My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

The thought that Hong Chengchou might be ruined because of them, or even face imprisonment or death, filled the two men with an indescribable sense of guilt!
This caused them more pain and fear than if they themselves were imprisoned!
The commander seemed to sense their emotions and continued:
"However, my two gentlemen need not despair. His Highness the Crown Prince is wise and insightful, and knows that this matter is suspicious. In order to clarify the facts, His Highness has specially decreed that a temporary review examination be added tomorrow at the Examination Hall in Shanglin Garden!"

"All candidates from Liaodong who are going to Beijing this time must participate in the examination, which will be conducted in the same manner as the regular provincial examination."

His tone became serious:

"Tomorrow's examination is of paramount importance to you two! As long as you can remain calm and focused, perform to your full potential, and demonstrate the true talent and learning befitting your status as successful candidates in the imperial examinations, then all the rumors and slanders will melt away like snow under the sun!"

"Lord Hong's innocence will be cleared! On the contrary..."

The commander didn't say anything more, but the implication was self-evident.

After hearing these words, Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an, who were in the sedan chair, looked at each other, their hearts filled with mixed feelings, as if a bottle of mixed emotions had been spilled.

This sudden review exam was not only their only chance to clear their names and Hong Chengchou's name, but also an unprecedentedly severe test that concerned the fate of several people.

After experiencing imprisonment and immense psychological trauma, can they withstand the overwhelming pressure and perform normally or even exceptionally well?
They simply couldn't imagine the consequences if they underperformed due to nervousness and fear!
After a long silence, Wu Shouren finally answered in a hoarse voice through the sedan curtain:

"Thank you for telling me the truth, Your Highness. I understand now and will do my best to live up to Your Highness's expectations."

His voice, though weak, carried a resolute determination, as if he had nothing to lose.

Chang Yong'an also chimed in quietly from the side.

The commander nodded outside the sedan chair and said no more.

He knew that any comfort or encouragement at this moment would be in vain; the real test would be in the examination hall tomorrow.

The sedan chair traveled for about 15 minutes before finally stopping.

The sedan curtain was lifted, and Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an found themselves led to a quiet and well-arranged place. They were told that this was a guesthouse within the Imperial Academy, specially prepared for visiting officials and outstanding students.

The courtyard was tidy, the rooms were spacious and bright, and the stoves had already been lit, along with writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and some classic texts.

The Imperial Academy professors and clerks in charge of receiving them were very polite and attentive, arranging their food and lodging, and showing no discrimination or neglect due to their "Jurchen household" status.

This was clearly due to Zhu Cilang's order, so no one dared to cause any trouble at this critical juncture.

However, despite being in a comfortable environment, Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an were far from at peace.

This day was truly overwhelming for the two of them.
The night is dark and the wind is freezing.

In the Eastern Palace, Zhu Cilang leaned back slightly against the back of a chair covered with bright yellow cushions and raised his hand to rub his slightly sore brow.

Tomorrow, inside the examination hall, the essays written by those eighty-odd students from Liaodong will determine the political life of a high-ranking official and even influence his future plans.

However, the outcome of this matter was unpredictable, like a huge boulder weighing on his heart, making it difficult for him to feel at ease.

After a long silence, Zhu Cilang finally took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and abruptly stood up, instructing Ma Bao beside him:

"Ma Bao, prepare the sedan chair. We're going to Grand Secretary Xue's residence."

He needs to see Xue Guoguan again.

"The slaves obey the order."

Ma Bao bowed in response, then immediately turned and quietly left the hall to begin making arrangements.

Before long, an inconspicuous sedan chair was quietly carried out of the East Palace.

There were only eight capable guards around the sedan chair, each with an embroidered spring knife at his waist and a stern expression.

The group walked through the empty and quiet streets of the imperial city, their feet sinking into the snow that had already accumulated to an inch, and headed toward the residence of Xue Guoguan, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, located in the western part of the capital.

It was already past 11:45 PM, the night was deep, and the gates of the mansion were already tightly closed. Only the two dilapidated lanterns hanging in front of the gate swayed violently in the cold wind, casting a dim, flickering halo of light.

After a brief announcement, Xue Guoguan personally came out of his residence to greet them, and the two then went to Xue Guoguan's study.

Zhu Cilang picked up the warm teacup, feeling the comforting warmth in his palm, and gently blew away the floating leaves before taking a sip of the clear and mellow tea.

He then raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Xue Guoguan, who was sitting upright opposite him. Without much pleasantry, he cut straight to the point and asked:
"Grand Secretary Xue, tomorrow's review examination at the Imperial Examination Hall concerns Hong Chengchou's future, as well as the dignity of the court and the credibility of the imperial examination system. Grand Secretary Xue, how confident are you about the final outcome of this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan was taken aback, a clear look of confusion crossing his face.

