Chapter 2004 - 2006: Merit for the Informant

Chapter 2004: Chapter 2006: Merit for the Informant

"Ah, what’s written on it says that Yang Ming indeed colluded with the proctor. They say the whistleblower has done a meritorious deed by helping them get rid of a pest. They promise stern punishment for this matter, but the exact penalty hasn’t been decided yet. When it is, the government office will issue a notice."

Someone explained the notice posted by the government office.

Those present were already aware of the outcome, and discussed it further.

"Look here, look here, what did I say? This matter is nailed on the board, and just earlier the kid from Shanshi County was speaking up for him. He must be feeling embarrassed now, right."

"The punishment hasn’t been announced yet. If you ask me, this will be reported upwards, and it might even alarm the Emperor. Yang Ming is likely doomed, and the proctor, too, might be in big trouble. What’s wrong with being a proctor? Why take silver?"

"Perhaps Yang Ming offered a hefty sum. Who can resist such temptation?"

"..."

"..."

The examinee from Shanshi County, who had defended Yang Ming, felt ashamed upon seeing the notice, realizing he had misjudged Yang Ming. With a wave of his large sleeve, he stormed off, while whispers and laughter behind him mocked his folly.

"It’s him, it’s that boy. He was defending someone just now, and now his face is slapped hard, hahaha."

"However, there are good people in Shanshi County after all. I heard that the talk about Yang Ming and the proctor colluding came from their own people, someone from the same examination hall as Yang Ming."

"Really, then he’s indeed a great person, aiding the government office in getting rid of such a pest. But he is not so lucky; the notice mentioned the whistleblower’s merit but not his."

"Do you think, since the government says the whistleblower has merit, they might give some reward?"

"If the Prince is handling the case, surely there’s a reward, and quite a substantial one. However, didn’t you see that the whistleblower is kind-hearted and anonymous? The government respects him and thus expresses gratitude in the notice."

"..."

"..."

At that moment, someone stood in the crowd with an uncontainable grin on their face. This person was none other than Mr. Liu, the whistleblower himself. Initially worried about being traced by the government, it now seemed the government might actually thank him.

He truly hadn’t expected Yang Ming to be this kind of person, really smuggling things inside and bribing the proctor with silver. Karma indeed.

He wondered if he would receive a reward if he told the government office that he was the whistleblower.

Just contemplating this, he heard someone shout, "Everyone, look, the government office has issued another notice."

Many people crowded forward to see what the notice said.

The notice revealed that due to delays in returning to their hometowns, all expenses for the next few days would be covered by the Prince, assuring everyone to not worry about costs. Also, the annual poetry competition was about to start and invited all examinees to participate.

"The Prince is truly wise."

"Yes, many examinees couldn’t stay due to lack of silver at home and hence missed the annual poetry competition. This year, with the Prince covering lodging, everyone can participate without worry."

"This year’s poetry competition will definitely be lively, especially with more participants."

"..."

"..."

Quickly, the news on the government office notice spread throughout the streets of the Capital City, sparking lively discussions about the matter. The examinees were excited since participating in the poetry competition could bring them numerous benefits.