The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Although the young prince Zhou Ding spoke with slight hesitation, everyone clearly understood the meaning behind his words.

The court officials couldn't help but discuss it amongst themselves, especially the representatives of the powerful families, who were the most displeased.

Cui Ling stood to the side without saying a word, seemingly trying to avoid suspicion, but secretly he was laughing to himself.

Regardless of the attitudes of the other court officials, Xiaoyuer's heart sank upon hearing this, knowing that the Crown Prince had ultimately failed to uphold his own beliefs and had defected.

Regardless of the reason for his defection, Xiaoyuer was extremely disappointed.

Is such a master really worth him bringing his whole family to risk their lives for?

Thinking of her promise to her father, Xiaoyuer couldn't help but look up at Zhang Ping'an again, only to see that Zhang Ping'an's eyes were calm, revealing an expression of expectation, as if he was not surprised at all.

After a long discussion, the court gradually quieted down, and everyone looked at the emperor sitting on the dragon throne.

Zhou Pu, sitting at the head of the table, was clearly also somewhat surprised. After a moment of contemplation, he asked again, "Why does Ding'er have such an idea? Why don't you tell me?"

Zhou Ding tried his best to ignore the stares from those around him, pursed his lips, bowed deeply, and slowly replied:

"Father, Mother has been gone for a long time, but the harem cannot remain without a mistress forever. In terms of family background, character, and talent, Consort Cui has outstanding qualities. In addition, she has always treated me as her own son, often bringing people to the East Palace to deliver tonics to me and showing concern for my health. Everyone in the harem has witnessed this. Therefore, I believe that Consort Cui is the only suitable candidate to become Empress."

"Oh? Is that so..." Zhou Pu raised an eyebrow, offering no comment on his son's words. Clearly, he was not entirely unaware of what was happening in the harem, but simply chose not to get involved.

Due to the interference of several officials from aristocratic families, the matter of choosing an empress was not ultimately decided in court.

But Zhang Ping'an knew that the result was almost certain and there wouldn't be much change.

The decision to make Cui Rong empress must have been made by Zhou Pu before the court session; otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to ask the young crown prince for his opinion in public, making the matter seem more reasonable.

The young prince was nothing more than a tool against his will!

There aren't that many gifted, prodigy teenagers who can turn the tide and reverse the situation at a young age.

When the court session ended, Xiaoyuer seemed somewhat worried. As his father, Zhang Ping'an could easily see it. Faced with his son's gaze, he simply shook his head, meaning that they could talk about it when they got home.

Little Fish understood his father's meaning, took a breath, composed himself, and returned to his usual calm before leaving.

Just as Zhang Ping'an had predicted, Zhou Pu had made the decision to make Cui Rong empress after repeated deliberation and consideration.

The morning court session was just a formality.

Although it was his own decision, he did not seem happy at the moment. He sat in the imperial study with a frown, looking unusually absent-minded, and kept tapping the table lightly, appearing somewhat anxious.

The personal eunuch noticed this and silently placed a cup of perfectly warm Biluochun tea in front of Zhou Pu before cautiously asking, "Your Majesty, what's wrong? Is something troubling you? Wasn't everything about the Empress's appointment at the morning court session exactly as Your Majesty predicted?"

Facing his personal eunuch, Zhou Pu rarely confided his true feelings: "Indeed, everything is as I predicted. Those old fogies won't be able to object for long, and in the end, they will follow my wishes and make Consort Cui Empress. But for some reason, I feel a bit uneasy. I can't help but wonder if this decision was wrong. After all, given the current situation, making Consort Qian Empress would actually be the most suitable. Consort Cui has always been arrogant and domineering in the harem because of my favor; she is somewhat unworthy of the position!"

The head eunuch, who had served Zhou Pu for so many years, immediately understood Zhou Pu's concerns. He tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, are you worried that after Consort Cui enters the Empress's palace, she might... harm the Crown Prince and the Second Prince?"

“You have served me since you were a child, and I will not hide it from you. I do have this concern. Although I have no feelings for them now, they are my only two bloodlines. A monarch cannot be without an heir. After I pass away, this country will be handed over to the crown prince. If he is forced to be subservient by a woman in the harem, it will be a huge joke. How can I entrust the country to such a person in the future?”

Zhou Pu had been living in a daze for the past few years. When he had moments of clarity, he was very conflicted. He didn't know whether he should select some capable ministers to teach the crown prince as soon as possible so that the crown prince could become successful, or he should let the crown prince grow up in the harem and take it one step at a time.

No matter which choice he makes, he seems unable to overcome that mental hurdle.

It wasn't until this morning's court session that he suddenly realized how old the Crown Prince had become—a boy in his early teens, the most crucial time of his life.

He hadn't really looked at these children properly in recent years, but he remembered that when he was the Crown Prince, he never seemed to make a choice against his conscience on important matters just to protect himself, especially when the other party was someone who was secretly persecuting him.

This also served as a wake-up call for him, making him start to reflect on whether he had made the wrong decision.

Thinking too much and not yet able to sort things out, Zhou Pu started to have a headache again. Being an emperor was too difficult and too tiring.

Upon seeing this, the head eunuch calmly stepped forward to massage Zhou Pu's shoulders and then stirred the incense in the small incense burner next to him.

He gently comforted him, saying, "Your Majesty should prioritize your health. Since the decision to establish an empress has already been made, you should follow your own heart. Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and your word is law. There is no right or wrong in this matter. In any situation, the ministers will naturally share Your Majesty's burdens."

Seeing that Zhou Pu was already dazed, the head eunuch loosened his grip even more. "Is this servant's massage adequate? Your Majesty, please close your eyes and rest. We can discuss these issues once you feel better."

"Hmm, you're right. I am the ruler of a country. What could be more important than my health? I'll take a nap and not let anyone disturb me." With that, Zhou Pu leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and gently waved his hand.

The chief eunuch slowly withdrew, closed the door, and sent someone to Yonghe Palace to deliver a message. There, the young prince Zhou Ding came to request an audience.

Her small face was taut, flushed from walking quickly, and her temples were slightly sweaty.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is currently resting with his eyes closed and does not allow anyone to disturb him," the chief eunuch gestured to the guards on both sides to stop the people.

With a forced smile, he continued, "I'll trouble Your Highness to come back later. This old servant will then inform Your Highness!"