Chapter 613: Solving Natural Disasters In the capital, the imperial examination is one of the most important events, and the scholars who participate are symbols of family is also a pillar of the Ming Dynasty's future court. However, on this day, a secret report broke the peace of the imperial examination. The secret report said that some scholars were cheating in the examination room, and their behavior was exaggerated, and someone was openly writing for them. The tide clothes and the Stone Gate were furious, their dissatisfaction and anger were so loud that they almost shook the sky. The officials who were floating in the vortex of power looked at each other in bewilderment. Many of them had long been accustomed to manipulating the imperial examinations secretly. But this time it was blatant cheating. It was so outrageous that even they themselves had to come forward and call for an investigation into the matter. Faced with the surging emotions of his ministers, Zhu Yuanzhang knew that he could not handle the matter lightly. He looked at the national teacher Lin Che, with high hopes as always. "Lin Che, this matter is of great importance. I hope you can uphold justice and set things right for me." Lin Che nodded calmly and said, "Your Majesty, the integrity of the government and the great ceremony of the country must not be tarnished."
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will do my best to investigate this matter thoroughly." The investigation began. Lin Che did not play by the rules and issued an order first. All examiners are required to hand in their examination records and all invigilation notes. Then, unexpectedly, he openly posted a notice in the capital, offering a reward for evidence and witnesses of cheating. This move caused an uproar in the capital. Lin Che's method was unprecedented. Even ordinary people, who usually keep silent about official scandals, have begun to expose some of the common news. Someone pointed out that several faculty members of a certain academy had been behaving mysteriously for days and nights, which caught Lin Che's attention. Within a few days, the investigation results shocked everyone, and the list of officials who took bribes behind the scenes surfaced. The chain of interests between them and that academy is deeper than anyone can imagine. After Zhu Yuanzhang received Lin Che's report, his expression was solemn. He boldly read out the investigation results in person in the court. The scholars who cheated and the officials who manipulated behind the scenes were named. While Zhu Yuanzhang was telling everyone, Lin Che stood aside, calm as usual. The atmosphere in the court froze for a time, and the once prestigious academy's reputation was ruined overnight. The sons of wealthy families all looked pale, and the officials who once spent money like water in exchange for a good reputation were now in a state of constant fear. Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and directly dismissed them from their official positions, forbidding them to ever step into the court again. Outside the court, the scholars who were implicated in this incident calmed down amidst the discussion. They had not placed their hopes on this fair outcome, but after seeing Lin Che's righteous attitude, they began to respect him. "The title of Imperial Master is truly worthy of the name." A scholar sighed in the teahouse. "This time, you are fair and impartial. Even though we scholars have no hope of fame and honor, we feel relieved."
"Indeed, the Imperial Master has shown his ability to forge ahead in this incident. This imperial examination turmoil has corrected the atmosphere in the court." Another scholar sighed. In the teahouses and streets farther away, Lin Che's reputation spread like a spring breeze. Although the common people did not understand what was going on in the court, they knew that there was an impartial official who upheld justice for them. Lin Che did not get complacent because he had won everyone's respect. He made suggestions in front of Zhu Yuanzhang. "Investigating and punishing cheating is only a minor matter; maintaining a clean and upright government is the most important thing." “If the imperial court can be clean and upright, the world will be peaceful.” Zhu Yuanzhang patted Lin Che’s shoulder happily. "Well said. I like the way you speak your mind." A national ceremony must not be defiled. "From now on, the imperial examinations will be fully entrusted to you. I believe you can handle it properly." Because of this fair and selfless investigation and handling, Imperial Master Lin Che once again confirmed his status and prestige in the capital and even in the Ming Dynasty. The imperial examination turmoil was not only a display of Lin Che's wisdom, but also a verification of Zhu Yuanzhang's clean government. Inside the Imperial Censorate, Lin Che sat back in his seat, supported his chin with both hands, looked at the white clouds outside the window, and said slowly: "The people of the world should enjoy peace and tranquility. This is the original intention of our generation to speak and act." And this sentence, just like his code of conduct, silently flashed an eternal light in the hearts of the people of the Ming Dynasty. The north wind was howling and the world was changing dramatically. In this deep winter, the Ming Dynasty was hit by a rare cold wave. The entire capital city was covered with a thick layer of white snow. In the Forbidden City, located in the center of the imperial city, the lights exuded warmth, and Zhu Yuanzhang and Lin Che were discussing countermeasures. Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and asked worriedly. “Lin Che, this cold wave came suddenly, and almost all of the people were frozen over. The grain harvest was poor, and the people of our Ming Dynasty are afraid that they will suffer greatly from the disaster.” "I am extremely worried. Do you have any good ideas to help the world?" Lin Che held a feather fan in his hand, his expression calm, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Although this cold wave is fierce, I have prepared for it." Lin Che's words made Zhu Yuanzhang feel relieved. He knew that this imperial teacher had always been well versed in astronomy and geography. Never doubting his abilities, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with anticipation. "Master, I have heard that you are proficient in geomancy and know the geography of China and abroad like the back of your hand. I eagerly hope that you can use your extraordinary means to help my people out of the dire straits." Lin Che flicked his feather fan and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the right time, right place, and right people cannot be violated." "However, the people's well-being is left to others, precisely because of what I have learned." "I have also learned about the granaries and deployment in the court. I have already asked people to collect grain information from various places. We will coordinate the national granaries and use the time we have to dispatch grain to various places and distribute it to the people without losing the opportunity." Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes sparkled, and he said, "This is a brilliant plan. Lin Che, I will fully support you in this important task."
Imperial Censor Wang Zhen, who had been standing quietly in the corner of the hall, suddenly spoke. "I admire the great plan of the Imperial Master, but I would like to remind you that natural disasters are unpredictable and may cause disasters if you are not careful in your deployment." "Some land benefits the people, while others make them suffer. I am afraid that people will be resentful." Lin Che smiled slightly, but was full of confidence, "My Lord, I have already anticipated in detail what you are worried about." "Food will be quickly transported to the disaster area via waterways and distributed to various warehouses using the inland river network. It will be able to reach the area quickly even in the harsh winter. In addition, honest officials will be sent to personally supervise the distribution to ensure that no one goes hungry." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction. It was indeed a godsend that a wise minister could help him out of the difficult situation at the right time. He waved his hand to let Wang Zhen leave, then turned and looked deeply at the imperial teacher. "National Master, I entrust you with all my powers. The safety of the people of the world is entrusted to you." Imperial Master Lin Che bowed and agreed. He left the palace like a tornado and ran towards the granary in the capital. In the following days, the dispatch of granaries across the country began to accelerate. As soon as Lin Che's order was issued, officials from all over the country acted quickly. The grain carts of the Ming Dynasty were like golden dragons, traveling through the snow and fields, bringing warmth and hope. Under Lin Che's arrangement, a terrible natural disaster was properly dealt with. (End of this chapter)