Chapter 113.2
Three days later, the first imperial examination of the Great Xia finally began.
Countless scholars from distant lands, under the strict surveillance of officials, entered the examination hall to compete for official ranks and to demonstrate their abilities.
Especially the scions of noble families, who had secretly obtained the examination questions and made thorough preparations, were brimming with confidence, holding the key to the city in their hearts.
This imperial examination will surely be monopolized by us!
Once we have the opportunity to serve in the court, we can use the advantage of our noble families to rise through the ranks, reach the position of high officials, and gradually undermine the foolish emperor to seize great power!
Great Xia will eventually fall into the hands of our noble families!
Just then, a piercing voice came from the distance: His Majesty has arrived! Why are you not hastening to pay your respects and kneel?
The examinees turned their heads, only to see Lin Beifan walking slowly towards them, supported by the crowds endorsement.
Greetings to Your Majesty, long live the emperor! Everyone knelt down to pay their respects.
Lin Beifan extended a hand to help them up, smiling and saying, Scholars who have traveled from afar, please rise! Your willingness to come to Great Xia to take the imperial examination and serve Great Xia pleases me greatly! I hope that each of you will perform to the best of your abilities in this imperial examination and achieve great success!
Thank you, Your Majesty! the crowd responded in unison.
Minister Li, is everything ready to begin the imperial examination? Lin Beifan inquired of Li Linfu.
Reporting to Your Majesty, all the examinees have now entered, and in half an incense sticks time, the examination will officially begin! Right now, we are preparing to distribute the examination papers to the candidates! Li Linfu answered.
Good! I have arrived just in time!
Lin Beifan said with a smile. I am already aware of the examination questions, but upon reflection, I found some issues with them! Therefore, I would like to change the topic!
Your Majesty, you are the sovereign of the world, and your word is an imperial decree. You can change the topic to whatever you wish! However, Your Majesty, what kind of topic do you have in mind next? Li Linfu said.
Lin Beifan cleared his throat and announced loudly, Attention, all examinees, listen well. The next topic for the imperial examination will be set by me personally! Our topic is Strengthening the Nation and its People. Answer according to this theme!
Yes, Your Majesty! everyone responded in unison.
However, the scions of the noble families were all taken aback!
This foolish emperorhe actually changed the examination topic on the spot?
And it was completely different from the topic they had originally been informed of?
Does this mean that all their preliminary efforts were in vain?
Those hundreds of thousands of taels of silver, are they going to be wasted?
At this moment, Lin Beifan waved his hand: Alright, its time to distribute the examination papers! Once the time is up, begin answering formally!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Following that, the examination papers were distributed.
As the bell tolled, the imperial examination officially commenced.
Although these noble family scions were caught off guard by Lin Beifan, they were all erudite scholars with extensive knowledge, so they were not panicked and began to answer the questions earnestly.
On the second day of the imperial examination, Lin Beifan arrived once again, giving a different question than before.
On the third day, the same thing happened.
As a result, all the original examination questions became obsolete and were of no use whatsoever.
The children of the noble families felt such bitterness in their hearts!
They had prepared for so long, only to prepare in vain!
What was crucial was that the money they had spent was so unjustified, as it had not been put to any use at all!
So, after the imperial examination ended, the scions of these noble families immediately sent people to find Li Linfu to seek justice.
The first to come knocking was Li Furen.
Li Linfu spread his hands, expressing helplessness: This official understands your predicament, but His Majesty changed the questions at the last minute. What could I possibly do? Surely, I cannot defy the emperor, can I?
Li Furen extended his hand: Since you werent able to help, shouldnt you return the money?
Li Linfu blinked: Return what money? When have I ever taken money from you?
Li Furen was so angry that his mouth twisted: Minister Li, you embezzled our money and now you even dare to deny it?
Li Linfus face changed: Do not slander a good person! I have lived my life upright and honest; when have I ever taken your money? You had better apologize immediately or be careful; I might sue you for defamation!
His speech was the epitome of impassioned eloquence!
He spoke with such righteous indignation!
Because he sent all the money to His Majesty, it was as good as confiscated!
He truly wasnt corrupt; he didnt embezzle a single penny!
The more he thought about it, the more confident he felt!
Li Furen was so angry that he trembled all over, and in the end, he could only leave in a huff.
Master Li, youd better watch out for yourself!
No farewell!
After returning, Li Furen immediately reported the matter to the young master.
The young masters face darkened: Did Li Linfu really say that? He refuses to return even a penny?
Yes, young master, you have no idea how arrogant he was at the time!
Li Furen said with a look of grievance: He embezzled so much of our money and completely denies it. It makes me so angry just thinking about it!
The young master slammed the table and stood up: Fine! Since he refuses to acknowledge the debt, lets show him some red!
Following that, other noble families also sent their people over, and none of them met with a good end.
So, everyone was secretly planning to teach Li Linfu a profound lesson.
Two days later, when Lin Beifan came out to inspect the mines, a scholar stopped in front of Lin Beifans carriage.
Your Majesty, I beg to present a petition. Please grant me justice!
A petition? What are you petitioning about? Lin Beifan asked with a serious expression.
The scholar replied loudly, Report to Your Majesty, I wish to accuse Li Linfu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites! He has engaged in corruption and leaked examination questions during the recent imperial examination, resulting in an unfair test. Please, Your Majesty, investigate this matter!
Upon hearing this, everyone was astounded!
Everyone knows how important the imperial examination is to the nation!
Should anyone dare to engage in nepotism or fraud during the imperial examination, they would inevitably face severe punishment. At the least, they would be beheaded; at the worst, their entire family would be affected!
No matter how favored you are or how many achievements you have made, it will be of no use!
Scholars who were aware of the matter immediately gathered around.
The offspring of noble families secretly watched this scene, a smug smile appearing on their faces.
Li Linfu, lets see how youll deal with this now?
This is the consequence of your greed for our money!
Lin Beifan remained composed, You claim that my Minister Li has leaked examination questions and engaged in favoritism and fraud? If this is indeed true, I will naturally punish him severely and restore justice to all the candidates! However, before that, are you aware of the punishment for submitting a false imperial petition?
The scholars face turned pale, I I know!
Good that you know!
Lin Beifan waved his hand, Guards, give him thirty heavy strokes! If he survives, then I will investigate the matter of Li Linfus favoritism and fraud!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Immediately, three men stepped forward.
Two of them held down his arms while another stood behind him, lifting a thick and heavy plank and forcefully smashing it down.
The scholar let out a heart-wrenching scream.
After being struck with thirty heavy blows, the scholar was also half-dead.
Alright, the punishment is over. Do you still want to accuse Li Linfu of corruption and abuse of power? Lin Beifan asked.
Yes of course! Please, Your Majesty, uphold justice for your student! the scholar said, his face pale.
Good! Summon Li Linfu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites!
***
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