Chapter 599 601. Demoted three levels

"The time has come, stop writing."

Following the chief eunuch's shout, everyone put down their pens silently.

The officials sitting on the side also put down their teacups at this moment, as it was their turn to take the stage next.

After the eunuchs collected all the files, the examiners left the hall at once.

The eunuch standing by had already moved quickly, combining all ten files into one, covering all the signatures, and binding it.

"Two people will work together to mark the papers."

Hua Shunming had already made arrangements, so he was not afraid that these people would recognize the handwriting and be biased.

After they have finished grading the papers, let them take turns to mark them, which reduces the possibility of them cheating on each other.

What's more, there is still one last hurdle. These selected excellent papers still have to be decided by him. There is no chance of taking shortcuts at all.

"I didn't expect there were a few blank papers in here?" Cao Xiangqian happened to be in the same group with Zhou Shicong, and said with a smile, "This really saves us a lot of trouble. After we finish reading these files, we can take a break."

Zhou Shicong was cursing in his heart, wondering which family this useless kid came from. Even if you write a few more words, it’s better than handing in a blank paper!

Once all the signatures are peeled off, it will become a joke.

Cao Xiangqian opened his eyelids and took a few glances. "Master Zhou, you know I am a rough man. I feel dizzy just looking at these things. How about you prepare your instructions and I will take a look at them later.

I still trust Mr. Zhou's literary talent."

Zhou Shicong said, "Then I will take the lead. If there is anything wrong, please point it out, Lord Cao."

Cao Xiangqian waved his hand and said, "We are all selecting talents for His Majesty, so we will do our best. But a rough man like me can only wield a sword, and I know how to write articles. I can't pretend to know something. Don't cause trouble for His Majesty later."

Zhou Shicong: "..." This old guy is saying something else.

However, these people really bring shame to the civil servants. In such occasions, even if they just write a policy paper from memory, it is much better than handing in a blank paper.

If all else fails, I could at least fool these warriors. But now, I’m being treated as a joke.

"What's wrong?" Cao Xiangqian looked puzzled. "Is there anything wrong with my suggestion?"

Zhou Shicong came back to his senses, "The emperor asked us to examine the papers together, so let's not prioritize and examine them together."

Since he's not going to get any good out of it anyway, why should he work so hard here alone?

This old guy wants to escape, how is that possible.

Cao Xiangqian shook his head and said, "I am really impressed by you. It's just a few papers. It's not up to us to decide who wins or loses. Why bother to be so serious?"

In the end, the people appointed by His Majesty would benefit. These civil officials saw this, but they were just being stubborn and didn't want to admit defeat directly.

Well, since everyone wants to make some trouble, then I, an old man, will accompany them for a while.

When the result came out, there was no suspense at all.

The children of the old families and those recommended by the elders made a huge joke this time.

His writing skills are not good, and even the article he wrote is so unbearable that it is unbearable to read.

As expected, those who win the first place are officials who have no foundation but have been promoted step by step through hard work.

Hua Shunming threw all those ridiculous articles and the list of people who handed in blank papers directly in front of the hall.

"Look at these people. They are the good officials you recommended to me. Even if they were a student or a scholar outside, they would not hand in their answers like them."

None of the officials below dared to say a word; at this moment they were already deeply regretting their decision.

If they had known the situation would be like this, they would not have competed to recommend him.

Now, the names of these people have been put on the emperor’s blacklist, and their official careers are probably over.

Hua Shunming pointed at the officials below and said, "Why are you silent? Weren't all of them talented people before? If I didn't use them, it would be a loss for the court.

Look at these bullshit articles and bullshit words. How can such people be considered as pillars of our dynasty?"

"Your Majesty, please calm down!"

"Calm down? If this is not a whim of mine, I want to consider whether I should have these mediocre people to help me manage the world in the future?"

At this point, Hua Shunmin looked at the officials kneeling in the court with suspicion, "I wonder if you, my dear ministers, have any better ideas for this policy proposal?"

All officials were silent, "..."

Since no one was willing to take the lead, Hua Shunming had no way to vent his anger. He stared at the list in front of him and said, "All the officials who were criticized by me will be demoted by three levels to serve as a warning to others.

In the future, if you fail the test again, continue to demote me."

Civil service officials are miserable, "..."

If this happens a few more times, I guess few of the officials present would be in a good mood.

The generals are hiding in the corner. Don't let them suffer the same fate. If so, they will probably be wiped out.

Xu Zhizhi, who was suffering from chest tightness and nearly having a stroke, felt dizzy when he heard the news in the side hall.

It was not easy to push that unfilial son to his current position, but now everything is over.

He didn't even need to ask, he could guess that Xu Yangguang must be on the list.

No matter how much he regretted it, it was a foregone conclusion.

They lost again in this game, and lost miserably.

As the winner, Hua Shunming was now in the harem, laughing at the queen.

“The anger I’ve been holding back for all these years has finally been released.

These people brag every day about how capable their descendants are and how they are the pillars of the country. This time, I have finally exposed their true colors.

I think that in the future, no matter how thick-skinned they are, they will not dare to speak nonsense to me in the court.

It’s all because my father spoiled them and wanted to put himself above me. This time, I will teach them how to be a minister.”

Queen Zhou listened silently. No matter how despicable the late emperor was, she had no right to criticize him.

But this emperor has been visiting her palace too often these days. Shouldn’t she find him something to do?

It would also prevent his frequent visits from endangering his two princes. You know, some people in the harem are already ready to make a move.

The eldest prince is both the legitimate heir and the eldest son, and is already a stumbling block in everyone's eyes.

It hasn't been long since she found out several traitors.

"Queen, aren't you happy for me?" Seeing that Queen Zhou was still distracted at this time, Hua Shunming's smile disappeared.

"I am worried about Your Majesty. These families are all closely related. Now that they have not gotten what they deserve, will they take other actions?"

Hua Shunming was moved and grabbed her hand. "Only the Queen would think of me at this time. Don't worry. These scholars are the most concerned about their reputation. This matter is over."

(End of this chapter)