The first work of the imperial prison

The words 'the rankings will be released soon' directly put Ye Baiting's brain in a state of excitement, the excitement of nervousness, and the heart to analyze the case was even stronger.

He looked at the file in hand, the name of the deceased Huang Kang, and thought deeply: "According to our previous speculation about cheating in the exam, it may be entrainment, it may be missing questions, or it may be done on the spot for others to transcribe. Copying, the former is too easy to be discovered, the difficulty in the middle is too high, and the large-scale leaking questions are basically one-on-one. Know the topic on the spot, do it on the spot, and pass it on to the designated person... In the examination room, you need to have The inspector is one of our own."

During the big exam, all the students are in their cubicles. During the whole answering process, they can't leave or move around. The inspectors behave relatively freely and covertly. As long as no one exposes them afterwards, they will be safe.

"Huang Kangcai was praised by others, but his test results were not as expected, and he later got a lucrative official position. Did he just make such a deal, and gave the paper he wrote on the spot to others, and it was too late to rewrite it himself? "

In the exam questions four years ago, strategy theory accounted for a large proportion, and it took a lot of time to think carefully. Since it was helping others to cheat, the questions could not be answered exactly the same... As long as you find the right person for this method, there seems to be no problem in implementing it.

But the problem is that Huang Kang has already participated in the imperial examination, and now that he has official status, it is impossible to take the exam a second time. Four years ago, he could play this trick, but he couldn't last year, and even less this year.

Ye Baiting thought about the possibility: "Anyway, I can't do it anymore. I was blackmailed in the past and got money..."

"Don't forget one thing," Qiu Yiqing reminded Ye Baiting, "Before Huang Kang died, someone went to the wine party and brought him the food he liked very much, and shared it with him."

Ye Baiting paused, sharing food was not strange, what was strange was the message conveyed by this action.

If the murderer had already decided to kill, why did he bring Huang Kang a gift?This move seemed to show his harmlessness, as if to say: Don't worry, you can sit down and talk slowly about everything, look, I don't want to hurt you.

This move was of course to relax Huang Kang's vigilance, but it also proved from another angle that not only four years ago, but at least until this year, before the big exam, Huang Kang was useful and the two sides had a close relationship.

"Huang Kang may have negotiating capital that we don't know," Ye Baiting narrowed his eyes, "or in other words, bargaining power."

It is very likely that he not only participated in the cheating in the big exam four years ago, but also joined in other ways last year and this year.

Qiu Yiqing thought for a moment: "...missing the question."

For a person like Huang Kang, who is extremely talented and knowledgeable, and has a great desire for money, what a pity to only use it once?It's better to use it repeatedly and try your best every time you take the big test.The questions of each big exam are kept strictly confidential, and there have been no large-scale leaks of the questions in the past few times. Jin Yiwei has not found it for the time being, and if it is not found, it does not exist?The behind-the-scenes manipulator can 'choose' students to give exchange opportunities, so what about the restrained missing questions?

For example, if you know the topic in advance, you don’t sell it on a large scale, but select a few people to trade, customize it for them, give up the big market, and only earn money from these few people. It is safe and effective, and you can also have additional income and expenditure. , long-term development...

As the respondent of the 'customized article', Huang Kang's bargaining power is extraordinary.

Ye Baiting pondered: "Then what he will do is not to blackmail and threaten, but to raise the price."

But if he wasn't the one who blackmailed and threatened, who could it be?

Ye Baiting very much agrees with Qiu Yiqing's thinking direction, because in this way, what happened to Yu Wenzhang will be explained. He is very talented and learned, and everyone who has seen him admires him. He is also from a poor family, with a very low class and no status. Combining various conditions, it is simply the first choice for cooperation. Give him what he wants in exchange for his answer sheet. It can be once, twice, or countless times in the future...

But Yu Wenzhang did not agree.

He is not as sensible as other 'civilians', nor is he as blindly obedient and easy to bully as others, but he knows the secret, if he does not join, he will die.

"Yu Lianhai's suspicion is not unreasonable. If He Yiming is the only person in Yu Wenzhang's circle of life in the capital, He Yiming must be involved, unless——Yu Wenzhang knows how serious this matter is, and has nothing to do with everyone. mentioned."

