jdhmnovel Chapter 162: Refugees in Beijing Confusion
Chapter 162: Refugees in Beijing Confusion
Inside the palace, Grand Tutor Zhou hurried back and went straight before the emperor. He knelt down respectfully and prepared to report.
The emperor's face was filled with anxiety and anticipation, and he could hardly conceal his excitement. His voice trembled as he eagerly asked, "Grand Tutor Zhou, how is the investigation going on with the imperial examination?"
Grand Tutor Zhou slowly raised his head and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, there is no suspicion whatsoever. Those students have indeed earned their knowledge through diligent study in the academy. However, during my investigation, I have uncovered some rather strange things, such as the examination questions. I would like to invite your Majesty to review them."
When the emperor heard this, his expression suddenly became serious, a trace of vigilance flashed in his eyes, and he hurriedly asked, "The body?"
Instantly, the emperor's face twitched with rage, and he angrily said, "Great! I knew Yan Wanwan and the others were definitely doing some shady things behind the scenes! Can you find out who the deceased is?"
Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Zhou froze, his face a mixture of laughter and tears. Knowing that the Emperor had misunderstood, he quickly clasped his hands together and eagerly explained, "Your Majesty, it's not a corpse, but a test question."
After saying this, Grand Tutor Zhou slightly turned sideways and slowly reached his right hand into his wide sleeves. His movements were gentle and cautious, as if he was touching an extremely precious treasure.
His fingers gently grasped the edge of the stack of papers, carefully removing them and taking a slow step forward. His gaze remained fixed on the test paper in his hands, a hint of awe and solemnity evident in his eyes, as if he were holding not just a few pieces of paper, but crucial secrets concerning the fate of the nation.
He said respectfully, "Your Majesty, these are the test papers. They cover a wide range of question types. If you can complete this set of papers, you will be almost certain to pass the imperial examination."
The emperor's face was filled with suspicion, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and doubt. He stretched out his hands in disbelief and took the test paper from Grand Tutor Zhou. Grand Tutor Zhou lowered his head slightly, his eyes following the emperor's movements, silently praying that the emperor would pay attention to these questions.
After a long moment, the Emperor was slightly startled, his expression somewhat unnatural. He asked sheepishly, "Where did you get this paper? It looks even better than ordinary rice paper. And how did you get the writing on it so neat and clear?"
The corners of Grand Tutor Zhou's mouth twitched slightly, and a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes. For a moment, he didn't know how to answer.
The emperor noticed the strange looks from all around him and coughed awkwardly twice. He quickly gathered his thoughts and said seriously, "I understand everything you said. Let me ask you, where did the answer above come from?"
Grand Tutor Zhou knelt respectfully again, placed his hands on the ground, and said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, this was written by County Lady Yan."
"Yan Wanwan?" The emperor's face was full of surprise. He suddenly raised his head and stared at Grand Tutor Zhou with suspicion in his eyes. He even wondered if he was hallucinating.
"It's County Lady Yan." Grand Tutor Zhou's voice was steady and firm, without a trace of hesitation.
The emperor's expression instantly became uncertain, his fingers tapped unconsciously on the test paper, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
He could never have imagined that the peasant girl who came back from outside could be related to the imperial examination questions.
"How could she, a mere woman, do such a thing?" The emperor's voice was filled with anger. "Is there some hidden conspiracy behind this?"
Grand Tutor Zhou frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, according to my investigation, County Princess Yan often discussed academic matters with the students in the academy. She was extremely intelligent and had unique insights. These test questions and answers may have been compiled by her to help the students prepare for the exam. Furthermore, I have not found any signs of her using favoritism, cheating, or disrupting the imperial examination process."
The emperor snorted coldly, "Helping students prepare for the exam? She's a woman, why doesn't she stay in the backyard and meddle in these important court affairs? If this gets out, it will be disgraceful!"
At this moment, a eunuch hurried into the hall and knelt down to report: "Your Majesty, a large number of refugees have arrived outside the city gate."
refugee?
The emperor's heart suddenly sank, his expression changed suddenly, and he asked anxiously, "Where did the refugees come from?"
The eunuch beside him hurriedly bowed and explained: "Your Majesty, these are refugees from the northwest."
Upon hearing this, the emperor's brows knitted into the shape of a "川" character, filled with confusion and bewilderment. "Northwest? What happened there? I haven't received any emergency reports of a disaster there!"
The eunuch's eyes wandered unconsciously, and he glanced hesitantly in the direction of Grand Tutor Zhou.
This subtle movement instantly aroused the emperor's vigilance. His eyes instantly became as sharp as a knife, and he shouted sternly, "What's the matter? Just tell me the truth. There's no need to hesitate!"
"Your Majesty, a sudden snowstorm hit the northwest, causing severe damage. Local officials have been eagerly awaiting relief food from the court, but have never received it. The refugees are starving and cold, and have no other choice but to travel all the way to Jingzhao to seek help." The eunuch replied tremblingly.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face was filled with disbelief, and he immediately questioned, "Impossible! They have to pass through so many territories along the way, how is it possible that no one reported it?"
The eunuch's expression grew increasingly uglier, and he seemed incredibly embarrassed. He muttered, "All along the way, none of the cities the refugees passed through were willing to open their gates to receive them. The ministers waited until the refugees had left before submitting their memorials. I have only just received your memorials."
The emperor's eyes flashed with coldness. "Listen to what you are saying. If they had no food along the way, how could they possibly reach Jingzhao alive?"
The eunuch glanced cautiously at Grand Tutor Zhou, who seemed bewildered. Grand Tutor Zhou coldly asked, "Why are you looking at me?"
"Grand Tutor Zhou, didn't you see those refugees when you came back from Nanping Prefecture?" In an instant, the emperor's suspicious eyes fell precisely on Grand Tutor Zhou, as if a thorn was on his back.
Grand Tutor Zhou's heart tightened, and he hurriedly bowed and explained earnestly, "Your Majesty, I have indeed never seen those refugees."
Upon hearing this, the eunuch nodded solemnly and said, "Your Majesty, it was only after you, Grand Tutor Zhou, left that the refugees began arriving in Nanping Prefecture."
Hearing this, Grand Tutor Zhou felt relieved and breathed a long sigh of relief, secretly complaining: Why is this guy breathing heavily while talking? He almost scared me to death!
The eunuch paused for a moment, then continued slowly, "County Lady Yan did provide the refugees with a good amount of food. Thanks to that food, they were able to reach Jingzhao alive. However... after arriving in Jingzhao, the refugees spread rumors that County Lady Yan drove them away and ignored them during the insect plague, causing many to lose their lives at the city gates."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's eyes flickered with an elusive light. After a moment's reflection, he said in a deep voice, "Immediately notify the Minister of Revenue and the orphanage, and order them to properly accommodate the refugees. No mistakes can be made."
"Do I need to clarify this with County Master Yan?"
"The innocent will be innocent, and this matter will naturally fade away after a while."