Han Pei had served in the imperial court for nearly twenty years, presiding over five imperial examinations and selecting countless talented young scholars for the court. When he first took on the role, various factions approached him, attempting to manipulate the rankings.
Han Pei publicly declared, "Either kill me, or the examinations must remain clean!"
This statement quickly spread, earning him the admiration of the common people and the gratitude of the impoverished scholars he selected. Even the Emperor of Chu believed that Han Pei’s integrity had elevated the court’s reputation.
Thus, Han Pei maintained his spotless record as chief examiner for so many years. But just as this year’s metropolitan examination concluded, the Emperor summoned him privately, praising the young Duke of the British Duke’s residence, Tao Jingyu, as exceptionally talented and worthy of great appointment.
The implication was unmistakable—even a fool would understand. This time, the one interfering with the examination rankings was the Emperor himself.
Since ancient times, the roles of ruler and subject had been clearly defined.
If the ruler demanded a subject’s death, the subject had no choice but to comply.
And now, the Emperor wasn’t even asking for Han Pei’s life—just a minor adjustment to the rankings.
After accepting this task, Han Pei lay awake all night.
He made a point to investigate Tao Jingyu’s academic record. The young man was from the prestigious Hanlin North Academy, known for producing top scholars, and ranked first among his peers.
Han Pei thought: Perhaps no manipulation would even be necessary. Tao Jingyu might secure a top-three position on his own merit, or at least rank within the top five.
But he hadn’t anticipated that this year’s candidates would be exceptionally brilliant—without intervention, Tao Jingyu wouldn’t stand a chance.
So, Han Pei abandoned his principles and acted.
When Vice Minister Shao heard this shocking revelation, his heart raced in fear. No wonder Han Pei had claimed that Zong Jincheng’s status was too lofty to suppress—it was never about suppression at all, but an excuse to elevate Tao Jingyu.
From the very beginning… Han Pei had been carrying out the Emperor’s orders in grading the papers.
Unable to bear the weight of this truth, Vice Minister Shao gasped for air and fainted on the spot.
Luo Jingfeng’s temples throbbed with fury. Though Han Pei’s words were a mere statement of fact, to him, they sounded like a threat—a provocation.
He scoffed, crouching down with a cold, disdainful glare. "Then go back and tell our Emperor that if this year’s examination cannot guarantee fairness, I, Luo Jingfeng, will take charge. Let him rest easy in his palace—his loyal subject will personally ensure the selection of worthy talents."
Though Luo Jingfeng referred to himself as a "subject," his tone carried the arrogance of a ruler.
Han Pei stammered, "Y-you… what are you saying? The examinations are under the jurisdiction of Vice Minister Shao and myself. How could you… Luo Jingfeng, have you lost your mind? This is the Emperor’s will! How dare you defy imperial authority?"
He knew military power lay in Luo Jingfeng’s hands.
He knew the Emperor feared the Luo family.
But this empire still bore the Chu name—the Emperor hadn’t yet abdicated to the Luos!
Before Luo Jingfeng could unleash another arrogant retort, Zong Jincheng swiftly tugged him back, smoothing things over: "The Protector Duke acts solely for the sake of fairness in the examinations. How is that defiance? Grand Academician Han, you’d best not slander the Emperor, lest even the common people turn against you."
Zong Jincheng’s words were masterfully diplomatic.
The implication: The Emperor never intended to favor Tao Jingyu—this was all a misunderstanding. Luo Jingfeng’s insistence was for the sake of justice, and he had done no wrong.
Luo Jingfeng snorted, kicking Vice Minister Shao awake and coldly ordering, "Get up. Rewrite the correct rankings. This Duke will ensure fairness for all scholars."
"Y-yes, at once!" Vice Minister Shao scrambled to his feet, tearing up the previously prepared memorial and starting anew.
Han Pei closed his eyes in resignation.
Half an hour later, Luo Jingfeng tossed the revised memorial at Han Pei. "Deliver this to the palace. Let the Emperor see it clearly."
After Han Pei left, Luo Jingfeng supervised Vice Minister Shao as he transcribed the public rankings—the ones to be displayed for all to see. The large calligraphy took time, and Luo Jingfeng grew impatient, summoning General Pang to oversee the task while he took Zong Jincheng home.
Han Pei knelt in the imperial study, his face pale as he recounted the events at the Ministry of Rites. The finalized rankings lay untouched on the Emperor’s desk. Official source is NovєlFіre.net
"This humble official has failed in his duty. I beg Your Majesty to permit my resignation."
The Emperor knew Han Pei well—he wouldn’t resign over such a trivial matter unless forced.
His gaze sharpened. "Did Luo Jingfeng demand this?"
Han Pei lowered his head. "This humble official is incompetent."
The Emperor’s aura turned icy.
Suppressing his fury, he asked, "Why did Luo Jingfeng involve himself in the examinations? His son competed in the military exams, not the civil ones!"
Han Pei replied quietly, "The Protector Duke brought an eleven-year-old boy—likely Qin Ye, the top candidate in the examinations and the second son of Lord Qin. He was the one originally to be replaced by Tao Jingyu."
Not only had the top rank slipped away, but Tao Jingyu hadn’t even secured fourth place.
The Emperor clenched his fists. "I will consider your resignation. You may leave."
With Han Pei gone, the Emperor’s restraint shattered.
He seized an expensive inkstone and hurled it to the ground, relishing the sound of shattering porcelain. Still unsatisfied, he kicked over a half-height vase, the crash echoing through the hall.
"Luo Jingfeng… Luo Jingfeng!" the Emperor roared, his voice thick with hatred. "This treasonous wretch dares defy his sovereign! I will kill him—I swear it!"
Eunuch Huang dropped to his knees. "Your Majesty, please calm yourself!"
Ever since military power had fallen into Luo hands years ago, the Emperor’s temper had grown increasingly volatile. Luo Jingfeng’s relentless provocations only stoked the flames.
Eunuch Huang had a terrible premonition: The Emperor’s patience was wearing thin.
But with only Zong Zhao as a reliable ally—and Zong Zhao yet to reclaim military authority—they stood no chance against the Luo family’s formidable forces.
"I must endure…" The Emperor forced a deep breath, his smile chilling. "Summon Qin Yi'an to the palace. Let us see how bold he is, letting his son cozy up to Luo Jingfeng."
The next day, the examination results were publicly announced.
After Luo Jingfeng’s intervention, the Ministry of Rites released the true rankings. Scholars across the capital flocked to see the lists, the crowds stretching endlessly.
Zong Jincheng, already aware of his own results, had little interest in the spectacle. He rolled his eyes skyward, still resentful that he couldn’t surpass Qin Ye.
Hadn’t Qin Ye once admitted defeat to him?
Was it all a ruse—a ploy to lull others into complacency?