Therefore, the size of his life circle must be carefully determined.

"And this one," Ye Baiting pointed at Zhang You's confession, "He told Shen Jiang that Geng Yuanzhong and Geng Yuanzhong were just distant relatives, and no one could control the other. Didn't the confidence in the final exam come from Geng Yuanzhong?"

Qiu Yiqing looked down: "I will pay attention to it."

One point after another, the new thinking about the case was almost finished, Ye Baiting asked: "My brother-in-law...what's going on? Can I ask?"

Qiu Yiqing glanced at the sky outside the window, with a slightly relaxed expression: "Guess what?"

Ye Baiting thought about his expression. When the man held it deliberately, he really couldn't see anything, but he wouldn't just look at the face of the person in front of him, and quickly go through the matter in his mind: "You don't want to... Does he play a tripartite spy?"

For example, he broke into the enemy's interior and made the enemy think that he was a useful person and developed into an offline. In fact, he never separated from them from the beginning to the end. The purpose was to obtain information about the enemy and eventually destroy the enemy group.He may not be able to get the core information when he first goes there. The two sides will have a mutual "investigation" stage. For convenience, he can even sell some information about Jinyiwei to win the trust of the enemy.

The relationship between He Yiming and Longfeng Trading Company is still at the end. There is no third prince who shows up. The business route that the company might want to open up, to the west and outside the region, obviously needs a brother-in-law who owns a caravan.

Think again about the two men in black I met last night, the fight between my brother-in-law and the first one who looked like no one else was there. This is the point of information, that is, the two sides are 'testing', you think I don't know, I think you don't know, see if you can Sit down and talk about the board!

This is not a plan, this is an action that has already begun!

The corners of Qiu Qingqing's lips raised slightly: "Isn't it very smart?"

Ye Baiting: ...

Anyway, you have all discussed it, and the work is done, what else can I say!

My brother-in-law grew up on horseback. I don't know how many times he has traveled outside the territory, and he has gone through many dangers. He has come over safely. His ability to handle affairs is nothing to say. Ye Baiting is not worried about his negligence in handling affairs, but only worried about one thing: "Will you Will it be dangerous?"

The elder sister and the twins are both in the capital city. The big signboard of the Zhuzhi Building can be found by outsiders. This kind of thing that puts the family under the nose may be considered by the other party as a trick, and it can be used as a bargaining chip if necessary. ...

The jealous green teacup was placed on the table: "Isn't there still me?"

Ye Baiting looked up and saw Qiu Yiqing's eyes.

As sharp as a sword, as sharp as a star, it shocks all directions when it is hidden, and it is a weapon of death when it is unsheathed. This man's self-confidence comes from his scheming and strategy, and also from his ability to overcome obstacles and protect everything!

"The capital city is my Jinyiwei territory—" Qiu Yiqing said slowly, "If you want to touch anyone in my hands, you have to ask me."

Ye Baiting couldn't hold back anymore, this man is so handsome!Such a handsome man is his boyfriend!

He leaned over directly, across the table, and kissed the tip of Qiu Yiqing's nose.

"The commander is so powerful, the handsome man has weak legs!"

Xiao Wu Zuo's eyes were too bright, and Qiu Yiqing didn't hold back, hugged him, kissed him hard for a while, and then said in a hoarse voice: "There are things outside, I'm really busy, don't seduce me."

Ye Baiting looked at him with a smile, but didn't speak.

Qiu Yiqing: "Also, there is only you and me here, so you don't need to call the commander."

Ye Baiting saw that his ears were a little red, and wrapped his hands dishonestly around the corner of his clothes: "What do you call that?"

Qiu Yiqing's eyes were deep: "Aren't you very smart? Think for yourself."

Ye Baiting thought about it, and it seemed that the only thing he said was brother Qing, but that was a big killer move, how could he call it casually?

He quickly straightened his face and pushed people to work: "There are still many things outside, and the commander needs to be busy in person. Hurry up, don't delay."

Qiu Suiqing: ...

Forget it, my little job is willing to tease people like this, what else can I do, I just let him go.

