Chaos erupted in the Golden Palace Hall.
Some called for imperial physicians while others went to assist the Zhu Family Patriarch. Still more took the opportunity to complain to the Imperial Court, "Your Majesty, the Jiang Family bullies people too harshly. Not only did they recruit a failed examination candidate to cause trouble, they deliberately angered Old Zhu to the point of fainting. This is going too far!"
The Imperial Court pressed his lips together without speaking.
Jiang Jizong turned around and respectfully saluted, "Your Majesty, I simply did not wish to clamor before you in an unseemly manner that would disgrace my family name and dignity."
As if he hadn't just been red in the face arguing with others in the Golden Palace Hall.
But in any case, the Jiang Family had handled this in a tactful manner. The Imperial Court nodded, "Old Zhu does have quite a temper. Help him to a side hall to rest."
Verbal sparring happened daily in the imperial court, and sharp tongues were the norm.
If these scholar-officials ever stopped arguing one day, that would be when there was truly a problem.
All Jiang Jizong had done was force the opposing side's main force to retreat.
"Your Majesty," as soon as the Zhu Family Patriarch had been carried out, the Tao Family Patriarch came forward. "This concerns fraud in the imperial examinations, which is important to everyone. An erroneous judgment would mean being set back for life!"
Those less directly involved naturally spoke in a more self-serving manner.
Jiang Jizong changed his tactic. "If the scions of prominent families are worried for their futures, does that mean ordinary commoners' futures don't matter? Your Majesty, all the millions of your subjects in the Dayu Dynasty are watching. You cannot let them down!"
The Yao Family Patriarch hurried to agree, "That's right, Your Majesty. Students from humble origins have it hard enough. If their hard-earned examination scores all get snatched away by the privileged nobility, who else will still be willing to take the examinations? Who will still make genuine efforts?"
Standing in the corner, Xu Mo clenched his fists.
This was the true meaning of pursuing fairness – not just for his chance to be top scorer, but to fight for a future for all humble students, for the long-lasting stability of the Dayu Dynasty, so that there would always be talented individuals in every generation.
If all power and privilege remained concentrated in the hands of the elite while the examinations were no longer fair, if commoners could only resign themselves to oppression, the Dayu Dynasty would face danger sooner or later.
It was a pity that no one could voice such words aloud.
The two sides continued arguing based on the central issue of "who exactly cheated."
The Fang Family insisted Fang Yuan did not cheat.
The Jiang Family insisted Xu Mo did not cheat.
If neither of them cheated, could the Imperial Court have cheated instead?
Just as the Golden Palace Hall was on the verge of erupting into clamorous debate again, Jiang Jizong seized the right moment. "Your Majesty, since neither side can produce evidence of the other cheating, why not just retest everyone?"
After being deadlocked for so long, this was the pivotal moment.
"I second the proposal," the Yao Family Patriarch immediately echoed.
Dou Weiming looked at Xu Mo, then swiftly followed, "I also second it."
With the heads of the three most prominent families of the times speaking up, the other attached prominent families also chimed in. Half the heads in the Golden Palace Hall drooped down.
After contemplating at length, the He Family slowly bent down in a bow. "I also second the proposal."
With sweaty palms, Qi Gongzhen glanced at Dou Weiming, then sighed as he looked towards Xu Mo's back before finally stepping forward. "I...also second it."
Imperial Secretary Zhao recalled his uniquely troublesome son back home and his shrewish wife's glare before silently bending over in a bow.
Now over half were in agreement.
The Emperor calmly surveyed the entire Golden Palace Hall before finally fixing his gaze upon the Fang Family Patriarch. "I know you also feel wronged. Since Young Master Fang is so talented he obtained top score, I'm sure he won't mind this trivial examination."
He deliberately lowered his voice, yet it was still audible across the entire hall. "Don't worry, as long as your son passes as a tribute student, I will personally ensure he obtains third rank in next year's metropolitan examination to compensate."
This was already the utmost concession an Emperor could give to appease a top family, so the Fang Family Patriarch had no choice but to smile and accept it happily. "Your Majesty is wise."
Jiang Jizong's mouth quirked up slightly in a faint smile.
Dou Weiming heaved a breath of relief.
Xu Mo also finally felt slightly more optimistic.
"But, Your Majesty," the Fang Family Patriarch's tone abruptly shifted. "If this failed examination candidate fails again, it will prove he made groundless accusations out of selfishness and arrogance. I implore Your Majesty to punish his entire extended family, leaving no bone uncrushed or ash unscattered."
The budding optimism on Xu Mo's face froze.
This was the difference between having powerful backers or not. Even if Fang Yuan failed, at most it would stir up some gossip. Yet if he, a humble student, failed, his entire clan would be implicated and crushed into ash.
Precisely because the Fang Family had compromised, the Imperial Court also needed to make a reciprocal concession to preserve balance.
