It’s already the end of Haishi, but not a single word has been written on the official list!
The fire in Gongyuan is not a big deal as long as no lives are injured. It doesn't matter if the straw papers are burned, because the straw papers do not need to be returned to the failed candidates. The problem is that one of the straw papers that needs to be checked was burned. Although there are still
A transcription student serves as a clue, but the transcription student has already fled in fear of crime. Before he is captured and interrogated, how can he prove the innocence of this illegal examination paper? How should the two examiners deal with this obviously framed, but painful
What about test papers without evidence?
Also, the fire just now not only burned all the grass scrolls, but also burned more than a hundred ink scrolls. After the results are released tomorrow, the more than 100 candidates who cannot receive the failed examination papers will be willing to give up.
I am in a bad mood, and now I have more reason to accuse the examination room of unfairness, favoritism and malpractice. It is conceivable that the Bingchen Examination in the 44th year of Wanli will be the subject that is criticized the most by both the government and the public.
The atmosphere in the court hall was extremely depressing, and all the examiners and outside officials were silent, waiting for the chief examiner Wu Daonan to make a decision——
Wu Daonan is nearly seventy years old. His beard and hair are all white, his cheekbones are high, his cheeks are dry, and the age spots on his face are obvious. However, his eyes are bright and his expression is stern. He looked around at the officials in the hall and said nothing for a long time——
A sudden fire broke out in the house where the straw scrolls were stored. This was obviously related to one or even several officials in the Zhigong Hall. It was when these people learned that the straw scrolls were to be checked that they temporarily ordered people to burn the evidence. The Gongyuan was most relaxed on the eve of the release of the results.
At that moment, they were all people in the Gongyuan. It was not difficult to secretly throw a candle in to burn the pile of grass scrolls that they didn't pay much attention to. As for why the fire had not been burned for a long time, it was naturally because the cheaters and framers did not expect that things would get worse.
At this point, because the first question is taboo, they will definitely be dismissed. When the rejected papers are sent out, the candidates will shout that the first paper has been changed, but who will believe it? Even if they believe it, so what? Hanlin Academy
The examination papers are only for Chinese-style examinations and will never investigate a failed examination paper. This is because it cannot set a precedent. Otherwise, if all the failed candidates ask for reexamination, it will be chaotic——
But what the cheating framers never expected was that an examination paper with an illegal first question could actually impress the marking officer with its excellent craftsmanship in the second and third exams and recommend it to the examiner's desk.
The persistence of Xu Guangqi, a very serious person, finally pointed the finger at Cao Juan——
Wu Daonan has thought clearly about the cause and effect. Although this fraud frame-up is aimed at the candidate whose name is not yet known, it also has a great impact on him as the examiner. These people are willing to use such scheming methods and even violate the law to deal with a
Candidate, then this candidate is obviously not an ordinary candidate. He should be closely related to high-ranking officials in the DPRK and Central Government. He is from the Zhejiang Party, the Propaganda Party, the Qi Party, or a descendant of the Donglin Party? If it hadn’t been for Xu Guangqi’s insistence this time
, it seems that the roll call and the writing of the list will proceed normally. But when the examinee gets the ink scroll that has been exchanged, it is conceivable that he will be resentful and will use his relationship between the DPRK and China to create public opinion, and the resentment will eventually spread.
When it comes to him as the examiner, no matter how big or small the power behind him is, it is not good for him Wu Daonan. He will inexplicably offend a group of people by presiding over an examination. He and the chief assistant Fang Congzhe are not on good terms, and the propaganda party has
Treat him as an enemy. Then his life in the cabinet will be even more difficult in the future. This is a vicious plan that kills two birds with one stone——
There were two crisp crackling sounds, and two red candles under the verandah burst out with two lanterns. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to be loosened, and Wu Daonan spoke: "Start splitting numbers, doing roll calls, and writing lists."
All the officials looked at each other, and the deputy examiner Liu Chuxian asked: "Mr. Wu Ge, what should I do with this examination paper?" He pointed to the ink scroll on the long table with the first question being illegal.
