Failed the exam?
This is simply absurd!
"Is Young Master Yin still at the manor?"
"Yes."
"Then what do you plan to do?"
"Father, your son actually thinks this is an opportunity. Since I have the ambition to climb higher, I must do what ordinary people dare not. Therefore, your son plans to expose this matter directly to His Majesty. No matter what schemes the Wen family has, they must be brought into the light!"
Bai Dalang was no longer the person who only sought stability in the past.
Exposing this matter would, first, bring justice to Yin Canwen; second, reveal the Wen family's wicked deeds; and third, pave a bright future for himself.
His thoughts were well-intentioned, but Prime Minister Bai remained silent.
"Father, do you think your son is wrong?"
Bai Dalang worried that he was acting impulsively, so when he saw Prime Minister Bai's expression was not quite right, he immediately asked.
However, Prime Minister Bai was thinking of something else.
Based on his years of experience in officialdom, the Wen family was likely framed.
Otherwise, no matter how foolish Wen Jingsong was, or how much he wanted his son to succeed, he would not have acted this way.
But who would be behind the framing?
How could Yin Canwen's exam paper be swapped without anyone noticing?
Was it an error in the Ministry of Personnel, the Grand Secretariat, or the Ministry of Rites?
If it was indeed the Wen family's doing, was there someone else involved behind the scenes?
How many powerful figures in the court would be implicated?
Every single matter raised questions in his mind.
He did want his son to advance, but if the court was thrown into turmoil because of this matter, then everything should be handled properly.
"Tell me about the re-examination from beginning to end."
"Yes."
Bai Dalang, not understanding his father's thoughts, could only recount everything he saw and felt, including how everyone approached the exam papers during the re-examination, which he explained after some deliberation.
The more Prime Minister Bai listened, the heavier his heart became.
Such a rigorous process should not have errors.
Why would Yin Canwen, who should have been ranked first, fail the exam?
After a moment of silence, he said to Bai Dalang, "Go to Elder Xu's residence immediately and report this matter to him in detail. When you go, bring that young man Yin Canwen with you. He cherishes talent, especially scholars from humble backgrounds. If he learns of this matter now, he will likely fly into a rage. When he gets angry, he is far more useful than you."
"Father's consideration is indeed thorough. Your son will take Yin Canwen there now!"
After speaking, he left Prime Minister Bai's courtyard and hurried back to his study.
He saw the four of them still bewildered, but Bai Dalang went straight to Yin Canwen.
"Young Master Yin, what I am about to say is rather shocking. Are you mentally prepared?"
Yin Canwen was puzzled. What was wrong with his essay?
Why was there such talk?
Seeing that Bai Dalang was not joking, he swallowed to ease his tension and said to him.
"Lord Bai, what exactly is the matter?"
Bai Dalang did not speak directly. Instead, he looked at the other three and said with a serious expression.
"You are all grown now. Family matters cannot be discussed alone, so listen. However, you must not leak a single word of what I am about to say, as it will harm yourselves and others. Do you understand?"
Feng Jinlin and Bai Siruo were truly unaware, but Feng Jinyao understood the implications.
She reassured Bai Dalang first, saying, "Uncle, please don't worry. We are not gossips. We naturally understand what should be said and what should not be said!"
"Ayao is right, Aunt. Speak quickly about what you need to say."
Bai Siruo followed suit, and Feng Jinlin felt the same.
Seeing that everyone was ready, Bai Dalang slowly began.
"Young Master Yin's essay was designated as the top essay after our re-examination. But for some unknown reason, he has now failed the exam, and it is the Wen family's young master who has taken the top spot!"
"What!"
Upon hearing this, all four showed expressions of shock.
However, Feng Jinyao was feigning surprise. This outcome was her own doing, how could she not know?
But it was not appropriate to stand out now, so she had to pretend to be astonished.
Bai Siruo and Feng Jinlin were naturally more surprised, but Yin Canwen's emotions were complex.
He was surprised, yet not entirely.
He was angry, but did not know how to vent it.
He felt helpless, finding this outcome even more unbearable than failing the exam.
For a moment, he did not know how to respond.
Bai Dalang seized the opportunity and said to him, "Young Master Yin, if you wish to fight for your future, then come with me to see Elder Xu. With him here, he will surely be able to help you. But if you fear offending the powerful and have no good prospects in the future, then pretend this incident never happened and try again next year."
He did not force him.
Appealing to the emperor was not something anyone could do.
If one's resolve was not firm, the imperial might might even backfire.
Since no one could decide for Yin Canwen, they could only wait for his decision.
Feng Jinyao's earnest gaze fell upon him, causing Yin Canwen to misunderstand.
She naturally hoped Yin Canwen would go, as it would bring the Wen family closer to their doom. But Yin Canwen thought Feng Jinyao was concerned about him. With such support, he could not possibly let her down.
Therefore, steeling his resolve and gritting his teeth, he said to Bai Dalang, "Lord Bai, please take me to see the Elder. I am willing to bear all consequences!"
"Good!"
Before Yin Canwen left, Feng Jinlin patted his shoulder, "Don't worry. If they need us to testify, just let His Majesty summon us. Evil cannot triumph over good. What is yours is yours, and no one can take it away!"
Receiving such strong support from his friend, Yin Canwen was deeply moved.
For the generosity of the Feng family, and for himself, no matter how difficult this path was, he was not afraid!
He strode resolutely towards the door. The clatter of the carriage sounded like a fatal weapon against the Wen family, sending chills down their spines.
At the same time, the Wen family also felt a sense of impending doom.
Wen Jingsong returned from court and, upon entering his home, saw celebratory banners hung high everywhere, with everyone in high spirits.
He knew without guessing that the exam results had been released.
He was naturally happy that his son had passed through his own abilities.
However, it was only a mediocre result; there was no need for such a grand fanfare.
He stopped someone and asked, "Where is young master?"
"Replying to master, the young master has just gone out, saying he is inviting people to the manor to celebrate. Our family has produced a top scholar, so shouldn't we have a good celebration?"
"What?"
A top scholar!
This was perhaps the most terrifying thing Wen Jingsong had ever heard, like a death curse lingering around his mind.
How could it be a top scholar!
Shouldn't that person have been Yin Canwen?
He tightly gripped the man's arm with such force and with such a terrifying expression that the servant became frightened.