Chapter 511: 458
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Zhao Chuchu pulled the cover over Xie Heng’s body and tucked herself into bed too.
The next day, the Third Prince finally announced the incident where the questions for the Provincial Examination had been leaked and caused an uproar in the capital city of Guangqing Province.
Almost everyone could not believe such a thing would happen.
However, a few of the examinees finally understood why some of their fellow peers were suddenly taken away by soldiers just before the examination.
It also explained why their head examiner was the Third Prince.
Amidst the talk about the incident, a few days passed instantly, and the result was announced.
Just as one had expected, Xie Heng was the top candidate.
The Yuan clan and Xia Chengxuan were all happy to hear the news. They went over to Xie Hengs house as soon as they heard and congratulated him.
The neighbors did the same, and the road in front of the house was soon crowded with people.
Even some of the families that Xie Heng rarely interacted with came as well. It was clear that they had the intention of getting close to him.
Xie Heng rejected all of the gifts.
As Qingyang Academy had produced a top candidate, it became a top selection for a lot of scholars who wished to pursue their studies.
The principal was also excited, and he even personally visited Xie Heng.
However, the principal wasn’t there to congratulate the young man but to remind him not to become arrogant because of his success. The principal told him that he should be prepared for the Spring Imperial Examination and not loosen up just because he was the top candidate for the Provincial Examination.
Xie Heng nodded.
As soon as the results were announced, the Third Prince began investigating the leak.
Other than the deputy governor, the culprit not only included the governor but a few ministers from the imperial court.
The Third Prince intended to get down to the source of the problem, forcing the Sikou clan to abandon their accomplices to survive. It had cost them a lot.
For those who were involved, some had their entire families go down with them, while others were beheaded. The Third Prince did not let a single one of them go.
His action had shaken a lot of scholars around the dynasty, causing them to never even thought of trying to cheat in the examination.
As the incident had involved many people, the Third Prince had to bring the culprits and their accomplices back to the Imperial City. Three different divisions would judge them to determine their actual crimes and punishments.
Before he left, the Third Prince found Xie Heng and asked, “Zizhao, do you want to come to the Imperial City with me now?
shook his head. “No. If I do, they might bear their fangs toward you.” “Them?” The Third Prince laughed at the thought of it.
“The less problem before the Spring Imperial Examination, the better. If we force them too hard, they might take drastic measures.”
“I see. Then, I’ll head back first. Lees have a meal when you arrive at the Imperial City.”
“Sure thing. Be careful on your way back.”
“Yeah. See you.” The Third Prince nodded and left.
Xie Heng waited until the prince was gone before telling Zhao Chuchu, “Let’s head back to Yuanjiang County first before heading to the Imperial City.”
Zhao Chuchu didn’t ask why he wanted to do that. She knew that he had his own reasons.
The magistrate of Yuanjiang County was in a good mood as their county had produced a top candidate for the Provincial Examination.
Xie Heng was warmly welcomed when he got back.
The villagers of Lengshui Village even held a celebration for three days to celebrate the occasion.
The Xie clan, who rarely showed themselves in public, were also there.
The reason Xie Heng had to return home was to visit his parents grave. The Xie clan wanted him to honor their ancestors too, but he refused.
“That can wait until the Spring Imperial Examination is over. I only came back to tell my parents that I did not fail them.”
“But that’s after the New Year! You should do it now since you’re already back,” one of the clan members argued.
Xie Heng turned to look at the person coldly, and they immediately went silent.
As Xie Heng was a provincial graduate, he wasn’t far away from becoming an official. They could not offend him. Not only that, but they even needed to rely on him in the future.
Although they did not bully Xie Heng when he was blind, they didn’t help him either.
He did not hate the Xie clan, but they were nothing more than strangers to him.
Xie Heng did not stay long in the village. Three days later, he was ready to leave for the Imperial City.
Old Mrs. Chen had given him many homemade dried vegetables and other food.
“Da Lang, Chuchu, the Imperial City is far from here. You guys might not get used to the food there. These foods might not cost a lot, but they should be enough to get you through until you get used to the new place,” the old lady said. “Chuchu, remember to take care of yourself there. Take care of Da Lang too. We’ll be waiting for your good news. I hope that you’ll achieve what you want, Da Lang.”
Xie Heng looked at the villagers. He understood that once he headed to the Imperial City, he would not have a lot of chances to see them again.
He had spent more than a decade with them. He always thought of them as mere villagers, but as he was about to leave, he realized he would miss them.
“I’ll do my best. Just wait for our good news.” Xie Heng boarded the carriage and waved his hand at them. “No matter how far the journey is, we’ll eventually part ways.”
He then signaled the coachman to begin the journey..
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