The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Chapter 111 The Woman's Captive

In his memorial to the throne, Lin Yue detailed the facts of the cheating in the provincial examination.

"Those who smuggled in their own test openly broke through the gates, the test questions were leaked before they were published, and nearly five hundred people missed the test."

At the same time, Lin Yue also innovatively combined the old stories of the North and South examination lists in the 30th year of Hongwu's reign with the analysis of the cheating in this imperial examination.

"At the end of the Hongwu reign, Liu Sanwu and others formed cliques for personal gain, using their own academic interests to disrupt the public selection of talent. They recruited all the scholars from the south, defying the imperial decree and causing resentment among the poor scholars of the country, which shocked the court and the public."

This year's imperial examination scandal is even worse than in the past. The faction of treacherous officials was able to infiltrate the examination halls and steal the exam questions, demonstrating the depth of their collusion and the breadth of their factionalism.

With a sudden shift in tone, Lin Yue then combined this fraudulent activity with the local power structures in Jiangnan, and began to discuss the threat posed by the powerful families and gentry of Jiangnan.

"These people are based in Jiangnan, with connections to local gentry and the support of court officials. They use the imperial examination as a tool for personal gain, forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices, while secretly resisting the court."

If this continues, the court will be filled with these people's protégés and former officials, making it difficult for His Majesty to issue orders beyond the capital. The foundation of the state will be shaken, and the consequences will be immeasurable!

Your Majesty, I humbly request that you issue an edict to thoroughly investigate this case, eradicate the root of the corruption, rectify the imperial examination system, and restore a fair and just system for selecting talent for all scholars in the land!

After finishing the memorial, Lin Yue blew the ink dry and handed it to Hu Guang beside him, saying with a smile, "Hu Guang, I intend to present this memorial to the Emperor tonight."

"We both received His Majesty's imperial decree to jointly oversee the provincial examinations, including setting the questions and supervising the proceedings. This responsibility is shared by both of us; would you be willing to sign our names together?"

Hu Guang didn't think much of it, took the memorial, and lowered his head to read it carefully.

At first glance, he remained calm, but upon reading the phrase "colluding internally and externally, forming cliques," his expression changed drastically, and he was deeply shocked.

He looked up at Lin Yue in disbelief, then looked down at the memorial, which compared this corruption case with the Hongwu Northern and Southern Examination Cases, and combined it with the claim that local powerful families in Jiangnan were resisting the court, stating that these people were secretly resisting the court and shaking the foundation of the country.

Hu Guang suddenly looked up at Lin Yue, his face full of disbelief, and he was speechless for a moment.

What do you mean, Scholar Lin? It's just investigating cheating and absenteeism in the provincial examination. It's not like we're taking the imperial examination. Why make such a fuss?

Subconsciously, Hu Guang wanted to refuse to sign his name, but then he thought that His Majesty had seized the throne after the Jingnan Rebellion and what he feared most was the Jiangnan gentry forming factions to consolidate their power and harboring disloyal intentions. This memorial was exactly what His Majesty wanted.

If this case can be used to clean up the examination halls and eliminate cliques, it will be a great achievement. I have only been in the cabinet for a short time and need such concrete results to solidify the Emperor's favor.

Thinking about this, Hu Guang's mind began to race. Could it be that Scholar Lin's actions were not reckless and impulsive, but rather a deliberate act after careful consideration?

After pondering for a moment, Hu Guang decided to make further progress.

He cupped his hands and said, "Scholar Lin's strategy is profound and far-sighted. This is a move to eliminate abuses for the country and stabilize the nation. How could I possibly hesitate to risk my life? I will sign this!"

Having said that, he picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote his name in a flowing, elegant style at the end of the memorial.

Seeing this, Lin Yue smiled slightly, resealed the memorial, and summoned the guards on duty outside the door, instructing them: "After the first examination is over, immediately send this memorial to the palace by express horse and make sure it is delivered to His Majesty without any mistakes."

The West Warm Pavilion of the Imperial Palace.

Zhu Di held Lin Yue's memorial in his hand, his brows furrowed.

Lin Yue's actions have always been unpredictable. From the reform of the paper currency to the crackdown on organized crime in the capital, he has always been bold and decisive in everything he does.

