This villain has become a ghost

The ministers thought to themselves.

How could a candidate start by accusing the emperor? If he angered the emperor, wouldn't that be like playing a game of elimination?

Yue Liuyun couldn't help but find it a little amusing. What he had just said was clearly something she had once said to him during a discussion in her spare time. The wisdom from our ancestors sounded very familiar.

Yue Liuyun said calmly, "If we talk about your Majesty's shortcomings, just from the perspective of reform, your Majesty's goal is to free people from the constraints of old ethics, universalize compulsory education, promote democracy and science, and lay the foundation for the academic atmosphere of the new era. What you are still thinking about is 'reform'..."

"However, after destroying the old, the new system has yet to be fully established. Only passionate people are working hard, like a calf pulling a cart. At this time, if someone with ulterior motives shakes the foundation, it will make the country uneasy. We should first quell the internal strife and meet the enemy externally, or send people to stabilize the government. We must not let those who do evil take advantage of the situation..."

"..."

Many people couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat for Yue Liuyun, especially the candidates with her, who were simply stunned and froze in place.

No, you really said it when I asked you to.

They originally thought that it was over here, but when they saw that the emperor was not angry, the candidates all breathed a sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, Yue Liuyun's voice sounded again.

"…This is Your Majesty's fault."

All candidates: “!!!”

No, that’s just the first point you made.

This is so fucking brave.

Everyone seemed to have anticipated her end, guessing that she would be killed on the spot, and they just hoped that the emperor would not vent his anger on others.

Yue Liuyun continued to narrate calmly, and finally stopped after saying "This is the fourth mistake of Your Majesty."

"Women are so arrogant that they actually spoke so disrespectfully to His Majesty. They are totally disrespectful to His Majesty and are extremely treasonous!"

The Minister of Personnel was an old man with a bad temper and a conservative personality. He was shocked by her remarks.

Before Yue Liuyun could speak, Shen Yue stood up and said in a deep voice:

"Ms. Yue Gongshi did not speak disrespectfully to Your Majesty. Your Excellency, please be fair and ask if there is anything wrong with what she just said. If everyone speaks falsely and fails to confront officials' mistakes, they will sooner or later be consumed by clichés."

Su Shaoran also stepped forward and stated his attitude concisely:

"I think what the Grand Master said is absolutely right."

The Minister of Personnel sneered, "I wonder what kind of charm this woman has that could make the Grand Tutor and the Supreme Court Minister come forward at the same time."

His words seemed to be hinting that there was an improper relationship involved, and he was spreading rumors without leaving any trace.

At this moment, Qiu Lin stepped out and spoke, "...As far as policy essays are concerned, Yue Gongshi's writing is flawless and even excellent, earning the admiration of the veteran officials. The Minister of Personnel was simply referring to her candid advice. This is a rare quality throughout history."

The Minister of Personnel was choked and his face turned red and his neck became thick. He was about to speak when he was slowly interrupted by Qiu Lin.

"Hey, could it be that Your Excellency is trying to say that I was attracted by Yue Gongshi's charm? Please don't do that. I am already old and cannot bear to hear such words."

Minister of the Ministry of Personnel: "..."

The other ministers shook their heads calmly, mourning the impulsiveness of the Minister of Personnel in their hearts, thinking that this man must be stupid.

On the surface, except for him, everyone was speaking for Yue Liuyun, as if they really admired her strategies and insights.

But in fact, this is not the case, especially for the old fox Qiu Lin.

These people were speculating about the emperor's will.

Isn’t it obvious enough that the emperor wants to support the poor, suppress the aristocratic families, and improve the status of women?

Just now, the emperor seemed to be making things difficult for her, which was indeed suspicious at the beginning, but the more time passed, the more it became clear that he was actually giving her an opportunity. Anyone who knew the matter could hear that her remarks were very outstanding and wonderful.

The law that originally allowed women to take the imperial examinations was controversial, but now the emperor was blatantly telling everyone that this choice was not wrong.

At this critical juncture, anyone who dares to go against the emperor's will is a talented person. Unfortunately, the Minister of Personnel did not see this clearly.

Yue Liuyun secretly thought to herself that it was much easier. She didn't have to argue in person, someone else could do it for her.

Nangong Mingzhu watched the quarrel below nonchalantly, and when it finally ended, he slowly spoke:

"Then let's stop here. You step back first."

Yue Liuyun bowed again and said, "I obey your command."

She stepped back among the candidates, maintaining a respectful posture.

"Who is the second place?" Nangong Mingzhu asked.

"Tan Tinghe, a tribute scholar, pays homage to His Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

……

When everything was over, it was nightfall and late at night, and the palace was brightly lit.

After leaving the palace, Yue Liuyun felt sore in his back and waist, and uncomfortable all over. He was about to rush to the inn that would receive them with all the tribute students.

"Miss Yue, wait a moment!"

Yue Liuyun looked back and saw Tan Tinghe jogging to her side with a smile on his face, as bright as when he was discussing the policy just now.

"Are you going to the inn?" she asked.

Yue Liuyun didn't understand why, but still smiled and replied: "...I have something else to do, so I won't be going back for the time being."

"Is that so?" Tan Tinghe nodded at her. "Then I'll leave first."

Yue Liuyun smiled and said, "Okay, goodbye."

After saying goodbye to her, Yue Liuyun turned his head and shifted his gaze to Su Shaoran who had just walked out of the palace.

He walked slowly towards the carriage and was about to get on when he was stopped by Yue Liuyun.

"Sir Su, may I have a word with you?"

Yue Liuyun bowed and said solemnly.

Su Shaoran's personal bodyguard stared at Yue Liuyun with some displeasure, frowned, and wanted to drive her away, but was stopped by Su Shaoran with a look.

He was dressed in official uniform, with an elegant and upright posture, appearing upright and dignified.

The guard understood what his master meant, and with some doubts and confusion, he quickly stepped aside to give Yue Liuyun and Su Shaoran a private environment to communicate.

Su Shaoran nodded slightly and said, "What's the matter, Mr. Yue Gongshi? Just tell me."

"I heard there were some issues with the recently distributed batch of textbooks, and Lord Su is investigating the matter," Yue Liuyun said thoughtfully. "The relevant personnel from the Imperial Household Department and the Imperial College have been detained. I wonder what Lord Su has been able to find out through interrogation. Could you please let me know?"

Su Shaoran looked up at her, his eyes calm and collected. "The Dali Temple's investigation is confidential. Since Yue Gongshi hasn't been appointed yet, I'm afraid I can't tell you anything."

"If I'm not mistaken, the most important person... hasn't spoken yet, right?" Yue Liuyun asked.

Su Shaoran's pupils shrank slightly, but he still maintained his expression and asked thoughtfully:

"How do you know?"