Hearing these words, everyone exchanged glances with one another.

This matter shouldn’t have happened.

It was merely an affair involving a few scholars, yet it had escalated all the way to the grand hall—no matter how one looked at it, it was unseemly. If this had been an ordinary occasion, forget about whether these scholars could even gather together; even if they had traveled thousands of miles to Hua Jing and assembled, by the time they reached the palace gates, they would have been dispersed before they could even kneel down, let alone have someone report their presence all the way into the palace.

This matter was deliberately orchestrated by someone. Everyone understood this in their hearts. Anyone capable of transmitting such information here was certainly no ordinary person. The court officials couldn’t help but speculate about which party had orchestrated this scheme and carried out such an act.

The court officials understood the twists and turns below clearly, but Li Ming might not necessarily know. When a person has been deceived from top to bottom for decades, the more subtle the details, the harder they are to comprehend.

Seeing Li Ming furrow his brow, he seemed to treat this only as a major case and immediately said, “What’s going on? Go and clarify the situation!”

“We’ve already clarified it,” the messenger said breathlessly. “Those scholars say they originally passed their provincial examinations in various regions and were qualified tribute candidates who, by rights, should come to Hua Jing to participate in the spring imperial examinations. In the end, however, their places were stolen by others, so they came to Hua Jing wanting to present this matter before the Son of Heaven. They’re all kneeling outside now, hoping Your Majesty will send someone to meet them and give them an explanation. Your Majesty, right now the palace gates are surrounded by common people, all waiting for Your Majesty’s decision.”

Hearing these words, Li Ming fell silent.

These scholars were also clever. If they entered the grand hall, it would become a matter for the court, and how it was handled would depend on the court’s discretion. By kneeling outside the gates demanding an explanation, they made it a result given under the watch of all the common people.

Most importantly, if they entered the grand hall, in the end there might not be anyone to take on their case, and someone might just be randomly assigned to handle it perfunctorily. But now that they were demanding someone come out, if there were any problems in the future, they could keep a close eye on the person in charge.

Who knew who had given them this strategy—it was indeed an effective method.

“How many of them are there?”

After a moment’s pause, Li Ming tapped on the table, seemingly deep in thought. The messenger’s breathing became even as he respectfully replied, “Reporting to Your Majesty, nearly a hundred people.”

A hundred people, coming from all across the nation—this case involved far more than just a few small families.

The most difficult aspect of government decrees lies not in Hua Jing, but in these small local clans. Li Rong could smoothly handle cases involving high officials and great families in Hua Jing, but she had no confidence she could properly handle so many small local cases involving this many people.

Li Ming remained silent, and after a long while, he raised his head and directed his gaze toward Li Chuan.

Li Chuan had been waiting for a long time. When he sensed Li Ming lifting his head to look at him, he slowly raised his own head.

In name, for a case like this, there was no one more suitable than Crown Prince Li Chuan. However, if Li Chuan took on this case, he would either lose the people’s hearts or lose the hearts of the aristocratic families.

For so many people to have their places substituted required a complete chain of operations, from the localities all the way to the Hua Jing court. He would offend quite a few people, and even after offending them, he might not necessarily handle the case well.

If the case wasn’t handled well, Li Ming would have grounds to punish him.

This case could be called an excellent blade, thrust at Li Chuan’s body.

Li Rong couldn’t help but look toward Su Rongqing, who had been standing to the side with his head lowered all along, seeming as if everything had nothing to do with him.

Only at this moment did she finally confirm that Su Rongqing’s target had truly been Li Chuan all along.

If this was the case, then Su Rongqing’s initial reason for wanting to pledge allegiance to Li Chuan became quite intriguing.

If Su Rongqing had been reborn from the very beginning when they first met, then he must certainly know that in the future, Li Chuan would be driven step by step into a desperate situation by Li Ming, until he was finally deposed.

In truth, he didn’t need to do anything—as long as at the final critical moment he prevented Pei Wenxuan from persuading the aristocratic families, then Li Chuan would be doomed.

Under these circumstances, knowing full well what would happen, if he pledged allegiance to Li Chuan with the goal of bringing him down, there was only one possibility: he intended to lurk by Li Chuan’s side and deliver the final blow at the last moment.

If she and Pei Wenxuan hadn’t been reborn, Su Rongqing’s plan would indeed have been quite good.

It was just that she and Pei Wenxuan had returned, which was why Su Rongqing’s reaction was so intense when she established the Constabulary Bureau.

