bullyxtreme Chapter 134 Zhao 2's Poisonous Scheme
Chapter 134 Zhao 2's Poisonous Scheme
Chapter 134 Zhao Er's Poisonous Scheme
"Who are you?"
"My name is Shi Zaixi, and I am a staff member under the Marquis of Taiyuan." Shi Zaixi bowed leisurely.
"The Marquis of Taiyuan—" Zhang Quhua murmured, then suddenly grabbed Shi Zaixi's arms, staring intently at him: "You mean, there really was a hidden reason why I failed the exam, right! I knew it—I knew it!"
Seeing Zhang Quhua's seemingly crazed state, Shi Zaixi frowned slightly, but still patiently said, "Brother Xinchen, it's not convenient to discuss this in detail here. If you really want to know the truth, why don't you come with me?"
After saying that, he broke free from Zhang Quhua's hands and turned to leave.
Watching Shi Zaixi's retreating figure, Zhang Quhua's expression changed several times, a hint of ferocity flashing in his eyes, before he followed after him.
He needs to know the truth!
Hearing footsteps behind him, Shi Zaixi's lips curled up slightly, and he led him into Zhao Guangyi's study.
In the study, Zhao Guangyi stood by the window, his back to the two men, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
"Reporting to the Marquis, Zhang Quhua has brought this message." Shi Zaixi bowed and reported.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi turned around, looked at Zhang Quhua with gentle eyes, and exclaimed, "I have long heard of Zhang Xinchen of Sui County, who has the demeanor of a man of great talent and prestige. It is truly my great honor to meet him today."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Quhua showed no other emotion, only staring intently at Zhao Guangyi: "Please, Marquis of Taiyuan, tell me the truth!"
"Do you really want to know?" Zhao Guangyi sighed. "Brother Xinchen, I still advise you not to be so shrewd. You should know that some things are better left unsaid."
These words made Zhang Quhua even more anxious. He couldn't help but step forward, bow deeply, and say, "My failure in the examination concerns my future; how could I be ignorant of it! I implore the Marquis of Taiyuan to give me a clear understanding!"
"Never mind, never mind—"
Zhao Guangyi sighed repeatedly, his face full of helplessness. He looked at Shi Zaixi and said, "Go and bring the person here."
"Yes, sir." Shi Zaixi accepted the order and left. Before long, he returned to his study with a secretary from the Ministry of Rites.
The official from the Ministry of Rites bowed deeply to Zhao Guangyi, but Zhao Guangyi waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities. Now, tell me the whole story of why Zhang Quhua failed the imperial examination."
"Yes," the official from the Ministry of Rites stood up and asked Zhang Xinchen, "Does your policy proposal aim to revive the style of the Song Dynasty by adopting the systems of the Han and Tang dynasties?"
"Exactly!" Zhang Quhua stared intently at the doctor.
"That's it." The official from the Ministry of Rites nodded knowingly and said, "Your policy essay was truly excellent, and you should have been ranked first on the list of successful candidates. However, just before the list was posted, the Prince of Wugong saw your exam paper and immediately said that although this person was very talented, he was not suitable for the position."
"And so, your name had to be removed from the list."
As soon as the official from the Ministry of Rites finished speaking, Zhang Quhua trembled violently and blurted out incredulously, "Is that really so?"
"With the Prefect before me, I dare not deceive you." The Vice Minister of Rites bowed to Zhao Guangyi.
"Why does the Prince have such a prejudice against me?!" Zhang Quhua asked urgently again.
"Let me ask you, do you have any grudge against Zhou Wei?"
"Yes."
"That must be it. Zhou Wei is a trusted confidant of the Prince of Wugong. In the past, he even killed the envoy of the Imperial Examination Hall because of him. Zhou Wei must have said something to the Prince to make him do this."
"So that's how it is, so that's how it is—" Upon hearing this, Zhang Quhua staggered back two steps, then laughed bitterly, "I even wanted to beat the drum and petition the emperor, but in the end it was all just a joke, laughable, laughable indeed!"
