Yang Gonglin himself didn't understand why two articles with similar content appeared in an imperial examination.
Could it be that... someone leaked the title beforehand?
picture!
But, it’s not very similar either!
If there is leakage of the topic, there will be a large number of gorgeous articles with similar themes but completely different diction, which will never be like what is happening now.
So, this thing is a bit strange.
However, he was only a court official in charge of invigilating the exams and had no authority to investigate the case. Before he could obtain the exact evidence, he could only judge the cost based on the results.
However, this is unfair!
Close one eye for the whole thing?
Just as he was struggling, he suddenly heard Master Qi sending someone to meet him.
oh?
In summoning at this juncture, could it be that I wanted to say hello to a close candidate?
Hmm! It’s possible.
In this way, Yang Gonglin came to the provincial government office with a friendly and helpful mentality.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Qi did not express his intention to go through the back door, but his intention was to postpone the release of the results.
The reason given was that he suspected someone was engaging in malpractice for personal gain.
As for the specific inside story, it is still unknown, but he has already sent someone to conduct an undercover investigation.
"Master Qi, how long do you think it is appropriate to postpone it?"
"Let's set it at five to ten days first!"
"Then, how should we explain it to the outside world?"
"It can be said that due to the insufficient number of teachers, the grading was too slow, so some time was wasted."
This is not difficult to do.
Yang Gonglin agreed directly without thinking.
After finalizing the matter, Qi Yu said tactfully: "Master Yang, when your Imperial Academy was setting the questions, have you ever heard of any leaks of the questions?"
Yang Gonglin shook his head decisively and said with determination: "The bachelors who wrote the questions are still in isolation. They will only be released after the township test. With such strict prevention and control, it is unlikely that the questions will be leaked.
"
Like This!
Since it is unlikely that the Hanlin Academy is at fault, only the Ministry of Rites is left with doubts.
Following this line of thought, Qi Yu asked about the relevant situation of the Ministry of Rites.
However, Yang Gonglin has never been in the cabinet, has limited rights, and has very few opportunities to contact high-level officials. Basically, he cannot explain why.
From this point of view, the only way to clear the air is through Xiaotong's secret investigation.
The entry point is not hard to find.
As long as you have a thorough understanding of the social background and recent interactions of those two families, you may be able to find clues.
…
Let's talk about Qi Xiaotong, she followed the idea pointed out by her father and immediately started taking action.
In order to improve efficiency, she also specially called in the puppy Qi Qingyun to assist.
"Ah! Miss! It is indeed you!"
"Well... the situation on the day of the fight was special. It is not convenient for me to disclose my identity. I hope you can understand. In addition, I hope you can help me keep this secret to avoid unnecessary trouble."
"yes!"
After the pleasantries were over, Xiaotong went straight to the topic and said: "I called you here because I want to take the opportunity to test your ability to do things. If your mind is clear, I intend to let you learn some things about the art of war. In the future, you can make contributions and become famous.
Hanging bamboo and silk."
Qi Qingyun was startled when he heard this, and hurriedly said respectfully: "Thank you, Miss, for your cultivation!"
Xiaotong held up his hand and said: "You're welcome! Your brother died fighting for me. If I don't take more care of you, how can I be worthy of his death? In addition, this is also what my father meant. He said
, we must treat the bereaved relatives of the martyrs kindly."
"My brother sacrificed his life for the country and died a worthy death. Why should I hate him? Therefore, the eldest lady does not need to worry too much about this."
After that, he arched the archway again and asked, "Miss, why don't you tell me clearly what you need me to do?"
Qi Xiaotong first explained the outline of the matter, and then said: "At present, I have found out that those two families are foreign merchants who migrated from the capital area. On weekdays, they abide by the law and never commit crimes, so I generally
I think they belong to a good family that keeps their own laws and rules."
"Given their social class, it is unlikely that they will make friends with senior officials from the Ministry of Rites, so there is likely to be an unknown secret behind this case."
With a few short sentences of analysis, Xiaotong directly pointed out the problem and provided programmatic guidance for the subsequent investigation work, which can effectively avoid misjudgment.
Now that we have the big picture, all that's left is the details.
Xiaotong said: "In order to improve efficiency and save time, we should investigate separately. I will investigate the older generation businessmen of these two companies, and you will approach the two candidates who are taking the exam. After that, we will meet
Reconsideration."
"Yes! Miss!"
After reaching an agreement, the two immediately separated and went about their own affairs.
Qi Qingyun's actions will not be shown for the time being. Let's talk about Qi Xiaotong. The first stop of her secret investigation was actually the home of her uncle Sun Dacai.
Why is this?
According to her understanding, since the two families suspected of committing the crime are businessmen, they should often be active in the local business district. As the uncle is the vice president of the Qiongzhou Chamber of Commerce, he will have heard of this to some extent, right?
This method can be regarded as a unique way of investigating the case.
Previously, Qi Yu had specifically told him that when investigating, he must use more wisdom and less rudeness. Xiaotong immediately came up with this method after thinking about it.
As far as Sun Dacai was concerned, his niece's sudden visit was a huge surprise.
In my memory, she rarely came to visit.
"Oh my, is that the wind that's blowing today? Why did it blow our two rich daughters here?"
"Why, you don't welcome me?"
"Tch! Look what you said, how could it be possible?"
The two of them are neither older nor younger, and they have never had any rules about their elders and children.
And Sun Dacai has long been accustomed to this, and even if she doesn't call her uncle, she doesn't take it seriously.
Qi Xiaotong looked around and found that her aunt was not at home, so she went straight to the point and explained the reason.
"Well... I have only had a few interactions with the two families you mentioned, but I have never gotten to know them in depth."
"That's okay, can't we just try to understand it?"
Xiaotong couldn't help but feel happy when she saw that her uncle not only did not refuse, but also showed great enthusiasm.
In fact, this matter is just a piece of cake for Lao Sun, so he is naturally obligated.
Sun Dacai thought for a while and said: "If I take the initiative to ask, the other party will definitely be on guard. In that case, there is a high possibility that nothing can be learned."
"That's true..."
Xiaotong suddenly smiled and said: "I have a plan to make the other party fall into our trap unintentionally. Uncle, would you like to try it?"
Sun Dacai said "Huh" at first, and then said curiously: "Oh? You have come up with some good ideas, please tell me."
"Uncle, have you ever heard of bullying?"
"Of course! This is how I deal with those foreigners now! To be honest, we are very familiar with it!"
"That's great!" Xiaotong smiled and said, "In that case, let's do this!"