Because she had disrupted Su Rongqing’s plans. She had gained actual power, and Su Rongqing also knew she would absolutely never betray Li Chuan, so his plan of quietly waiting for Li Chuan’s destruction had to change.

Therefore, he desperately tried to prevent the establishment of the Constabulary Bureau and Pei Wenxuan’s rise, because he clearly knew that Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong’s power would ultimately be converted to Li Chuan’s benefit.

Li Rong’s gaze stopped on Su Rongqing as she quietly contemplated everything he had done.

Meanwhile, after a brief standoff of gazes with Li Chuan, Li Ming slowly spoke, “Chuan’er, this matter involves various prefectures and counties throughout the land, and it concerns the fundamental matter of selecting talented people for Great Xia. You are the Crown Prince—why don’t you take responsibility for this?”

Hearing these words, Li Chuan didn’t speak. As he hesitated for a moment, Shangguan Xu stepped forward and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, this matter involves the imperial examinations and should be handled by the officials in charge of the examinations, or by the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, or other offices that administer the law according to regulations. The Crown Prince is the heir apparent and is already busy with affairs. Such a complex civil case would likely be beyond his capacity to handle well. We implore Your Majesty to reconsider.”

As Shangguan Xu spoke, he turned to look at Minister of Personnel Wang Houwen: “Minister Wang, I heard that you recently volunteered to serve as chief examiner for the imperial examinations. Why don’t you handle this case with the cooperation of the Ministry of Justice?”

Hearing this, Wang Houwen quickly stepped forward and said urgently, “Your Majesty, this old minister is aged and frail. Some days ago, I did indeed volunteer to serve as chief examiner for the imperial examinations, but recently I’ve felt my health failing. Since the chief examiner has not yet been determined, I implore Your Majesty to select someone more worthy.”

Wang Houwen gasped three times in a single sentence, which, combined with his plump body and his white beard dancing about, made even Li Rong feel chest tightness and shortness of breath just listening to him.

Li Rong speculated that Li Ming probably didn’t want Wang Houwen to take on this case either.

Investigating a few people who had stolen examination places was not particularly important in Li Ming’s heart. There were too many national affairs—today natural disasters, tomorrow warfare—in comparison, the futures of several hundred people didn’t amount to much.

But if it could destabilize Li Chuan’s position as Crown Prince, then it became extremely important.

He needed to free the Li clan from the shackles of the Shangguan clan. From the moment Li Chuan was born, no matter how excellent he was, he was no longer suitable for this position.

So they watched as Li Ming nodded slowly and said, “Minister Wang is also getting on in years. As for the position of chief examiner for the imperial examinations, I do indeed have other ideas in mind.”

As Li Ming spoke, he raised his eyes to look at the assembled officials: “I wonder which of you ministers is willing to go out and accept these students’ complaint?”

When Li Ming asked this question, everyone already had the answer in their hearts.

In the current situation, no one would take on this hot potato.

With no answer forthcoming, in the end the case would still be forcibly thrust into the Crown Prince’s hands by Li Ming.

Li Rong lightly tapped her small fan against her palm and glanced at Su Rongqing in the distance. She saw Su Rongqing turn his head back, his eyes as still as dead water pausing briefly on her face before looking toward Pei Wenxuan.

He had already made his move—now it remained to be seen how Pei Wenxuan would respond.

If Li Chuan took on this case, no matter what he did, it would be a loss.

He would either lose the hearts of the aristocratic families or lose the hearts of the common people.

Li Rong couldn’t help but look toward Pei Wenxuan as well. She couldn’t help wondering how Pei Wenxuan would deal with this.

Having known of Su Rongqing’s moves early on, he shouldn’t be completely unprepared.

Pei Wenxuan sensed both their gazes. He leisurely raised his eyes, his smile-filled gaze meeting Su Rongqing’s scrutinizing look. After a moment, he suddenly stepped forward, prostrated himself on the ground, and declared loudly, “Your Majesty, this minister is willing to take on this case!”

Li Rong instantly tightened her grip on her fan, her heartbeat quickening. On the high seat, Li Ming furrowed his brow, staring intently at Pei Wenxuan kneeling on the ground.

Li Ming had originally wanted to deal with Li Chuan, yet Pei Wenxuan actually came out to shield Li Chuan from trouble?

That bastard Pei Wenxuan—had he lost his mind?!

Not only did Li Rong think this—everyone in the court thought the same.

Li Ming suppressed his temper and tried to dissuade Pei Wenxuan: “Minister Pei, you’ve only just taken up the position of Vice Minister of Personnel. For a case like this, your qualifications are probably insufficient.”

