I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 33 Competitive Recruitment

Dong Yun's words were not convincing enough, but Liu Shan's imperial authority and Zhuge Liang's character and reputation were undeniable, and the people had nothing to say.

"Actually, it's easy to prove one's innocence. Just bring General Wang's case file and you'll know the truth at a glance," someone suggested.

The examination rules are very strict, making cheating difficult. Once the case files are published, everything will naturally come to light.

"That's a great idea. Whether someone can read or not is obvious at a glance."

"Just now, Lord Dong said that if there are any doubts about the exam papers, we can be open and honest and let everyone judge for themselves."

The people echoed this sentiment and demanded to review Wang Ping's case file.

Wang Ping knew that the innocent would remain innocent, and remained calm and composed, clearly unafraid.

Dong Yun maintained his smile, but politely declined, saying, "This method is good, but it won't work!"

The people, who were initially skeptical, became even more doubtful after hearing that Dong Yun had refused.

Reviewing the case files is the best response to questions, but to refuse in public suggests there might be some shady dealings involved.

"I knew there must be some vested interests involved. Wang Ping is illiterate, so how could he answer the questions? I'm afraid the case file is mostly empty."

"The new policies for the Imperial Academy were personally approved by His Majesty and overseen by the Prime Minister's Office. How can the court face the students of the nation with such a disgraceful incident?"

"Wang Ping is just a mere surrendered general, yet the imperial court can still protect him. I wonder how many Wang Pings are on this imperial edict."

Faced with overwhelming accusations, Wang Ping was both angry and anxious, and roared, "Lord Dong, this humble general requests to review the case files and clear my name."

Dong Yun smiled and replied, "General Wang may review his own case files, but he must do so alone under the supervision of the Prime Minister's office. This is a rule set by His Majesty."

Wang Ping asked curiously, "If that's the case, how can I prove my innocence?"

"Rules are rules. This was agreed upon before the results were announced, and it cannot be changed."

Wang Ping was completely bewildered by Dong Yun's words.

To clear one's name, the case files must be made public, but the Prime Minister's office stipulates that only the individual can access them.

This only fuels outsiders' suspicions even more.

"Lord Dong, you just said that you could make the case files public for everyone to review, so why don't you do it now? Isn't that a contradiction?"

Dong Yun patiently explained, "What I meant was that if any of you have doubts about the fairness of the selection process for the imperial edict, the Prime Minister's office can publicly select several files from these records for everyone to review, but it cannot designate any particular person's file. Do you all understand?"

"This is too much trouble. Why not just bring out General Wang's case file? Everyone will see it at a glance. Why go through all this trouble? Isn't this an attempt to cover it up?"

Faced with the students' questions, Dong Yun's face darkened, and he respectfully bowed.

"Your Majesty's implementation of the new policies at the Imperial Academy is a major national event. The Prime Minister's Office has been dutifully fulfilling its duties, and all officials hold it in awe."

"If you question General Wang Ping, you should collect the evidence and send it to the Prime Minister's Office, where the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Personnel will conduct a trial in accordance with the law."

"Instead of reviewing case files based on a mere unfounded guess."

"If everyone follows suit, with you investigating today and someone else investigating tomorrow, where will the laws of the country be, where will the emperor's authority be, and where will the credibility of the officials be?"

Dong Yun's words were reasonable and well-founded, making them difficult to refute.

The imperial court may answer your questions appropriately, but it cannot allow you to freely access anyone's case files.

Doing so is not to prove innocence, but to challenge the law and question the imperial court.

"That may be true, but without a clear resolution, it will be difficult to reassure the students and officials of the land."

At this moment, Ma Su stepped out from the crowd.

Since he first appeared in public, although he has never uttered a single word of criticism, he seems to be present in every controversy.

Dong Yun calmly replied, "Strict laws and moderate rules, a balance between strictness and leniency, are essential for long-term stability. His Majesty has made it clear to me that if there are any objections to the imperial edict, whoever makes the report must provide evidence. It would be contrary to common sense to expect the victim to go to great lengths to prove their innocence based solely on a false accusation."

"That makes sense." The people nodded in agreement.

Although it would be easy for Wang Ping to prove his innocence, the court's refusal to allow it actually had a deeper meaning.

