The door of the dormitory was pushed open, and Du Wulang was already shouting excitedly before he entered.
"Number one! Did you know that you, an ignorant and ignorant person, are actually the number one?"
However, looking around, Xue Bai was not in the dormitory.
Du Wulang was surprised. He was worried about whether Xue Bai was in jail again. Suddenly he saw a note on the case, which said "I'm back to your home". The handwriting was quite beautiful, and it was actually written by Xue Bai.
"You didn't even look at the results? Even though it's just the annual exam."
Du Wulang rushed to Xue's house in Changshoufang. He first told the happy news that Xue Bai had won the first place and discussed how to celebrate.
Suddenly, he found that Xue Bai was not there, and then he remembered that the note said that he had returned to the Du family in Pingfang.
I blame him for not paying attention, he just saw the note and ran over in a hurry, so he had to rush back to Du's house.
"Hush!"
When I arrived at the side door, I happened to meet Xue Bai and Du Youlin, chatting and walking side by side to the front yard.
"I'm leaving now."
While he was talking, Du Youlin turned his head and saw Du Wulang, and his slightly happy face turned serious.
"Grandpa, we have passed the New Year Examination."
"Do you really think it's your own ability?"
Du Youlin snorted coldly, got on his horse and went out.
"Hey, you got the top spot." Du Wulang nudged Xue Bai with his elbow and smiled brightly, "Who would dare to say that we are hanging around in the Imperial College in the future?"
"No one has said that about me."
Xue Bai turned around and walked to the study.
Quan Rui, the steward at the front, came out holding a gift box and said, "Xue Lang, you're ready."
"Thank you, Uncle Quan."
Xue Bai took the gift box and asked Du Wulang, "How about you go to Yang Zhao's house?"
"ah?"
Du Wulang was surprised.
In May, he and Xue Bai went to Yang's house to deliver Dragon Boat Festival gifts. They saw Pei Rou's enthusiasm, and her charming eyes seemed to want to eat up their young man.
"I'm not suitable to go, am I? But if I must go, I will go."
"Okay." Xue Bai said: "You go, just to congratulate Yang Xuan for passing the annual exam. He may still be in the same year in the future."
Du Wulang reluctantly laughed twice and muttered to himself: "If we were the same age as him, I would really, ugh."
After receiving the gift box, he opened it and took a look. Inside was a picture of "A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles" written by his grandfather himself.
Although his grandpa's calligraphy is good, it is definitely not valuable. He traveled all the way to give me just this thing.
Seeing Quan Rui walk away, Du Wulang chuckled.
"I'm not stupid, tell me, what kind of words do you want me to say to Yang Zhao?"
~~
Xue Bai opened the door and the Du sisters were sitting in the room.
Since he went to Zhongnan Mountain in July and was busy with the annual exams when he came back, he hasn't spent much time with them for a month.
Xue Bai hadn't even told Du Jin that he had new ambitions. Although he was very excited when he thought about those things, it was actually better to reveal them slowly.
"When I came out of the Imperial College today, someone was already staring at me." Xue Bai said, "Is it convenient to send someone to deliver the message without being followed?"
"Okay." Du Jin said, "I will ask Qu Shui to go to Fengwei Building. There will be many trustworthy people to deliver the news."
"Help me find Lao Liang and Jiang Hai, and ask them to meet me at the Imperial College. Send a message to Guo Qianli. I have written it down. It is not convenient for me to go to Guojiu's Mansion and Mrs. Guo's Mansion in the near future, so I need to bring a message to them both.
;Also, use our manpower to track down Pei Mian..."
Under Du Jin's management, although Fengwei Restaurant has made little progress in its dishes, its scale is no longer the same.
She opened branches in Pingkang, Xuanyang, Guangde, Changshou, and Xingqing, not to make money, but to facilitate inquiries and pass on information.
She almost had her family destroyed, and she cared about these things very much.
"This time, are we cooperating with Yang Hui and his wife?"
Xue Bai said: "As long as Yang Hui and his wife are on our side, it will be difficult for my opponent to prove that I am Xue Pingzhao, and then involve me in the case of three common people. So, how can an unidentified Xue Bai be the one behind the turmoil in Chang'an?"