"Very well, we shall do as you say," the man on the dragon throne glanced at Xu Mo as he amiably agreed.
Soon, the contents of the imperial edict spread outside the palace:
"By heavenly mandate, We declare: Due to cheating allegations during the 15th year of the Dexian Era examinations, We shall hold new examinations in the 16th year of the Dexian Era to prove the students' integrity. Previous scores are rendered void. As a token of Our imperial benevolence and care towards the diligent tribute students of Our realm, We henceforth increase the number of passing tribute students by over thirty. We hope Our excellencies shall strive their utmost and not disappoint Our good intentions. So We decree."
They had actually voided the entire year's metropolitan examination and ordered it completely retaken next year.
To placate the students, they also added an extra thirty tribute student passes so those who had originally passed would not complain too bitterly.
The Imperial Court's skill at preserving balance was indeed formidable.
Only Xu Mo felt most aggrieved that after finally scoring first place, having it snatched away by others, and exerting full effort, all he had managed was a retest.
"The Fang Family's influence is too powerful. If not for the Jiang Family's assistance, there wouldn't even be a chance at a retest," Qi Huai remained quite optimistic. "With Brother Xu's talent, perhaps you can score first place again next year."
"We'll also have to work hard next year. Coming in the top few would be an entirely different world," An Jun's eyes glowed intensely.
Jiang Sheng watched intently from the side.
So these were truly talented students – upon hearing their results had been voided after passing the examinations, their first reaction was not anger but contemplating how they could test even better next time.
Of course, there would still be disgruntled complaints from those at the bottom, but more would be excited since so many students had originally failed.
"They've left the palace!"
Someone suddenly shouted and everyone's heads simultaneously jerked up to look.
Through the wide open imperial city gates walked out a group of officials dressed in crimson robes.
The one walking fastest with the darkest expression was the Fang Family Patriarch, followed by the tottering Zhu Family Patriarch and the cautious Tao Family Patriarch.
In stark contrast behind them walked Jiang Jizong, Dou Weiming, the Yao Family Patriarch and more.
Finally, trailing at the very back was Xu Mo's thin, upright figure.
"Father!"
Upon spotting Jiang Jizong, Jiang Chengfeng and Jiang Chengyu happily rushed over.
After glancing at Jiang Sheng, Jiang Chengyuan also came over to politely greet, "Second Uncle, you must be tired."
Zhao Yuan made a beeline for Imperial Secretary Zhao while Qi Huai sidled up to the Minister of Rites, both calling out sweetly, "Father!"
Even in front of Dou Weiming stood an insignificant wisp of a girl. "Daddy, you worked hard!"
"As long as we can fight for a chance to retest, all hardship is worth it," Dou Weiming guffawed as he turned to look at Xu Mo. "Xu boy, it's all up to you now. Us old fellows have exhausted our rhetoric before His Majesty on your behalf, so you definitely can't lose to that Fang family brat!"
Xu Mo neither demeaned himself nor acted arrogantly as he saluted. "Please rest assured, sir, Xu Mo will stake his all."
If not for anything else, then for the Fang Family Patriarch's threat to "punish his entire extended family, leaving no bone uncrushed or ash unscattered," he could not slack off.
Turning around, Xu Mo bowed in thanks towards Jiang Jizong and the others as well. "Much thanks to Lord Jiang, Lord Yao, Lord Qi, Secretary Zhao..."
He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards all who had supported the retest, with utmost sincerity yet no self-effacement.
If these people had originally sided together merely due to obligations towards the Jiang Family, in this moment genuine admiration had arisen in them as well.
"What a fine lad. Bring back a top score and all our wheedling before His Majesty won't be in vain," the Yao Family Patriarch's eyes shone vibrantly. "If you can even manage first place, I insist on finding you a good marriage match!"
"As if you make marriage arrangements for those in your own family!" Qi Gongzhen heckled from the side. "Old Yao, I heard that just now!"
Amidst the laughter, everyone bade their farewells and went on their way after some idle chat.
These people standing at the very peak of influence in the imperial capital all had ulterior motives even while jesting. The boys and girls accompanying them were the hopes of the entire Dayu Dynasty.
That they could gather here today was due impart to obligations towards the Dou Family, and in part giving face to the Jiang Family.
Xu Mo had already gone to express thanks to Dou Weiming, so for the Jiang Family's side, Jiang Sheng should take the initiative.
After psyching herself up for a long time, the little girl finally took two steps forward and bent down in a bow as she softly spoke, "Th-thank you...thank you, Lord Jiang."
The surroundings abruptly fell silent. Everyone from the Jiang Family and her brothers alike anxiously watched her.
Jiang Jizong gazed down at her for a long time before bending down with a faint smile. "You should call me Second Uncle, my dear."