“Your Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan said while kneeling on the ground, “though this minister’s qualifications are insufficient, I have the will. Now that no minister in the court is willing to undertake this case, why not entrust it to this humble minister? This minister did not come from an aristocratic family background but entered office through the imperial examinations. The imperial examinations hold extraordinary significance for this minister. I deeply empathize with the pain these students feel at having their places stolen. Therefore, I request that Your Majesty place all matters concerning the imperial examinations entirely in this minister’s hands. This minister will certainly return justice to the many students. I implore Your Majesty to grant approval.”

“You’re still too young,” Li Ming said, growing somewhat impatient upon hearing these words. “Your qualifications are also shallow. Even if you have the will, I fear you won’t be able to do the job well.”

“Your Majesty speaks truly.”

Su Rongqing finally spoke. He respectfully suggested, “Why not have Minister Pei assist the Crown Prince in investigating the case and share some of the Crown Prince’s burden?” Su Rongqing turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, as if consulting him. “What does Minister Pei think?”

“Your Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan said, having heard Li Ming’s words but showing no intention of backing down. “The Crown Prince is busy with affairs. In the end, the actual work will fall to those below him. If Your Majesty entrusts this matter to this minister, this minister will certainly devote all his heart and strength to it.”

“Minister Pei speaks reasonably.”

Those on Li Chuan’s side, seeing someone voluntarily taking the blame, quickly said, “Your Majesty, actually this matter isn’t such a major affair. After all, the imperial examinations are just an examination. Compared to disasters in various regions and warfare on the borders, it doesn’t amount to much. Minister Pei is a fourth-rank Vice Minister—handling this case is more than adequate. Why doesn’t Your Majesty simply entrust this matter to Minister Pei and have him handle it with full authority?”

“That’s not quite right,” Su Rongqing’s people immediately stepped forward. “The imperial examinations are the system for selecting officials—they are fundamental to the nation. Now that someone has engaged in fraud and caused chaos, involving regions throughout the entire country, if the Crown Prince doesn’t come forward, how can we calm the people’s hearts?”

“That’s not appropriate…”

Li Ming’s people, Su Rongqing’s people, and the Crown Prince’s people—several factions clashed, and the court became noisy and chaotic for a time.

Li Rong glanced at Pei Wenxuan kneeling on the ground. Pei Wenxuan raised his head and smiled at her. Seeing this expression, Li Rong knew he had everything under control.

Su Rongqing furrowed his brow, standing in the distance with his head lowered in thought.

As both sides argued without resolution, right in the midst of the standoff, a woman’s clear and bright voice rang out.

“Your Majesty,” Consort Rou said, pulling Prince Su along as she stepped across the threshold from the doorway. Consort Rou’s face bore a smile. “Why not entrust this case to Cheng’er?”

Hearing these words, the entire hall suddenly fell silent. Everyone looked at Consort Rou in surprise—only Li Rong maintained her smile throughout.

Consort Rou pulled Prince Su Jing over and smiled at Li Rong with a nod.

Li Rong performed a courtesy, and then Consort Rou knelt down with Prince Su.

“Your Majesty, I heard that Princess Pingle recommended Cheng’er as Director of the Constabulary Bureau. Though Cheng’er is young, he too wishes to share Your Majesty’s burdens. Now that this matter of the imperial examinations has no resolution among the court ministers, why not entrust it to Cheng’er? I will lead Cheng’er to thoroughly investigate, go meet those scholars, and see what they’re seeking.”

Hearing Consort Rou’s words, Li Ming paused for a moment.

Seeing that Consort Rou was willing to take on this iron-hot pot, Shangguan Xu quickly gave those below him a look. A minister immediately stepped forward and proclaimed loudly, “Consort Rou shows great righteousness! Prince Su is an imperial prince of the first rank. If he takes charge of the Constabulary Bureau, having Prince Su handle this case would be most appropriate.”

Once this person called out, other ministers immediately followed suit. Though the matter hadn’t yet been decided, they all began praising Consort Rou and Prince Su.

Consort Rou smiled and glanced at Li Rong. Seeing her triumphant look, Li Rong snorted coldly and turned her head away.

Li Ming hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. “Since Cheng’er wants to take on this case, then let Cheng’er handle it. However, Pei Wenxuan,” Li Ming raised his eyes to look at Pei Wenxuan, “since you wish to handle this case, I hereby appoint you as chief examiner for the imperial examinations. Together with Vice Minister Su from the Ministry of Justice, assist Prince Su and Consort Rou in undertaking this case.”

“This minister accepts the decree.”

