Chapter 113: Invited to a Banquet
“Normally, I wouldn’t be surprised if others said such things, but when Brother Han says it, does that mean no one else in the world dares to participate in this imperial examination?”
It was no exaggeration.
Even the casual poem he composed earlier had already spread far and wide, making people regard him as a prodigy beyond compare.
Not to mention all the essays he had written inspired by his feelings; most had circulated elsewhere already.
“Have you finished handling your other affairs? You look much better than before.”
“Of course. Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and staying in the courtyard reading books all day is indeed quite dull.”
It seemed this fellow had other plans.
“What’s this? Are you planning some kind of gathering?”
“Don’t joke with me. I’m hardly capable of that. I just heard that Lord Lu’s son has invited various scholars who came to the capital for the examination, so I wanted to ask your opinion.”
The invitation for tonight would be delivered here.
Would he attend? Or would he simply find an excuse to slip away?
“Lu Wensheng? The third-ranking scholar from a few years ago, now holding a position at the Hanlin Academy?” Han Qing asked casually.
Only someone with such capability could be behind this.
“Though you often stay here studying, you seem quite well-informed about the news in Luojing. Indeed, he is a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy and has heard about this year’s examinees, so he wants to observe for himself.”
The Hanlin Academy offered certain opportunities. If some candidates failed to advance due to examiners’ personal opinions, the Academy could select one or two capable individuals independently.
This had become a focal point beyond the imperial exams themselves.
The scholars chosen by the Grand Secretary were not merely those who excelled academically but those well-versed in history and current affairs, possessing unique perspectives.
“I’ve never met this man, but since there are records of his accomplishments, how could I not witness his presence?”
He said calmly, not as if seeking mere entertainment but genuinely wanting to observe this man’s ability.
“And you? Don’t tell me you were invited as well?”
Han Qing teased.
The man before him seemed to view the imperial examinations with utter indifference. How could he be among the invitees?
“Luck just happens to favor me. I was invited too, though not with you students, but accompanying Inspector Lin Fei.”
Han Qing roughly understood.
Probably for the safety of the scholars, a few trusted individuals were chosen to attend Lord Lu’s residence.
“I see.”
He nodded calmly, having prepared everything.
The next evening, they set out for the place.
Several familiar faces appeared—others who had also taken the provincial exam.
They exchanged brief greetings, nothing overly formal or distant.
Beyond that, few words were spoken; after all, this was another’s event, and Han Qing would not presume to dominate it.
“Each of you has passed a round of selection and truly possesses talent. Today, we’ll hold a poetry gathering in this courtyard. Express your unique insights freely—say whatever you wish.”
Lord Lu was quite open-minded.
He spoke a few composed words and then left the matter alone.
Just like that, so casually?
Han Qing sat in the courtyard, puzzled. It all seemed rather strange.
They were just a few examinees; there was no need for such a grand affair.
He calmly sipped his tea, occasionally chiming in softly.
Suddenly, one candidate collapsed onto the ground, crying out loudly for help.
“Help me! This tea is poisoned!”
He vomited thick, black, viscous matter.
The scene threw the entire courtyard into chaos.
Lord Lu was startled and came over.
Unaware of what had transpired, he immediately questioned nearby servants and learned the details.
“Everyone, remain calm. We will find out the cause. I would never poison the tea myself, especially since it was served together.”
Lord Lu clarified his position directly.
There was little reason for anyone to suspect him.
No one would poison tea in their own courtyard unless they were risking everything.
“Lord Lu, you owe us an explanation. How could one of the candidates among us suffer such a fate?”
One of the examinees immediately demanded, eyes flashing with restrained anger, unable to comprehend the incident.
It was difficult to explain.
“Do not panic. I have already ordered the servants to search for the culprit.”
Lord Lu spoke slowly.
Yet, after nearly fifteen minutes, no clues emerged.
The poisoned candidate had been taken to a side room.
With such a strange incident, Lin Fei could hardly remain idle.
This was precisely the moment for him to step forward—his duty.
Could it really be the work of those from the martial underworld?
But what reason would they have?
These candidates bore no grudge against such people, no connection at all.
Moreover, even if they managed to infiltrate, why would they target just one examinee’s life?
And with such a lethal poison—arsenic trioxide.
How bizarre!
Lin Fei’s face was pale.
Images flashed rapidly through his mind; he already feared being blamed by the Emperor and losing all support for the rest of his life.
Even Lord Zhu, who had been calmly enjoying tea and the moon, grew anxious.
“Did you witness anything in the courtyard just now?”
“No, I only took a sip of tea. When I looked up, the man had already collapsed.”
Han Qing placed the tea set on the table with calm detachment.
He showed no suspicion, as if the loss of one life was hardly surprising.
Indeed, it was a truly strange matter.
“Strange indeed. Why was it only candidate Liu who drank the poisoned tea? Could he have offended someone?”
Lin Fei quickly investigated Liu’s recent movements and questioned a few close acquaintances.
No one knew the specifics.
Most of the scholars were terrified.
They had witnessed someone poisoned and now remained in anxious suspense.
They didn’t know what to do.
It was terrifying.
“Everyone, please stay calm. Aside from that one cup, the other tea is safe.”