"Brother Xinchen, don't ruin your health!" Seeing this, Zhao Guangyi waved away the official from the Ministry of Rites and then quickly helped Zhang Quhua sit down.
Zhang Quhua just kept shaking his head: "I hate it! I hate it so much! I, Zhang Xinchen, was born to be the top scholar, but because of a lowly commoner, I have suffered such injustice!!"
"The world is going to the dogs! The world is going to the dogs!" Zhang Quhua said, bursting into tears.
When it comes to a bright future, no one can remain indifferent.
"It's such a pity that Xinchen's talent has been wasted." Zhao Guangyi shook his head repeatedly, his expression regretful. "It's a shame that I have no power in the court and cannot clear Brother Xinchen's name!"
"This matter is not the fault of the Marquis, but rather the fault of that Prince of Wugong, who is so blind!" Zhang Quhua stood up angrily. "No, this matter cannot be left unresolved. I will appeal to the Emperor and report this injustice!"
"Brother Xinchen, you mustn't!" Zhao Guangyi exclaimed in alarm. "The Prince of Wugong is deeply trusted by the Emperor and wields great power. If you act rashly, you risk implicating your family!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Quhua trembled, then slumped back down, his eyes lifeless: "So I've suffered this injustice for nothing—"
Suddenly, as if remembering something, he jolted awake, looked up at Zhao Guangyi, and knelt down with a thud, his eyes filled with a desperate plea: "I beg the Marquis of Taiyuan to help me!"
"this----"
Zhao Guangyi's face immediately showed a troubled expression.
"Brother Xinchen, you are unaware of the truth. It's not that the Marquis is unwilling to help you, but rather that he is powerless to do so," Shi Zaixi interjected at the opportune moment. "In the current court, the Prince of Wugong almost holds absolute power and enjoys His Majesty's deep trust. Even the Marquis can only temporarily avoid his wrath; how dare he speak out?"
Zhao Guangyi sighed, his face bitter, and turned away, as if he felt ashamed to face Zhang Quhua.
"With treacherous officials in power, in my opinion, the Song Dynasty is doomed!"
Zhang Quhua froze, his heart sinking to the bottom. After a bitter laugh, he stood up with a dejected look on his face and dragged himself away.
"Brother Nobuomi! Wait!"
Just then, Zhao Guangyi suddenly spoke.
Zhang Quhua stopped walking but did not turn around.
"Brother Xinchen's words have reminded me that the current emperor has been deceived, and treacherous officials are in power. Our Great Song Dynasty is in imminent danger, and we cannot sit idly by!"
Zhao Guangyi's words carried a hint of resolve and righteousness. He stared intently at Zhang Quhua's retreating figure, as if he had made up his mind: "Brother Xinchen, I have a way that can not only clear your name but also restore the glory of our Great Song Dynasty!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Quhua turned around abruptly and knelt down again with a thud: "I beg the Marquis to instruct me!"
"Brother Xinchen, there's no need for this. It's my duty to continually hand over the fate of our Great Song Dynasty to a mere child!"
Zhao Guangyi stepped forward to help Zhang Quhua up, then lowered his voice and said, "But given the current situation, I cannot openly oppose the Prince of Wugong. Even if I help Brother Xinchen, he cannot mention my name, otherwise our great undertaking will be difficult to accomplish!"
"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I, Zhang Xinchen, am not one to forget kindness!" Zhang Quhua said firmly. "If I can avenge this wrong, I, Xinchen, will not hesitate to sacrifice my life!"
He knew that since Zhao Guangyi had said so, this method must be extremely risky and unconventional!
"I have faith in your noble character and integrity."
Zhao Guangyi bowed to Zhang Quhua, then leaned close to his ear and slowly said, "At that time, you only need to—leave the rest to me."
Zhang Quhua was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
But then a hint of ruthlessness appeared on his face, and he gritted his teeth as he replied, "Rest assured, Your Excellency! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi patted Zhang Quhua heavily on the shoulder, his face showing satisfaction.
Several days later, the palace examination was held as scheduled.