After Qiu Yiqing left, Ye Baiting wrote a thick letter to her sister. There was nothing sensitive about it. The whole letter reminded her to be safe, and there were two little boys... I received a reply soon, most of which were written by the twins. .

It is said that the capital is very lively and fun, everyone is very amiable and likes to play with them, but the master is different, they went to the academy to meet the master today, the master has grown a long beard, and always lectures people with a straight face, but I seem to be a little afraid of firecrackers. When will my uncle come to see us? I really miss my uncle. I haven’t finished the story of the headless ghost and flying corpse. I don’t know if I will tell my new friends. Will my friends be afraid? ...

After reading the letter, Ye Baiting felt that this academy might be in chaos and restless in the future. As an uncle, he had better prepare more gifts for the twins, as it could not make up for the harm that the master and classmates encountered... Academy Damaged things must be compensated.

……

March [-]th is the day when Enke released the rankings.

Early in the morning, the small square where the bulletin board is located is full of people, and the surrounding teahouses are even more overcrowded, and those who come late can't find a seat.

This is a rare scene. Few people come out to drink tea early in the morning. Basically, only the scientific research held once every three years can bring people together early in the morning. The atmosphere is anxious and excited. Almost everyone All very talkative.

There is a set time for posting the list, if the time is not up, it is useless to come as early as you want, you can only wait, but everyone's "waiting" is different.Some people are unsteady in their hearts, but they can be stable on the outside. Some people can't be steady on the outside.

Ye Baiting followed Qiu Yiqing all the way in, and really felt the emotions of the examinees, no matter what kind, they all carried the same two words—expectation.More than ten years of studying hard in the cold window is just for this day. All the hard work and hard work in the past are all bet on this moment. For the children of the aristocratic family and the wealthy class, it is self-arrogance, fame, and brilliance. My son, this is the only chance to change your destiny. You can only climb up with all your strength, you can't turn back, there is no other way.

Inside and outside the circle, there are many people of different ages and genders, all with the same nervous expression. They are the family members of the examinees, and they can't sit still at home, so they have to come and wait and see.

The only one who had a good laugh was probably the shopkeeper of the tea house, with an abacus in his hand, directing the waiter in the shop around. Today is a big day for making money, and no one can rest!

Beizhen Fusi reserved a seat in the best teahouse in advance, Qiu Yiqing led Ye Baiting all the way in, no one dared to stop him.

Ye Baiting looked around unobtrusively, and saw the figures of all the people involved in the case.

Geng Yuanzhong and Gao Jun, the chief and deputy examiners of this big exam, are here. After the results are approved, they will be reported and sealed. The procedure for releasing the results has been set. They are sitting in the official office.

Hu Anju is a noble scholar in the Imperial Academy, this kind of grand gathering for students needs to join in the fun both emotionally and rationally.

Zhang You had been locked up by Beizhen Fusi for three days and was released. As a candidate for this year, of course he had to come and wait for his results.

Yu Lianhai is also there. In this case, he is the informer of the incident and also a related suspect. When the case is not clear, the Beizhen Fusi has the right to supervise and supervise, but he cannot control people's freedom. People can come if they want.

But Shen Jiang has been watching secretly, to guard against accidents.

And He Yiming...is he here today?

Sitting in the corner by the window, Ye Baiting had already seen the scene clearly when Qiu Xunqing pushed him over with a cup of tea. There was a small circle surrounded by many people, and the few people in the middle were quite praised, probably the best of this year. , if there is no accident, the front row is between them.

Ye Baiting didn't quite understand some of the literati's high-spirited speeches, some of the words were too awkward and too difficult for him, but the scene was very harmonious, so there should be real materials?

Ye Baiting tugged on Qiu Yiqing's sleeves, and glanced at the horizon, with some hints: "...don't think about it, try them?"

Jin Yiwei has been busy day and night, and he has a lot of clues in his hands, and he has secretly arrested several people. Judging from the current progress, there must be problems in the previous scientific examinations. This time, Enke was very quiet and could not be found. Too many things, either the other party didn't move, or the action was very little, too cautious.

In order to avoid accidents in the emperor's palace examination, is it necessary to try the top few talents in advance?At least the top ranked person can't be an idiot.

