Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

Petitions surged regarding a scandal in the imperial examination system, prompting officials to demand a thorough investigation. Public sentiment called for severe punishment if allegations were confirmed, while exoneration was sought if not. The emperor approved an investigation, leading to the summoning of top scholar Fang Wang Xi and Jia Huan for questioning. Amidst political turmoil, the Left Censor-in-Chief, Yin Peng, opted for a courteous invitation rather than arrest. Jia Huan, aware of the scrutiny, chose not to meet Fang Wang Xi secretly to avoid suspicion. As tensions rose, various officials, including Vice Minister Peng, were implicated, revealing the complexities of political maneuvering in the court.

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