Chapter 114.2
The scions of the noble families exchanged glances and pushed forward a few scholars.
Your Majesty.
Someone spoke out. We can all attest to Li Linfus corruption, his bending of the law for personal gain, and his fraudulent practices. We implore Your Majesty to punish him severely!
Lin Beifan, with an unchanged expression, asked, Then do you have any evidence?
We are the living proof! the group of scholars exclaimed in unison.
Lin Beifan shook his head: Merely having witnesses is not enough, as this could be a case of false accusation! Therefore, you must provide valid evidence before I can convict Minister Li!
This They were at a loss for words.
The most significant and obvious evidence had been destroyed by Li Linfu, so where could they find more evidence?
At that moment, a young gentleman from the Li noble family had a stroke of inspiration and pulled out several sheets of paper to hand to one of the men.
That man immediately knelt down, holding the papers aloft with both hands and proclaimed loudly to Lin Beifan: Your Majesty, these are the exam questions leaked by Li Linfu! His handwriting is on them, and it can be verified for authenticity!
Present them!
Lin Beifan got hold of the examination questions and said, This handwriting it is indeed Minister Lis!
The scions of the noble families were secretly delighted, finally having the chance to bring down Li Linfu!
But
Lin Beifan continued, It has nothing to do with the current imperial examination questions!
The scions of the noble families were dumbfounded and stunned!
It had nothing to do with it?
So, you take the handwriting of Minister Li and accuse him of corruption and malpractice, with such a malicious and wicked intent! Its clearly a scheme to frame a loyal and good official, to falsely accuse a court-appointed minister!
Lin Beifan bellowed angrily, Guards, seize this man at once and throw him into the dungeon for interrogation!
As you command, Your Majesty!
Four Imperial Guards stepped forward and apprehended the individual.
Spare me, Your Majesty, I realize my mistake now!
Lin Beifan, unheeding, continued to rage, And these scholars as well, for maliciously slandering a court official, their crimes are unforgivable. Arrest them all and take them to the dungeon for questioning!
Your Majesty, we have been wronged, we truly did not slander the loyal and good!
That Li Linfu has indeed engaged in corruption and deception, even misleading Your Majestys judgment. Please, Your Majesty, investigate the truth!
Your Majesty, we are telling the truth!
Lin Beifan was furious: Still stubborn and unrepentant Guards, give each of them a heavy beating of 30 strokes until they recognize their faults and reform!
Yes, Your Majesty!
And so, the heavy beatings were administered.
The agonized wails followed one after another.
The scions of the noble families outside heard the wailing, their expressions turning extremely unsightly.
Li Linfu is too cunning; we cant bring him down!
Not only is he cunning, but hes also very strategic, causing us to lose both our wife and our soldiers!
What do we do now?
Theres nothing we can do to him for now; well have to settle the score after the fall!
Mark my words, this isnt over yet!
After being corporally punished, the entire group of scholars was thrown into the dungeon to await trial.
Li Linfu followed Lin Beifan back to the imperial palace.
Lin Beifan said with a smile, Minister, as long as you serve me with unwavering loyalty, I will absolutely not let you suffer any grievances!
Thank you, Your Majesty! However, Your Majesty, this humble servant has now thoroughly offended the noble families, and they will certainly not let me off easily. I beseech you to dispatch some people to protect my well-being. I would be immensely grateful! Li Linfu said, breaking out in a cold sweat.
Rest assured, Minister, I have already arranged for people to protect you in secret; you will not come to harm, Lin Beifan said with a smile.
Thank you, Your Majesty! Li Linfu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
However, although I can protect you in secret, what will you do about their overt schemes? You must know that the offspring of those noble families are all exceptionally learned and talented, and with this imperial examination, they will certainly have the opportunity to enter the court as officials!
Once they become officials in the same court as you, they will inevitably cause you trouble! They have powerful backgrounds, and you cant fight them alone! So, Minister, what do you think we should do to put an end to this problem once and for all?
