Zhenfubao waved his hand and the warehouse was full of grain, and the whole family regretted it

Finally, someone couldn't hold back any longer and stepped out of the group, bowing to the leader and saying:

"Your Majesty, I have a report! The number of candidates from the Southern Territory who passed the imperial examination is truly unbelievable.

I suspect there may be something fishy going on here, please investigate thoroughly!"

As soon as this was said, someone immediately echoed:

“I also feel something is wrong!

The southern border has always been remote and cold, how could it have produced so many talented people? I'm afraid there might be some kind of fraud!"

Some ministers even pointed the finger directly at the test questions:

"I think the questions in this palace examination are extremely inappropriate! For an imperial examination, they're testing agricultural practices. What does this have to do with governing the country and maintaining peace?

What's the point of learning all this? In my opinion, it would be better to cancel the results of this exam and retake it!"

For a moment, voices of agreement were heard one after another, and the ministers all felt that the candidates from the southern region were abnormal and wanted to abolish the exam altogether.

Gu Sinian, dressed in a black official robe with dragon patterns, slowly stood up. He swept his eyes across the hall, and the originally noisy court instantly became quiet.

Just listen to him say in a deep voice:

"You are wrong, my Lords. They will all serve as officials in the future, and it would be a shame if they don't even know the basics of agriculture.

If you don’t know the hardships people go through in farming and how hard it is to get food, how can you sympathize with the people and bring benefits to them?

How is an official so detached from the people's livelihood any different from a corrupt official?"

He said loudly:

“This king gave this agricultural test precisely to see who truly understands people’s livelihoods and can get things done, and who is just an empty talker who only reads the sages’ books.

This test question is not only meaningful, but also the key to selecting officials!

As for the fact that more candidates from the southern region made the list, it's simply because they understand the hardships of the people and the difficulties of farming better than others. Where's the ulterior motive?"

As soon as Gu Sinian finished speaking, the court fell silent. The officials who had been discussing the matter just now all lowered their heads, not even daring to breathe.

A moment later, Sun Quan came forward holding the imperial edict, unfolded the scroll and read aloud:

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: In this imperial examination, Tang Yun, whose talent and wisdom are exceptional and whose understanding of the people's livelihood is profound, is specially awarded the title of First Prize and appointed as Editor to the Hanlin Academy.

Lin Zhou, a student from the southern border, came in second and was awarded the second place and appointed as an editor in the Hanlin Academy.

Shen Wenxuan, a student from the capital, ranked third and was awarded the title of Tanhua, and was also appointed as an editor in the Hanlin Academy.

The rest of the people on the list will be granted corresponding official positions according to their rankings. I hope you will perform your duties diligently and serve the Great Qi Nation in the future. This is my order!

After reading the imperial edict, Gu Sinian glanced at the ministers again:

"Tomorrow morning, I will officially read out the edict appointing the crown prince and confirm the next crown prince.

Everyone, please prepare well today. When the time comes, there is no need to say anything more, just follow my orders."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was another low commotion in the court, and the officials exchanged glances.

After the court session ended, officials were leaving in twos and threes. One of them deliberately approached Bai Yin and asked tentatively, "Master Bai, I heard that you have a close personal relationship with the Prince Regent. Do you know who will be the next Crown Prince?"

Baiyin paused, frowned, and waved his hand:

“Who told you that I have a good relationship with the Regent?

How can I know what he is thinking? Don't ask me."

After saying that, he was about to leave.

But the man refused to give up and continued to discuss with others:

"Who do you think will be the crown prince? The Sixth Prince made a mistake before, so there's definitely no hope for him.

The eldest prince is weak and has been bedridden for years, and cannot bear the burden of being the crown prince.

The Second Prince is quite active, but I heard that the Regent doesn’t think highly of him…”

Someone next to him answered:

"In my opinion, it's either the Seventh Prince or the Ninth Prince! The Seventh Prince is calm and has handled many local affairs over the years.

Although the Ninth Prince is younger, he is very intelligent, and the Regent often calls him over for questioning."

"But who knows? How can we possibly guess what the Regent is thinking..."

The discussions gradually dissipated at the end of the palace road as the officials walked away.

Bai Yin sat in the carriage, looking at Bai Wanwan and jokingly said, "Girl, aren't you curious about who will be announced as the crown prince at tomorrow's morning court?"

Bai Wanwan raised her eyes and shook her head helplessly: "Grandpa, please stop trying to trick me. I really don't know what Gu Sinian is thinking."

Baiyin sighed softly, with a hint of emotion in his tone:

“Alas, everyone has grown up, and their thoughts are becoming more and more difficult to guess.

Look at Gu Sinian. In just a few years, he has changed from what he was back then to the regent who even scares me.

Who knows what he is thinking?"

"How can I understand his thoughts?"

Bai Wanwan lowered her eyes, her fingertips gently brushing against the winding branches embroidered on her cuffs. "But whatever decisions he makes, he always has his considerations. Who he chooses as the crown prince is also the result of his careful consideration."

Baiyin suddenly sat up straighter, looking at her with a look of understanding:

"Others may not know what Gu Sinian feels towards you, but how can I not know?

Which boy has become a regent and still thinks about making clothes and cooking for you every day?

If this isn't something that interests you, what else could it be? But he's in a high position, so it's best for you to keep your distance."

Bai Wanwan's heart was also in a state of confusion. How could she not know Gu Sinian's feelings?

A while ago, he suddenly called Tang Yun into the study. She didn't know what they talked about, but it made her more puzzled.

