Ru Chang immediately prostrated herself on the ground and answered loudly, "Your subject dares not!"
"So even if we consider this imperial examination, the court did not act unfairly, and the examiners did not show favoritism." Zhu Yunying seemed to understand. Sitting high on his dragon throne, he seemed to be talking to himself, but his voice was loud enough for all the ministers in the court to hear. "If that's the case, then what crime has he committed?"
Yes, since there was no injustice, and no favoritism, there's no need to talk about any crime. The idea of apologizing seems to have been valid from the start, perhaps everyone was being a little too cautious, or perhaps they misunderstood Zhu Yunying's magnanimity.
Although all sorts of rumors are flying around the streets, some saying the examiner took money, others saying the examiner discriminated against people from certain regions, it seems that no one understands the situation at all. Everyone is clearly confused.
That being said, everyone knows that with such a commotion erupting in this examination, someone has to take responsibility. As the chief examiner, Ru Chang seems the most suitable person to shoulder the blame at this time. Even if he appears to have suffered an undeserved misfortune, the scholars' collective disturbance is ultimately the chief examiner's responsibility.
Zhu Yunying's words surprised many, since if something really went wrong, the chief examiner would definitely be blamed. However, the emperor's words were clearly an excuse for Ru Chang and the others, an obvious attempt to shirk responsibility.
This seems like a good reason; Ru Chang and the others might be able to get away unscathed from this matter.
However, some people were clearly unconvinced, and Zhuo Jing stepped forward at this moment, saying, "Your Majesty, the imperial examination system is the foundation for the nation to recruit talented individuals. Currently, many scholars in various regions harbor resentment. If we cannot quell their doubts and anger, it will be difficult to win over the people!"
Zhu Yunying looked at Zhuo Jing, the very person who had accompanied him to Beiping to establish the capital, and the important minister he wanted to appoint to the position of Minister. But now, the one leading the 'rebellion' was Zhuo Jing, a trusted and important minister whom Zhu Yunying greatly valued!
It would be a lie to say he wasn't angry. Zhu Yunying merely narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice calm, "Oh? According to your suggestion, what should I do? Should I dismiss Ru Qing from her official post, or strip my two uncles of their titles?"
Zhuo Jing immediately knelt down, his voice calm but resolute, "Many scholars are resentful, which suggests there may be problems with this year's imperial examination. I believe the papers should be re-examined!"
Zhu Yunying nodded and then said, "Alright, in that case, let Zhang Xin, the top scholar of the previous examination, go. You are also a Reader-in-Waiting. Dai Yi, Lecturer; Wang Junhua, Right Assistant; Zhang Qian, Director of the Imperial Academy; Yan Shuzai, Proofreader of the Bureau of Classics; and Dong Guan, Corrector, you will all go and review the papers together."
As if that wasn't enough, Zhu Yunying said, "Minister Zhuo, what's your opinion?"
Many people immediately sensed that the emperor was truly enraged, despite his seemingly calm tone. This calmness was the most frightening aspect of his actions. The emperor's attitude also indicated that Zhuo Jing's career was almost certainly coming to an end.
“You are also the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and your rank is sufficient.” Zhu Yunying said somewhat impatiently, “You should handle this matter. I remember you were the second-place scholar in the imperial examination in the twenty-first year of Hongwu. After serving as an official for so many years, you can still understand the articles.”
Zhuo Jing looked up at the emperor, knowing that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, his career was likely over.
However, Zhuo Jing did not regret it, because he had his own principles and his own pursuits. If he could not stand up at this time, if he could not speak out for the scholars of the world at this time, Zhuo Jing would feel that his conscience would be uneasy for the rest of his life.
Zhu Yunying acted swiftly and decisively, ordering a task force headed by Zhuo Jing to be formed and to review the case files.
It seems that this is how things are going to be. Perhaps many people think that after the second review of the papers, there will definitely be a result soon, which will put an end to the current heated discussions about the imperial examination and resolve everyone's doubts.
After the court session, Zhu Yunying strolled slowly toward the Wuying Hall. It would be a lie to say he wasn't annoyed or irritated.
After all, many things were originally within his expectations and control, but Zhuo Jing's actions caught Zhu Yunying somewhat off guard and even disrupted some of his plans.
Zhu Yunying slammed an inkstone down and cursed irritably, "Without Butcher Zhang, am I only supposed to eat hairy pigs?!"
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