If similar cases occur in the future, and the defendant is forced to prove their innocence based solely on the unfounded speculation of the whistleblower, where is the justice and fairness of the law?

"Whoever makes the accusation must provide evidence, excellent!" Ma Su suddenly raised his voice and said, "In that case, Lord Dong, Ma Su wishes to accuse the chief examiner of injustice. Is that permissible?"

"What does Military Advisor Ma mean by this?"

Dong Yun's heart sank.

Are you out of your mind, Ma Su?

The examiners were all personally selected by the Prime Minister's office.

If you question the examiner, you are questioning your mentor, Prime Minister Zhuge.

"Ma Su boasted of his talent, though he was not as learned as Vice Minister Dong. He simply couldn't understand why Ma Su should be admitted to the regular class of the Imperial Academy. Therefore, he wanted to use his own writings as proof, to let the students of the world judge whether Ma Su had real talent and learning."

The students cheered in unison, "Excellent! This is the spirit of the Imperial Academy!"

Now it was Dong Yun's turn to be in a dilemma.

Although the Prime Minister's Office has a rule that candidates can consult their case files if they have any objections to their assessment.

However, Ma Su used this as evidence and invited the students and officials present to comment on it, in order to show that it was fair, reasonable and legal.

Moreover, this move has a strong "monthly critique" feel to it, which is exactly what students have been hoping for, hence the enthusiastic response.

If the issue cannot be quelled, other regions and counties may follow suit, creating considerable resistance to the implementation of the new policy.

"This Ma Su, with the pride of a scholar, has actually gotten himself into such trouble."

Zhuge Liang's tone was quite displeased.

Ma Su was a student he valued highly. When he learned that Ma Su had not been selected for the advanced class, Zhuge Liang felt regretful and thought that he would personally review Ma Su's case file after returning to his residence.

If it was truly due to the examiner's oversight, he would certainly plead with Liu Shan personally to uphold justice for him.

But now that Ma Su has brought the matter into the open, Zhuge Liang can no longer intervene.

"Prime Minister, shall I go and stop Military Advisor Ma?"

Jiang Wan saw through Zhuge Liang's concerns.

On one hand, there are new national laws and policies; on the other hand, there are beloved students. It's inevitable to be caught in a dilemma.

"That's enough!"

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment and sighed, "Since Ma Su wants to prove his talent in this way, let him be. If I interfere, it will only make the officials think that the Prime Minister's office is being unfair."

Amidst the jubilation of the students, the spirited Ma Su stepped forward and asked with a hint of pressure, "Lord Dong, what do you say?"

The students' strong requests left Dong Yun at a loss for what to do.

After all, he was only there to announce the results, and Ma Su's actions had already gone beyond the rules and were not within his authority.

"Please calm down, everyone. I will report this matter to His Majesty..."

Before he could finish speaking, a loud voice broke the stalemate.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

Everyone turned to look, and saw Liu Shan, dressed in fine clothes, striding towards them under the protection of Zhao Tong and others.

Upon hearing that Liu Shan had come in person, Dong Yun stood on tiptoe and craned his neck to look.

After confirming it was Liu Shan, he hurriedly parted the crowd, jogged forward, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty."

After Dong Yun's official confirmation, everyone realized that the visitor was indeed the current emperor, and they all knelt down to pay their respects.

Liu Shan arrived at the notice on the bluestone wall and said loudly, "Get up, everyone."

After everyone stood up, Dong Yun was about to step forward to explain the matter, but Liu Shan interrupted him, saying, "I already know the whole story."

He glanced at Ma Su and continued, "Since Military Advisor Ma has questions about the imperial edict, the court naturally has to provide an answer."

"But I have already decreed that case files can only be reviewed and understood by the individuals themselves. Anonymously releasing parts of the case files is also to avoid unnecessary disputes. However, if Military Advisor Ma's doubts are not resolved, I fear the people will not be satisfied. In that case, I will try another method. What do you say?"

Everyone held their breath and pricked up their ears.

"Military Advisor Ma is confident in his talent and learning. He has served as a local official and is now in the military. So I will set a challenge for him in public and select one civil official and one military officer from the imperial proclamation for advanced classes to compete with Military Advisor Ma here. I invite everyone present to give their opinions."

"If Ma can beat one of them, he can take their place in the advanced class."

"I will tentatively call this a competitive selection process. What do you all think?"