"Grandpa, I'm still young! There's no need to rush to think about these things." She avoided Baiyin's gaze and defended herself in a low voice.

Baiyin glared at her, his tone a little anxious:

"Still young? You're already this old. If you were in an ordinary family, you would have been engaged and married long ago!

You can't take this matter lightly, you have to think about it carefully!"

Bai Wanwan has lived two lives. If she still can't understand Gu Sinian's feelings for her over the years, then her life will have been in vain.

But can there really be any result between her and Gu Sinian?

The sound of a flute suddenly drifted into the yard, with an indescribable sense of melancholy in the tune.

Bai Wanwan looked up and saw Shen Tao leaning on the roof tiles, holding a jade flute in his hand, his eyes fixed on her with some complicated emotions.

"Shen Tao, why are you pretending here again?" Bai Wanwan put her hands on her hips, her tone was familiar and impolite.

Shen Tao jumped down from the roof and said:

"I'm going to the southern border soon. I won the first place in the martial arts examination this time, and I will be leading the troops to garrison there.

If you hadn't persuaded me to start practicing martial arts, I wouldn't be where I am today. Actually, I have you to thank for it."

Bai Wanwan smiled sincerely after hearing this. "Martial Arts Champion? Not bad! I wish you a safe journey and hope you do well in the Southern Territory."

Shen Tao's eyes suddenly became extremely serious:

"Wanwan, I know I was young and ignorant before, and I did a lot of things that upset you.

Can you... give me another chance?

I can stay with you instead of going to the South, okay?"

The smile on Bai Wanwan's face faded:

"Shen Tao, I have always regarded you as my own brother and a good brother, and I have never had any other thoughts about you.

I cherish this friendship, but it only goes so far."

Shen Tao sighed softly, his voice filled with relief, yet also with reluctance:

“Actually… I’ve known it for a long time in my heart that you only have brotherly feelings for me.

But it doesn’t matter, I still want to be your brother for life.

I will go to the southern border and protect it. With me here, the people of the southern border can live and work in peace, the southern part of the Great Qi Kingdom can also be stable, and you can rest assured."

Bai Wanwan frowned, stepped forward, patted Shen Tao on the shoulder and said:

"Shen Tao, listen to me, people should live for themselves, don't always worry about me.

Whatever kind of life you want to live, go for it and strive for it. This is my most sincere blessing as a brother."

Shen Tao raised his eyes:

"This is the life I want to live. Guarding the southern border and protecting the people and things you care about is the path I have chosen.

I'm leaving tomorrow, you don't have to see me off.

Also, anyone with a discerning eye can see how much Gu Sinian has thought about you over the years. If you still care about him, then you should give him some thought."

After saying this, he clutched the jade flute and walked out of the yard slowly, his back revealing a sense of freedom.

As soon as Shen Tao left, Bai Wanwan looked up and saw Gu Sinian standing under a pomegranate tree not far away, his dark robe gently fluttering in the evening breeze.

She stepped forward and took the initiative to speak: "Shen Tao came to say goodbye to me. He is going to the southern border tomorrow."

Gu Sinian nodded, with a gentle smile in his eyes:

"I know, I saw it all over there just now. I came here to see you.

By the way... I brought you something."

As he spoke, he took out a brocade box from behind him and opened it to reveal a water-green dress. "I asked the embroidery workshop to make it according to the design you mentioned last time. See if you like it."

Bai Wanwan looked at the dress, took a deep breath and said, "Brother Si Nian, do you... really like me?"

Gu Sinian nodded and said, "Yes, I really like you, and I have liked you for a long time."

"But I'm afraid."

Bai Wanwan's voice lowered a little:

"You are the regent now, with immense power. Tomorrow, even the position of crown prince will be decided by you. It is not impossible for you to become emperor in the future.

I'm afraid that one day you will use your power to oppress me.

I’m even more worried that you’ll get married and have children in the future. What should I do then?”

Gu Sinian looked at her seriously and said:

"Fool, how could I bear to use my power to force you? This has never been my style.

You don't have to think too much, and you don't have to be afraid. Wanwan just needs to know that my feelings for you have never changed and will never change."

Bai Wanwan shook her head gently, her tone carrying a certain clarity of mind:

"Men have always been fickle. Even the sweetest words can turn sour in the end.

I always feel that women shouldn’t gamble with their marriages. If they lose, they’ll be plunged into an abyss with no way back.”

Gu Sinian couldn't help but smile lightly, but his eyes became more serious:

"You've thought through the future path, but nothing in this world is so absolute.

Not all marriages are unhappy. There are many people who win the gamble and are held in the palm of their hands for their whole lives, right? "

Bai Wanwan lowered her head and sighed softly:

"I'm afraid that when I grow old and lose my beauty, my feelings will have changed.

In the end, I couldn’t keep anything and could only watch myself lose everything.”

Her concerns have always been deeper than others. After all, she traveled from the modern era, has seen too many emotional changes, and is more aware of the impact of power on people's hearts.

Today, Gu Sinian is the regent who has the final say in the court, and no official dares to go against his will.

Even the matter of appointing a crown prince was decided by him. He could use this immense power to protect her today, but if he changed his mind one day, he could easily push her into a desperate situation.

In her eyes, this heavy power is both a guarantee and a shackle that prevents her from easily giving her true heart.

Suddenly, Gu Sinian leaned over, his eyes fixed on Bai Wanwan, and said:

"But I must have you in my life.

What if I give you all the choices?"