Wu Daonan said: "Although the first question of this examination paper cannot be tested with the draft paper, it is obvious that it was exchanged and framed. The escaping transcriptionist must be caught and brought to justice, and the ranking of this ink paper will remain unchanged according to the red number draft list.
."
According to the previously filled-in red number draft list, the ranking remains unchanged, this exam paper is ranked sixth——
Supervisor Li Song objected and said: "Mr. Wu Ge, this is against the rules. How can we convince the world's scholars by winning this paper that violates the taboo of the late emperor's temple?"
Another supervisor, Zhou Shidan, also echoed Li Song's objections. Zhou Shidan and Li Song were the censors of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.
Zhang Heming, the first room officer of "Spring and Autumn" said: "This crime was obviously deliberately framed by someone, and the case will eventually come to light. How can you turn a blind eye even though you know that the examinee has been wronged?"
Li Song said: "Before there is no conclusive evidence, saying that someone was wronged is just speculation and cannot be counted."
Zhou Shidan said: "The taboo paper is written in black and white, and the evidence is conclusive."
The two seventh-rank supervisory censors adhered to their principles and showed no shyness in front of the cabinet ministers. The Ming Dynasty officials were so sharp in speaking.
Xu Guangqi had been thinking about how to prove the innocence of the grass scroll after it was destroyed. At this time, he said: "The cheating methods include cutting the head off alive, gathering honey from bees, and shelling snakes. I thought I would hire an experienced papermaker.
The framer should be able to figure out the secret of this scroll."
Official Zhou Yingqiu was secretly frightened and sneered: "Who can guarantee that those lowly craftsmen have not been bribed?"
Wu Daonan was convinced that this volume was framed, and said calmly: "As the president of Bingchen Keli, I have the right to decide to depose him. Don't say more, everyone should go to your posts and start writing the official list."
Of course Zhou Yingqiu was not willing to give in, and said: "Since Mr. Wu Ge has done his best to admit this illegal document, if there is any trouble in the future, I will not dare to take responsibility."
Wu Daonan was very suspicious of this official, and said: "Whoever should bear the responsibility should bear it. The inner and outer officials each have their own responsibilities. Don't say more now. The scribes started to check the Zhu and Mo scrolls."
Several scribes came forward and checked the numbers of Zhu and the ink scrolls one by one. After the verification was correct, they began to remove the numbers and roll call. As usual, the number was removed from the sixth place. The sixth place was the one who had suffered many twists and turns and controversy.
Exam papers——
More than a hundred pairs of eyes of all the officials in the hall were staring at the two hands of the scribe who opened the seal. They watched the seal being torn off, revealing the first volume of the ink scroll. Another scribe next to the scribe who opened the number looked at it.
At the beginning of the volume, there was a loud roll call: "Zhang Yuan, a son of Yimao imperial examination in Shanyin County, Shaoxing Prefecture, Zhejiang Province, is nineteen years old, and his book is based on the Spring and Autumn Period."
The whole hall was silent, and the noise outside the gate of Gongyuan was faintly heard in the distance——
Most of the officials in the hall have heard of Zhang Yuan's name. He is a young talented scholar, a famous eight-gu master, a famous Shanyin family, a top disciple, and the leader of the Han Society. He was very capable of causing trouble at a young age and sent Yao Zongwen's cousin into exile.
Exiled from the army, Dong Xuanzai was almost ruined. This examination paper turned out to be Zhang Yuan's!
Wei Guang looked sideways at Xu Guangqi and said happily: "So that's it. It's true that a fellow disciple is willing to help."
Xu Guangqi didn't answer, and his heart was filled with ups and downs: It was indeed Junior Brother Zhang who was framed. Who could have such hatred for Junior Brother Zhang?
Deputy examiner Liu Chuxian said: "Bring the ink scroll and show it to me."
The clerk presented the ink scroll, and Liu Chuxian carefully looked at the words at the beginning of the volume. The writing on it was the same as the words on the ink scrolls in the second and third sessions, and the handwriting on the second to seventh titles in the first session, which was the same as that.
