AWB Chapter 109 The Examiner
Chapter 109 The Examiner
The triennial spring imperial examination is the hope of countless candidates.
Therefore, the examiner is also extremely important.
Xie Jinghan became the emperor's first choice.
When the emperor announced the candidates for chief examiner with a smile, the civil and military officials reacted in various ways.
The honest and upright ministers who hoped to use the imperial examination to select more talented people had no objection to this—Xie Jinghan was currently favored by the emperor, had military merits, and had never formed cliques or engaged in corruption over the years, making him the best candidate.
But those with ulterior motives who wanted to manipulate things in secret were thrown into a panic.
Xie Jinghan's name was renowned throughout the entire country and even among the Northern Barbarians.
Some timid and cowardly people's little schemes vanished upon hearing the name Xie Jinghan.
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, observing the expressions on the faces of his court officials, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.
Having wielded great power, he naturally knew the intricacies of the imperial examinations.
But this time, he wanted to select truly talented individuals, the real pillars of society, and naturally he wouldn't allow these aristocratic families to take advantage of the situation.
"All of you may leave." The emperor waved his hand. "Jing Han, you stay."
Eunuch Li stepped forward and hurriedly shouted, "Dismiss the court!"
The ministers left one after another. Duke Wen glanced at Xie Jinghan, who had been left alone by the emperor, and subconsciously straightened his back.
This is his son-in-law!
Xie Jinghan was the only one who could enjoy such a special favor from the emperor.
"Jing Han."
Only the two brothers remained in the hall, and the emperor spoke frankly and directly.
"I hope this year's imperial examination will be completely clean and free from any vested interests."
Xie Jinghan raised his eyes and glanced at the emperor.
There was a glimmer of hope in the emperor's eyes; clearly, he had placed all his hopes on Xie Jinghan.
"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost." Xie Jinghan bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, please rest assured."
"The Liu, Dong, and Gan families should not even think about interfering in this year's imperial examination."
Having spent many years with the emperor, Xie Jinghan naturally understood the emperor's intentions.
Over the years, eight or nine out of ten candidates in the imperial examinations have been students of these three families.
Looking across the entire court, the disciples of the three families occupied almost half of the court. The Liu, Dong, and Gan families had maintained their relationship through marriage for many years, and together they formed a behemoth among the aristocratic families.
The emperor was wary of this and had wanted to eliminate these three families for many years, but their power in the court was so deeply entrenched that it was not easy to shake them.
Since the emperor ascended the throne, he has intended to weaken the power of the three families. From sending Xie Jinghan to the army for training at the beginning to letting Xie Jinghan preside over the imperial examination now, these are all steps the emperor has taken to dismantle the power of the three families.
However, there were many obstacles along the way, and the emperor could only proceed step by step.
Xie Jinghan's attitude was clear and his expression was firm. Seeing this, the emperor couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
“I don’t trust anyone else to handle this matter,” the emperor sighed. “As you know, most of the princes have connections with these powerful families, or they have other maternal families supporting them.”
"No one can preside over this spring imperial examination fairly and impartially." The emperor frowned as he spoke. "After much thought, I have decided that you are the only one I can choose."
"and……"
The emperor had the words on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't say them.
Moreover, Xie Jinghan is the pillar of strength for the military generals. If Xie Jinghan is injured, the first to come after these aristocratic families will be the military generals.
Therefore, even if they wanted to tamper with the imperial examinations, they wouldn't dare to harm Xie Jinghan, since he was in charge of the spring examinations.
"Your Majesty understands." Xie Jinghan had no complaints. "Your Majesty has taken care of me for many years, so it is only natural that I should share your burdens."
“Moreover…” a murderous glint appeared in his eyes, “it’s time to deal with these people.”
Aristocratic families...
The powerful families were his greatest enemies.
The emperor understood Xie Jinghan; with just a glance, he knew what Xie Jinghan was thinking.
He felt a pang of sympathy and comforted her, saying, "We have already avenged Mother. These people are like weeds, you can't kill them all. Even if you kill one aristocratic family, another will take its place."
"Looking across the entire court, only three-tenths come from humble backgrounds," the emperor said helplessly. "Jinghan, even if you were to sit in this position, you would absolutely not be able to do it..."
Suddenly, Xie Jinghan narrowed his peach blossom eyes and glanced behind the curtain.
The emperor felt a tremor in his heart upon noticing his actions.
"Who's there?"
The emperor shouted coldly, and Eunuch Li, who was outside the door, rushed inside.
Behind the curtain, an unfamiliar palace maid held a candlestick, her face pale and trembling.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, spare my life!"
She seemed to only then notice the emperor's cold gaze, and in a flash, she knelt on the ground.
"Drag down."
The emperor glanced at her only once before beckoning her over.
At this time, everyone in the Taiji Hall was cleared out, even the shadow guards left on their own. But this palace maid stayed behind, clearly to eavesdrop.
Xie Jinghan didn't even glance at the palace maids. He simply said, "It seems that this Taiji Palace of Your Majesty is not a safe place either."
Upon hearing this, the emperor said helplessly, "These past few days, the empress has been busy with the trivial matters of the inner palace and has come to see me less often. As a result, the palace servants who serve her have become unruly."
"I'm afraid it's not that he's ambitious," Xie Jinghan scoffed. "It's that the spies that the various concubines have planted in the Taiji Palace can't hold back any longer."
The emperor rubbed his temples and said, "I have said before that the position of crown prince should be held by the most capable person."
"I never said that the position of Crown Prince could only be held by my sons..."
"Your Majesty, be careful what you say!" Xie Jinghan shouted, interrupting the emperor.
The emperor sighed: "You are still so cautious, but you understand my thoughts."
"Even though I understand, I am unwilling to do it." Xie Jinghan said with a cold face, "I have never had any desire for this position. Your Majesty should focus on nurturing the Seventh Prince. When the Seventh Prince grows up, he may be more useful than these princes."
"Very well, very well." Seeing his sharp tone, the emperor stopped himself from saying the rest of his words. "Do whatever you want."
"However, it will probably take you a few more years of hard work as the imperial uncle until the seventh prince grows up," the emperor said with a smile. "When he heard that you were attending court today, he specially asked me to let him come and see you."
"He wants to go out of the palace with you. Last time you took him out, you really got his heart set on the wild." The emperor shook his head teasingly. "He's waiting for you outside."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jinghan's usually expressionless face showed a rare hint of helplessness.
"it is good."
Under the emperor's gaze, he still responded.
Xie Jinghan suddenly thought of Wen Shuyao, who was still at the Prince's Mansion. Just as he was about to leave Taiji Hall, he suddenly asked, "How about taking her to the Prince's Mansion?"
The emperor was taken aback, then laughed.
"Getting a wife really changes things."