At the tender age of eight, he was hastily dragged out and made emperor!

“Your Majesty, I truly never imagined that my brother-in-law would have such an experience. It shouldn’t be like this, since the two of them had no prior connection, Xiao Jing…”

On the same night, at the Daxing Palace.

Sitting cross-legged on the daybed, Chu Hui unexpectedly learned of the relationship between Xiao Jing and Luo Zhi. His brows furrowed with surprise as he spoke to Chu Ling, who was reviewing the secret memorial.

But then Chu Hui stopped talking.

It's obvious that they made a connection to something.

"This is the bond between men."

Chu Ling put down the secret report and smiled faintly, saying, "As the first imperial examination champion to be named anonymously, Xiao Jing's situation was destined to be different. Not to mention that after Xiao Jing entered officialdom, he was highly favored and appreciated by the Emperor. In that situation, if Xiao Jing had been closely connected with Luo Zhi, do you think he would still be where he is today?"

"I doubt it."

Chu Hui shook his head.

Luo Zhi escaped the cheating scandal in the imperial examinations and participated in the selection process, but failed. Not long after, he was betrothed to Princess Shang Yongning.

One of them entered politics and became a rising star in the political arena.

One became a prince consort, a dispensable member of the imperial family.

Given the prevailing social climate at the time, even though Xiao Jing and Luo Zhi were very close friends, things became more complicated when their identities diverged.

After all, the decision to appoint members of the royal family to positions of power was made by Chu Ling after careful consideration of the situation. Along with this, the Wang Chenye plan was being quietly implemented.

"When people are young, their thoughts and ideas are still relatively immature."

Chu Ling narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Especially regarding some views on the world, he feels that the world can be changed, but how difficult it is to change it."

"That's why Luo Zhi paid the price for it, but it's a price he has to bear. After all, some things are things no one forced him to do, but rather things he chose to do himself."

"This world cannot be changed by mere enthusiasm. If it were that simple, the world wouldn't be like this."

Chu Hui nodded in agreement.

indeed.

Every cause has its effect; no one can avoid or escape this.

Chu Hui knew little about the background of the fabricated story, but she was well aware of the consequences. After marrying Princess Yongning, she stayed in the princess's residence for many years, as if the person did not exist.

"But then again, gold always shines."

Chu Ling frowned slightly and pointed at the secret report in front of him, "Luo Zhi is indeed talented. It hasn't been long, and he has already uncovered so many dirty deeds through the Six Doors smuggling case."

"If it were my previous temperament, I probably wouldn't have been able to do this."

"Before doing anything, you must have a stable mood, because only in this way can you avoid being blinded by joy or anger."

"This is also why I chose Xiao Jing to be in charge of the trial of the imperial examination leak case. The central government of Da Yu needs a pillar with ideas and a spirit that has not given up to support some things."

Chu Ling's words seemed somewhat incoherent.

But Chu Hui understood.

In a sense, Luo Zhi and Xiao Jing have completely different lives, which was destined from the beginning; personality determines many things.

Compared to the vast majority of people, Luo Zhi is incredibly lucky.

Many people, influenced by their personality, make a wrong choice and their lives are completely ruined, because not everyone has the opportunity to turn things around.

"In dealing with some long-standing problems and malignant tumors, there will inevitably be two types: the obvious and the covert."

Chu Ling narrowed his eyes and said, "This world is not black and white; it is mostly gray. But from the perspective of the ruler, everything can only be white, there can be no black, let alone gray!"

"Once this principle is violated, the general public will be the first to find it unacceptable. Therefore, some things cannot be openly discussed."

"But doing so does not mean indulgence."

"The reason I chose Liu Chen and Luo Zhi is because they are the same kind of people, but due to their status and circumstances, they cannot fully display their talents."

Just because it wasn't possible in the past doesn't mean it's impossible now.

As the emperor of the Great Yu Dynasty, Chu Ling would not limit himself. Any system or rule was for the purpose of better governance. What was suitable for the previous period may not be suitable for the next.

Involving a group of imperial relatives in politics is Chu Ling's way of balancing the various factions. However, Chu Ling needs to carefully consider and weigh which people to use and which not to use. It's not right to say that anyone can be used.

"But people can change."

Chu Hui leaned forward and looked at his elder brother, saying, "Your Majesty, you have given Xiao Jing such important responsibilities, first by granting him authority in the Ministry of Revenue, and then by appointing him as the presiding judge in the major case of leaked examination questions. I am not questioning your determination, but I would like to ask, is there really anyone in this world who can resist all kinds of temptations?"