The handwriting on the first volume of the examination paper is a little different, but if it is said that the examination paper has been cut, there is no trace of cutting at all, even if you look at the candlelight, you can't tell. What on earth is going on?
Wu Daonan, who was sitting next to him, also looked at it carefully and said: "Whether this paper has been cut or not, I can't tell with my dim eyes. But there are people in the palace who are good at mounting. I will ask the internal officials to send two supervisors early tomorrow morning.
A chamberlain is here to appraise it, do you have any objections?"
Li Song, the supervisor, said aggressively: "If the chamberlain's appraisal is correct and the transcriber cannot be arrested for a while, how will the veteran Wu Pavilion explain it to the Holy Master?"
Wu Daonan said: "I have said that everyone is responsible for their own responsibilities. How to report the examination process to the emperor is my business. It seems that Mr. Li should not interfere at this time. Moreover, there was a fraud case. Doesn't the supervisor have no responsibility?"
?"
Li Song, Zhou Shidan and other supervisory officials were silent. The fraud occurred in the outer curtain, and it was the outer curtain officer's responsibility.
Official Zhou Yingqiu broke out in a cold sweat. Now he can only rely on the calligraphy and painting master from Songjiang, who has superb skills and can splice them so seamlessly that other framers cannot tell the difference.
Because Zhang Yuan's exam paper was of great importance and completely attracted the attention of all the officials, the roll call for the top five classics was not as joyful as that of the previous exams, and even the officials were not excited to grab the festive candles.
The number splitting, roll call, and list writing didn't end until the early morning of the 27th. At this time, those candidates who were impatient to wait almost broke down the gate of Gongyuan.
The written official list must also be stamped with the seal of the Ministry of Rites. Liu Chuxian is the Minister of Rites, so he should carry the official seal with him. Immediately stamp the official seal, and the promotion officer and supervisory officer will lead 800 soldiers to escort the official list to the screen wall in front of the lobby of the Ministry of Rites.
Announcement——
…
Outside the gate of the Gongyuan, eight thousand candidates and tens of thousands of relatives, friends and servants have been waiting for most of the night. In the first half of the night, they saw that there seemed to be a fire in the Gongyuan, but the gate was still not open. They didn't know what happened that prevented the list from being sent out.
It was not until the third quarter of the Yin hour that the gantry cannon was heard. The three major gates were opened one after another. Two groups of soldiers came out first, shouting loudly for everyone to retreat. Everyone moved slightly to both sides, and then they heard the drums and the ceremonial guards.
Several officials on horseback escorted a colorful pavilion tied with yellow silk out of the gate. Inside the pavilion was the official list. The candidates in the square asked:
"Who is Huiyuan?"
"Has Yang Shutong from Wuxi County, Changzhou Prefecture, South Zhili Province been hit?"
"Is there Wang Zhengxin's name on the list?"
"Roger, are you there?"
"Pang Shanglian, Pang Shanglian——"
"Zhang Jie, is there a Zhang Jie?"
"..."
The shouts were overwhelming, and the sound seemed to overturn the promotion officers on horseback. Moreover, the crowd was so crowded that it was impossible to get out. The promotion officer discussed with the prison officer for a few words, and then stood on horseback and faced the square condescendingly.
The dense crowd shouted loudly: "Silence, silence, I will announce to you in advance the names of the top five in this examination-"
The square soon became quiet, but the breathing of tens of thousands of people was also loud and deep——
Zhang Yuan, his uncle Zhang Lianfang, his brother Zhang Dai, as well as more than 20 colleagues from the Hanshe, including Qi Biaojia, Huang Zunsu, Wen Zhenmeng, Huang Ting, etc., stood under a few poplar trees half a mile away from the gate of Gongyuan.
It would be so crowded. They had arrived at Haishi for the first time and had been waiting for three hours. Because they were far away, they could see the fire in Gongyuan more clearly. The dark red fire and the rising smoke made them pale in horror.
