Ji Xiaolan: Kill Qianlong at the beginning

Emperor Gaizhang said, "Mo Li, bring out the papers again."

Mo Li cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, there is no need to switch the exam papers. Lord He is not that foolish; this must be a secret signal only for Zhao Qing. Lord He must have other methods for the other candidates. Isn't that right, Lord He?"

He looked at Heshen.

Heshen said, "Mo Li, are you going to pin a fabricated charge on me?"

"Stop arguing, alright, alright, all of you go outside and wait. I'll think about it some more." Emperor Gaizhang picked up his teacup.

The two agreed in unison and left the Imperial Study.

……

After a while, Emperor Gaizhang summoned the two men again.

The two knelt down and bowed.

Emperor Gaizhang sat down on the couch and said:

"Heshen, Moli, I have thought about the whole matter. In this imperial examination, the cheating is obvious but there is no evidence. If we continue to investigate, I'm afraid it will become a laughing stock for all time."

Mo Li said solemnly, "Your Majesty, having an illness is not terrible; what is terrible is concealing one's illness and refusing to seek medical treatment."

Emperor Gaizhang said, "My mind is made up. Convey my decree: this examination is hereby cancelled. There is no need for further discussion. As for Zhao Qing..."

He looked at Mo Li, wanting to hear her opinion.

Mo Li said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Zhao Qing is truly commendable for her courage and responsibility. Let her be punished by serving as a servant in my residence."

Heshen said, "Your Majesty, this servant believes that this is inappropriate. Zhao Qing has committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. She should be exiled to Xinjiang as a warning to others."

Emperor Gaizhang said, "What you both say makes sense. Here's what we'll do, Zhao Qing..."

Mo Li looked nervously at Emperor Gai Zhang.

Emperor Gai Zhang continued, "Zhao Qing... is punished by being sent... to... to sweep the streets at the city gate."

Mo Li said happily, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Heshen, somewhat puzzled, asked, "Mo Li, Zhao Qing was punished by sweeping the streets, what are you happy about?"

Mo Li laughed and said, "Isn't it better than being punished and exiled to Xinjiang?"

Heshen was speechless, thinking that it would be better to punish you by making you his wife.

Emperor Gaizhang said, "Step down."

The two men said in unison, "Long live the Emperor!" and then left the Imperial Study.

Once outside, Heshen immediately said, "Mo Li, who do you think will win this round?"

Mo Li said, "Of course I won?"

Heshen asked in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"

Mo Li said, "At least I didn't lose Zhao Qing."

Heshen said, "Fine, fine, you win. My one million taels of silver has flown away."

Mo Li said, "Perhaps I should be happy because I exposed your cheating methods in front of the Emperor, but I am not happy because I feel that the Great Xuan Kingdom is becoming more and more devoid of right and wrong."

Heshen said, "Alright, didn't the Emperor say that this imperial examination is invalid and there's no need to discuss it further? Besides, you defeated Zhao Qing, so you should be happy, you should even have a good laugh."

After saying that, he sighed and continued, "I won't do it like that next time, it's exhausting."

"Hmph, tired of playing with the adults?" Mo Li strode forward.

Heshen wept bitterly, saying, "I'm not just tired, I'm utterly exhausted."

……

Zhao Qing was sweeping the street with a broom when Mo Li walked over, also holding a broom.

"How can this be allowed?" Zhao Qing frowned.

Mo Li laughed and said, "Speaking of which, you should thank me. He Shen originally wanted to exile you to Xinjiang, but I successfully stopped him, hehe."

He gave a wicked smile.

While sweeping the floor, Zhao Qing said, "Lord Mo, you are always so optimistic. This imperial examination, how should I put it, I have grown a lot. You have taught me right from wrong and good from evil."

Mo Li said, "If you can understand something, then all my hard work has not been in vain. Here, let me help you sweep."