Black hand?"
"So, they will definitely find ways to expose our cooperation with this couple."
"We have to guard against this trick first. I have already made arrangements for the annual exam."
Du Mei was careful and reminded softly: "Although you have arranged everything properly, you still have to be on guard against mistakes in the princess's mansion."
"Um."
Xue Bai got the reminder and turned to look at her. Instead, she glanced at Du Jin and lowered her head.
They discussed the details of how to deal with the incident, and then talked about the situation.
"The case of the three common people has already passed, and no one wants to mention it more. Now someone is willing to bring this case out, just to deal with me?"
"Is it because the salt tax is such a threat to Ge Nu that he doesn't hesitate to resort to this killer move?"
"An Lushan is about to enter the capital. Ge Nu should be preparing to attack Pei Kuan. Why bother?"
"In my opinion, Zheng Qian's case is more like... someone threw a piece of meat among the wild beasts to induce them to fight."
"There seems to be some temptation."
Xue Bai originally had a premonition, but he couldn't describe his intuition like them.
"So, someone wants to use this matter to cause a fight between the East Palace and the right minister in advance, and also wants to introduce the idea that 'Li Heng instigated Li Jian to falsely accuse Li Ying'."
"No one has ever said that Li Heng instigated it, right?"
"It's just my random speculation. But I don't want to get involved in the dispute prematurely. If Zheng Qian hadn't happened, I would have only planned to become an official to accumulate strength..."
Having said this, Xue Bai had a thought in his mind and vaguely guessed who might have sued Zheng Qian.
He had reminded Li Cong not long ago, and so soon, two manuscripts of Zheng Qian were produced, and Li Cong was mentioned in both manuscripts.
Zheng Qian clearly had many more serious manuscripts "criticizing Chengyu", so why these two? It can be seen that the other party did not intend to kill Zheng Qian.
Now guess the other party's purpose.
First of all, when an official who is close to the East Palace is imprisoned, the right prime minister's family will instinctively attack the East Palace. Since Xue Bai played tricks on Li Linfu last time, thoughtful people have learned to take advantage of this; secondly, bring out the past events of the year and observe the various events.
The reaction of Fang forces to the case of three common people tested Li Longji's bottom line.
But Li Cong shouldn't be so capable. How could he get Zheng Qian's manuscripts while being locked up in the Ten Kings' House? Moreover, knowing that Li Linfu would use this matter to attack Yan Guan, he shouldn't be like this.
Xue Bai still couldn't figure it out completely.
The most important thing right now is to protect yourself first.
…
Du Jin went to arrange things, and then returned to Xue Bai's house, only to see that Du Jin was no longer there.
"It's done."
"good."
"Will there be danger again this time?"
"Looking at the bright side, we were originally forces like Li Shizhi and Pei Kuan who wanted to be eliminated, but now they are still growing tenaciously in the cracks."
Du Jin smiled.
The two of them were leaning against the couch.
"I'm coming over tonight?"
"If I continue to be patient, I'm afraid they'll find me for fraud at any time and take me away."
"Huh? Are you bleeding?"
Xue Bai smiled bitterly. He had been practicing Qing Dynasty since he went to Zhongnan Mountain. In the meantime, he only saw Yang Yuyao. He was very dry and drank a lot of salvia soup.
"Too self-respecting."
"You are so self-respecting? I must reward you well." Du Jin bit his ear and whispered: "Then wait until you have passed this disaster... and then come back."
Xue Bai vaguely heard what she said was "let's come back again", but he was not sure.
I probably drank too much salvia soup and was hallucinating.
"..."
"Did you hear someone calling me?"
"Have it?"
The two of them listened attentively.
There was indeed a sound coming from the front yard, getting closer and closer.
"Where is Xue Bai?! He is involved in the case of fraud in the Imperial Examination, and he will be taken to Dali Temple immediately for questioning!"
~~
When he was being taken from Shengpingfang to Dali Temple and crossing Zhuque Street, Xue Bai suddenly heard a hissing sound.
