Ye Longlin said nothing about this, but upon careful reflection, the matter already showed signs of brewing. If it wasn't discovered and reported in time, then this Great Xia would truly become a paradise for the rich.
The poor would grow poorer, and the rich would grow richer.
This was not a good thing.
"Regarding education, compile a document for me. It concerns Great Xia's education and cannot be taken lightly. Assign Xuan Niao to handle this matter."
Yuan Gang nodded, "Understood."
These matters were somewhat easier for women to handle, as they were generally more meticulous than men.
This was a grand education plan and must not become a channel for some people to profit, nor a means for others to exploit.
Over the years, the United States had been encroaching on Great Xia's education to some extent. The US personnel apprehended back then had plans related to this. Therefore, upon hearing Yuan Gang mention this matter, Ye Longlin immediately remembered that it could not be tolerated.
This related to Great Xia's development and achievements for decades, even centuries to come.
Studying was the best way out, but not necessarily the only way out. However, the scientific researchers and medical professionals a nation needed were all among these batches of promising students.
It was no wonder Ye Longlin was crossing boundaries to handle this matter.
"Right, investigate this one-armed soldier. As long as he's not from a secret department, the Dragon Pavilion's authority should be able to find out."
"Soldiers protect the country on the battlefield, and we absolutely cannot let our brothers' hearts grow cold. If people can tamper with exam papers and scores, what else can't they do? Military families are also under protection."
Losing an arm was enough to explain everything.
Regardless of which branch of the military, if discharged due to injury or disability, it proved they were in front-line units!
"I understand."
Yuan Gang nodded. With Ye Longlin noticing this matter, the consequences were essentially decided, even if the parties involved were not yet aware.
If you don't want people to know, don't do it.
Moreover, this kind of thing was done so openly. Many people knew, but there was nothing they could do, which showed the power of the Zhu family.
...
On the other side, Li Mingyuan, who had returned home, sat on the doorstep, smoking his pipe. His heart was also in turmoil.
Looking at his son sitting silently on the sofa, he sighed and murmured to himself, "I have lived my life without shame towards the country, but I am only ashamed towards them, his mother and him. Xiao Xue died in childbirth, and he is my only son. Now it concerns his future, how can I, as a father, stand by and watch?"
As he spoke, the determination in his eyes grew even stronger.
He tapped the pipe stem on the ground, waved away the smoke, and a surging aura of sharpness erupted.
Returning to his room, he found the military uniform that had been stored away. Looking at the golden badges on the uniform, he remained silent for a long time before starting to change.
Two minutes later, a spirited soldier appeared in the mirror, his gaze firm and his demeanor sharp.
However, his left arm was missing, the empty sleeve dangling loosely.
He also took down an old saber that had always hung in the hall. Unwrapping the red cloth, he plunged it into the ground, and with a *swish*, the long saber vibrated ceaselessly.
"Brothers, I might not come back after this. No one will burn incense for you anymore. All of you must bless me to come back alive. If I return alive, I can take care of your wives and children!"
Li Mingyuan grinned, bit down on the end of the fragrant tobacco, lit the tip, and placed it steadily on the incense burner.
"Son, are you scared?"
As the saber was drawn, though covered in rust, it still sent a chill down one's spine.
Li Xuan shook his head, "Every man must have some backbone. A true man born into this world should carry a three-foot sword and achieve world-shattering accomplishments. That's the principle you taught me."
"Hahaha, you are my son!"
Li Xuan's embarrassing result in this national examination did not cause much suspicion among the neighbors. All the neighbors were families of his former squad. For many years, he had fulfilled his promise to them.
Li Xuan, whom they had watched grow up, had always been among the top students. But this time, something was clearly wrong, though they didn't know why.
As the "big brother" to the neighbors, Li Xuan also hoped they would live well. He had always studied hard, just to one day return home in glory and tell them of his amazing achievements, that they too could live good lives in the future.
Now... all that was gone.
Li Mingyuan looked up at the sky, his expression complex.
After so many years, even during the most difficult times after his return, he had never thought of mobilizing the organization's veterans. Now, he put on his uniform again, solely to seek justice for his son.
Even though his hand was gone, the sharp edge that belonged to a soldier was still ingrained in his bones.
Outside the courtyard, upon learning of their return, the surrounding neighbors quickly approached. Seeing the former general dressed in military attire and with a saber at his waist, they knew what he intended to do.
"Old Li, what are you doing? Why are you dressed like this? Can't we just sit down and talk about anything?"
"Could there be some hidden reason for Xuan'er's result in this national examination? Tell us if there's anything, we can help."
"That's right, Old Li. You've taken care of us for so many years. If there's anything, just say it, and we can all think of a solution together. Don't carry it all alone."
The visitors were all women, the wives of his former comrades. Among the next generation, Li Xuan was the eldest.
Li Mingyuan looked at them, pulled Li Xuan forward, and bowed deeply. He patted Li Xuan's shoulder and gestured for him to speak. "Aunties, Xuan'er did not disappoint you in this national examination. In this exam, Xuan'er scored 799, not only becoming the top scorer in Nan Province but also the national top scorer. However, the Zhu family's influence is too great, and they switched the exam papers to pave the way for their descendants. I apologize for disappointing you."
Li Mingyuan nodded. "I will likely not return from this. I fear I might implicate you all. If possible, please leave Nan Province. This is the money I've saved over the years, about two hundred thousand. Take this money and leave."
His words angered everyone present.
"Li Mingyuan, what in the world are you saying? We have received your care for so many years. Are you looking down on our spirit by asking us to leave now, or are you looking down on us women?"
"That's right. We are military families after all. I don't believe the Zhu family would dare to touch us, a group of military families. If anything happens to us, how will all the military families in the world be treated?"
"Old Li, just wait here for us. Xuan'er has long been our godson. If our godson is treated so unfairly, we, as godmothers, must also come forward to seek justice!"