Chapter 274: Literary Talent - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 274: Literary Talent

The person Wen Mengsheng hated most was undoubtedly Yin Canwen.

Before the results were announced, he had been infuriated with his father for several days, thinking that if he couldn’t even manage his own son, what could he manage?

He never expected that after the results were announced, he would realize what his father had been planning all along.

Yin Canwen, no matter how talented you are or how much acclaim you receive, you’re still a defeated opponent under his control! One in the sky, one on the ground—if he proposed marriage in front of the entire Feng family today, they would probably all agree.

After all, he was the top scholar!

With such a bright future ahead, it seemed that the people accompanying Wen Mengsheng were also reckless. They hurriedly knocked on the Feng family’s door.

With their heads held high, they told the gatekeeper, “Tell your master that our young master is here to visit.”

“Who is your young master?”

“The son of the Minister of Personnel, the top scholar of this examination.”

The gatekeeper looked at them disdainfully. Just a top scholar dared to be so arrogant at the Feng family’s doorstep?

Recalling what the second master had instructed, the gatekeeper coldly replied, “Oh, my master said he is not receiving guests today, no matter who comes.”

With that, he slammed the side gate shut, leaving the servant with a face full of dust. How could he tolerate this?

Turning to his master Wen Mengsheng, he saw that Wen Mengsheng’s face was also ashen.

“Hmph, you ungrateful wretches. When this young master proposes marriage next time, I will make sure to make things difficult for you!”

With that, he turned and left.

The servant quickly followed.

They had not gone far when they met someone sent to find them. “Master said there is an urgent matter to discuss with the young master. You should return to the manor immediately.”

Urgent matter?

The results had already been announced; what could make his father so anxious?

Skeptical, Wen Mengsheng returned to the manor. Upon entering, he saw his father pacing back and forth in the study, looking extremely anxious, which made Wen Mengsheng even more puzzled.

“Father, what’s wrong?”

He had become the top scholar, which should have been a cause for celebration. Yet, there were no festive decorations or celebrations, nothing to mark the occasion.

Just as he was speaking, Wen Jingsong turned and slapped him across the face. Wen Mengsheng was stunned.

Covering his face with his hand, he looked at Wen Jingsong with confusion and anger. “Father, what is this about? Have I embarrassed you? I’m the top scholar now!”

The mention of 'top scholar' made Wen Jingsong almost want to slap him again. However, he knew that hitting his son wouldn’t solve anything, so he put his hand down.

“You, I told you long ago not to be so high-profile. Now you’ve taken the top position with Yin Canwen’s name. Do you know how many eyes are watching? One slip, and you’ll expose the truth. When that happens, not just you, but the Wen family and the powerful figures behind us will be implicated! Don’t you understand this?”

Wen Jingsong spoke with great distress.

Wen Mengsheng was even more bewildered upon hearing this. “Father, wasn’t this all arranged by you? I thought you had everything under control!”

Both father and son were not fools. Hearing this, they both looked stunned.

Wen Mengsheng assumed that his father had arranged everything. Since he allowed him to become the top scholar, everything must have been prepared properly, which was why he was so confident.

Wen Jingsong thought that his son had secretly bribed someone to change the names on the exam papers, which was why he was caught off guard.

Neither of them knew that the name had not been changed.

Who could have made the change?

A chill ran through both of them, as if they were standing naked in the icy snow.

“This is bad. Someone must have discovered that we tampered with the exam papers and deliberately changed Yin Canwen’s name to yours. Their goal was to make a big fuss. This means we’re in danger!”

The father and son finally realized they had been set up.

Unfortunately, it was too late!

By the time they reacted and tried to destroy the evidence, Elder Xu had already reported the matter to Emperor Qi.

He held the 'Loyalty and Treachery Whip,' a gift from the late emperor, gleaming with a silver-black shine that commanded attention.

The Loyalty and Treachery Whip was a protective charm given by the late emperor to three people: Elder Xu, Bai Xiang, and Earl Changyi.

Having this whip was like having a get-out-of-jail-free card. No matter what they did, they could avoid death and challenge the emperor or criticize treacherous officials. It was as if the late emperor was still present.

Therefore, when Emperor Qi saw the whip, his expression became serious.

“Elder, why the urgent visit today? And you even brought the Loyalty and Treachery Whip. What has happened?”

“Your Majesty, I am here to seek justice for the humble scholars of the world!”

“Oh? What has happened?”

Everyone knew that Elder Xu came from a humble background.

The fact that he had come to the palace in such a serious manner meant it was no small matter.

Emperor Qi was puzzled until Elder Xu revealed the details of Yin Canwen’s case. Emperor Qi was shocked.

“Old minister wants to accuse Minister of Personnel Wen Jingsong of abusing his power and committing fraud in the imperial examinations. He replaced the exam papers that originally belonged to this scholar with his own son’s name. Now the whole world knows that Wen Jingsong has a top scholar, but they don’t know that this top scholar was obtained through deceit!”

With one sentence, Elder Xu laid out the facts clearly. Emperor Qi was first shocked, then a bit incredulous.

Minister of Personnel, who had been in office for many years without making any mistakes, was unexpectedly bold enough to commit such an outrageous act?

“Elder, this is a serious matter. Do you have evidence?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. Please examine this!”

Elder Xu then presented the exam paper that Yin Canwen had just transcribed.

Emperor Qi unfolded it. His frown eased, and his expression improved significantly. When he saw the impressive passages, he couldn’t help but applaud.

With excitement in his eyes, he said, “Elder, who wrote this essay? The talent and insight are truly exceptional!”

Hearing Emperor Qi’s praise, the three who came to make the accusation felt somewhat relieved.

Elder Xu continued, “Your Majesty, if you were the examiner, what rank would such an essay deserve?”

“Hahaha, Elder, are you testing me? Such talent deserves to be among the top three. Even being the top scholar would be appropriate.”