In front of the Donghua Gate of the Imperial Palace, an open area was enclosed by a vermilion wooden fence, guarded by dozens of armed imperial guards. Only one person was allowed to enter, where a gatekeeper inspected the examination papers.
The more than one hundred candidates were all dressed in white cloth turbans, white cloth shirts, and black cloth shoes.
-
Zhou Wei stood behind the other candidates, took out his examination certificate from his bag, and was only allowed to enter after the gatekeeper carefully examined it.
Upon arriving at the Hall of Heroes, guards lined up in front of them to block their way. One of the guards raised his hand to signal the candidates to move to the right.
There is a long corridor along the right wall, and at the end of the corridor is a large room for lodging. Candidates must first go into that room to have their identities checked.
Zhou Wei followed the procession inside. There were a dozen or so guards, divided into several rows, who searched each person's bags and clothes. Apart from the Four Treasures of the Study, nothing else was allowed to be brought in.
Not only were the items thoroughly searched, but the guards also ordered the candidates to strip naked and check their skin for any tattoos or writing.
After going through this rigorous screening process, Zhou Wei was finally allowed to enter the Hall of Heroes.
In front of the main hall, there were two sets of tables and chairs, and Lu Duoxun and Xue Juzheng were already seated.
Zhou Wei looked into the hall and vaguely saw a tall, imposing figure on the dragon throne.
"Is that the current emperor?"
Just then, a drumbeat sounded in front of the main hall, and a civil official stood on the steps, loudly announcing: "The imperial examination of the second year of the Jianlong era of the Great Song Dynasty begins!"
"Candidates must not impersonate others, bring in any books, sit according to the list, change their seats without permission, answer the questions silently, or transmit answers remotely—the questions for this exam were personally composed by the Emperor."
After the prohibitions were read aloud, the clerk began to read the examination questions: "I have examined the laws of former kings and sought to emulate their will, but their virtues are not comparable. I have always considered the greatness of the imperial regalia, which cannot be manipulated or seized. Therefore, I govern it with the Way, rising early and retiring late—"
Just as the clerk was reading the exam questions, a eunuch suddenly rushed into the hall, came to the dragon throne, bowed and said something.
Then, Zhou Wei saw the imposing Song emperor stand up, turn around, and leave.
"Perhaps there is an urgent matter that requires the Emperor's decision—"
Many students guessed in this way.
After the emperor left, the clerk continued reading: "If it is feasible, then follow it; otherwise, reform it. This is a matter of expediency and suitability for the times. In terms of principle, it is neither harmful nor beneficial. However, since the most urgent matter is this, the opportunity to reform and bring benefits should be seized today. Minister Zi, please speak to me in court and do not conceal anything—"
"Was it you who, with your death, remonstrated with the chief examiner of the imperial examinations, Lu Duoxun, for his unfair treatment and hidden selfish motives?"
Zhao Kuangyin, who rushed to the Chuigong Hall, looked coldly at Zhang Quhua, who was kneeling on the ground.
Since it concerned Zhao'er's new imperial examination policy, he naturally attached great importance to it, which is why he rushed over.
"Your Majesty, it is indeed I, Zhang Quhua, who was prostrate on the ground, trembling slightly but forcing himself to remain calm as he replied."
Zhao Kuangyin didn't look at him anymore, but turned to Fan Zhi beside him: "Lord Fan, tell me what happened."
Fan Zhi bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, this is Zhang Quhua, son of Zhang Yi and nephew of Zhang Hang. He is known as the foremost scholar. During the Xiande era of the previous dynasty, he presented the 'Ode to the Southern Expedition' to Emperor Shizong, who appreciated his talent and appointed him as the chief clerk of the Censorate. Later, he resigned and returned to his hometown to devote himself to learning. He only recently returned to Kaifeng to participate in the imperial examination."
"But this morning, he came to my residence, claiming that he had been wronged in the imperial examination and asked me to appeal to the Emperor that the chief examiner, Lu Duoxun, had acted unfairly and deprived him of his top spot."