Pei Wenxuan respectfully kowtowed. Consort Rou pulled Prince Su to his feet. “Then I shall take Cheng’er to the palace gates now to see what the situation is.”

“Your Majesty,” Li Rong said with a smile, “this daughter also wishes to join in the excitement.”

“Go ahead,” Li Ming waved his hand. “If you want to go, then go. Also serve as a witness for Prince Su.”

Consort Rou led Li Cheng in performing the courtesy, then turned to go out. Li Rong followed forward, and gradually other ministers followed them out as well.

Li Rong and Consort Rou walked side by side through the palace city. Li Rong said slowly, “Consort Rou’s luck has been rather good lately. I wonder which eminent person has been guiding you?”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, Consort Rou knew she had guessed at Cui Yulang’s existence, but since Li Rong asked this way, she didn’t know who the person behind her was.

Consort Rou smiled and only said, “Your Highness is saying something I don’t quite understand.”

Hearing this, Li Rong let out a cold laugh and said nothing more. Consort Rou nodded elegantly. “I still need to lead Cheng’er to handle affairs. Your Highness can come along slowly—this doesn’t have much to do with you anyway.”

“You…” Li Rong seemed about to curse. Consort Rou laughed aloud and led Li Cheng forward with quick steps.

After Consort Rou had gone some distance, Pei Wenxuan slowly walked to Li Rong’s side, seemingly coincidentally walking alongside her.

“Why provoke her when things were going well?”

Pei Wenxuan’s lips barely moved as he inquired in a low voice. Li Rong smiled slightly. “She’s not arrogant enough yet—I’m giving her more psychological comfort. But I should be asking you, what are you doing?”

Li Rong’s face turned cold. “If Consort Rou hadn’t come, what did you mean by that? Did you want to confirm in front of His Majesty that you’re the Crown Prince’s faction?”

“Did you arrange for Consort Rou to come?” Pei Wenxuan said, his hands folded in his sleeves, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Knowing that Su Rongqing was going to scheme,” Li Rong’s voice was calm, “how could I not have any preparation? I had Cui Yulang enter the palace early on and convinced Consort Rou that this was an excellent opportunity to establish merit. It’s just a bunch of small local clans—the case is very easy to handle. She gains the people’s hearts, earns His Majesty’s favor, and can establish authority in the Constabulary Bureau. Three birds with one stone.”

Li Rong smiled ambiguously. “Even I was tempted.”

“Your Highness is brilliant.”

Pei Wenxuan turned his head and smiled. But Li Rong didn’t want to hear his praise. She and Pei Wenxuan were about to reach the palace gates, watching as the gates opened bit by bit.

“Pei Wenxuan, I’ve figured out what Su Rongqing wants to do, but I still don’t understand what you want to do.”

Outside the palace gates, the scene of scholars kneeling on the ground unfolded like a scroll. Consort Rou stood at the entrance pulling Li Cheng along, assuming a righteous and stern posture. After saying some words about definitely seeking justice for them, the people kneeling on the ground were immediately moved.

“Whatever grievances you have, tell Prince Su everything. Prince Su will certainly seek justice for you.”

Consort Rou spoke with great emotion. A person kneeling at the front called out excitedly, “Your Ladyship, today we are here with three requests.”

“First, we hope the court can thoroughly investigate this case of our places being stolen and give us justice!”

“That’s certain,” Consort Rou agreed. “Prince Su and I are here precisely for this matter.”

“Second,” the person didn’t let Consort Rou’s interruption stop him and continued, “we petition the court to add a palace examination to this year’s imperial examinations, personally supervised by His Majesty, to prevent anyone from abusing their private authority and engaging in fraud.”

Hearing this, Consort Rou furrowed her brow. She hadn’t expected these scholars to have so many demands.

The ministers who had followed also became somewhat worried. Li Rong quietly watched those scholars as she heard the person at the very front raise the scroll in his hand and proclaim with emphasis, “Third, we petition the court to make the imperial examinations the sole system for selecting officials and abolish the aristocratic families’ channels for entering office through recommendation, in order to ensure fairness!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire place erupted in an uproar. Consort Rou’s face instantly turned deathly pale.

Su Rongqing looked coldly toward Pei Wenxuan. Li Rong tapped her fan against her palm.

After a long while, she slowly smiled and looked toward Pei Wenxuan, who was watching the entire scene in silence.

“Excellent,” she praised aloud. “Very excellent.”

“Pei Wenxuan,” the wind surged outward from within the palace city, causing Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan’s robes to flutter dramatically. She smiled as she looked at the calm-faced young man before her and praised him sincerely, “You truly are formidable.”