However, this time, the move involved arresting more than 500 students and thoroughly investigating factionalism in the Jiangnan imperial examinations, which was a huge commotion.

In the first year of the Yongle reign, the flames of the Jingnan Rebellion had just been extinguished, the Northern Yuan was harassing the borders, the Grand Canal was waiting to be rebuilt, and there were countless matters to attend to regarding the relocation of the capital. He simply could not spare much energy to deal with the turbulent situation among the scholars in Jiangnan.

It's not that this can't be done, it's just that the timing seems too early.

An attendant outside the hall announced his greeting, and Xie Jin stepped inside, bowing and clasping his hands in greeting: "Your subject Xie Jin pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Zhu Di raised his eyes and put down the memorial: "Jie Jin, what brings you here?"

Xie Jin stood up and said, "Your Majesty! I have come for the provincial examination in Yingtian Prefecture!"

Scholar Lin acted eccentrically, and due to some changes in the examination hall, he arrested and imprisoned nearly five hundred students.

The scholars in the capital are in uproar, and the scholars in Jiangnan are outraged, all saying that the authorities are mistreating intellectuals and arbitrarily arresting innocent people!

He took half a step forward and said earnestly, "Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and should be comforting the scholars and winning their hearts. Scholar Lin's actions have chilled the hearts of all the scholars in the land!"

Your Majesty, I humbly request that you issue an edict to release the innocent students, quell the unrest, and bring peace to the scholars of the realm!

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di froze.

He looked at Xie Jin below the steps. Xie Jin was from Jishui, Jiangxi. He was famous throughout the country for his literary talent during the Hongwu reign. Wasn't he a typical representative of the gentry in Jiangnan?

His eagerness to plead for leniency perfectly confirms what Lin Yue said in his memorial.

The gentry of Jiangnan had long been deeply entrenched, forming factions through the imperial examinations and monopolizing official careers, turning the court's talent selection ceremony into a stepping stone for their own advancement.

His previous hesitation vanished instantly, and Emperor Yongle made his decision in a flash.

Some things shouldn't be avoided just because they are difficult; the more difficult they are, the more we should face them head-on.

He seized the throne after the Jingnan Rebellion, and many of the Jiangnan gentry were already dissatisfied. They had always tried to appease and win him over, but now it seems that they could not win his genuine submission by simply bribing him.

To secure the throne, we must completely shatter their confidence, break their monopoly on the imperial examinations, reduce their economic privileges, extinguish their ambitions to oppose the court, and uproot the foundation upon which they control public opinion.

Zhu Di raised his eyes and said sarcastically, "I think the scholars of the world are the scholars of Jiangnan."

Lin Yue's memorial clearly states that cheating was discovered in the examination hall, exam questions were leaked, and most of those who missed the exam fled to avoid punishment. How can they be considered innocent?

Xie Jin was taken aback, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty! Even if there was cheating, it was only a few people. How can you arrest them all..."

"6

"Stop talking." Zhu Di raised his hand to stop him. "The imperial examination is the nation's grand ceremony for selecting talents, and it is the most fair and just one."

Lin Yue was ordered by me to supervise the provincial examinations and rectify the examination system. What wrong has he done? As a Hanlin scholar, instead of thinking about eliminating corruption for the country, you plead for those who cheated?

Xie Jin's face flushed red, and he repeatedly protested, "I dare not!"

"Step back," Zhu Di said coldly. "I have my own decision on this matter; there is no need for further discussion."

Xie Jin left in a state of panic and resentment.

Silence returned to the warm pavilion. Zhu Di picked up the memorial, glanced at the signatures of Lin Yue and Hu Guang at the bottom, his eyes flashing with sternness, and said loudly, "Issue the decree!"

Hou Xian bowed and stepped forward.

"The case of the cheating scandal in the provincial examination of Yingtian Prefecture is to be thoroughly investigated by Ji Gang, with the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate providing full cooperation. Anyone involved in the fraud, regardless of their family background or official rank, must be investigated to the end without any leniency!"

In the late summer of the first year of the Yongle reign, a cheating scandal in the provincial examinations of Yingtian Prefecture swept across Jiangnan, implicating thousands of students and officials, causing an uproar in the court and among the public.

However, Lin Yue, who was confined to his courtyard, had no idea about this upheaval.