Turning around, I saw groups of people slowly coming from the south, attracting countless people to watch.
"It's an eagle! An eagle!"
The children shouted excitedly.
Because in front of that team, there was a warrior riding a tall camel with a big snow-white eagle on his shoulder. He was looking at Zixiong, very proud.
There are several different eagles. Behind the eagle-presenting team is a large carriage with a cage on it. There are two beautiful animals in it, like cats, tigers and leopards.
The people of Chang'an gathered around and shouted louder and louder.
"Fly on the grass, fly on the grass!"
"And Pegasus..."
Until Xue Bai walked into the imperial city and took one last look back at Zhuque Street, he could not see the end of the team offering rare and exotic animals.
It was An Lushan who came to Beijing to compete for favor.
One wave has not subsided, and another wave has arisen.
~~
"Xue Bai, are these your test papers?"
"yes."
"Some people say that you were not present for the last two exams of the Imperial College Examination. How do you explain it?"
Xue Bai looked into Du Hongjian's eyes in the Dali Temple and asked: "I'm afraid Du Siji should give me an explanation for such incomprehensible words."
"This is Dali Temple, who do you think you are?"
Xue Bai said calmly: "I am the disciple of Emperor Xiangxu, the son of the emperor."
Du Hongjian was surprised by his arrogance and couldn't help but turn his head and glance at Li Daosui, the minister of Dali Temple, Wang Zhongcheng, the royal censor, and Cui Qiao, the minister of rites.
Wei Shu, Su Yuanming and other Imperial College officials involved in the matter were sitting at the side listening to the trial.
The East Palace usually did not interfere in state affairs, but this time it was rare that this case was raised. Fang Guan even took advantage of his position to directly report to the saint, asking him to clean up the Imperial College. The reason was also very good. The fall of the Imperial College did not happen in a day or two.
If there is a need for rectification, we should start with the investigation of fraud in annual examinations.
"You still dare to quibble, bring the witnesses."
After a while, several students from the Imperial College were brought up, but none of them dared to look at Wei Shu sitting there.
Du Hongjian came prepared and confident, and arranged for witnesses to speak one by one...
"Student Zhao Zhengzheng was sitting one behind Xue Bai during the annual examination. When the economic examination was over, the student was handing in papers when he saw Xue Bai raising the curtain and leaving the examination room without permission, but was taken away by Su Siye.
.”
"Xue Bai, what's your explanation?"
"When Dr. Zheng was taken away, I broke the inkstone and planned to go back to the dormitory to get one."
"That's true." Su Yuanming said, "I am the invigilator, so I let him take the inkstone."
Zhao agreed: "But Xue Bai never came back after he left."
"He's back. The examination rooms are separated by a bamboo curtain. You probably didn't notice it for a moment."
"Sometimes the wind blew the bamboo curtain, and the student saw that there was no one in his house."
"You got it wrong." Su Yuanming only responded with four simple words.
Du Hongjian sneered slightly after hearing this, and then asked several other disciples to testify. They all said that they only saw Xue Bai leave, but did not see Xue Bai return.
"If one person is wrong, how can everyone be wrong? The facts are all there and the witnesses are complete. Xue Bai, what else do you have to say?"
"You have no evidence; but I have the test paper as evidence." Xue Bai said: "You selected ten witnesses to prove that I was not in the examination room; I can select fifty people who saw me in the examination room. I wonder if they can be released."
Enter Dali Temple?"
"The fifty people you call are all classmates you bribed."
"Can't these ten witnesses be bribed by Du Sizhi?"
"Sophistry." Du Hongjian said: "Why did I buy witnesses?"
"Yes, why?" Xue Bai thought about it and couldn't answer.
Du Hongjian saluted Li Daosui, the minister of Dali Temple, and said: "Tingwei, I have physical evidence, and more witnesses, that I saw Xue Bai elsewhere on the day of the annual examination."
Xue Bai knew that, as Du Wei said, the servants of Princess Xianyi Mansion were mismanaged and some people had been bribed.
It is not difficult for Du Hongjian to prove the truth.