Qiu Yiqing glanced at the hands on the sleeves, leaned closer, bowed her head and said: "The emperor has made arrangements."

Ye Baiting raised the corner of his mouth: "Then we can watch the excitement for a while."

Sure enough, after a while, a young civil servant who joined in the fun suggested that there was still some time before the announcement of the list, and it would be hard to wait. Why don't you play a few poems, preferably not something so simple that you can play at ordinary gatherings , require a little more, the difficulty is higher, everyone can calm down and think, and it can consume more time...

The various proposals he gave were very challenging, and the rankings were about to be released. Everyone was unwilling to admit defeat, and there were many people who responded quickly. Friends of poetry.

There are those who are eager to try, and write without saying a word, and some who sneer and don't move.

For example, Zhang You, he drank his tea in the surrounding area, and no one moved his buttocks. This kind of behavior can be understood as a guilty conscience.If you don't show your talents, take this kind of 'difficult test', do you want to embarrass yourself in front of so many people!

The questions are more difficult, and everyone needs to think longer. Ye Baiting waited for a long time before looking at Qiu Yiqing: "Will the commander go around?"

Qiu Yiqing got up just in time: "That's exactly what I meant."

He 'turned around' very quickly, quietly walked around all the students, and nodded to Ye Baiting when he came back: "A few are not bad, they really have real talents and learning."

Ye Baiting opened his eyes wide: "Can you understand?"

He didn't fully understand the bunch of gorgeous words that this group of people used just now. Did this person understand all of them by turning around so fast!

Qiu Xunqing looked at Xiao Zuo with deep eyebrows: "Earlier when my sister said that you don't like reading, I didn't believe it all. It was obviously negligent."

Ye Baiting: ...

Isn't this kind of thing obvious at a glance?Qiu Yiqing still doesn't understand the words he wrote as a little meat dog?Where did the 'unbelievable' conclusion come from?

He never felt inferior about his academic qualifications, but let alone his literary talents. In this world, he really doesn't have one, and he can't be regarded as a scholar.

Seeing his eyes straightened, Qiu Yiqing coughed twice with his fist in his nose: "If you want, I will teach you later."

Ye Baiting: ...

Still don't have to.

"You'll be fine."

Qiu Suqing paused, but his voice was a little cheerful: "That's right, it's good that we only know each other. If you don't understand, you can ask me."

As time passed, the first round of the poetry competition over there was over. Since Geng Yuanzhong, the chief examiner, was on the list, who else would do the job of commenting?Everyone complimented him, all kinds of flattery to save face, and raised him to a high place. He also happily enjoyed this difference and made a wave of comments.

Ye Baiting still didn't quite understand those twists and turns, complimenting people from various angles, but it could be seen from his expression that Geng Yuanzhong still had the intention of "showing off". Showing more 'true talents and real learning', on the contrary, he was praised by the students present.

Of course, Gao Jun was the same as before, speaking with his boss in his arms and maintaining his dignity.

Hu Anju is a good man, and many people ask him for his views. He doesn't talk much, and his sense of presence is very low. Maybe it's because he doesn't have much talent and learning, but when everyone looks at him and needs him to speak, he It's still very easy to use rhetoric.

Ye Baiting feels that the atmosphere is a little too harmonious, but a little subtle, I'm afraid it's not...

Sure enough, the first round of poems passed, and the students were eager to continue to the second round. Those who had no chance to perform on the other side could no longer hold back.

For example, Zhang You, because of his relative status, sat next to Geng Yuanzhong, and looked critically at He Yiming who was not far away: "I heard that Mr. He has a good literary talent, and he did well in the exam, why didn't you comment on it just now, so that we can see it too?" experience?"

He Yiming's face remained the same as before, he couldn't see much, but his posture was a little proud: "It's just an achievement from a long time ago, it's not worth mentioning, but you, Mr. Zhang, why don't you just play with this poem order?"

Zhang You narrowed his eyes: "As far as my talent is concerned, this little trick is not worth my own—"

Geng Yuanzhong frowned: "You'er speak carefully."

The movement to stop him was too fast, I don't know whether he might say something or cause something bad.

Zhang You was obviously a little unconvinced, but he still endured it obediently and did not speak.

