The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

"Your Majesty! This is no small matter! She is misleading people and shaking the foundation of the country!" Seeing Chai Zhen's nonchalant response, Empress Dowager Li became even more angry and her tone became sharper.

Chai Zhen set aside the memorial in his hand and looked at Empress Dowager Li. A flicker of displeasure flashed across his eyes, yet his tone remained calm. "I'm sorry to worry too much, mother. You've dedicated years of your life to building this prosperous empire. How can it be shaken by a frail woman's empty rhetoric or a few articles? Furthermore, our Great Zhou upholds benevolence and righteousness in its governance. Can't we tolerate dissenting voices?"

Empress Dowager Li wanted to say something more, but Chai Zhen stopped her with a look. She had no choice but to shut her mouth in dismay, but in her heart she thought bitterly: "Cen Jiexiao, you're lucky this time. I'll remember this for you. It won't be so easy next time!"

Although Chai Zhen appeared unconcerned with Cen Jiexiao's remarks, he actually developed a certain interest in this outspoken woman. He was well aware of the Empress Dowager's methods and knew that Cen Jiexiao had violated her interests. Her escape was a result of his, the powerless emperor, having protected her this time.

"This Cen Jiexiao is quite courageous..." Chai Zhen muttered to himself, with a hint of admiration in his eyes. Then, as if he had thought of something, a playful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Thinking of this, Chai Zhen picked up a pen, wrote a few lines on a piece of exquisite letter paper, then carefully rolled it up and stuffed it into an exquisite small wooden tube.

A few days later, Han Zhengxian received a gift from the palace. When he opened it, he found a set of the four treasures of the study: writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. All of them were treasures, which made Han Zhengxian, who had always been honest, feel flattered.

"Why did the emperor suddenly..." Han Zhengxian was puzzled.

He carefully flipped through the gifts when he suddenly noticed a piece of paper hidden beneath the inkstone. Curious, he pulled it out and opened it, his expression changing slightly...

On the note was a line of words written by Chai Zhen himself:

"Mr. Han, observe the daughter of the Cen family carefully. Can you win her over and make her a useful one?"

Han Zhengxian read the small piece of paper over and over again. Chai Zhen's handwriting was so powerful and forceful that it seemed to be written directly on his heart, leaving him feeling restless for a long time. The emperor's words, though seemingly inquiring, actually made his attitude clear.

"Alas..." Han Zhengxian sighed and placed the note on the candle flame, letting the flames devour it completely. He rubbed his eyebrows and thought to himself: Is this girl from the Cen family a blessing or a curse?

After much deliberation, Han Zhengxian decided to obey the emperor's order and secretly observe Cen Jiexiao. He first invited Cen Jiexiao to his house under the pretext of returning a "gift", but in fact he wanted to take the opportunity to test her attitude and thoughts.

Cen Jiexiao was quite surprised when she received the invitation from the Han Mansion. She and Lord Han had never had a personal relationship, having only met a few times in public, and at most, she had given him a pair of Wucheng telescopes. She couldn't understand why this powerful Lord Han would suddenly think of her, but after a moment's reflection, she thought it might be because of the previous editorial.

Although Cen Jiexiao didn't know much about officialdom, she understood the principle that "a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind." Although her editorial had the support of some people, it also touched upon the interests of some people, and there was no guarantee that someone would not try to trip her up behind the scenes.

"I've thought about it over and over again, and I've finally decided I should go," Cen Jiexiao pondered silently. "Lord Han holds a high position of power and is honest and upright. He's truly a good official. If I could gain his support, it would be a boon for both the Coyin Academy and the development of the Women's Youth Daily."

So, Sister Cen Xiao happily accepted the invitation.

Han Mansion, study.

Han Zheng dismissed his attendants, leaving only Cen Jiexiao alone. He brewed a pot of the finest Rain-Previous Longjing tea, personally poured a cup for Cen Jiexiao, and said with a smile, "President Cen, please."

Cen Jiexiao took the teacup with both hands, said thank you, and took a sip gently. A fresh fragrance immediately spread in her mouth, refreshing her heart.

"Great tea!" Cen Jiexiao exclaimed. "I wonder why Lord Han invited me here today?"

Han Zhengxian put down his teacup and said straight to the point, "President Cen, I have read your article 'On Women's Virtues'. It is very well written and thought-provoking!"

Cen Jiexiao said modestly, "Master Han, your praise is unmerited. I was merely writing down my thoughts; it's nothing to be proud of."

"President Cen, there's no need to be so modest," Han Zhengxian said with a smile. "Your article is full of novel viewpoints and unique insights, which I've never seen before. Especially your views on people's livelihood and education, which are refreshing and beneficial to me!"

Cen Jiexiao could tell there was something behind Han Zhengxian's words, but she remained calm. She just smiled faintly and said, "Lord Han, you are too kind. I am just a woman. How can I understand the art of governing a country? It's just empty talk."

"Haha, Dean Cen, there's no need to belittle yourself." Han Zhengxian laughed heartily. "From your words and actions, I can tell you're no ordinary person. Why don't you want to serve the court and realize your ambitions?"

Cen Jiexiao's heart skipped a beat. She knew that the critical moment had arrived.

She pretended to be silent for a moment, then raised her head, looked at Han Zhengxian with a firm gaze, and said slowly: "Master Han, it's not that I don't want to serve the court, but..."

She deliberately paused and observed Han Zhengxian's reaction.

"Just what?" Han Zhengxian asked.

"It's just that I know that my abilities are limited, and... and I'm used to being free and unrestrained, and I'm really not used to the rules and regulations of officialdom." When Cen Jiexiao said this, a look of embarrassment appeared on her face.

Han Zhengxian nodded secretly after listening to Cen Jiexiao's words. It seemed that this girl from the Cen family was not without ambition, but she just hadn't found the right opportunity yet.

Thinking of this, Han Zhengxian decided to test her again.

"President Cen, you don't know something." Han Zhengxian sighed and said earnestly, "Currently, there are many factions in the court, and the Empress Dowager is ruling from behind the curtain. Although the Emperor has great talent and strategy, he has yet to take charge of the government!"

Cen Jiexiao knew in her heart that Lord Han was really good at acting. He clearly wanted to win her over, but he also involved her in the matter of the emperor personally ruling the country. Isn't this just forced?

"Master Han, what do you mean by this?" Cen Jiexiao asked knowingly. "I am a foolish woman, so please explain it to me."

Han Zhengxian was secretly happy when he saw that Cen Jiexiao was finally willing to respond. He knew that his words had successfully aroused her interest.

"Dean Cen, do you know that your article has angered the Queen Mother?" Han Zhengxian lowered his voice with a hint of warning in his tone.

Cen Jiexiao thought that Lord Han, a veteran official, was finally willing to reveal his true identity.