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

Sun Li's words left Chu Ling with mixed feelings. This old man had given him everything he could. It could be said that most of Chu Ling's current success was created and given by Sun Li, with the rest being due to Chu Ling's own efforts.

Without Sun Li, even if Chu Ling had more ideas, it would be very difficult to realize them. Even if they could be realized, the path would be hundreds of times more difficult than it is now.

This is by no means an exaggeration.

Chu Ling was able to gradually secure his position on the throne thanks to Sun Li's support and protection. Otherwise, his status as an illegitimate child would have rendered him powerless.

All of this changed because Chu Ling won Sun Li's approval.

Not weak.

Knowing how to behave appropriately.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages.

Has opinions.

They value family ties.

Through her repeated performances, Chu Ling gradually made Sun Liming realize that her illegitimate grandson was capable of shouldering the immense responsibility of the Great Yu Dynasty, provided that he was given enough time.

Although Sun Li was initially reserved with Chu Ling and not particularly close to him, Chu Ling grew closer to Sun Li the more he learned about the old man.

Because his grandmother's heart was with the Chu family, and she was thinking about the country and its people.

If Sun Li harbors any selfish motives, then Chu Ling's reign as emperor may not last long.

From his ascension to the throne to the rebellion of the vassal states, Chu Ling was able to do some things to gradually inform the central government officials, especially the civil officials and nobles, so that they would know that their emperor was not ignorant and had his own opinions. It was only feared that when the news of the rebellion reached Yudu, Chu Ling's imperial throne would be shaken.

When the rebellion broke out, Sun Li did not have any thoughts of deposing the emperor because of her two sons. This allowed Chu Ling to take advantage of the situation to leave the Yu Palace and then go to Shanglin Garden to accumulate strength.

To put it bluntly, from Sun Li's perspective, even if it goes against the will of the world and deposes Chu Ling from the throne, choosing one of her two sons to ascend the throne, it might cause turmoil in the country, but it would further enhance her power and increase the influence of her maternal clan, the Sun family.

Sun Li did not do this, because he knew that if he did, the Great Yu dynasty would inevitably collapse midway and become a short-lived dynasty.

That's why, after three years of turmoil, Sun Li took the lead in stabilizing the country by taking overall control. It was precisely because Sun Li was at the forefront, supporting and holding things up, that Chu Ling had the opportunity to accumulate strength.

The appointment of Marquis Chenyang, Sun Bin, as the commander-in-chief of the Shanglin Army helped Chu Ling isolate the inside and outside of the Shanglin Garden, thus enabling Chu Ling's ideas to be realized in this sizable detached palace.

Without Sun Li overseeing things at the Yu Palace and without Sun Bin overseeing things at the Shanglin Garden, how could the Emperor possibly form two personal guards—the Feathered Forest Guard and the Female Warriors? That would be wishful thinking!

If you can't even do this well, then you can forget about anything else.

After the rebellion was suppressed, Sun Li selected concubines for Chu Ling's harem. This had a great impact on Chu Ling, which prompted him to take advantage of Han Qing's triumphant return to the capital to leave Shanglin Garden and return to the palace.

It was after that that Sun Li decisively withdrew from the situation. Although she still had some concerns about Chu Ling, she chose to secretly help him in her own way. This included having Chu Ling's birth mother, Huang Hua, issue a selection decree in the name of Linghua Palace. Don't underestimate this matter.

Enhancing Huang Hua's prestige and influence is clearing obstacles for Chu Ling...

These events flashed through Chu Ling's mind, causing him to become somewhat moved, and the way he looked at Sun Li changed.

"Grandma~"

"I understand, Ling'er. Do what you should do. Don't act like this. This is not how an emperor should behave!" Sun Li said with heartache in her eyes when she saw Chu Ling like this, but her tone was firm.

"Your Majesty, let me help you to your seat."

Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, Huang Hua stepped forward, reached out and took Sun Li's arm, and said softly.

"well."

Sun Li smiled slightly.

Chu Hui stood there, unsure of what to do.

"Royal brother!!"

"Your Majesty is here!!"

Chu Ling's voice rang out, causing Chu Hui to quickly turn around and bow to his elder brother.

"Read the imperial edict!!"

Chu Ling gripped the Emperor's Sword tightly, his eyes filled with arrogance as he spoke loudly.

After saying this, Chu Ling turned and walked towards the dragon throne.

"Your subject obeys the decree!!"

Chu Hui quickly bowed and replied.

Because of the arrival of Grand Empress Dowager Sun Li and Empress Dowager Huang Hua, Chu Ling decided to change some of the original procedures. Originally, Chu Ling wanted to arrest some people to suppress the central authorities' dissatisfaction with the palace examination. They said it was dissatisfaction with the palace examination, but in reality, it was dissatisfaction with his own autocratic rule.

