The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 447 Methods of Cheating in the Imperial Examinations

It's obvious at a glance, and it's precisely for this reason that unless one's talent is truly outstanding, passing the imperial examinations is an extremely difficult thing.

However, since we can no longer create exam papers, we only have some room for maneuver when grading them.

If we don't fight for it now, what if things continue like this in the future? The Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy frowned slightly.

"As I just said, we only need to do what we are supposed to do, and we shouldn't worry about or ask about anything else."

Did you not understand what I said?

Everyone was puzzled, wondering what he meant. Suddenly, one of them realized what he meant.

"Grand Academician, I understand. I will certainly do as the student says!"

The university president was satisfied with these words and nodded.

"You're a promising student. It seems not all of you are fools. In that case, do as I say!"

The Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy yawned and said, "I'm getting old, and there are some things that should be handed over to you young people. Go ahead and don't let me down!"

The man nodded after hearing this, then turned and left.

The officials of the Hanlin Academy watched as the Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy left the place, and everyone was extremely puzzled, wondering what had happened.

Why hadn't they understood a single word? Now, they turned their gaze to the young man from before.

"What did the Grand Secretary mean just now? We didn't understand at all. Could you explain it to us?"

Everyone else nodded after hearing this.

"This matter is actually quite simple. The imperial examination system has developed over many years since the Sui and Tang dynasties, and there are quite a few twists and turns and things that need to be paid attention to!"

"These things can't be learned overnight, and there's a lot of room for manipulation. If something goes wrong during the imperial examinations, we won't be held responsible!"

The officials of the Hanlin Academy were immediately intrigued. It seemed to make sense. They dared not openly confront the Crown Prince, but they could still use these underhanded tactics. After all, even if something went wrong, they might not be able to find out.

They were very happy to think of this place; it was indeed a good idea.

Many of the candidates for the imperial examinations came from impoverished families who couldn't afford to stay in the inns of Yingtian Prefecture. So Zhu Xiong Ying specially allocated a plot of land for them and wove many tents there so they could rest in the tents.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Revenue provided silver, paper, pens, and food.

This did provide them with a lot of convenience.

Zhu Xiong Ying paid special attention to this matter. As the territory of the Ming Dynasty grew larger and larger, officials were needed in various places, so this matter could not be taken lightly.

If something goes wrong, it means that all their plans over this period of time will have been in vain.

On the day before the exam, Zhu Xiong Ying distributed the exam papers. The candidates frowned as they looked at the contents of the papers. They had never seen this type of exam paper before, and they all found it very novel. Although there was some content from the Four Books and Five Classics on the papers, there wasn't much of it.

The main issues were how to handle local government affairs and how to appease the people in the conquered lands.

This surprised many people because there is no fixed answer to such a question, so they often struggled to answer it. Of course, there are other types of tests, such as arithmetic or other subjects, which are a different story.

Outside the examination hall, several officials from the Hanlin Academy exchanged glances, their eyes filled with smugness, as if their plan was about to succeed. Zhu Xiong Ying smiled at their smug expressions and said nothing more.

He remained seated in the same spot, and everyone frowned upon seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's confident demeanor.

Wasn't Zhu Xiong Ying worried that something might go wrong? Just then, several candidates went to the restroom.

When the officials of the Hanlin Academy heard this news, my eyes lit up. This was a great opportunity. For these people, there was a lot of room for maneuver in various aspects, especially when they went to the outhouse. Perhaps their arrangement in the outhouse could come in handy. However, Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile.

"Those outhouses are not needed for now. I have already built a few new outhouses next to the examination hall!"

"These outhouses are guarded by my Western Depot and His Majesty's Embroidered Uniform Guard, so there won't be any problems!"

Upon hearing this news, everyone frowned, as it might not be a good thing for them.

Could it be that His Highness the Crown Prince has begun to suspect them? This is troublesome. Does he have some evidence?

Thinking of this, they were extremely terrified.

Several people even subconsciously looked at the Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy, but the Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy was still sitting in the main seat in the middle, his eyes slightly closed as if he were asleep.

At this moment, Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and looked at the Grand Secretary in front of him and said.

"What do I think the officials of the Hanlin Academy are hoping for these days? I wonder if Your Excellency knows what they are hoping for?"

The head of the Hanlin Academy smiled and said.

"How could I possibly know what they're thinking!"

"However, I think the real question is how to make my Great Ming Dynasty even more prosperous. This time, my Great Ming Dynasty might be able to gain a lot more talented people, which is truly something to celebrate!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and then glanced at the officials beside him.

Are you sure this is your idea?

Several officials felt a surge of tension, then nodded and said...

"We all share this view: the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty and the flourishing of its literary world are our common aspirations!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying burst into laughter.

"I hope so!"

Soon it got dark.

At this point, the officials on the side prepared all the lighting materials, such as candles and oil lamps.

The candles and oil lamps were placed in front of Zhu Xiong Ying. Zhu Xiong Ying lit them and touched them. Several officials felt their hearts jump into their throats. Indeed, they had tampered with them. Of course, it was only a small thing, and even though it was extremely insignificant in the overall picture, it would still have a very bad impact.

Everyone was breathing heavily; they could only gamble that Zhu Xiong Ying wouldn't.

After carefully examining the contents, Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said...

(End of this chapter)