"Haha~"

Hearing Chu Hui say this, Chu Ling smiled with satisfaction.

He was right about him.

This is how a king and minister in the legitimate dynasty should behave!

"That's why Luo Zhi went to the Xiao residence."

Chu Ling's words caused Chu Hui to open his eyes slightly.

"His going to see Xiao Jing was at the Emperor's behest?"

Chu Hui exclaimed in surprise.

"if not?"

Chu Ling raised an eyebrow and said, "A person's character doesn't change easily, but it also depends on what they've been through. The suffering in Luo Zhi's heart is something that ordinary people can't understand."

"But I understand."

"Rōji's personality is a result of the influence of his environment."

"My summons of Luo Zhi to see Xiao Jing is not only a test for Xiao Jing, but also a test for Luo Zhi. People always have to look forward."

At this point, Chu Ling's expression turned somewhat complicated.

According to Chu Ling's plan, Luo Zhi was to take charge of the Six Doors. After the Six Doors were reorganized, the powers of the Six Doors would be gradually changed in order to improve the power structure of Dayu.

Of course, this is just a fabricated identity, just like the identity of the Prince Consort of Yongning.

Behind the scenes, if Luo Zhi passes Chu Ling's test, he will take on other responsibilities and then act accordingly in response to the changes on the surface.

Liu Chen and Luo Zhi were both given important positions, but the areas they were in charge of and involved in were different. After all, the Great Yu territory was vast and there were too many things to do.

"Your Majesty, you wouldn't be thinking of appointing Xiao Jing as the chief examiner for this imperial examination, would you?" Chu Hui asked with surprise, as if he had just realized something.

"Why not?"

Chu Ling said, "You've been in the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs for quite some time now, so it's impossible that you don't know anything about how many bad debts the Ministry of Revenue has and how complicated the situation of the national treasury is."

"Can the people recommended by Xiao Jing really solve everything?"

"The answer is obvious."

"If Xiao Jing can serve as the chief examiner of the imperial examination, not only will his status in the central government be different, but he will also be able to gather a group of ambitious and energetic new people."

"Of course, to make this happen, we need to see how Xiao Jing performs in the Ke Gong leaking exam questions case. If he can't even handle this matter well, then Xiao Jing is not up to the task."

Chu Hui's heart was filled with turmoil.

Just hearing this, Chu Hui knew one thing: the case of leaking the imperial examination questions was not simple, nor was the fabrication of meeting Xiao Jing; there must be many things behind it that he did not know.

Just like why Liu Chen would do those things out of character.

"Your Majesty, may I say one more thing?"

After a moment's hesitation, Chu Hui finally spoke his mind.

"Just say what you have to say."

Chu Ling smiled and looked at Chu Hui, saying, "There's nothing we brothers can't talk about."

"Brother, aren't you afraid that Xiao Jing will become the second Xu Chu?"

Chu Hui first glanced around, even though he knew there was no one in the hall, he still did so.

"After all, he did pass the Emperor's test and handled the case of leaking the imperial examination questions very well. But if he is given too much power, it is hard to guarantee that he can resist the temptation."

"Then let's solve it at the source."

Chu Ling was not angry. On the contrary, he looked at Chu Hui with satisfaction and said, "The current political situation, as well as the previous political situation, is partly due to the imperial examination system."

"Other matters can be dealt with gradually."

"But regarding the matter of Kogon, I will push for some things and then make corresponding changes. I have thought about this matter for a long time, and as long as it is accomplished, it can change a lot."

Chu Hui fell silent.

Despite having many doubts in his heart, especially about the tribute, Chu Hui wanted to ask Chu Ling, but his inner rationality made him hold back.

It's not a good thing to know secrets before things have changed.

"Don't go looking for Liu Chen these next few days."

Chu Ling flicked his sleeves, picked up a secret memorial, and said calmly, "Go to the Imperial Clan Court a few more times when you have nothing to do. In a while, I will need you to handle some matters."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Chu Hui immediately stood up and bowed.

……

The night seemed exceptionally long.

Jinyiwei.

Outside the imperial prison.

"Commander, who exactly is that person? Why does he have His Majesty's golden order?" Pang Hu frowned and whispered to Zang Hao, who remained silent.

"I don't know."

Zang Hao said succinctly.

"Judging from that voice, it's clearly from the palace."

Pang Hu continued, "But this title doesn't exist in the Emperor's presence at all."

Zang Hao understood the deeper meaning behind Pang Hu's words.