Wei Shu didn't wait for more witnesses to come to the court. He stood up with a sigh and said, "If Xue Bai cheats, it's just me leaking the matter in advance. If you want to investigate this case, you should investigate me."
"Did Mr. Wei admit what he said? Or did he rely on his reputation to intimidate his subordinates? Recruiting scholars for the country is a major matter for the country. This case should be investigated carefully! Come here and present the physical evidence!"
~~
Outside Dali Temple, Du Wulang came over after hearing the news and looked anxious.
He grabbed the hem of his robe and ran, calling out to dozens of fellow Imperial College graduates behind him from time to time.
"quick!"
He had to rescue Xue Bai earlier, otherwise Xue Bai would fall into Dali Temple prison alone this time.
Finally, he panted up the steps, but there was a group of guards in front of him holding halberds to stop him.
"You want to rebel, are you going to rebel?!" An official strode out and shouted, "How dare you make trouble in front of Dali Temple? Why don't you back down!"
"We are witnesses." Du Wulang shouted: "We are here to testify for Xue Bai!"
"It's ridiculous. Witnesses were summoned from Dali Temple. How can there be any reason to break in without permission?"
Before he finished speaking, a man came out from behind Du Wulang, pointed at the official's nose and cursed: "Do you know who my grandpa is?!"
"I don't care who your grandpa is..."
"What a big statement, I am his grandfather!"
Suddenly, a shout and curse rang out.
Du Wulang looked back and saw Yang Zhao striding over, wearing a light red official robe, looking like a purple-robed official.
Today, Du Wulang was a guest at Yang's house and was congratulating Yang Xuan on his "great success" after passing the annual examination. Suddenly, he reported to the court that a major case of fraud in the annual examination was reported.
At that time, Du Wulang and Yang Xuan rushed to the Imperial Academy to gather their classmates, but Yang Zhao came over at this time and actually brought several red-robed officials with him.
~~
In the hall, Du Hongjian had people present more evidence.
"Gentlemen, please see that the ink used in this Tie Jing paper is different from that of poems, poems and questionnaires. Xue Bai used pine smoke ink, which has a light fragrance; while the latter two papers used Zhenzhen ink.
The ink in the library was provided by the Imperial College. Therefore, I speculate that these two papers were written by the officials of the Imperial College. Don’t worry, gentlemen, I have more evidence. I checked Xue Bai’s papers during the Xun examination..."
"Which villain?!"
Suddenly I heard a shout and curse, and there was a lot of noise outside the hall.
Du Hongjian turned around and saw several red-robed officials grabbing the imperial staffs from the officials' hands and rushing towards them.
"Wei Gong has a clean reputation, how can he allow you and other villains to frame him?!"
"The Imperial College is the prefect of the emperor, how could there be any fraud?!"
"..."
Amidst the shouting and cursing, Du Hongjian squinted his eyes and saw a tall, handsome but dull-looking disciple rushing towards him.
He recognized him as Yang Xuan, the silly son of Yang Zhao, a doctor in Duzhi. He didn't know a few Chinese characters, and he also passed the Imperial Examination... Of course, Imperial College has always been like this.
"尻! I cheated?!"
"Stop him!"
"Stop, don't be arrogant in court..."
"Bang!"
It was too late. Caught off guard, Yang Xuan jumped directly in front of Du Hongjian, raised his fist and punched him in the stomach.
"I finally passed the exam!"
Yang Xuan was worthy of being one of the gangsters in Chang'an. He punched out and showed the aura of a scoundrel, glaring at the ten classmates who testified.
"You want to retake the exam again?!"
Everyone was surprised and the scene was chaotic.
Du Hongjian clutched his stomach, keenly aware that Yang Xuan had been instigated. From the word "retest", it can be seen that it must be Xue Bai who made people alarm.
"Yang Dalang, calm down, no one has said you cheated yet."
Du Wulang saw that Du Hongjian wanted to expose his conspiracy to gather people to cause trouble, and he quickly shouted.
First he was inciting randomly, and then he suddenly saw a familiar figure among the ten witnesses.