Fortunately, the fire did not spread and was extinguished soon after. When Chou Shi still saw the gate of Gongyuan open, Zhang Dai said: "Something must have happened. Didn't they burn all the papers?"
Zhang Lianfang laughed and said: "After burning the paper, I asked for a re-examination. At least I have to get another chance."
While talking, the dragon gate finally opened, but the officials who sent the exams to the Ministry of Etiquette were squeezed out. One official began to announce the top five in the exam. Zhang Yuanxin also raised his voice and listened attentively, hearing the tone.
The official said loudly: "The fifth place in the Bingchen Science Examination is Quanzhou Hong Chengchou——"
Hong Chengchou was with Zhang Yuan and the others. When he heard this, his whole body trembled. The good news came too fast, too sudden, and he was so happy. Zhang Yuan, Zhang Dai and others hurriedly congratulated Hong Chengchou. Hong Chengchou was so happy that he could hardly speak——
Zhang Lianfang said: "Stop talking, who is the fourth one?"
I heard the examiner announce: "The fourth place in the Bingchen Examination is Jiaxing Qian Shisheng——"
Zhang Dai whispered to Zhang Lianfang: "Qian Shisheng was the top candidate in the "Book of Songs" in the Zhejiang Provincial Examination last year. He was also ranked among the top five candidates in "The Book of Songs" in this examination. It's amazing."
The promotion officer announced again: "Jiang Xia He Feng Sheng came in third in the Bingchen Science Examination——"
Everyone in Hanshe was not familiar with this He Fengsheng, so they continued to listen——
"The second place in the Bingchenke competition was Shaanxi Laifu."
Zhang Dai laughed in surprise and said: "Laifu, Laifu ranks second, the first place must be Jiezi, haha."
Zhang Yuandao: "It's for coming back, not coming for blessing."
Laifu was right next to him, grinning with a big "ho ho" smile.
"The first guild member is——"
The promotion officer glanced at the entire audience, and the audience held their breath and became silent. The promotion officer loudly said: "Bingchen Kehui Yuan Suzhou Shen Tonghe."
Zhang Yuan's heart sank suddenly, and a deep pain began to eat away at his heart. He had this feeling that if he was not in the top five, he would most likely lose his reputation. It was not because of his poor production skills.
, even if he trains for another three years, he will not be able to perform better than this time. He has tried his best. If he cannot succeed, except for destiny, it is calculated by others, and Huiyuan turned out to be the man he met in Manjing, Beicheng the day before yesterday.
The Shen Tonghe who arrived, then the possibility of him being plotted and framed is even greater——
Zhang Dai and others did not think like Zhang Yuan. The rank in the general examination is not very important. It does not matter if you are not in the top five. The key is the palace examination. The final rank is determined by the palace examination. The appointment is also based on the rank in the palace examination. As long as you can do it in the general examination
It was good to be on the list. What shocked Zhang Dai and others was that Huiyuan turned out to be Shen Tonghe, Wen Zhenmeng, Fan Wenruo and other Suzhou government officials were even more angry and couldn't help shouting:
"Shen Tonghe cheated! Plagiarism!"
Most of the hundreds of candidates in Nanzhili had heard of Shen Tonghe's shameful reputation. When they saw that Huiyuan turned out to be the unlearned and unskilled Shen Tonghe, they were all surprised, dissatisfied, and angry. They all started shouting. The other candidates in the square
They also followed the commotion, and the scene became chaotic. Many candidates rushed forward to grab the official list in the yellow silk pavilion for a sneak peek. The soldiers could not protect themselves and kept retreating. Supervisor Zhou Shidan was accidentally pushed to the roadside with his people and horses.
In the ravine, when he was rescued by the battalion soldiers, he was already covered in filth and in a miserable state——
Seeing that the situation was not good, the promotion officer had no choice but to order the battalion and trumpet troops to protect the Huangsicai Pavilion and return to the Gongyuan. This was really a strange thing that had never happened in the more than 200 years since the Ming Dynasty began to recruit scholars.
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Let's make a big fuss.
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