Chapter 309 - 306: More Aggressive than Fire_1
Before long, Gao Demao, wiping sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, hurried in and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, the ones beating the Dengwen Drum outside Wude Gate are the examinees who failed the recent imperial examination. The examinees claim that this examination was corrupted and beg Your Majesty to give them justice."
The Emperor’s body slightly paused, the irritation in his heart dissipated, and his expression turned serious. "Do the examinees have any evidence?"
"Your Majesty, they have no evidence, but the leader outside is shouting loudly. He says that out of the top ten, seven have already been predetermined as offspring of meritorious families and eunuchs. These seven predetermined are Lu Yuanqing, Lu Yuanbao, Wu Anbang, Zhang Ruohuai, Lin Chaodong, Wang Chengyu, and Chen Zhaolu. They dare not doubt Lu Yuanqing, Lu Yuanbao, and Chen Zhaolu, but Wu Anbang, Zhang Ruohuai, Lin Chaodong, and Wang Chengyu being among the top ten is absolutely impossible!"
Gao Demao glanced at the Emperor’s increasingly darkening face and continued, "The leader also said that before the results of the examination were announced, Wang Chengyu and Lin Chaodong had bought houses in Dadu City, while Wu Anbang had taken up residence at his maternal grandparents’ home. They all purchased large quantities of celebratory goods, hoarded rice to prepare for distributing congee and money."
Lu Yuanqing, Lu Yuanbao, Wu Anbang, Zhang Ruohuai, Lin Chaodong, Wang Chengyu, and Chen Zhaolu. These seven were indeed the seven just mentioned among the top ten!
The Emperor gritted his teeth and asked, "Where are Wen Zhenkang and the other deputy examiners? Have the imperial guards detain them. They must not leave the palace!"
"Yes!" Gao Demao quickly got up and ran out.
Gao Demao, being a senior eunuch close to the Emperor, was not unaware of previous instances of examination corruption. Meritorious families often bribed the chief examiners. Having someone fill in for the exams was not uncommon.