"Du Zi? You obviously want to take the Ming Jing test, how do you know if Xue Bai is there? Oh, I understand, you are Du Hongjian's nephew? Is he right to ask you to perjury?!"
"Bum?" Yang Xuan was stunned for a moment, and then shouted: "You have already passed the annual exam, and you still want to retake it?!"
"I, I really saw that he was not here..."
"Still talking?" Yang Xuan threatened with a fist, "Don't you know where to sit?"
Du Zi was frightened and could only say: "I, I didn't see it."
"Nonsense, how dare you make a big fuss in court?!"
Du Hongjian was furious. He turned around and saw that the princes were still sitting there, watching the excitement, so he had to call on the officials to calm down the situation.
"Bring someone here to prove it. During the annual exam, Xue Bai is at Princess Xianyi's mansion! Be quiet!"
"Shut up! It's so noisy!"
"..."
Xue Bai stood aside, avoiding Yang Xuan's slobbering, with an attitude that it had nothing to do with him.
He knew that Du Hongjian was eager to prove that he had colluded with Yang Hui to frame the East Palace, but there was no need to worry. Yang Hui must have already confessed in front of the saint by this time.
~~
Daming Palace, Zichen Inner Palace.
Only one domino was pushed out, and Li Longji immediately took the tile.
Seeing that he had put down his cards, Yang Hui was a little annoyed and continued chatting, saying: "If the saint can allow my son-in-law to tell the truth, the eighteenth mother is a bit stupid."
"You are stupid!" Li Niang was very unhappy when she heard this.
She competed with Zhang Ting today, and both of them won a lot of chips.
"Still still?" Yang Hui blurted out, "You entered the palace after hearing a few words. As a princess, you are not suitable to get involved in state affairs."
Zhang Ting seemed to be focusing on the dominoes, but he listened to the couple singing and singing. Occasionally, he glanced and saw a waiter holding a tray with several documents on the tray weighed down by paper weights.
Today, the sage invited Zhang Ting, Zhang Si, and Jia Chang to play cards. Li Niang came to sue Zheng Qian for slandering her mother. The sage was not happy after hearing this. But Yang Hui said that he had realized that it was too easy to be taken advantage of. This time
I learned to verify it first, so I handed over the paperwork and said I wouldn't bother with it next time.
This move actually gave him an opportunity to play dominoes.
Zhang Ting did not dare to delay playing cards. He weighed in his mind and decided to give Yang Hui eye drops at the risk of being disliked by the saint. Then he smiled and said: "The prince-in-law said that it was not appropriate to interfere with state affairs, but in fact he handed him something.
Woolen cloth?"
"I was wrong." Yang Hui immediately admitted his mistake, "This matter has nothing to do with me. In order to prevent the Eighteenth Niang from meddling in it, I went to the Ministry of Punishment, but it turned out that I was meddling in it. Before entering the palace, I even listened to others
He said it was me and Xue Bai who colluded."
Li Niang was surprised and said: "You were there when Pei Mian released him, just say you are suspicious. What does this matter have to do with Xue's playing cards?"
Yang Hui felt that it was funny and said: "He and Zheng Qian have been friends for many years, and he said harsh words when Zheng Qian was arrested. So some people said that he gave up the annual exam and came to encourage me to rescue Zheng Qian."
"Ah?" Li Niang was even more surprised.
Yang Hui spat: "Make him famous and make him crazy."
Li Longji was playing cards and suddenly sneered.
The other three people were immediately panicked and did not dare to speak any more.
"Abandoning the annual exam? Can they even think of it? A person like Xue Dicai who is busy with everything."
"The saint is wise."
Before the matter was reported to the sage in detail, it was enough to give a preconceived impression in a few words. Yang Hui smiled and just concentrated on playing cards.
Zhang Ting was stunned, her beautiful eyes staring at the dominoes in front of her.
She didn't expect that before Dong Gong's hand of cards was finished, his hand was ruined by these understatements?
It’s still late today, I wanted to post it at 0 o’clock, but I slept late and woke up late, so it was too difficult to adjust~~ However, I wrote 10,000 words today, and I worked hard~~ Please give me a monthly ticket, please subscribe~~