Even so, the rumor still caused an uncontrollable situation among the people.
Lingyun Garden.
“Master, there are many people standing outside, all saying that our results were obtained by cheating.”
Xie Zhiqing's courtyard was packed with people, and the women all had tears in their eyes.
"Master, this achievement was written word by word by us. Since the founding of the Great Yu Dynasty, we have attached great importance to the imperial examination and there has never been any case of cheating in the imperial examination. Just because thirty of us passed the examination, do you think we are unworthy of our reputation?"
"Don't worry, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager will definitely give us justice!"
Xie Zhiqing spoke slowly, "We just need to wait."
"But even if the truth is eventually revealed, those people won't be convinced, right, Master?"
Guo Siyuan's eyes were calm and expressionless, but her words silenced the entire courtyard: "Deep down, these people don't think we can amount to anything. Even though the girls' school is thriving and more and more girls are being sent to study there."
"Yet still, no one thought that the future prime minister, grand tutor, and minister would come from among these women."
"Siyuan, don't be so pessimistic."
Knowing Guo Siyuan's personality, Xie Zhiqing advised, "It seems the Emperor has already sent people to thoroughly investigate this matter. We can just wait here for news."
"But Master, today is the Empress Dowager's birthday."
For them, the Empress Dowager was the greatest benefactor.
After saying that, Guo Siyuan bowed to Xie Zhiqing and then walked out of the courtyard.
Xie Zhiqing sighed almost imperceptibly. Oh well.
......
A large crowd of people gathered outside Lingyun Garden, pointing and whispering about the garden's steward.
"I knew for sure that out of forty-nine people taking the exam, a full thirty of them passed. What else could this be but cheating?"
"That's right! My nephew has studied hard for decades and failed the imperial examinations repeatedly, while these girls passed on their first try. Who would believe it!"
"Shh, are you out of your minds? The Empress Dowager cherishes these women like treasures. Today is also the Empress Dowager's birthday. If she hears you say this, you'll be in trouble."
The whispers of the crowd abruptly ceased as the gates of Lingyun Garden were slowly opened.
Guo Siyuan pushed open the door and stood directly in front of everyone, asking, "You're accusing us of cheating, do you have any evidence?"
Seeing that everyone remained silent, Guo Siyuan's face revealed extreme mockery.
“You have no evidence yet you come to Lingyun Garden to cause trouble. If your wives and daughters at home knew, they would probably feel ashamed.”
"You're a woman, how dare you speak so rudely... be careful..." The rest of the sentence was cut off under Guo Siyuan's threatening gaze. Guo Siyuan took a few steps toward the crowd. "What do I need to be careful of?"
"Pshaw, I would respect you even if you had a sliver of evidence, but you only have your mouth. How are you any different from the gossipy village woman you're talking about?"
Guo Siyuan was unaware that at the street corner, Kui Ruo, who had rushed over after court, was watching her behavior thoughtfully.
"I, Guo Siyuan, here and now declare: if even one of us thirty people cheats, I, Guo Siyuan, will offer my head as atonement." Guo Siyuan stood ramrod straight. "But if you falsely accuse us... apologize!"
"A temper that is too fiery will not amount to much."
Upon hearing this, Wei Ruo didn't even turn her head.
"Brother Wei Ruo, I rushed over as soon as I heard Father say something had happened. You haven't had breakfast yet, have you...?"
Wei Ruo immediately showed an impatient expression, "Zhong Qi'er, you don't need to worry about my affairs."
"I know that now that you're the Prime Minister, your official rank is even higher than Father's, so you look down on the Zhong family." Zhong Qi'er's eyes were red. "Have you forgotten who took you in and gave you food and clothing when you were at your lowest point...?"
"I haven't forgotten."
Zhong Qi'er was somewhat afraid to look into Wei Ruo's eyes. "Zhong Qi'er, don't keep testing my limits."
"Also, I'll pretend you didn't say anything earlier. Guo Siyuan is someone the Empress Dowager values highly, and it's not something you can interfere with."
After saying that, Wei Ruo turned and left, leaving Zhong Qi'er stomping her feet in anger. Finally, with all her anger, she looked at Guo Siyuan on the other side.
......
On the other side, Zhaoning Palace.
"Has the Empress Dowager not woken up yet?"
Outside Zhaoning Palace, Gu Qingyan spoke with some confusion, and even Gu Lin, who had returned after finishing his boxing practice, unconsciously frowned.
"It seems your mother has been rather sleepy these past few days."
Hearing this, Granny Ling nodded. "Her Majesty is somewhat sleepy and lacks energy during the day, but she says that spring drowsiness and autumn fatigue are natural laws, so she did not summon Doctor Mei to the palace to examine her pulse."
Upon hearing what Granny Ling said, Gu Lin and Gu Qingyan became restless.
Gu Lin gave Gu Qingyan a reassuring look, then tiptoed into the inner room. Looking at the sleeping girl, Gu Lin reached out and pinched Jiang Yu's nose.
"Ayu, it's time to get up. Ayan is here to wish you a happy birthday."
"Hmm..."
Jiang Yu rubbed her eyes. "Gu Lin, I'm still a little sleepy."
"Get up and eat the longevity noodles first, then let Mei Chu come over and take your pulse." Gu Lin picked Jiang Yu up. "I've also prepared a special birthday gift for you today."
Upon hearing her birthday, Jiang Yu couldn't help but smile.
"I already said everything should be kept simple, are you trying to defy the imperial decree?"
"I wouldn't dare," Gu Lin said with a low laugh. "It's my wife's birthday, so I have to do something to celebrate."
After washing up, Jiang Yu finally left the inner room.
"Happy birthday, Mother."
Gu Qingyan’s first words to Jiang Yu were just that.
"Thank you, Ayan."
Jiang Yu laughed heartily, "You must have made Ayan hungry, go and eat something."
Upon arriving in front of Jiang Yu, Gu Qingyan's anger from the morning court session vanished without a trace. Gu Lin ran to the small kitchen and personally cooked a bowl of longevity noodles, which he then brought over.
"After eating longevity noodles, you will be free from illness and disaster for the whole year."
After finishing her longevity noodles, Jiang Yu smiled and said, "Today I plan to go to Lingyun Garden to see off the nineteen women who failed the imperial examinations."
"this......"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyan's expression suddenly turned strange.
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