When the second round of students' poetry orders was over, he still couldn't hold back, and mentioned He Yiming again, insisting on making things difficult for him. Apart from the comments, there were other insinuations... It's just that the angle of the speech was too biased, and the voice was too low , others did not notice.

He Yiming obviously became emotional, and the corners of his eyes narrowed slightly: "You can eat indiscriminately, but you can't talk indiscriminately. Mr. Zhang better be careful."

Zhang You sneered: "What's wrong with this, Mr. He even snatched my cousin's things, why is it so timid now?"

After saying this, Geng Yuanzhong didn't stop him, nor did he have much emotion.

Ye Baiting sat far away, the environment was noisy, some words were not heard clearly, but the situation was obvious at the moment, Zhang You was a man who could read eyes, knew what kind of words Geng Yuanzhong would stop, what kind of words would not, so he intentionally stoked anger and congratulated him Naruto.

These two people... have a festival?

Of course, Zhang You didn't just stab at it, he lengthened the ending, and continued: "Master He came aggressively earlier, his official career went smoothly, he dared to grab any achievements, he dared to do anything, and I also said that Mr. He is very promising, but the result is not good. Being oppressed and beaten by Jin Yiwei, the other people who got involved will suffer along with it? I'm different—"

He cupped his hands towards He Yiming pretendingly: "I'm going to be in the same circle soon, we will do things together in the future, please Master He hold your hands high, don't care about me, a little man."

He was really confident in his own admission, and even said what he said about being an official together in the future.

Geng Yuanzhong didn't stop it, and it seemed that he was not so calm about this matter. He was happy to see He Yiming being assassinated, and he might have some disharmonious past with He Yiming, and he had complaints in his heart.

Ye Baiting felt that the atmosphere among the few people was obviously not right. He wanted to observe more, but he had no chance. There was a sudden movement outside the street. It was Yu Lianhai who suddenly moved, as if he was chasing someone. No, following the past, the street was crowded with people, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Seeing that it was time to release the list, Qiu Yiqing frowned slightly: "I'll go down and have a look."

"I'm right here, not moving."

Ye Baiting knew his fighting strength, and didn't want to hold back, so he didn't go downstairs with Qiu Yiqing.

Looking down from the upstairs, the distance is a little far away, he doesn't know exactly what happened, but watching the scene gradually calm down, Qiu Xunqing's actions are very useful, but it seems that Jin Yiwei also found something and sent him away. Please report to the side.

Ye Baiting didn't intend to go downstairs before, but at this moment he suddenly found a woman in a red dress appeared on the corner of the street. The woman didn't look like a family member of the examinee because of her age, figure, and style of dress. Hiding behind a hat...

He felt a little subtle, and seeing that the place had quieted down, he thought about it, and went downstairs to find Qiu Yiqing.

But the timing was so unlucky, the gongs ahead cleared the way, and Enke's ranking this time was about to be announced.

Almost instantly, the crowd rushed up. Ye Baiting was surrounded by the crowd, and he couldn't control the direction he was going. However, he was not worried. Because Qiu Xunqing's work was in place before, although the crowd was a little crowded, there was no stampede. , he just couldn't leave for the time being, couldn't get out, there was no danger, he even saw Jin Yiwei coming with him not far away, someone was protecting him.

Ye Baiting simply followed the flow of people and read the entire list posted by the officers and soldiers.

From the beginning to the end, he could clearly see every name, but it seemed... without Zhang You?

This person is not particularly confident. He must be on the list for this big exam. He has done a lot of 'preparation' in private. Why is his name not on the list?

Lost the test paper, something went wrong?impossible.Ye Baiting shook his head, the rules of the examination room cannot be wrong.

Read the title wrong?It's even more impossible, Zhang You is just a little self-willed, lacking in learning, and it's not that he doesn't know how to read. He will never read the wrong question. If there is a problem, he should have a trouble with someone in line when he comes out of the examination room, but he hasn't... …

Very strange, this thing.

Ye Baiting was completely focused on this matter, and he didn't know how long he had been trapped by the crowd, and the noise of candidates' joy or sorrow was in his ears, until suddenly there was a scream in the distance——

"Come on, someone...someone jumped off the building and fell to his death!"