Chapter 503: 253 Abusing Scum_4 Chapter 503: 253 Abusing Scum_4 To be evenly matched is acceptable?
Sir Zhuang knitted his eyebrows, seemed to think of something, and asked, “What about the Marquis Xuanping? It appears he has taken a liking to this boy?”
The Minister of Honglu Temple said, “Sir Zhuang, you seemed to overlook Xiao Liulang’s appearance.”
Sir Zhuang was puzzled and asked, “What’s wrong with him?”
Is it because he is good-looking, so Marquis Xuanping took a fancy to him? Although Marquis Xuanping is amorous, he isn’t particularly taken with men.
The Minister of Honglu Temple explained, “He resembles the late young marquis. I was somewhat shocked when I first saw him. Perhaps Marquis Xuanping took a liking to him because of that.”
Sir Zhuang sneered, “Did he find someone who looks like his deceased son to replace him?”
His Majesty is inclined to suppress the Zhuang family. If someone is indeed on par with Prince An, His Majesty is not likely to choose Prince An as the top candidate. Also, before today, His Majesty was not likely to select Xiao Liulang.
Xiao Liulang’s background is too poor. If he becomes too prominent, it will only provoke envy. If the Emperor truly cherishes Xiao Liulang, he would not give the top exam honor to him.
His Majesty would appoint another person as the top candidate. If the ministers object, His Majesty would then present Xiao Liulang’s test paper, asking how Xiao, despite such performance, didn’t come first, much less Prince An?
As for the top candidate’s test paper, His Majesty would not let anyone see it.
This is the court; this is the Exam Site!
But, Marquis Xuanping has intervened.
He is letting everyone know that he is protecting Xiao Liulang, and anyone who attempts to harm Xiao will have to consider the consequences.
Sooner or later, this matter will reach His Majesty’s ears. Once His Majesty knows that Xiao Liulang has powerful support, he won’t worry about his future.
A cold glint flashed in Sir Zhuang’s eyes, “This boy is ingratiating himself with my grandson on one hand and with Marquis Xuanping on the other. He’s playing both sides! The person I detest the most is the type who is a traitor at heart!”
Five days later, all the examination papers were graded.
The top twenty were placed in a box by the Minister of Ceremonial and were taken to the Emperor.
The Emperor was at Jinluan Hall, which was not too far away.
However, halfway there, the Minister of Ceremonial ran into Marquis Xuanping, who was heading the other way.
The Minister of Ceremonial was slightly taken aback, wondering why Marquis Xuanping was coming to the palace so early in the morning. Wasn’t he notorious for lying-in?
With a slight smile on his handsome face, Marquis Xuanping politely asked, “Minister of Ceremonial, where are you going?”
The Minister of Ceremonial replied, “I am delivering the examination papers to His Majesty.”
“Ah, they are ready?” Marquis Xuanping’s eyes darted towards the box holding the papers.
The Minister of Ceremonial stepped back and frowned, “Marquis Xuanping! What are you trying to do!”
Marquis Xuanping smiled lightly, “I’m checking to see whether you have tinkered with the grading.”
The Minister of Ceremonial narrowed his eyes, “What nonsense are you spouting? We are all examiners appointed by His Majesty. Who would dare to act dishonestly, risking beheading?”
Marquis Xuanping replied, “I’m afraid that some people aren’t afraid of the consequences.”
“Who do you suggest does not fear the consequences?” Sir Zhuang casually walked over.
Marquis Xuanping turned around, looked at Sir Zhuang with a smirk, “Ah, Sir Zhuang is here.”
The Minister of Ceremonial bowed, “Sir Zhuang.”
Sir Zhuang nodded in return, and then addressed Marquis Xuanping, “Does Marquis Xuanping have any dissatisfaction with Minister Li? Or are you dissatisfied with the Cabinet? Or even His Majesty?”
Marquis Xuanping gave off a light smile, “Don’t attach too much significance to this. I simply want to see whether these examination papers have been tampered with.”
Only Marquis Xuanping would dare to question the Cabinet publicly.
Sir Zhuang chuckled, “If Marquis Xuanping is suspicious, then he may as well look himself.”
The Minister of Ceremonial looked at Sir Zhuang with surprise. Sir Zhuang said, “I believe Marquis Xuanping won’t tinker with the candidates’ papers himself. Minister Li, you should let Marquis Xuanping take a look. If anything arises, I will take responsibility.”
At that point, the Minister of Ceremonial had no choice but to let Marquis Xuanping look at the papers.
Marquis Xuanping opened the box, flipped through every test paper. They were name-sealed, but he recognized Xiao Liulang’s handwriting, having observed it privately quite a few times.
He saw Xiao Liulang’s exam paper.
Sir Zhuang looked at the same paper, then turned to Marquis Xuanping, and sneered, “Any problem?”
Marquis Xuanping fixed Sir Zhuang with a penetrating gaze.
Unperturbed, Sir Zhuang said, “If there is nothing wrong, these exam papers should be delivered to His Majesty soon. His Majesty is waiting to review them.”
Marquis Xuanping put down the paper. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze full of suspicion lingered on Sir Zhuang.