Everyone looked over.
Jiang Zhao, dressed in a blue scholar's robe, slowly walked out.
He bowed to Mo Yunzhao.
"Your Majesty, they already knew the meaning of not only the examination questions, but also today's poetry and prose duel. Their purpose was to stage a wonderful competition in front of Your Majesty, to showcase the talents of the students of the Imperial Academy, and to bring glory to Chief Wang."
Chief Physician Wang was so angry that his beard stood on end.
"Jiang Zhao, what nonsense are you spouting?"
According to seniority, Jiang Zhao is Mo Yunzhao's nephew-in-law. In addition, he is talented, aloof and dislikes socializing. Within the Imperial Academy, no one ostracizes or makes things difficult for him, nor does anyone try to curry favor with him.
Even Chief Physician Wang thought he was just a bookish nerd who only focused on studying.
He rarely paid attention to me, treating me like air.
Who would have thought he would be so bold today?
They dared to complain about him in front of the emperor on such a special occasion.
His eyes held a look of utter hatred, as if he wanted to tear him to pieces.
Jiang Zhao, however, was not afraid at all.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Academy is the most authoritative institution of learning in the Great Zhou Dynasty, carrying the aspirations of all students to serve the country and achieve success. Yet now, it has resorted to such deceitful and cover-up practices, which is truly disheartening."
"Even worse, the rules for the entrance examination vary from person to person. Just because this young master Qin has the backing of the Su family, he was exceptionally admitted to the Imperial Academy. Your Majesty, I implore you to reshape the rules of the Imperial Academy."
He lifted his robe and knelt on the ground.
The clear and resonant voice still echoes in everyone's heart.
Although the students in the Imperial Academy are mostly from noble families, their backgrounds vary greatly.
Many people harbor a pure desire to learn and expect fairness and justice.
Chief Physician Wang's face had turned red.
"Your Majesty, this old minister is innocent! I have served in the Imperial Academy for sixteen years, always diligent and conscientious, never daring to slack off. I beg Your Majesty to see the truth!"
Mo Yunzhao was naturally aware of some of the little-known rules of the Imperial Academy.
That academy was originally designed specifically for the sons of the royal family, high-ranking officials, and courtiers. If it were to accept students according to the examination rules as Jiang Zhao suggested, wouldn't that eliminate a large portion of them?
How is it any different from an ordinary private school?
"Alright, get up, everyone. Since there's suspicion that the test questions were leaked, the results of today's competition will not be accepted."
Su Yulan was still pointing at this glory when she heard this, and she hurriedly knelt on the ground.
"Your Majesty, my son studies diligently by lamplight. How can all his efforts be wasted because of someone's jealousy and false accusation? This is truly unfair. If we let it go today, what will others think of my son? I propose that we set a test on the spot. True gold fears no fire. I believe that Qin Run can still come out on top."
She looked completely confident.
Qin Run was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat.
He dared not test it on the spot.
He was extremely anxious and quickly knelt down on the ground.
“Your Majesty, policies, scholarship, poetry, and songs all depend on inspiration; circumstances change. I know that today’s troubles are mostly due to my father’s affair, which is why I’m being targeted. But a father is a father, and a son is a son; the blame cannot be shifted.”
"Moreover, I was educated by the Ninth Princess from a young age, and I called her Mother for five years. My early education came entirely from her, and she deserves much credit for my achievements today."
As he spoke, he raised his head and earnestly called out to Jiang Qingwan, "Mother, you must stand up for me!"
This unexpected turn of events left Su Yulan in disbelief.
Su Qinghe, who was standing under the parasol, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.
"Oh my, this is hilarious! Lan'er, you were so insistent on your son's case, calling him 'my son' over and over again. But he turned around and called another woman 'mother,' giving all the credit to her without even glancing at you. You're such a joke."
In a moment of reflection, Su Yulan was not angry.
On the contrary, I somewhat admire Qin Run's quick wit.
At this juncture, dragging Jiang Qingwan into the mess would definitely preserve Mo Yunhan's honor, given his status and position.
As she was overjoyed, Jiang Qingwan calmly looked at Qin Run, who was visibly excited.
"The day I left the Qin residence, you ordered your servants and guards to beat me to death to show your loyalty to the new mother of the county magistrate, all in an effort to please her. It's only been a little over a month since then, yet you are so young and have such a short memory."
Her words were calm, yet they caused an uproar throughout the room.
Although it is common knowledge that Qin Minglang abandoned his first wife to marry someone else.
However, Jiang Qingwan's reputation was also ruined to the point of almost nothing.
Now, upon hearing the truth again, it is revealed to be quite different.
The surrounding area immediately erupted in discussion.
Mo Yunzhao asked in a cold voice.
Is this true?
Qin Minglang was terrified and quickly knelt down again.
"The student was young and ignorant, and was misled into speaking recklessly. He has now reformed and has no disrespectful intentions whatsoever."
Seeing that her plan was not going to work, Su Yulan cursed Qin Run in her heart for being stupid. He always claimed that he could control Jiang Qingwan, but he was slapped in the face.
Many of the ladies who accompanied her pointed and whispered among themselves.
Clearly, she was the villain who bewitched other people's sons.
But she couldn't care less about that right now and immediately brought up the matter of taking the test on the spot again.
This time, Mo Yunzhao actually agreed.
He summoned the chief eunuch to prepare the Four Treasures of the Study, and wrote the three characters "filial piety and the country".
He was ordered to present his strategy on the spot.
Qin Run was furious. The more anxious he became, the more confused he became, and he couldn't write anything at all.
The two other selected individuals spoke haltingly and incoherently, a stark contrast to their previous demeanor.
This clearly shows that Jiang Zhao's statement that superficiality and emptiness are not mere fabrications.
Mo Yunzhao's face turned ashen upon hearing this.
He could tolerate some of the shady practices at the Imperial Academy, but he would not allow them to treat the fundamental path of talent cultivation in the nation as a joke.
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