entered the palace, Jiang Yuan pressed forward step by step, and every piece of evidence he presented proved that the evaluation of the palace examination was improper and that the responsibility lies with Xiao Tan.
Under such circumstances, if Zhu Qiyu wanted to punish Jiang Yuan, it was naturally impossible not to punish Xiao Tan.
Moreover, this punishment can only be more severe, otherwise, as Jiang Yuan said, the court's rules and regulations will inevitably be damaged.
His eyes wandered between Jiang Yuan and Xiao Hao for a moment. Zhu Qiyu breathed out softly and finally made a decision in his heart. So, he turned his eyes to Xiao Hao and said.
"Xiao Fan, do you know your guilt?"
In fact, just when Jiang Yuan was crying and crying, Xiao Hao had already realized that he was being too reckless.
However, there is no regret medicine in the world!
By this time, he knew in his heart that any further struggle would only make the situation worse.
So, with a low and anxious mood, Xiao Hao knelt on the ground, cupped his hands and said.
"Your Majesty, I made a mistake for a moment, please punish me!"
"A momentary slip of the tongue?"
Zhu Qiyu snorted coldly, looking a little dissatisfied, and shouted sternly.
"When the court slanders an important minister of the court, is it just a casual slip of the tongue and can it be done perfunctorily?"
"I put more trust in you and entrusted you with the imperial examination. However, you not only did not want to be loyal to the country, but instead neglected your duties. You almost turned the pearl into dust and made the court's selection of scholars a laughing stock in the world. On the Golden Palace, I personally interrogated you and you did not bow your head. They admit their mistakes, but instead blame each other and show no responsibility, which really disappoints me."
"Wynn?"
"My slave is here..."
Hearing the emperor's call, all the officials present knew that today's matter would finally come to an end, so everyone, including Jiang Yuan, couldn't help but raise their heads.
Then, the emperor pondered for a moment and then said.
"Immediately pass on the decree, "Hanlin scholar Xiao Tan improperly marked the examination papers and insisted on going his own way. He was ordered by me to preside over the palace examination, but he failed to promote talents for the country. In the Wenhua Palace, he even argued with the examiners in the court. He did not want to repent, and even I have lost my heart. From now on, I will temporarily suspend my official position and return to my hometown to await investigation."
"Jiang Yuan, a scholar in the cabinet, and other reviewers were unable to dissuade Xiao Tan and allowed him to do whatever he wanted, which almost made the court's talent promotion ceremony a laughing stock. This was a dereliction of duty. They wanted to serve the country well and did not do it deliberately. He will be fined for half a year and demoted one level, but he will remain in his original position to serve as a warning to others!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the faces of the elders below couldn't help but twitch.
Especially the group of six ministers felt even more miserable.
For them, this matter was really an unforeseen disaster. They just came to read a paper. At most, during the collegial discussion, they did not get past Xiao Fan, Jiang Yuan and others, and selected a few articles with less radical views into one. Candidate A.
As a result, now, I have lost half a year's salary inexplicably, and my official rank has also been reduced by one level. Although my position has not changed, it would be embarrassing if word spread!
Of course, what is even more pitiable is that Xiao Tan, who presided over the imperial examination, was dismissed from his official position by the emperor. Although it was said that he would be temporarily dismissed, there is a high probability that the Hanlin Academy would not be able to stay if such a thing happened. Otherwise, it would have to He was scolded to death by scholars all over the world.
There was a complex feeling in their hearts, and everyone knelt down silently and bowed their heads.
"I obey your order and thank you for your kindness!"
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