He subconsciously stroked his neatly combed, graying beard and replied:

"Your Highness, this matter concerns the assessment of talent and learning. How could this old minister presume to claim certainty? Tomorrow's test will examine the true talent and learning of the students from Liaodong, especially the on-the-spot abilities of Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an."

"The quality of the articles and the depth of their ideas will be determined by objective standards and will require the joint discussion of all the examiners. It is not something that I, as an old minister, can predict or control."

Whether or not the two students can clear Hong Chengchou's name through this exam ultimately depends on their own fortune and ability.

His answer was perfectly balanced, based entirely on the fairness, objectivity, and unpredictability of the imperial examination system, without revealing any personal bias or guarantee.

However, Zhu Cilang's next words made Xue Guoguan's heart sink.

Zhu Cilang leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and slowly spoke with a clear sense of probing:
"What I want to say is that tomorrow's process of reviewing the papers and determining the rankings will be personally led and presided over by you, Grand Secretary, together with your colleagues in the Cabinet and the officials of the Six Ministries. When it comes to the final determination of the rankings, is there any room for maneuver?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan's expression changed instantly!
His previously slightly confused gaze instantly sharpened to the point of being like that of a hawk, his face filled with extreme shock and disbelief!

The subtext in Zhu Cilang's words couldn't be clearer!
This implies that he expects him to secretly manipulate the grading process tomorrow in order to achieve a predetermined result.
A surge of anger, disappointment, and awe rushed to Xue Guoguan's head, making his ears burn.

He suddenly stood up from his chair, took a half step back, straightened his back, which was slightly hunched from years of working at his desk, and bowed deeply to Zhu Cilang, who was sitting upright, almost bending his body at a ninety-degree angle.

Then, with great grief and indignation, he said:
"Your Highness! Forgive my bluntness, but this is absolutely unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable!"

He then raised his head, no longer avoiding Zhu Cilang's gaze, but meeting it directly. His eyes no longer held the submissive demeanor he used to show towards Zhu Cilang; instead, they held a dignified and upright spirit that was willing to uphold principles and speak frankly even at the risk of offending Zhu Cilang!

"This old minister knows Your Highness is concerned about national affairs and cherishes a rare talent like Hong Chengchou! He also knows Your Highness has a far-sighted plan, intending to use Hong Chengchou's strength to promote the opening of the seas! But the imperial examination system is the foundation of the nation, a vital instrument of the state! Its core lies in the two words 'utmost impartiality'!" "If, for a momentary need or the future of one person, such fraudulent acts are committed, tarnishing the reputation of the examination system and undermining its very foundation, where is the dignity and authority of the court? What will become of the hearts of the tens of thousands of scholars who have studied diligently for years?"

"Once this precedent is set, it will be like an ant hole in a dam, causing endless trouble! It will shake the very foundation of our Great Ming's system for selecting and appointing officials! Even though I am His Highness's minister and what the world calls the 'Imperial Party,' I still have my bottom line that cannot be crossed on such matters of principle concerning the foundation of the nation!"

"This is something I would rather die than do!"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, his chest heaving, and even a hint of heartache in his voice.

"Furthermore, tomorrow's review of the papers is not a matter for this old minister alone! More than twenty important court officials, including my colleagues in the cabinet and the heads of the six ministries, will be present! Under the watchful eyes of everyone, how can I possibly tamper with the documents? How can I possibly deceive the heavens?"

"If the operation is not kept secret and is exposed, Your Highness's reputation and the court's prestige will be destroyed in an instant!"

"At that time, not only will Hong Chengchou's grievances not be redressed, but he will also be charged with new crimes due to 'fraud and cover-up,' making the situation even more uncontrollable! Your Highness! This matter concerns the foundation of the nation and its principles, and is by no means a childish game that can be easily manipulated. I urge Your Highness to pull back from the brink and not to lose sight of the bigger picture by taking such a risky move that will bring endless disaster!"

After listening to Xue Guoguan's series of remonstrances, Zhu Cilang was at a loss for words.

But at the same time, he also understood that he had touched the other party's bottom line, which was something more important than official position or even life.

Zhu Cilang then sighed helplessly, a complex expression flashing across his face.

Why has the Imperial Party suddenly become disloyal?

Zhu Cilang had no choice but to lay his cards on the table:

"Grand Secretary Xue! If those two Jurchen students don't perform well in tomorrow's exam, Hong Chengchou's stigma of 'accepting bribes and cheating' will be as hard as iron and can never be washed away! Not only will he have no hope of entering the Grand Secretariat, but he may also lose his current official position and even his life!"

