Commoner Hero

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The day the results were announced was a significant one, as countless students gathered at the Lingbei County Yamen to listen to the high-ranking list of successful candidates.

The announcement of the 50 successful candidates was meant to be a moment of celebration, but something strange happened.

Su Qian'an, the talented young man who had famously composed four lines of poetry on moonlit nights and six lines on youthful aspirations, had failed.

When other students failed, it was no big deal, and they could pick themselves up and try again next year. But the failure of this great talent, Su Qian'an, caused quite a stir, and the news quickly spread throughout Lingbei County.

There were sighs, regrets, sneers, and malicious glee—all sorts of emotions filled the air, and Su Qian'an saw them all along the way.

He stopped the impulse of Ye Chong to fight, sighed, and comforted him.

“Alas, Brother Ye, there’s no need to argue with them. I’ve said it before, my failure is my own issue. I can always try again next year.”

“These days, you and Brother Qin have helped me so much. Now that the results are out, it’s actually a good thing. This way, I can return home and see my wife. It’s been so long, she must be worried sick. Thank you both for your hospitality. I’ll take my leave now, and we can meet again when the chance arises.”

After speaking, Su Qian'an bid farewell to Ye Chong and Qin Huai and made his way back to the inn.

“Brother Su, you…”

Ye Chong tried to call out to Su Qian'an, but Qin Huai stopped him. Ye Chong was puzzled and turned to Qin Huai.

“Brother Qin, why are you stopping me? We had agreed earlier, and even Liu Shiye promised us that we could file an appeal.”

Qin Huai shook his head and spoke.

“My dear brother, what you said is all correct, but you’ve overlooked something. Brother Su is, after all, the one who failed. Although he’s mentally strong and doesn’t seem to care, he still feels some regret.”

“At this moment, what Su needs is someone to stay with him. The appeal process will take time and effort, and it wouldn’t be right for us to drag him into this matter. We can handle it ourselves.”

“We’ll gather the evidence before the County Magistrate returns, and once we have it, we’ll submit it. When we give Su the good news, it’ll be a much better outcome.”

“You’re right, Brother Qin. I was too hasty. Let’s get to work.”

With that, Ye Chong and Qin Huai each went to prepare their teams for action.

Ye Chong had made up his mind—no matter what, he would ensure justice for Su Qian'an, even if it meant shaking the very foundations of Lingbei County.

Before they could take any action, a commotion was already underway at the residence of the three examiners.

In a spacious room, Wei Zhentang, Lin Yuanzhi, and Zheng Yanming were all present.

Their faces were dark with displeasure. Just a moment ago, the Lingbei County Magistrate, Fang Jingzhi, had stormed into the room in a furious rage.

Without any introduction, he began to scold them—an outburst so uncharacteristic that the three examiners were stunned.

Once he started, Fang Jingzhi couldn’t stop, and the scolding only escalated. The three of them, especially Wei Zhentang, who was Fang Jingzhi’s superior, were caught off guard. How could a mere county magistrate speak to an official like this?

A county magistrate daring to insult his superior was unimaginable!

Wei Zhentang’s temper flared, and he threw a teacup in anger, shouting.

“Fang Jingzhi, enough! Shut up! Who gave you the right to insult your superior? Do you know who I am? I’ll have you removed from your post and thrown into prison on the spot!”

“Ha! Wei Zhentang, stop acting so high and mighty. You shouldn’t have interfered in the county exam. This is your fault!”

“Bullshit! Fang Jingzhi, you slander me! Show me the evidence!” Wei Zhentang’s voice was filled with fury.

Fang Jingzhi had accused him of rigging the county exam results, specifically targeting Su Qian'an.

Seeing this, Lin Yuanzhi and Zheng Yanming, who were both familiar with the situation, began to understand why Fang Jingzhi was acting out.

As Wei Zhentang prepared to speak again, Lin Yuanzhi intervened.

“Fang, calm down. You’ve been an official for more than twenty years. Even if you're angry, you must maintain some decorum. Tell us what happened clearly.”

Fang Jingzhi composed himself and explained the situation regarding Su Qian'an’s failure.

Lin Yuanzhi furrowed his brow and spoke.

“So, you’re saying that Su Qian'an’s name didn’t appear in the top candidates list? That’s strange. I personally oversaw the grading process. Although it was sealed grading, I always award high marks to truly talented individuals.”

“There was a brilliant essay from Su Qian'an. If I’m not mistaken, that was his. I rated it A-level, so he should have made it into the list. This doesn’t add up.”

“Lin, you gave him an A-level, but that doesn’t matter if the two other examiners intentionally downgraded him.”

“Fang Jingzhi, I warn you one last time—stop making baseless accusations, or I’ll have you removed from your post!”

“Hah, accusations? Fine, let’s settle this. Why don’t we open the exam papers and see Su Qian'an’s work?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Fang Jingzhi. You have no right to call for that.”

“Actually, do I have the right?” A cold voice cut through the tension, and the door was suddenly kicked open by Xie Cang, who walked in with a calm demeanor.

The presence of Xie Cang shocked Wei Zhentang. He hadn’t expected someone of Xie Cang’s status to get involved in this matter.

Xie Cang, the Marquis of Eastern Ridge, wasn’t just a local noble. He was granted land and had a personal army of 3,000 soldiers, the Lianshan Army. He was a prominent figure in the capital’s military circle and had earned his position through battles.

In the capital, there were many who had more influence than Xie Cang, but here in the remote Lingbei County, even the County Magistrate would have to show respect to him.

Wei Zhentang was flustered and immediately stood up, cupping his hands in respect.

“Ah, Marquis Xie, it’s an honor to have you here. Truly, it’s an honor.”

“Enough with the formalities, Wei Zhentang. I don’t have time for this. I’ll ask you directly: Do you have the right to recheck the exam papers?” Xie Cang’s tone was firm, not giving any room for negotiation.

Wei Zhentang’s mind raced, but he had no choice but to comply. Xie Cang’s authority here was undeniable.

However, he wasn’t completely helpless. As Xie Cang and the others spoke, his gaze subconsciously drifted toward the back.

At this moment, Zheng Yanming, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

“Alright, Xie Cang, you’ve caused enough trouble. If you want to confront the issue, do it properly. Don’t trouble Wei Zhentang anymore.”

“Oh, so you’re the one backing this?” Xie Cang’s eyes narrowed, and he turned his piercing gaze toward Zheng Yanming.

Though he didn’t say it outright, Xie Cang already knew who was behind this. It was clear that the scheme to suppress Su Qian'an’s success had roots deeper than just the actions of Wei Zhentang.

Zheng Yanming remained calm, but his words made his position clear.

“Well, if you insist on questioning this, I’ll say it plainly. Su Qian'an’s exam papers were not up to the mark. As far as we’re concerned, he didn’t make the cut, and his talents don’t justify an exemption.”

Xie Cang wasn’t moved by Zheng Yanming’s words. He stared back coldly, knowing that this was just another attempt to sweep things under the rug.

He had a feeling that this matter would explode into something far bigger than anyone expected.