This is why Chu Ling did not first post the imperial edict and then summon the candidates for the imperial examination the following day. Chu Ling wanted to combine the two this time to establish his determination and will to reform the selection system.

Anyone who objects will be arrested!

Even if someone from the three ministries of the Secretariat, Chancellery, and Ministry of Personnel stood up to oppose or advise him, Chu Ling's attitude was clear: he would not back down!

This is a choice from which there is no turning back.

If we withdraw, the advantages we gained earlier will be greatly diminished.

Even if it means arresting or killing a number of people and causing unnecessary conflict, Chu Ling still feels it's worth it.

But now, with the arrival of his grandmother and his mother—especially his grandmother—everything is quietly changing.

Since things are changing, let's adapt to them.

"His Majesty has decreed that the Eighth Prince shall read the imperial edict!"

The moment Chu Ling sat down, Li Zhong, who was standing in front of the emperor, immediately stepped forward and spoke loudly with great momentum, though Li Zhong's heart was beating much faster.

Because this is different from the previous one.

But that's how it is in front of the emperor; without quick wit, one is not qualified to stay in front of the emperor.

Tests always happen unexpectedly.

"His Majesty has decreed that the Eighth Prince shall read the imperial edict!"

As the Imperial Guards and Imperial Attendants chanted in turn, the civil and military officials gathered in front of the Taiji Hall, each displaying a different expression upon hearing the Emperor's words.

The saying "Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure" is absolutely true!

As Chu Hui stood tall before the emperor, looking down at the assembled officials, he could see the subtle changes in his heart amidst his emotions.

The previous trend has been significantly reduced.

"Shasha~"

As Chu Hui was feeling sentimental, footsteps sounded. Yin Yu, with his head bowed, walked towards Chu Hui holding an imperial edict. At the same time, on the Danbi (imperial throne) of the Taiji Hall, the sons of nobles selected by the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Clan Guards walked in unison towards the court officials. Liu Kai, who was at the head of the group, was carrying a scroll with some difficulty.

'Kai'er has already gained the Emperor's trust.'

Standing in the court, Liu Chen felt a surge of emotion upon seeing his eldest son. This was undoubtedly a powerful boost to his spirits!

Liu Kai was on duty in the Imperial Guard, while Liu Tian went to the Shanglin Army.

No one understood this better than Liu Chen.

As long as they perform adequately, without needing to be particularly outstanding, their future will inevitably be bright. This is the concrete example of Liu Chen doing dirty and tiring work.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Summon the newly appointed scholars to the Taiji Hall for the palace examination, which is how I select talents for the central government..." As Chu Hui's voice rang out, Liu Chen composed himself and, along with the civil and military officials gathered before the Taiji Hall, all turned to look ahead. As Chu Hui read the imperial edict, the sons of the Imperial Guards and Imperial Clan Guards standing before the court slowly unfurled the scroll with solemn expressions. A very long scroll was thus opened before the assembled officials.

Chu Ling sat steadily on the dragon throne, listening to Chu Hui read out the names one by one. Chu Ling's face showed no joy or sorrow. The newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examination) selected in this year's palace examination, regardless of their position, were all carefully chosen by Chu Ling based on their examination papers and their understanding of governance, which enabled them to stand out from the six hundred new candidates.

In Chu Ling's eyes, they were the fresh blood injected into the central government and local areas of Da Yu, which would bring about corresponding changes to Da Yu.

During this process, anyone who fails to meet Chu Ling's expectations and is instead assimilated will be removed from Chu Ling's list.

The Great Yu Dynasty had no need for bureaucrats.

What the Great Yu needs are capable administrators!

……

While the imperial edict was being read aloud in front of the Taiji Hall, a completely different scene was unfolding atop the Zhuque Gate tower.

Jiang Guang, a member of the Imperial Guard, stood behind the parapet with his sword at his side, his cold eyes looking down at the Vermilion Bird Gate.

At that time, a large number of people gathered outside the Zhuque Gate. In addition to the six hundred newly appointed scholars who were studying at the Imperial Academy, there were also many other people gathered here.

Everything was meticulously arranged.

"I wonder who will be listed as successful candidates today, given the notice posted outside the Vermilion Bird Gate!"

"Who says otherwise? I'm getting impatient waiting for you."

Do you think all six hundred newly appointed candidates who participated in the palace examination will be selected and listed on the official list?

“Great minds think alike. It’s not impossible, after all, these 600 newly appointed scholars stood out from the competition for the imperial examinations.”

