The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Alright, alright, this time everyone's really getting restless. They're looking left and right, and everyone seems to have a problem.

They were no longer afraid of Zheng Xun; they practically wanted to circle around her three times to prove their innocence.

Those who are truly haunted not only cannot run away, but also have to play the erhu with a bitter face and appear more enthusiastic than others.

Just as Zheng Xun was speaking her mind, a group of people suddenly appeared in the courtyard, all of them very enthusiastic towards her.

It's no exaggeration to say that the last time she saw such a scene was when welcoming the God of Wealth.

Finally, the scholar Du from the Hanlin Academy slowly approached Zheng Xun: "Princess..."

Seeing his trembling appearance, Zheng Xun quickly dismissed his formalities.

"I am here on His Majesty's orders to borrow a few people. Everyone can go about their own business, and I will choose them myself."

"Very well, but I would like to ask this old minister to give you some advice..."

"No need! Let Lord Shi accompany me; there's no need to delay Scholar Du."

Lord Du is quite old, and perhaps because he rarely smiles, his nasolabial folds and the wrinkles between his eyebrows are particularly deep, making him seem rather unapproachable.

Zheng Xun couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Who says Scholar Du is rigid and inflexible? He's clearly very warm and gentle!

The other members of the Hanlin Academy almost burst out laughing when they heard this.

What's gentle? Who's gentle? Why don't you take a closer look?

The princess dared to say those two words, but they dared not believe them.

Guess why, despite his obvious abilities, Scholar Du has not been able to enter the cabinet or climb any higher in all these years?

To put it simply, no one in the entire court liked him. The emperor didn't remove him from office because he was still capable despite his age, and also because no one in the court liked him, nor did he like anyone else.

Look at his old-fashioned appearance, it's all an act. When he curses, he has a very strong voice!

He not only swears, he can also hit people!

Who would have thought this old witch would look like this? She's like an old tea tree sprouting tender buds, so fresh and green.

It has to be Princess Yuanjia; there's no one in the court she can't control.

Upon hearing that he didn't need to accompany him, Scholar Du immediately took his leave. He had come with a swaying gait, but left with a brisk, swift stride.

Zheng Xun couldn't help but chuckle. She could actually know everything by simply checking the system, but she was too lazy to argue with him.

With a long face, Lord Shi watched the others disperse and had no choice but to take on the heavy responsibility of leading and introducing Zheng Xun.

However, he was genuinely curious about which person's official position was obtained through improper means, but he couldn't bring himself to ask, so he looked a bit scratching his head.

Zheng Xun was standing to his side and slightly in front of him, but his attention wasn't on him.

This is a pillar of the Hanlin Academy; if he were to be taken away, Scholar Du would probably be heartbroken.

The official Zheng Xun had praised immediately straightened his back.

Yes, yes, that's how you should talk to him. He likes to hear it, so keep talking.

[Furthermore, this person has a habit of picking their toes, and then smelling them for a few breaths afterward; they're not suitable to work with Second Sister.]

Lord Shi quickly reached out to the door, glanced at his colleagues inside, and grinned broadly.

Hehe, he's not the only one whose underwear has been exposed. We can't mess with him anymore!

His colleague glared at him through gritted teeth, cursing him inwardly as a despicable person.

Lord Shi chuckled.

I don't know what it feels like to share wealth and honor, but it's certainly nice to see someone share hardships with you.

Zheng Xun continued walking towards the next place, ignoring their suspicious expressions.

The next person had already heard Zheng Xun's thoughts and wished he could run away immediately, but that would make him seem too guilty.

The anxious time passed very, very slowly, and finally, she arrived.

This person is skilled, but unfortunately lacks patience and can't handle such tedious work.

The person being evaluated wasn't angry at all; in fact, they were somewhat relieved.

He is no longer the person he once was. Now he has a broad mind and a tolerant spirit, so these few words will not cause him any harm.

However, he isn't always impatient; for example, he repeatedly failed in his attempts to woo his sister-in-law.

Mr. Shi: Who's pursuing whom? Why are you making such a mess of things?

He gave his colleague a reproachful look, mentally criticizing his behavior as inappropriate, and secretly resolved to impeach him sooner or later.

His colleague looked completely innocent.

His elder brother has passed away, and his sister-in-law is a widow. It is not easy for her to raise her child alone. He wants to take good care of his sister-in-law and nephew. What's wrong with that?

Now that her husband is dead, she is all alone. What's wrong with her marrying him?

As for what people might say, let them say it. If he can't even stand these rumors, how can he protect his sister-in-law from the wind and rain, and how can he gain her trust?

He's at least loyal and kind-hearted; he and his sister-in-law are actually quite a good match.

The colleague immediately grinned: What Princess Yuanjia has decided must be right!

He swore that he would always believe this, and he would fight anyone who disagreed with him!

This was, after all, someone else's private matter. Zheng Xun mentioned it briefly and then stopped paying attention, continuing on his way.

It has to be said that there are quite a few interesting things happening in the Hanlin Academy.

She found it interesting, Master Shi enjoyed listening to it, and everyone else was also thoroughly enjoying the play.

Some people, though far away, followed Zheng Xun at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, just enough to hear his thoughts clearly without being discovered.

Once again, Zheng Xun stopped not far from someone.

[Lu Kun...]

Lu Kun's hand holding the book gradually tightened.

Last night's autumn rain brought a sudden drop in temperature, but in that instant, he broke out in a cold sweat.

[Lu Kun... I wonder how well he's using the stolen fame and fortune after killing his own brother]

Lu Kun suddenly stood up and rushed to Zheng Xun.

Lord Shi snapped to attention and quickly stepped in front of Zheng Xun: "Lu Kun! What are you doing?!"

At this moment, the string of reason in Lu Kun's mind had snapped, and he couldn't hear Lord Shi's angry shouts at all.

He raised his hand and pointed at Zheng Xun: "You, you...you..."

He hesitated for a long time, but didn't say anything.

Zheng Xun glanced at Lord Shi and asked calmly and politely, "Lord Lu, what is this...?"

"He suddenly fell seriously ill!" Lord Shi replied in a serious tone.

Lu Kun's expression gradually turned ferocious, and he actually lunged at Zheng Xun.

Lord Shi, with his sharp eyes, caught a glimpse of the silver gleam of his hidden sword.

That moment felt incredibly long, and four words slowly welled up in his mind—"My life is over."

The dagger flashed, and his heart turned cold.

He acted faster than he thought, blocking Zheng Xun's path without moving an inch.

At that moment, he didn't think about much else; he only thought that Zheng Xun was the hope of Dayong, and she absolutely could not die.

He was a civil official, and although he was muscular, he was not very strong. Lu Kun was swift in his movements, and if he were to be stabbed, he would likely die.

He didn't want to die, but Zheng Xun couldn't die.

However, the expected pain did not occur.

Two hands gripped Lu Kun's arm tightly, and with a swift flying kick, Lu Kun and his knife flew ten steps away.