"I was an old friend of the Zhang brothers in the past, so I know that their family has strict discipline. Moreover, seeing that they are willing to risk their lives to remonstrate, I dare not neglect them, so I have come to report to Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin frowned slightly and looked at Zhang Quhua: "Do you have any concrete evidence?"
"Your Majesty, this young man's exam paper is proof enough!"
With that, Zhang Quhua presented his poems and essays, which he had memorized, with both hands: "This is my examination paper for the provincial examination. Your Majesty will know its contents upon a glance."
Zhao Kuangyin nodded slightly, and Zhang Dejun then handed over the examination paper.
When Zhao Kuangyin unfolded the paper, his brows furrowed even more. With his knowledge, he could naturally tell that the exam paper was exceptionally well-written. In the past, it would have been enough to secure at least one place among the top three scholars.
He put away the exam paper without having it verified, assuming the person wouldn't dare to cheat. After a moment's thought, he asked, "This paper only proves your talent, but it's not enough to prove Lu Duoxun was unfair. Why are you so sure it was him?"
Zhang Quhua rambled on, saying, "Your Majesty, when I was drinking, I overheard a drunken official from the Ministry of Rites saying that I was originally supposed to be at the top of the list, but Lu Duoxun accepted a gift from Yang Li, and since I have a long-standing feud with Yang Li, Lu Duoxun crossed my name off the list."
"Do you remember who that official in the Ministry of Rites was?"
"I remember, it is indeed Liu Rang, the physician."
"Go, bring this person here."
Not long after, the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites who had appeared in the Taiyuan County was brought over by the Imperial Guards.
Zhao Kuangyin then had Zhang Quhua repeat what he had said earlier, and then asked in a cold voice, "Is this matter true?"
"I dare not deceive Your Majesty; what Young Master Zhang said is indeed true!"
"How did you find out?"
"Your Majesty," Liu Rang began, "after I finished my duty that day, I suddenly remembered that I had left the osmanthus cake I brought for my wife at the yamen. So I hurried back, and just as I arrived outside, I happened to see Scholar Lu with someone looking through exam papers." He continued, "I was about to leave when I overheard their conversation. The man said that this must be Zhang Quhua's exam paper." Then I saw Scholar Lu give a soft reply. Knowing I had overheard something I shouldn't have, I dared not linger and hastily departed.
"It was only when the list was posted later that I learned that the person was Yang Li, who was at the top of the list."
"Since you knew about this all along, why didn't you report it!" Zhao Kuangyin said angrily.
"Your Majesty, I dare not report this!" Liu Rang hurriedly knelt on the ground. "I know that Scholar Lu is a confidant of the Prince of Wugong, how could I dare to offend him?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's face darkened, and he fell silent, tapping his fingers incessantly on the imperial desk.
He didn't detect any flaws in their conversation.
Everything seemed reasonable. According to the examination papers, Zhang Quhua did indeed have the talent to be the top scholar, and what the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites said was also reasonable.
For a moment, he couldn't help but wonder if his son had misjudged people and mistakenly trusted the corrupt official.
He thought for a moment, but instead of immediately ordering Lu Duoxun to be arrested, he commanded, "Go, summon Prince Wugong to the palace!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Quhua felt a chill run down his spine, took a deep breath, and showed a resolute expression.
He knew that the most crucial moment had arrived!
Despite his elaborate schemes, his aim was certainly not to frame Ludovin.
From beginning to end, his target was Zhao Dezhao!
A moment later, Zhao Dezhao, who was still supervising the martial arts academy outside the city, was summoned to the palace. But just as he stepped into the Chuigong Hall, a sudden change occurred!
At first, when Zhang Quhua heard footsteps behind him, he subconsciously turned around and glanced at Zhao Dezhao. That one glance made his expression change drastically!
Then, he trembled all over, and pointed a shaky finger at Zhao Dezhao, his eyes filled with fear, as if he had seen something indescribably terrifying. Looking at Zhao Dezhao approaching, he stammered, "Demon—monster!"
After saying that, his eyes rolled back, as if he had been frightened, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Zhao Dezhao was stunned.
Zhao Kuangyin was also slightly taken aback, and his face immediately darkened.
>