"And which of the many important matters concerning the fate of the nation that you and I have planned before does not require a capable person like Hong Qing to implement?"

"If Hong Chengchou falls because of this, what will happen next? Can't you weigh the pros and cons?"

Facing Zhu Cilang's oppressive questioning, Xue Guoguan remained resolute, his expression as firm as a mountain. He replied in a deep voice:

"Your Highness, how could this old minister not understand the implications? If Hong Chengchou is unjustly dismissed, it will indeed be a great loss to the court, and this old minister is also deeply saddened."

"However, in this old minister's view, upholding the fairness of the imperial examination system and the integrity of the court's laws is far more beneficial than protecting one person! This is a long-term plan for the future!"

"This old minister believes that Heaven's justice is clear and that truth resides in the hearts of the people. The truth will eventually come to light!"

"The court may then seek other methods to gradually address the issue and defend itself."

"For example, we can thoroughly examine his accounts and financial transactions during his tenure as the military governor of Liaodong, question his close subordinates and officials, and conduct an in-depth investigation into the background and wealth of the two Jurchen students' families. There are always ways to prove his innocence!"

"However, if one were to seek quick results and resort to fraudulent methods to 'prove' their innocence, it would be tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst. Not only would it fail to prove their innocence, but it would also arouse more suspicion due to their improper methods, and even confirm their 'guilty conscience'! This is the worst possible strategy!"

"One wrong step and the whole game is lost; this is absolutely unacceptable!"

Zhu Cilang understood that there was no point in continuing the conversation once it had reached this point.

Xue Guoguan's attitude was so firm that there was absolutely no possibility of compromise.

Moreover, Zhu Cilang couldn't blame Xue Guoguan at all, since what Xue Guoguan said was actually correct!

On the contrary, he himself actually thought of engaging in favoritism and corruption in order to save Xue Guoguan. How foolish!
An awkward silence spread through the warm study, broken only by the occasional soft crackling sound from the charcoal brazier.

After a moment, Zhu Cilang slowly stood up, his expression returning to calm.

He said calmly:

"What Grand Secretary Xue said makes sense. I was wrong in this matter. Tomorrow's affairs will be handled impartially according to your wishes! Let's pretend I was never here tonight!"

"I'll take my leave now."

Seeing that Zhu Cilang had finally stopped insisting, Xue Guoguan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, quickly bowed, and resumed his respectful tone:
"Your Highness, this old minister respectfully bids you farewell! Your Highness's ability to heed loyal advice and consider the greater good is truly a blessing to the nation!"

Zhu Cilang said no more and turned to walk towards the door of the study.

Ma Bao, who had been waiting outside the door, had already heard the commotion. When he saw him come out, he quickly stepped forward and draped a heavy black fox fur cloak over his shoulders.

Stepping out of the study, a biting chill immediately hit him, a stark contrast to the warm, spring-like atmosphere inside. Zhu Cilang couldn't help but shiver and instinctively tightened his heavy black fox fur cloak.

He looked up at the pitch-black night sky, where snowflakes were still falling in abundance, the deep darkness seemingly endless.

He then took a deep breath and stepped into the snowstorm.

The next morning, the snow had stopped, but the sky was overcast and cold.

Meanwhile, the Imperial College, located in the southeast corner of the capital and adjacent to the Temple of Confucius, was already teeming with people, and the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed like water could be squeezed out of it.

In front of the heavy vermilion gate of the Imperial College, thousands of candidates and ordinary people who had come from all over the country gathered in a dense crowd.

Most of them wore slightly worn-out cyan or blue scholar's robes and black square headscarves. They rubbed their hands and stamped their feet in the bitter cold, and their breath condensed into a thin mist in the air.

The group of people gathered in small groups, exchanging the news they had heard in hushed tones, their faces filled with tension and curiosity.

All eyes were drawn to the tightly closed gate, a symbol of the majesty of the highest institution of learning for scholars across the land.

Today's sudden review examination will directly relate to the truth of a corruption scandal that has affected the court and the public and touched the hearts of countless people. It will also affect the fairness of the imperial examination system, which is a "most impartial instrument." They cannot help but care about it.

Inside the Imperial College, eighty-three candidates who had traveled a long distance from Liaodong had arrived early, before dawn, as required, and stood quietly in the cold wind waiting for the examination to begin.

Around them were tables and chairs, with the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper) already prepared.

They all had solemn expressions, and many of them were pale from nervousness and cold, constantly rubbing their hands, which were red from the cold.

Standing in the crowd, Wu Shouren and Chang Yong'an became the focus of everyone's attention. (End of Chapter)