Chapter 272: The Truth - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 272: The Truth

Failing the exam? This is outrageous!

“Is Young Master Yin still at the residence?”

“Yes.”

“What do you plan to do about it?”

“Father, I see this as an opportunity. If we aim to rise above, we must be willing to take risks that others might avoid. So, I plan to bring this matter to the Emperor’s attention. Regardless of any schemes the Wen family might have, we need to expose them to the light of day!”

Bai Chaohai was no longer the cautious person he used to be.

By exposing the matter, he aimed not only to bring justice to Yin Canwen but also to reveal the Wen family’s wrongdoing and pave a path for his own advancement.

He had good intentions, but Bai Xiang remained silent.

“Father, do you think I’m wrong?”

Seeing his father’s serious expression, Bai Chaohai was concerned he might be acting rashly and quickly asked for his father’s opinion.

Bai Xiang, however, had other thoughts.

Based on his years of experience in the government, he suspected that the Wen family might have been framed.

Otherwise, Wen Jingsong, even if he were clueless, would not have acted so recklessly to elevate his son.

But who could be behind this scheme?

Why was Yin Canwen’s exam paper swapped without anyone noticing? Which part of the examination process— the Ministry of Personnel, the cabinet, or the Ministry of Rites— went wrong? If it was indeed the Wen family, who else might be involved?

How many powerful figures in the court could be entangled in this?

So many questions lingered in his mind.

He wanted his son to advance, but if this led to turmoil in the court, everything would need to be handled carefully.

“Tell me everything about the review process from beginning to end.”

“Understood.”

Bai Chaohai didn’t know what his father was thinking, so he recounted everything he had seen and felt, including the attitudes of the reviewers during the reexamination and his speculations.

As Bai Xiang listened, he grew more troubled.

The process was supposed to be meticulous and error-free. How could it lead to Yin Canwen’s failure?

After a moment of silence, Bai Xiang said to Bai Chaohai, “Go immediately to Elder Xu’s home and report this matter to him in detail. Bring Young Master Yin along. He values talent highly, especially scholars from humble backgrounds. If he learns of this, he might be furious. His reaction could be more useful than yours.”

“Father, you are indeed thoughtful. I will take Yin Canwen with me right away!”

With those words, Bai Chaohai left Bai Xiang’s study and hurried back to the study.

The four of them were still waiting, confused and at a loss. Bai Chaohai approached Yin Canwen directly.

“Young Master Yin, what I am about to say might be shocking. Are you prepared?”

Yin Canwen was puzzled. What could be wrong with his essay? Why was there such a statement?

Seeing Bai Chaohai’s serious demeanor, he swallowed hard to ease his anxiety and replied.

“Lord Bai, what exactly is going on?”

Bai Chaohai did not answer directly but looked at the other three with a serious expression.

“You are all grown up now, and it’s not appropriate to keep family matters separate, so listen carefully. However, you must not disclose what I am about to say. Otherwise, it could harm both others and yourselves. Understand?”

Feng Jinyao, who knew the stakes, reassured Bai Dalang.

“Uncle, don’t worry. We are not gossipers. We understand what should and should not be said!”

“That’s right. Uncle, please go ahead,” Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyan agreed.

Seeing that everyone was prepared, Bai Chaohai began.

“Young Master Yin’s essay was confirmed as the top paper in our review, but now, inexplicably, it has failed, and the top spot went to a son of the Wen family!”

“What!”

The four of them were shocked.

Feng Jinyao, however, was acting. She was fully aware of the outcome, as she had orchestrated it herself.

But it was not appropriate for her to stand out, so she feigned surprise.

Bai Siruo and Feng Jinlin were genuinely surprised, while Yin Canwen’s emotions were mixed.

He was shocked but not entirely surprised.

He was angry but unsure how to express it.

He felt powerless, finding the outcome even harder to accept than simply failing.

For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond.

Bai Chaohai seized the opportunity and said to him.

“Young Master Yin, if you wish to fight for your future, then come with me to see Elder Xu. With his support, he can certainly advocate for you. But if you fear offending powerful figures and prefer not to risk your future, then you may pretend this incident never happened and try again next year.”

He did not force him.

Seeking imperial redress was not something everyone could handle.

If one’s resolve was not strong enough, the imperial wrath might be counterproductive.

Everyone waited for Yin Canwen to make his decision.

Feng Jinyao’s earnest gaze toward him led to some misunderstandings.

She naturally hoped Yin Canwen would go, as it would bring the Wen family’s downfall closer. But Yin Canwen interpreted Feng Jinyao’s support as genuine concern.

Feeling supported, he couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

Resolutely, he said to Bai Chaohai.

“Lord Bai, please take me to see Elder Xu. I am willing to bear all consequences!”

“Very well!”

Before leaving, Feng Jinlin patted Yin Canwen on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry. If you need us to testify for you, just have the Emperor summon us. Justice will prevail, and what’s yours will be yours. No one can take it away!”

Moved by his friends’ strong support, Yin Canwen felt deeply grateful.

For the kindness shown by the Feng family and for his own future, no matter how difficult the path, he was not afraid!

With firm steps, he headed towards the door, the clattering of the carriage sounding like the Wen family’s death knell, striking fear into the hearts of all.

Meanwhile, the Wen family sensed impending doom.

Wen Jingsong returned home from court and saw festive decorations and firecrackers everywhere. Everyone was in high spirits.

He knew without guessing that the exam results had been released.

He was naturally pleased that his son had made the list with his own talent.

But was such a mediocre result worth this grand celebration?

He stopped someone and asked, “Where is the young master?”

“Sir, the young master just left. He said he wanted to invite people over to celebrate. Our family has a top scholar now, and we must celebrate properly!”

“Top scholar!”

This was the most terrifying phrase Wen Jingsong had ever heard, like a death warrant echoing in his mind.

How could it be a top scholar? Shouldn’t it have been Yin Canwen?

He grabbed the servant’s arm tightly, his grip and expression so alarming that the servant was terrified.