Chapter 2003 - 2005: The Government Office Issues a Notice

Chapter 2003: Chapter 2005: The Government Office Issues a Notice

Three days later, the streets and alleys of the Capital City were abuzz with discussions about one thing—the collusion between Yang Ming and the Proctor.

"Let me tell you, I have a relative in the government office, insider news, do you want to hear it?"

"Stop keeping us in suspense."

"My relative said that Yang Ming from Shanshi County really did collude with the Proctor. It’s said that he brought things into the examination hall, was taken away midway, and bribed the Proctor with silver. Prince Si looked into the case, and both the Proctor and Yang Ming confessed."

"Oh my, this matter is actually true! I told you, it’s said that Yang Ming’s family is just a farming household—how could they have anyone influential? All they can do is use silver."

"I really didn’t expect this. Of all the things to do, pulling tricks in the examination hall—Yang Ming is done for now, probably won’t be able to take another exam in his lifetime."

"..."

"..."

This insider news spread, even before the government office had released any information, and the citizens of the Capital City all believed it. The rumors grew more outlandish as they spread, escalating from impeachment of just Yang Ming to impeaching everyone from Shanshi County.

The implication was that Yang Ming had tarnished the reputation of the people of Shanshi County, unable to rely on true capabilities like people from other places. It was believed that other scholars from Shanshi County were not knowledgeable, and people from there had character issues—talk suggesting they shouldn’t be interacted with, and so on.

Such statements infuriated other examinees from Shanshi County, especially those who knew Yang Ming and understood his character.

"Stop uttering nonsense, the government office hasn’t even said anything yet. Spreading bad gossip behind people’s backs is truly wrong, you should speak with caution."

This statement immediately drew dissatisfaction from many, "Oh, here’s someone speaking up for Yang Ming. Who are you to him? Could it be you’re from Shanshi County?"

"Look at him, probably so, huh, definitely the same type as Yang Ming, doing such disgraceful things. Truly embarrassing, there’s nothing more to say, you people from Shanshi County should be stripped of the right to take exams."

"Yes, let them learn their lesson."

"..."

"..."

Such words enraged the person defending Yang Ming, whose face turned red as he indignantly said, "There are all kinds of people, you can’t judge all of us from Shanshi County based on one person. Besides, many of us know Yang Ming’s character well; he couldn’t possibly have done such a thing. There must be some misunderstanding in this case, and the government office hasn’t concluded their investigation yet. You’d better wait until they do before speaking."

"Hah, what are you arguing for? This matter is already confirmed; Yang Ming did it."

At this moment, someone outside shouted, "The government office has issued an announcement about the collusion between Yang Ming and the Proctor. Everyone can go to the government office to see."

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped arguing and rushed to the front of the government office.

After all, there’s no use arguing now—the announcement is out, the answers will soon be revealed. It’s not too late to debate afterward. If this is true, Shanshi County will be greatly disgraced; if not, it will restore Shanshi County’s name.

By this time, the entrance to the government office was already so crowded that not a single drop of water could pass through.

Aside from the current batch of examinees, there were citizens from the Capital City there too. The citizens tend to be like this—thoroughly engrossed in matters unrelated to themselves, always gravitating towards trouble, otherwise, this matter wouldn’t have spread to such an extent.

"Hey, what does the announcement say?"