Chapter 54: Ah Bao Information is Here

[Sigh, if it weren’t for Xiao Ziran’s underhanded manipulation, and his impostor claiming Qin Yu’s examination papers, Qin Yu would have been the top scholar in this imperial examination.]

[According to the books, Qin Yu was indeed displaced by an impostor in the examination, and despite multiple attempts to report the fraud, he lost hope and turned to a life of alcoholism.

Later, during a street patrol by the Tyrant, Qin Yu tried to petition but was secretly stopped by the Prince Concubine’s men and had his legs broken as punishment for disturbing the peace.

This led to his subsequent downfall!

When he was begging on the streets, he encountered the male and female protagonists. They not only healed his legs but also cleared his grievances and took him in.

Qin Yu became an invaluable advisor to the protagonists!]

[Tyrant, you can’t overlook such a talented individual like Qin Yu.]

The Tyrant was deeply shocked.

Good grief!

After ten years of hard study, he was replaced and had his legs broken, ending up begging for a living.

That’s too tragic.

If he were Qin Yu, he wouldn’t just fall into darkness; he’d seek revenge against the court.

[Ahem, why do you say you don’t know if I’m a wise or foolish ruler? Didn’t what I just did reflect the will of the people?] The Tyrant cleared his throat.

Qin Yu, kneeling on the ground, chuckled, [What Your Majesty did just now is indeed the act of a wise ruler. However, the imperial examination is crucial for the future pillars of the court and the development of the Tiansheng Dynasty.

For such an important matter, if a meticulous ruler cannot see through the schemes and plots, isn’t that the behavior of a foolish ruler?]

The Tyrant’s brows furrowed slightly. [From what you’ve said today, it seems you are somewhat disappointed with the current court?]

[This subject dares not say so.]

[You dare to call me a foolish ruler to my face and still claim you have no complaints?] The Tyrant said in a deep voice. [If you have any grievances, speak them honestly. I will seek justice for you.]

Qin Yu bowed deeply, knocking his head on the ground, [This subject only hopes that Your Majesty will thoroughly investigate the examination fraud case and restore the honor of scholars everywhere. Don’t let the students lose heart.]

The Tyrant was surprised, [You speak with such uncommon eloquence. Surely you have suffered unjustly in this examination yourself. Yet you don’t speak up for your own grievances but instead plead for all the scholars?]

Qin Yu smiled bitterly, [My personal grievances are minor. If the scholars lose heart, that is a major issue. I only hope the court can pursue fairness and transparency in the examinations.]

[Good! I will thoroughly investigate this matter and order the examinations to be reopened in a month, personally reviewing the papers. Since you speak so confidently, I look forward to seeing your article on the top of the list.]

Qin Yu’s eyes lit up, tears of excitement welling up, and he quickly bowed several more times. [Your Majesty is wise!]

[Father is truly kind, reopening the imperial examinations.]

[Who said my Tyrant father is a foolish ruler? He is clearly a wise one!]

[Rise! Rise! Our Tiansheng Dynasty is about to rise!]

[By the way! Come here! Check if Xiao Ziran is dead. If he isn’t dead, dismember him!] The Tyrant thought that beating Xiao Ziran to death was still too lenient for someone who dared to harm such a talented individual like Qin Yu.

Almost made him become a foolish ruler.

Xiao Ziran, who was barely holding on, suddenly heard the guards say, [The Tyrant Emperor commands that Xiao Ziran be dismembered!]

Barely clinging to life, Xiao Ziran thought, [So all this was for nothing?]

Seeing the Tyrant leave, the Prince Concubine, overwhelmed with fear, collapsed to the ground and fainted.

…

Back at the palace, the Tyrant spent the night reviewing the examination papers.

[Good, this essay is truly excellent,] the Tyrant said in the study, continuously praising as he read Qin Yu’s paper.

Every word and sentence showed unique insights—truly a masterpiece.

The Tyrant couldn’t help but glance at his precious daughter, who was playing with the seal on the soft couch.

It was all thanks to his dear daughter.

Otherwise, he might have missed such an outstanding talent.

But when the Tyrant saw the name “Xiao Ziran” at the bottom of the essay, his face immediately darkened.

The Ministry of Rites was responsible for this imperial examination, and the chief examiner was Song Ting.

[Summon Song Ting to me.]

Song Ting arrived in the middle of the night, not knowing what had happened.

As soon as he entered the study, he saw the Tyrant’s grim face, which startled him greatly. [Your servant greets the Tyrant Emperor.]

[The results of the imperial examination are to be announced tomorrow. Do you know about this?]

[Your servant knows.] In previous years, the results were always announced around this time.

Why is the Tyrant Emperor suddenly asking about this?

[Announce what? Take a good look at this essay.] The Tyrant handed the paper to Song Ting.

After reading it, Song Ting found it to be very impressive.

But when Song Ting saw the name at the end, he was stunned.

Xiao Ziran…

Why does that name sound so familiar?

Oh, he remembered. Earlier that day, he heard from the third house that a major incident had occurred at Tiansheng House. The Tyrant Emperor had left the palace and punished someone named Xiao Ziran.

Isn’t Xiao Ziran the top scholar for tomorrow?

[He has already declared himself the top scholar before the results are announced. Song Ting, explain to me how this happened.]

Song Ting immediately knelt on the ground, [Ah? This servant… does not know.]

[You are the chief examiner for this examination, and you don’t even know who the top scholar is? What kind of chief examiner are you? Come here! Drag Song Ting away, and interrogate him severely. We must uncover the truth behind this major examination scandal!]

[Your Majesty, spare me! Your servant is wronged—]

[Oh! Tyrant, you should cover your ears and definitely not listen to Song’s excuses. He is not innocent at all.]

The Tyrant raised an eyebrow.

Good, he hadn’t punished the wrong person.

[Song Ting can be considered a pawn, supported by the Prince Concubine, and he’s quite stubborn. He has benefited greatly from the examination scandal.]

Prince Concubine?

How did he get involved in this?

The Tyrant recalled that Xiao Ziran had repeatedly claimed to be the Prince Concubine’s cousin…

Instantly, the Tyrant’s anger flared. The Prince Concubine, who usually appeared so obedient and loyal, had secretly been involved in so many troubles!

Was he trying to rebel just because he was a royal relative?

And what about the examiner Master Wen?

The Tyrant still wanted to hear what Ah Bao had to say.

Master Wen was an older, upright official. He had always been a talent recognized by the Tyrant, so he couldn’t possibly be a corrupt official.

[But for this imperial examination, besides Song Ting, there was also the examiner Master Wen.]

The Tyrant listened closely.

Good.

Ah Bao’s information was coming through!

Ah Bao was focusing intently on the jade seal, turning it around with her little fingers, but her mind was still busy.

[Master Wen is indeed a righteous and good official.]

The Tyrant breathed a sigh of relief.

He still trusted his own judgment.

[But, this Master Wen…]

The Tyrant’s heart was still in his throat.

What happened?

Daughter, don’t sigh. Just speak up!

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