Chapter 1993: Chapter 1995: At the Eye of the Storm
Indeed, as soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room lit up.
Many were indignant; after so many years of hard study, how could they be content to lose to someone who won through connections and backdoor dealings?
"Ha, we thought he was like us, turns out he’s just a charlatan!"
"Even if he makes it, there’s nothing to be proud of!"
"..."
"..."
Various unpleasant words spilled from the mouths of these candidates, and suddenly, Yang Ming was thrust into the spotlight.
Seeing the effect of his words, and a favorable effect at that, the smile on Mr. Liu’s face was fully visible.
He let everyone engage freely; surely before the day was over, rumors of Yang Ming’s backdoor dealings would spread throughout Capital City’s streets and alleys, ruining Yang Ming’s reputation without him doing much.
Originally, these words were just meant to disgust Yang Ming, yet there were unexpected gains.
He could foresee Yang Ming’s future.
With a derisive laugh, he lifted his leg to leave.
But someone blocked his path, and upon looking up, it was Yang Ming.
"What’s this? Brother Yang, are you angry because we hit the truth?"
As soon as these words were spoken, others chimed in, "Exactly, are you daring to act but not to admit?"
Yang Ming’s lips curled into an inexplicable smile, his sharp eyes fixed on Mr. Liu.
Mr. Liu felt somewhat intimidated by Yang Ming’s gaze, it seemed Yang Ming exuded a chill.
He was puzzled, since when did Yang Ming possess such an aura? Despite not wanting to admit it, it was indeed so.
He wanted to leave but found himself unable to move under Yang Ming’s imposing presence.
Yang Ming finally spoke, "Brother Liu, I’m merely reminding you kindly, if you don’t want people to know then don’t do it."
"I don’t know what you’re talking about!" Mr. Liu’s face darkened at Yang Ming’s words, unwilling to continue, afraid Yang Ming might expose something, so he left those words behind, forgetting Yang Ming’s powerful pressure, only wanting to leave.
Yang Ming didn’t stop him from leaving, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to do much, but the grudge today could grow.
Now he needed to address the issues in this room, so he turned to everyone and said, "Everyone, I am merely a victim of wicked schemes; that villain wanted to delay my examination."
"Fortunately, the proctor is fair and honest, finding nothing inappropriate on me, allowing me to continue the exam. I don’t know the proctor; my family has generations of farmers who don’t know officials, even wanting to give gifts, we wouldn’t know where to send them! Do not believe slanderous rumors about the proctor."
"It’s one thing that I, Yang Ming, suffer injustice, but the proctor must not be dragged into this."
"If I were truly colluding with the proctor, he wouldn’t have openly stated in front of everyone that I was reported, and he wouldn’t have taken me away only to bring me back, putting us in this spotlight."
"The proctor remains impartial, and the person who reported me will soon be found, and then the truth will be revealed."
Yang Ming knew that even after saying this, it would likely be of no use, the matter seemed unstoppable.
After all, nothing is harder to seal than the mouths of people, especially those who could embellish what they heard immediately.
Yet he had to say something, because silence would signify acceptance, and the matter would escalate uncontrollably.