"That's impossible. After all, there are many students participating in the selection process, but in the end, only a portion of them were selected. I don't think it's possible that all of them were selected."

Outside the Vermilion Bird Gate, the gathered crowd made various noises, and among this crowd, many people's eyes were focused on one place from beginning to end.

These are the six hundred newly appointed scholars under the protection of the Imperial Guard!

At this moment, they felt a mix of trepidation, excitement, exhilaration, and calm... Each person's expression was different as they awaited the moment that would decide their fate.

"Look at it!!!"

Suddenly, someone shouted, drawing countless eyes to the Vermilion Bird Gate tower.

But then a giant imperial edict was seen falling rapidly from the Zhuque Gate tower.

One by one, individual names came into view.

"The results are posted!!!"

"The results have been posted!!"

Excited voices rang out at that moment.

A large crowd began to move.

"Stop!!!"

The Imperial Guards responsible for maintaining order slammed their spears down and shouted in unison to intimidate the crowd. At the same time, the Imperial Guards responsible for guarding the six hundred newly appointed scholars led them toward the Vermilion Bird Gate.

"Follow!"

"Look at the rankings!"

"No noise allowed!"

When the moment of truth arrived, many of the newly appointed scholars became nervous, and some even became unable to walk.

"Go, join them in looking at the list!"

Upon seeing this scene, Imperial Guard Officer Jiang Feng immediately raised his hand and shouted.

"Yes!!"

Immediately, imperial guards stepped forward.

The various Imperial Guard units on duty at the palace had made extensive preparations for this day, especially for tasks such as posting notices and announcing the results of the examinations, which they knew by heart.

This is to prevent accidents from happening.

"Haha!! I won!! Seventy-third in the second tier!!"

"It's a hit!! It's a hit!!"

"Where is my name? Why isn't my name on the list?!"

Sounds began to appear outside the Vermilion Bird Gate.

"hurry up!"

"Follow!"

At that moment, shouts rang out from the open city gate passageway, and squads of imperial guards, led by their officers, rushed swiftly toward the newly appointed scholars who had passed the imperial examinations.

"According to the list, please have the newly appointed scholars proceed to Chengtian Gate!!"

Jiang Feng, the Imperial Guard officer who had been observing, immediately shouted to his men when he saw the Imperial Guards rushing out.

"Where is Su Qi!?"

Where is Zhang Miao?!

"Where is Jin Hao?!"

Under the astonished gaze of the crowds watching outside the Vermilion Bird Gate, a scene that appeared chaotic but was actually orderly was unfolding beneath Zhang Bu's imperial edict.

"What happened?"

"Why were they all arrested?"

"Are you stupid? Didn't you see it's an entrance to the palace?!"

"It really is! Is the Emperor summoning us?"

"Stop gossiping, quickly look at who's on the imperial edict!"

"Yeah, who is this new top scorer?!"

"Where is the second-place finisher?"

"Where is the third-ranked scholar?"

The noise outside the Vermilion Bird Gate grew louder, but at this moment, the quiet outside the Chengtian Gate was also broken as figures began to move in the passageway of the Vermilion Bird Gate.

"Let me emphasize this again!!"

Cai Jie, the supervisor of the Ganlu Temple, stood with his hands at his sides. At this moment, his eyes were sharp as he stared at the large group of eunuchs, attendants, and junior eunuchs in front of him, and he spoke in a cold tone.

"The newly appointed Jinshi has arrived. He is in charge of all matters, including approval, inspection, and changing clothes. He must ensure that things proceed without any mishaps. Anyone who dares to delay His Majesty's important affairs will be punished with a beating!"

"Did you all hear that?!"

"I heard you!!"

The assembled eunuchs, attendants, and junior eunuchs were all bowing and paying their respects with nervousness; for them, today's task was of utmost importance.

This is related to the grand ceremony of announcing the success of the imperial examinations!

They were well aware of how much importance the emperor attached to this.

Everyone knows that if they do this job well, they will be rewarded, and that will lead to their future. But if they mess it up, even if it's the smallest thing, they will have no future!

Competition within the inner court is no less intense than in the outer court; in fact, it is often more fierce. After all, positions within the inner court are limited, and to climb up step by step from the bottom, one needs not only keen insight and intelligence but also the ability to cultivate relationships. All of these are indispensable.

For Chu Ling, his control over the inner court was extremely strict, especially over the Daxing Hall. Even the lowest-ranking eunuchs had to go through layers of screening and investigation. If there was even the slightest problem, they would not be allowed to serve in the Daxing Hall.

Having chosen the most difficult path, Chu Ling was determined not to allow any unexpected events to occur, especially regarding his own safety. He had put in tremendous effort to prevent any conspiracies or schemes from happening.