Chapter 84: Threat

After this incident, the local examinees were all astonished. To think that someone so formidable existed—they could only feel inferior in comparison. Yet as for the person who reported him, Han Qing absolutely could not tolerate it. He quietly made inquiries, but since the rankings for the provincial exam had not yet been released, even the chief examiner, no matter how much he admired him, could not reveal the candidate’s name without authorization.

Nearly a week passed before the list was gradually posted. Han Qing’s scholarly talent was unmatched, and he came in first in the provincial exam. His mother’s joy was visible in her eyes, especially excited. Her son had indeed proven himself, allowing the Han family to stand before their ancestors without disgrace. Neighbors and relatives all came to offer congratulations, but Han Qing remained calm about it. This was only the provincial exam; next would be the metropolitan exam and then the palace examination. Everything had to proceed step by step. Moreover, there were still matters in North County City that required his attention—he could not afford to be careless.

Among those who made the list was Bai Jingming. After these events, the chief examiner valued him highly and even disclosed the identity of the person who had reported him.

“This person made the accusation, and at the time, he was very certain. For fairness’s sake, we had no choice but to verify it in this manner,” the chief examiner explained candidly. Though some may have suffered unjust accusations, the process had to be followed—one could not lightly violate it.

“I understand—it’s reasonable,” Bai Jingming nodded.

Yet the matter was not over. Bai Jingming truly surprised him, even managing to buy off Examiner Li. Had it not been for the consensus among the chief examiners, his first place in the provincial exam might have been lost. Now, he controlled the Bai family’s business with one hand, while extending the other so far—all for the sake of revenge.

Learning that nothing further would come of it, Bai Jingming quickly stopped discussing the matter and even appeared to comfort Han Qing.

“Master Han, I only learned after leaving the examination hall that you had been falsely accused?”

“It was merely bad luck. Fortunately, the examiners believed me, or else I would have missed this opportunity and had to wait another three years,” Han Qing nodded.

“By the way, your Bai family’s cloth shop has always been managed by others. Aren’t you afraid something might go wrong?” he asked suddenly.

The other man’s expression was steady. He thought carefully.

“No problem—the business is stable now,” he replied.

They exchanged a few pleasantries. Han Qing did not expose him directly, but intentionally or unintentionally revealed some information to the Zhao family. Watching them go at each other would be interesting. He had no desire to muddy the waters himself. The old master had been seeking solutions for some time, expending much effort. Now he had finally uncovered the crucial point.

“He didn’t just take the provincial exam; he also knew Examiner Li beforehand. There may be more to this,” Uncle Zhao said slowly, having already made up his mind. He would never let this fellow get off scot-free.

“Perhaps it’s just a simple acquaintance?”

“That’s unlikely. I hear some scandals have erupted among these examinees,” Uncle Zhao, quick to gather information, was already prepared.

“What scandals?”

“It’s said he used connections with the examiners to report another examinee, but after the chief examiner investigated, there was no issue at all…”

He was simply out to find fault. As for the truth of the matter, the old master Zhao had no patience for such details. He merely glanced calmly.

“What does that have to do with Examiner Li?”

“Bai Jingming’s identity is already questionable. Now, with private dealings with Examiner Li, this is no small matter. The key issue is that it breaks the rules!”

According to government regulations, examinees were strictly forbidden from private contact with examiners before and after the exam.

“Why not report directly to the chief examiner for a safer approach?”

“Old master, our family has no one taking the provincial exam. Even if we report, it would only result in him being barred from this year’s exam. Better to use this leverage to negotiate with him,” Uncle Zhao was clear-headed now—much more so than when others had been leading him in circles.

“Right, our Zhao family’s garment shop needs to negotiate with him properly.”

Thus, they gained some confidence and arranged a meeting with Bai Jingming.

“Old master Zhao, you actually have time to visit my little place?”

“Not necessarily. There are some matters—I’m not sure if I should say,” Old master Zhao spoke with a half-smile, slowly instructing the attendant to bring out some correspondence. All of it was letters exchanged with Examiner Li.

Bai Jingming glanced at them, his expression shifting, but quickly composed himself. Even if these proved his connection, so what?

“I admit I know him. Is there any harm in exchanging a few letters?”

He remained calm.

“The letters aren’t the problem. But someone claims to have seen you with Examiner Li in the examination hall. If certain people were to learn of this, you might be barred from the imperial exams for years,” Old master Zhao said gently.

If he wanted to change his circumstances, he needed to consider his position.

“So, what’s your purpose?”

“I’m not unreasonable. But your shops have drawn away many customers in North County City, leaving other merchants dissatisfied,” he stated plainly. Since their products appeared, more and more people had changed their opinions.

“Why don’t your own shops renovate? Isn’t your reason for approaching me a bit absurd?” Bai Jingming shook his head, unmoved by such sophistry. This had nothing to do with him.

“The evidence is in my hands. We want thirty percent of this shop’s profits. If you agree, the matter is settled. If not, you needn’t bother with the imperial exams again.”

Bai Jingming’s face instantly paled. How had others managed to seize such leverage? Thirty percent was feasible, but part would go to Han Qing, and the rest to Old master Zhao. Afterwards, the Bai family business would yield him nothing.

But if he refused, the twenty years’ effort would be lost.

“Fine, but I have a condition. If you can persuade Han Qing to relinquish his share of the profits, the remainder will be yours.”