The examination hall was locked, and the examination rooms were silent. The three provincial examinations, held over nine consecutive days, proceeded smoothly and without the slightest error.

Lin Yue, along with Hu Guang, Wang Da, and other officials, patrolled the field day and night, trying to find two more reckless individuals to serve as role models, but to no avail.

The first provincial examination of the Yongle reign has ended. Apart from catching some cheaters at the beginning, there were no further incidents.

After the list of candidates was finalized with vermilion ink and the examination papers were reviewed, the gates of the examination hall were opened.

Lin Yue strode out of the examination hall, intending to go to Yingtian Prefecture to see how the arrested students were doing. He wanted to deal severely with these corrupt officials who had cheated on the imperial examinations.

However, Zhu Di acted even faster. The palace eunuchs had been waiting for a long time. As soon as Lin Yue came out, they verbally issued an imperial edict to summon him into the palace.

Lin Yue followed the eunuch into the Qianqing Palace and met with Zhu Di: "Your subject Lin Yue pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Before Zhu Di could speak, Lin Yue said impatiently, "Your Majesty! The corruption in this year's provincial examination in Yingtian Prefecture is shocking and has reached the point where a thorough investigation is imperative."

Your Majesty, I humbly request that you entrust this case to me. I will investigate it thoroughly, find the mastermind behind it, and restore justice to the scholars of the world. I will never fail Your Majesty's trust!

If this fails, Your Majesty may take my head!

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di shook his head helplessly and chuckled, "You really are still the same person you are, truly making people both laugh and cry."

The Yongle Emperor's smile lasted only a moment before turning serious, and he issued his orders in a tone that left no room for argument.

"Regarding the case of cheating in the imperial examinations, I have ordered Ji Gang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to conduct a thorough investigation. The Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review are working together, and there have been some progress recently. You do not need to concern yourself with the follow-up matters."

Lin Yue was stunned and hadn't recovered when Zhu Di continued, "Pack your things immediately. This afternoon, head to the Longjiang Shipyard to accompany Zheng He on his mission to Korea. Do not delay."

Lin Yue looked surprised and asked, "I am the chief examiner and invigilator for this provincial examination in Yingtian Prefecture."

According to the regulations of the Ming Dynasty's imperial examination system, when the results of the provincial examinations were announced, the chief examiner, the supervisor, and the examiner had to be present together to verify the seals, remove the numbers, and post the results publicly.

How could I leave the capital at this time? I humbly request Your Majesty to allow me to wait until the results of the imperial examinations are announced and the scandal of cheating in the examinations is settled before I embark on my mission to Korea!

Zhu Di waved his hand, his tone resolute: "The affairs of Korea are urgent and cannot be delayed in the slightest. You shall set off immediately and not linger in Jiangnan."

"I have already entrusted Hu Guang and Wang Da to oversee the announcement of the results; you need not worry about it."

Lin Yue was about to say something more when Zhu Di's face darkened, and he waved his hand, saying, "No need for further words, step back!"

Seeing that Lin Yue was still standing there, Zhu Di suddenly softened his tone and added, "There is one more thing to tell you. Kuai Yue is pregnant and is currently resting quietly in a side hall of the inner palace."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue was deeply shaken.

All the previous thoughts that filled my mind—the debates in the examination hall, the thorough investigation of cheating, the grand ambitions, and the thorough elimination of many—vanished in an instant.

He stood there stunned for a long time before he came to his senses and bowed deeply to Zhu Di: "Thank you for informing me, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."

After saying that, Lin Yue turned around and strode towards the side hall of the inner palace.

Zhu Di stood beside the imperial steps, watching Lin Yue's retreating figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

The waters of this imperial examination scandal were far deeper than he had anticipated.

Ji Gang had only been in charge for a few days when he implicated more than a dozen officials from the Jiangnan region in the six ministries. The number of students and gentry from various prefectures and counties who were involved in the case was countless, and it seemed to have the momentum of the North-South Examination Case of the 30th year of Hongwu.

As the case unfolded, the number of memorials impeaching Lin Yue also increased daily. They accused him of mistreating scholars or of arbitrarily arresting innocent people. The scholars of Jiangnan regarded him as a thorn in their side.

