Chapter 83: Accused of Cheating

“Master Han, the shop has now grown to an impressive scale, and it is all thanks to you,” he said earnestly.

“You flatter me. I merely offered a few suggestions; the true effort was yours,” Han Qing replied, not claiming the credit for himself.

He had already received what was due to him and would fulfill what he had promised in return.

“These are your dividends for this quarter,” the man said, producing three hundred taels of silver.

This sum would be enough to buy a sizable courtyard in the city of North County. If Han Qing had not already calculated the exact amount himself, he might have believed this man to be truly honest and sincere.

“May I have a copy of the account book?” he asked suddenly.

Bai Jingming’s expression changed, but he quickly regained his composure. “Of course. I’ll have it delivered to your residence tomorrow. If you don’t trust me, you’re welcome to accompany me to the cloth shop.”

Oh?

Han Qing shook his head. “It was only a passing remark; don’t trouble yourself. The provincial exam is in a few days—don’t forget.”

He spoke lightly, but he was probing for something.

The man before him was also likely to sit for this year’s provincial exam.

“Master Han, I have already made arrangements,” Bai Jingming replied with a nod.

After a few more words of courtesy, Bai Jingming excused himself and left.

His performance was a little clumsy.

Han Qing had admired him once, but it seemed he had been drawn too deep into the ruthless world of business. The agreed-upon dividends had only been half paid. Han Qing needed no investigation to know the truth.

What a pity.

He had revealed himself too soon; it was hardly interesting now.

When Bai Jingming returned home, his smile had vanished entirely. He muttered under his breath, “Elder brother, second brother, I will avenge you.”

It was all just an act.

The following day, as expected, an account book was delivered. Han Qing did not even bother to look at the numbers; they had long since been altered. What was there left to see?

Three days later.

The provincial examination officially began.

There were three rounds, each lasting three days. Once begun, the candidates were not permitted to leave the examination hall until the end of each round.

For these nine days, every necessity—food and clothing—had to be brought along by the candidate. Han Qing’s mother and Xiuxiu had started preparations half a month in advance, earnestly reminding him to relax and not to let nerves get the better of him.

“My dear, we’ll be outside supporting you—do your best!” Xiuxiu encouraged.

Han Qing nodded, genuinely moved.

Yet, upon learning he would have to sit for three rounds, his feelings were complicated. This was even harder than the college entrance exam—absurdly so! All his knowledge of the classics and ancient learning would have to be poured into his essays.

Those who came to take the provincial exam were all diligent scholars, some having spent half a lifetime in pursuit of success.

Fortunately, Han Qing had read extensively in the Confucian tradition beforehand. The examination topics all drew from Confucian classics: from the Analects to the Great Learning, from the Four Books to the Five Classics.

He wrote thousands of words in flowing script before finally completing the examination.

It was no easy feat.

Seeing some men well past fifty still striving for success, he could not help but sigh.

When he returned home, he intended to rest for a few days. But on the second day, an unexpected visitor arrived.

It was one of the provincial examiners.

This truly surprised him.

“Han Qing, someone has accused you of cheating and obtaining the examination questions in advance. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

What?

Who could be so thoughtless as to make such a malicious accusation?

He had written those thousands of words through sheer effort!

“Examiner, do you have any evidence that I cheated?”

“You turned in your paper two hours before anyone else.”

What kind of reason was that?

He wrote quickly and with eloquence—is that a crime?

“Do you mean to condemn me based on such a flimsy charge? Isn’t that far too hasty?” Han Qing retorted coldly.

He was unafraid of these officials.

But his words made the examiner lose face.

He considered Han Qing arrogant and thought that even if he succeeded in this provincial exam, he might not go far in future. He decided to strike Han Qing’s name from the list immediately.

“Given the issues with your paper, you will not be considered for evaluation with the other candidates. Your submission is void.”

“Examiner Li, this is unfair!” came a timely voice.

Wen Qi had arrived just in time. Now that North County was under his jurisdiction, he was quick to hear of such matters.

“Master Wen, you have served at the Court of Judicial Review for years. Have you ever heard of anyone submitting their paper several hours early? This isn’t a matter of a mere quarter-hour,” Examiner Li said slowly. Unless someone knew the questions in advance, who could finish so quickly?

“I have never heard of it myself, but that does not mean it is impossible. If you doubt him, why not consult with the chief examiner and allow him to sit for the test again?” Wen Qi suggested.

“For your sake, we will reconsider the matter,” Examiner Li agreed.

After all, Master Wen had only just taken office. If a cheating scandal erupted, he would not be able to keep his position. Besides, allowing Han Qing another attempt would satisfy everyone.

At the time, many candidates had witnessed the event. If they were not given an explanation, idle gossip would abound—and what would become of the examination’s fairness?

Han Qing was thoroughly confused.

So, writing too quickly was now a crime?

And more absurdly, someone had succeeded in making such an accusation!

“Do you truly not know whom you have offended?” Wen Qi asked, seizing the chance when the others had left.

“How should I know? The candidates barely even see each other, except in the examination hall.”

Oh?

There was one person who had had the chance, but Han Qing had not thought much of him at the time.

“I will find a way,” Han Qing said with a slight smile, already knowing the outcome.

After the chief examiner and others discussed the matter, they set new questions from the works of Mencius, focusing on several key points of doctrine.

Ordinary candidates might require an hour or more to complete such an essay.

Han Qing, however, finished in less than fifteen minutes.

His unique insights and thought-provoking arguments left the chief examiner deeply impressed.

“How could such talent be buried?” the chief examiner exclaimed. “Come, everyone, look at this—every line speaks to my heart.”

The chief examiner was amazed, his eyes filled with admiration.

Even Examiner Li, who had been so harsh before, was left incredulous.

In all their years overseeing examinations, never had they seen anyone think and write so quickly, responding perfectly to every question.

Even seasoned officials like themselves could hardly hope to achieve such a feat.

“We must clarify this matter to all the candidates!” the chief examiner declared with satisfaction.