Li Linfus eyes sharpened: Then make sure they can never pass the exam!
Lin Beifan laughed heartily: Exactly! You shall take care of this matter. I do not wish to see any offspring of a noble family in my court!
Yes, Your Majesty! Your humble servant will not fail Your Majestys trust!
Three days passed, and finally, the results were announced.
On that day, countless scholars once again flocked to the examination site to see if their names were listed on the golden roster.
Naturally, the young master from the Li noble family also arrived.
Young Master, rest assured, even if we havent obtained the examination questions, we can still rank at the top!
The young master fanned himself while confidently saying, Naturally, I have this confidence! The years of studying werent in vain. Even if I dont secure a position in the top three, I can still make it into the top ten!
Someone shouted as the gongs and drums sounded, Theyre posting the results! Theyre starting with the top three ranks!
The officials unveiled the names of those who placed in the top three.
The young master was stunned upon looking.
Because his name was not there, it was a bit beyond his expectations.
It doesnt matter; although I didnt make it into the top three, being in the top ten is also acceptablethe difference isnt significant! The young master remained confident, nonchalantly waving his fan.
The gongs and drums sounded once again: Attention, candidates, we are now revealing the rankings for fourth to tenth place!
The list was unveiled, and the young master was stunned once more.
For his name was not there either.
Yet, he remained unfazed: It seems that this young master has underperformed in this examination! Or perhaps the candidates this time are rather exceptional, making the competition a bit fierce! But still, it doesnt matter! Even if I dont make it into the top ten, being in the top thirty is just as good!
The gongs and drums sounded yet again: Attention, candidates, we are now revealing the rankings for the 11th to 30th places!
The list was revealed once more, and the young master was stunned yet again.
Because his name was still not there.
How could I not have made the list? Theres no reason for it! I performed as usual in the exam; theres no reason I shouldnt have placed! The young nobleman felt a bit panicked inside, but he still tried to appear calm.
The gongs and drums sounded again: Attention all examinees, we are now revealing the names of those who placed 31st to 100th!
The list was revealed once more, and still, the young noblemans name was not there.
Ha!? I refuse to believe this. My name cant possibly be missing from the top 200!
The gongs and drums sounded once more: Attention all examinees, we are now revealing the names of those who placed 101st to 200th!
The list was revealed, and still, his name was not there.
Its okay, just being selected is enough! Starting from a lower point doesnt matter as long as theres a chance to enter the court as an official. With my familys support, Im certain to rise step by step to the highest ranks of ministers!
The young nobleman consoled himself, praying earnestly to the heavens.
I must pass! I have to pass this time!
The gongs and drums sounded: Attention, candidates, we are now revealing the names of those ranked 201st to 300th!
The list was revealed, and yet his name was never there.
Finally, the young noblemans defenses broke down, and he became furious with embarrassment: Why? Why wasnt I selected? This is impossible! There must be a mistake with this list! I dont believe it, I cant believe this is true
At this moment, the scions of other noble families were similarly devastated.
Full of confidence, they believed that they would easily secure a place on the prestigious list, enter the imperial service, and bring benefits to their families.
They had not anticipated that, despite their great efforts, not only would they fail to place in the top ten, but they wouldnt even have the chance to be selected!
Instead, it was those ordinary scholars who had all been chosen!
The blow to them was truly immense!
Impossible! Why didnt I make it onto the honor roll?
With my talent and learning, its impossible for me to fail this examination!
The list of successful candidates is flawed; I demand a re-examination of my papers to clear my name!
At this moment, Li Linfu walked over, his brow furrowed as he looked at the chaotic scene, and he barked, Today is the day the results are announced. Why is there such a commotion? You are all scholars; what kind of image does this convey if word gets out?
***
Sponsored Chapter by Lost Record
23/36
We are currently recruiting. CN/KR/JP Translators/MTLers are welcome!
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/HGaByvmVuw
Foll𝑜w current novels on fre(e)w𝒆bnovel