Zhu Di sent him as an envoy to Korea for two reasons: firstly, he was eager to find his nephew Zhu Yunwen, and secondly, he wanted to keep him away from the turmoil in the capital and temporarily avoid the limelight.

In Zhu Di's view, Lin Yue was indeed a rare and capable minister.

Whether it was flood control and public safety, cracking down on organized crime in the capital region, or rectifying the imperial examination system, every task was crucial and handled efficiently and effectively. He never shirked responsibility when it came to major or difficult tasks.

However, he acted too recklessly, like a tiger without reins, charging forward blindly and devouring anyone in sight, completely lacking in tact and diplomacy.

When employing such a person, one must strike a good balance and maintain a proper degree of flexibility.

When it's time to let it out to bite, the reins are loosened; when it's time to pull it back to protect it, a timely pull is necessary. Otherwise, if it gets caught in the mud, its sharp blade will be broken for nothing, which would be a great pity.

Lin Yue walked along the palace road without stopping. After leaving Qianqing Palace, he went straight to the side hall.

As soon as he entered, he saw Yue dressed in a light blue palace gown, gracefully curtsying to him.

Lin Yue looked at her, a thousand words welling up on his lips, but he didn't know where to begin.

Seeing this, Kuai Yue slowly stepped forward, reached out and took his arm, her eyes crinkling into a gentle smile: "My lord, I am pregnant."

Lin Yue quickly asked, "How long has it been? Why don't you seem to have any symptoms?"

"It's almost been two months," Kuai Yue said with a smile. "The baby is still small, so it's not showing yet."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue's heart stirred slightly, and he inexplicably began to instruct Kuai Yue on her diet and daily life, telling her what cold herbs she couldn't touch and what chores she couldn't refuse, going on and on for quite a while.

Actually, this is just a case of being too concerned. As the palace's chief pharmacist, Kuai Yue is well-versed in the care of pregnant women, so Lin Yue's meager skills are of no use at all.

However, Kuai Yue did not interrupt, but listened with a smile and agreed to each one.

As they were having a private conversation, Lin Yue suddenly paused, and the smile on her face faded.

Kuai Yue noticed that something was wrong with his expression and asked softly, "What's wrong? Are you too tired from invigilating the imperial examinations for the past few days? Do you want to rest for a while?"

Lin Yue sighed and shook his head, saying, "His Majesty just issued an imperial decree, ordering me to go to the Longjiang Shipyard this afternoon to accompany Zheng He on his mission to Korea."

Now that you are pregnant, you seem less inclined to go. Perhaps I should go and speak with His Majesty to find someone else to send on the mission?

Upon hearing this, Kuai Yue's smile faded, and she repeatedly advised, "What do you mean by that, sir? How can a true man linger in the arms of a woman and neglect the important affairs of the court?"

The month begins with recounting the achievements of the Lin Yue (a political organization), thus offering advice and remonstrance.

"At the beginning of the year, there was a great flood in Jiangnan. You were appointed to a critical mission. You dredged the waterways and built dikes to protect the fields, saving hundreds of thousands of disaster victims. After returning to the capital, you purged the evil people in the city and restored peace to the people. In this provincial examination, you used an iron fist to eliminate corruption. You were not afraid of the powerful and influential, nor did you show favoritism. You protected the justice of the poor scholars in the country."

In my heart, my beloved husband has always been a great hero who is devoted to the people and stands tall and upright.

Now that the court has entrusted you with important matters, and His Majesty trusts you, you should just do it.

I will rest well in the palace and wait for your safe return.

Hearing these words, Lin Yue felt even more ashamed.

He had planned to take advantage of this opportunity to do some earth-shattering things during his mission to North Korea. If he acted too rashly and caused a huge disaster, would he really have a chance to come back and see her and their unborn child?

That's probably unlikely.

Lin Yue fell silent for a moment, no longer speaking.

Seeing this, Kuai Yue stepped forward, opened her arms and gently embraced Lin Yue, intending to comfort him.

Feeling the fragrance and warmth, Lin Yue couldn't help but sigh. No wonder so many emperors in history neglected their duties. Hadn't he, Lin Yue, also become a captive of women?

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. Now that Lin Yue has reached this position, it is basically impossible for him to live a peaceful life.