This "before the emperor" refers not only to the emperor's presence but also to the Shanglin Garden. After all, for a period of time, the emperor resided in the Shanglin Garden. At that time, they were not the Embroidered Uniform Guard but belonged to the Eighth Colonel Division under the Imperial Guard. Therefore, they had some understanding of the palace servants serving the emperor, regardless of their rank.

"I don't know if this number exists."

Thinking of this, Zang Hao said, "But there is no problem with that gold medal. In that case, we should just stay outside quietly."

Pang Hu fell silent.

indeed.

He could worry or have doubts, after all, the current Embroidered Uniform Guard was in a special situation, especially with the clarification of the Ke Gong leak case, in which the Embroidered Uniform Guard had participated in the investigation, so it was right to be cautious.

But the gold medal order can't lie.

In the eyes of the world, the gold medal tokens are just ordinary tokens without any difference, but in reality, there are many different types of gold medal tokens.

After Zang Hao and Pang Hu passed the test and established the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the court through their own abilities, they were secretly given a special item to keep as a treasure.

This was actually the first time Zang Hao and his team had brought out this item.

Otherwise, Zang Hao and his men wouldn't have stayed outside the imperial prison.

If anything presented is incorrect compared to the displayed imperial edict, that person will not be able to leave the Embroidered Uniform Guard alive.

Inside the dimly lit prison.

A prison cell.

The cloaked witch sat on a brocade stool, looking at Dongwei, whose face bore some injuries. "When did you realize that Lingyan Pavilion was unusual?"

Dong Wei stood straight, his expression somewhat complicated. "They should have invited some reclusive scholars from Lingyan Pavilion, without regard to background, allowing any student with a thirst for knowledge to participate in the literary gathering and discussion. But I have some doubts."

"After all, inviting these big names is a very difficult thing in itself."

"Not to mention participating in literary gatherings and discussions, and asking for nothing in return, this is..."

“You are a smart person, but it seems that you are using your intelligence in the wrong place.” Dong Wei’s words were interrupted by Wu Bao before he could finish speaking.

"No matter what happened, you secretly incited countless students to gather on Vermilion Bird Avenue. For this alone, you have committed a capital offense."

"No one can save you from this."

Dong Wei's expression changed slightly, but he quickly recovered.

"This, I thought of it when I decided to do this." Dong Wei lowered his head, his words tinged with complexity. "But I'm not reconciled. Why is it that some people, who are clearly ignorant and live a life of extravagance, are treated differently just because they were born into a good family..."

"That's not a reason."

Wu Bao interrupted again.

"Yes, that's not a reason."

Dong Wei smiled, "But someone has to do something. If nothing is done, then living is worse than dying. The students don't regret what they did; they broke the law, and the students accept that. But those students who were incited by the students, they..."

Do you think you're qualified to consider other people's feelings right now?

Wu Bao slowly stood up and looked at Dong Wei.

"gentlemen!!"

At this moment, Dongwei shouted, but Wu Bao ignored him and turned to walk out of the prison.

squeak~

The moment the prison door closed, a deep sense of despair arose in Dongwei's heart.

"Sir!! They are innocent!!"

Dongwei, bound in shackles, shouted emotionally, but no one responded to him.

Wu Bao walked out of the imperial prison. Hearing Dong Wei's shouts, he showed no joy or sorrow. Soon, he walked out of the prison.

Upon seeing this, Zang Hao, Pang Hu, and their group walked towards Wu Bao with expressionless faces.

"Commander Zang."

Wu Bao stopped and bowed to Zang Hao, "I apologize for disturbing you so late at night. I'm offering this small gift as a token of my appreciation..."

"What do you take the Embroidered Uniform Guard for?!"

Upon hearing this, Pang Hu immediately frowned and said, "Are you sending gifts to the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Zang Hao did not reprimand Pang Hu for his reaction, but instead quietly looked at the person in front of him.

"Gold and silver are such vulgar things that I, Wu, would never dare to give them away."

Wu Bao smiled slightly and said, "What I am sending is what Lord Xiao needs, but it is inconvenient for me to do it in person, so I will pass it on to the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Ok?

Pang Hu looked surprised and suspicious upon hearing this.

“Commander Zang will know when he goes here.” Amid some surprise and doubt, Wu Bao took out something and handed it to Zang Hao, speaking calmly.

"Thank you in that case."

Zang Hao reached out and took it, examining the witch doctor who was hidden by the cloak.

"Resign."

Without saying anything more, Wu Bao lowered his head and walked outside.