With this thought, he didn't even bother to glance at Wen Yuwei again, and directly spoke.
"Accusing your own uncle, Miss Wen's act of righteousness over kinship is indeed formidable. However, the Wen family protected you in the past, and now you bite back. Looking at your conduct, you are clearly an ungrateful wretch. Since that is the case, there is no need for you to remain in the capital as an eyesore. Return to your hometown, and for three generations, no scholar shall emerge from the Wen family! Lest I be annoyed by the sight!"
Upon hearing this judgment, Wen Yuwei felt as if half her spirit had been drained. Three generations forbidden from producing scholars essentially severed any possibility of the Wen family moving upward.
If her brother knew of this outcome, would he go mad?
But from another perspective, Emperor Qi's actions were indeed sparing their lives. Otherwise, given the future crimes the Wen family would commit, the outcome would be far from good.
Thus, she could only prostrate herself on the ground and say, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."
Elder Xu was not surprised at all by Wen Yuwei's fate.
Wen Yuwei's collusion with Emperor Qi's son to set a trap for a minister – anyone could see the purpose.
His current crisis was also normal.
After all, Prince Ding had made arrangements. In this way, Prince Ke would naturally bear the brunt of the fire, and they only needed to send the results of their previous investigations to Bai Dalang or Feng Jinxu to ensure that scholars from humble backgrounds across the land received their due fairness.
Those who used backdoors and money, the noble families, would not escape this ordeal.
Just as he was contemplating how to deal with them, he heard Emperor Qi speak again.
"As for scholar Yin, go home and await the result. Once everything is clear, what is rightfully yours will not be lacking."
He paused, and before Yin Canwen could speak, he continued,
"However, the Feng family has produced a good one. Feng Jinlin, step forward."
Everyone looked at him curiously. Feng Er also found it strange, but maintained a dignified demeanor.
Seeing this, Emperor Qi felt even more that these two sons of the Feng family were excellent. One was unyielding, most suitable for a place like the Dali Temple, and the other was spirited and full of youthful vigor, precisely at the age of a young man. Unconsciously, it always reminded him of his own youthful impetuosity.
Thus, he said, "You do not fear power and are very intelligent and alert. It seems you have learned much from Prime Minister Bai. Since this is the case, you shall be appointed as the third-place scholar. I have my eye on you, young man, do not disappoint me."
Emperor Qi's smiling face made it impossible for anyone to question his words. Many people were secretly contemplating how fortunate this second young master Feng was to be personally appointed as the third-place scholar, and with the backing of the Feng and Bai families, his future prospects would undoubtedly be boundless.
However, such glory, while a good thing in the eyes of others, was not so in the eyes of the Feng family.
Since ancient times, the third-place scholars were often favored by imperial princesses and county princesses, and taken as sons-in-law.
He had finally managed to avoid one, Princess Changlin. If a few more princesses came along, what would become of his official career?
So he immediately knelt and said, "I implore Your Majesty to retract your decree. I know my own abilities well. This position of third-place scholar is not something I can fulfill. If you truly wish to bestow a reward upon me, why not grant me freedom in marriage? That way, my father and mother will not constantly pressure me at home, which gives me a headache."
"Bold! How dare you speak so flippantly before His Majesty?"
Feng Hai, having served in the court for many years, heard such childish words on the court for the first time. Fearing Emperor Qi's displeasure, he immediately begged for forgiveness.
To his surprise, Emperor Qi not only did not get angry but burst into laughter.
Perhaps it was because Feng Jinlin's thoughts were amusing, or perhaps he had guessed his inner thoughts, but regardless of the reason, Emperor Qi's affection for Feng Jinlin was evident.
"You are destined to be the third-place scholar. I am the Son of Heaven, and my imperial will, once issued, cannot be changed lightly. As for the matter of marriage you mentioned, it is also granted to you, but only if the other party agrees. Do you understand?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your benevolence. Jinlin will remember it in his heart!"
At this moment, Emperor Qi was as amiable as a family elder, not only showing a kind expression but also being very accommodating.
No one present understood why he was so amiable and doting towards the second young master Feng, whom he had met for the first time. The position of third-place scholar was given, and freedom in marriage was also granted. In this regard, it was a great heavenly grace.
It even overshadowed Yin Canwen, the future top scholar, standing nearby.
Yin Canwen felt a pang of loneliness, but from the bottom of his heart, he was happy for Feng Er. It was best that he had such an outcome!
However, it was not convenient to speak in the grand hall. Their eyes met, and they understood each other's sincerity.
The case of examination fraud became the most talked-about topic in Dongdu City in late March. Everyone was awaiting the outcome, including the father and son of the Wen family in prison.
Bai Dalang, who had seemed gentle before, turned out to be very decisive in this matter.
Upon receiving the order, Feng Jinxu immediately confiscated the Wen family's property.
Indeed, a considerable amount of gold and silver, including large sums of banknotes and deeds to several residences in the capital, were found in the secret room.
The evidence was presented to Emperor Qi, who flew into a great rage once more.
Although the war in the northwest had been won, the imperial treasury was still stretched thin by the hefty pension payments. This sum of money could alleviate some of the urgent needs.
He immediately ordered with a sweep of his brush that all public and private assets of the Wen family be confiscated and replenished into the national treasury.
The case had not yet been concluded, but everyone already knew the outcome.
The Wen father and son were merely waiting for death. Those who had been close to them in the past dared not step forward to speak for them, and the noble families who were implicated in the examination matter were now trembling greatly.
After all, having done something wrong, they were easily frightened by any slightest disturbance.
After half a month of such tense atmosphere, the case was finally concluded.
Bai Dalang presented a thick case file, with Feng Hai and the Censor Yan Qin standing on either side.
"Your Majesty, during this investigation, sixty-three scholars from humble backgrounds were found to have been replaced. Starting from the fourth year of Tianqi, Wen Jingsong began accepting bribes. Those who were replaced were all on the last list, so as not to attract attention and to smoothly enter officialdom. As for the noble families who replaced them, all are recorded. I request Your Majesty to review."
Before Bai Dalang spoke, Emperor Qi knew that there would be many people involved in this case.
But when he truly opened the memorial and saw the densely packed familiar faces, he still flew into a great rage!
"Good! The court has nurtured them for so many years, and yet they repay me in such a manner! The families involved here are no less than twenty to thirty, and they all hold important positions. What are they trying to do? Rebel?"
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"