Disguised as a man, she became the biggest villain in the book.

Lin Qianning and Lin Wanwan entered the courtyard. Lin Wanwan followed Lin Qianning back into the house and told her to get some rest.

When Madam Lin learned that Lin Qianning was injured, she rushed over. After seeing the clear marks on her neck, she said with heartache, "You child, you have worried your mother to death. What would I do if something happened to you?"

Lin Qianning hugged Madam Lin's waist affectionately and whispered, "Mother, I'm perfectly fine."

Madam Lin glared at her and scolded, "You almost scared your mother to tears, you!" Madam Lin affectionately pinched Lin Qianning's nose and said with a hint of annoyance.

Lin Qianning chuckled twice: "Mom, how about we make hot pot tonight?"

"Mom, I want to eat too," Lin Wanwan said happily from the side.

"Alright, alright, whatever you say," Madam Lin said gently with a smile.

As they were chatting and laughing, a servant came from outside the door to announce: "Miss, Madam, Master has summoned you both."

Lin Wanwan and Lin Qianning looked at each other, realizing that news of today's events must have reached their father's ears. There was no way to hide it, so they could only accept their fate.

When Lin Wanwan and Lin Qianning arrived at the main hall, they saw their father already waiting there. The two bowed, and Lin Wanwan spoke first: "I wonder what business Father has with us?"

Lin Changsheng frowned slightly and asked, "Did you go to Yuexin Pavilion to watch a play today?"

"Yes!" Lin Wanwan replied respectfully.

"You've run into Zheng Luoqi, haven't you?" Lin Changsheng said in a deep voice.

"Yes, it was Young Master Zheng who saved Qian Ning," Lin Qian Ning replied respectfully.

"This whole thing started because of him, so it's only right that I save you. Also, stay away from him in the future, understand?" Lin Changsheng said in a deep voice, a dark emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Why is Father doing this?" Lin Qianning asked, puzzled.

Lin Changsheng looked up at Lin Qianning, his eyes scrutinizing her, and said, "He's no good. Stay away from him, and don't get any improper thoughts about him."

"Yes, Father!" Lin Wanwan quickly nudged Lin Qianning, signaling her to stop talking.

Lin Qianning had no choice but to reply, "Yes, Father!"

The two then withdrew.

.................

Prime Minister's Mansion

Zheng Yuxiang and Zheng Luoqi are in a pavilion. Zheng Luoqi is playing a game of Go with Zheng Yuxiang, holding the black pieces.

"We've caught him!" Zheng Luoqi said, placing a black chess piece on the board.

"Well, good job!"

"Xiao Jie has a clean background; he has no parents and has been lurking in Yuexin Pavilion for a long time. If it weren't for the disaster with the disaster relief grain, we probably wouldn't have discovered this hidden agent for a long time."

"Have you found out who they are?"

Fan Huai'an, Censor of the Censorate

"Hmph, that old bastard is really tired of living, daring to tamper with disaster relief grain."

"What does Father intend to do?"

"He won't be able to cause trouble for long. He's still useful for now. We'll deal with him after this drought is over. Let's send a message to the third-ranked scholar and tell him to be careful."

“Yes!” Zheng Luoqi agreed.

"Your Majesty intends to give an important position to Ye Churan, the top scholar in the imperial examination. He comes from a humble background and is the top scholar, making him a good candidate to cultivate your own power base."

"Oh, what does Father intend to do?"

“He is a good candidate, but whether he is good at using him is another matter. Although this top scholar comes from a poor family, he is smart. Recently, he has gained the emperor’s favor by presenting some strategies for governing the country. He was unable to go to the disaster relief, but this is also an excellent opportunity for him to enter the court and become an official.”

"What position does Father think the Emperor will bestow upon the top scholar?"

Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy

........................

Sure enough, a few days later at the morning court, the emperor appointed Ye Churan as the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy, citing her insightful advice on governing the country.

After the court session, all the civil and military officials congratulated Ye Churan. On the surface, it was a congratulatory message, but many officials had already guessed the emperor's thoughts: Ye Churan's future was immeasurable!

Ye Churan smiled as she answered the officials' congratulations, displaying humility, caution, and composure.

Ye Churan was granted the official seal of the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy and was awarded a jade plaque.

.................

Chen Mansion

As usual, Chen Ruoyao and Chen Xianlin went to Baitong Academy together today. The two remained silent and did not speak. Chen Ruoyao had been unhappy since Chen Xianlin returned, and it was impossible for her to take the initiative to speak. The two seemed to have gotten used to this way of getting along.

All the way to the academy, Chen Ruoyao walked with a stern face, looking unhappy. Chen Xianlin, on the other hand, remained calm and indifferent as usual, not uttering a single word.

"Ruoyao!" Lin Wanwan and Lin Qianning greeted Chen Ruoyao warmly as they saw her approaching from afar.

Upon hearing the voice, Chen Ruoyao looked over, immediately put on a sweet smile, and quickly walked towards Lin Wanwan and the others.

"Ruoyao, did you have a fight with your sister? I saw you two at the door just now, and you looked like someone owed you eight hundred taels of silver," Lin Wanwan asked curiously.

"No, that's always how we've always gotten along," Chen Ruoyao replied, a hint of disdain on her face.

Then, Chen Ruoyao turned to Lin Qianning and asked with concern, "How is your injury? Why did you come to the academy so quickly? Why didn't you rest at home for a while longer?"

"I'm much better now, thank you for your concern, Ruoyao," Lin Qianning replied with a smile.

Chen Ruoyao nodded to reassure them, and then continued chatting with Lin Wanwan and Lin Qianning.

The three chatted as they walked toward the classroom.

Chen Xianlin glanced at Chen Ruoyao's departing figure, then looked away, a barely perceptible hint of coldness flashing in her eyes. Chen Xianlin returned to her classroom, and as soon as she sat down, she heard the wealthy young ladies around her discussing…

"The Imperial College's summer examinations in the Six Arts are about to begin."

"Yes, that's right. Who do you think will win first place this year?"

"Lin Zifeng, Young Master Lin is exceptionally talented and handsome. He's always been number one, and he'll definitely be number one again this year!" a noblewoman said confidently.

"I don't think so. I heard there's a new young master Pei this year. He's the grandson of General Pei! He just returned to the capital recently. I've heard he's not only exceptionally skilled in martial arts, but also incredibly talented, and he's handsome and elegant!"

"Wow, really? This year is going to be a fierce battle! But I still prefer Wen Yixuan, the young master Wen. He's just as handsome, knowledgeable, gentle, and has an extraordinary temperament!"

“You’re all right, but I think the most amazing one is that mysterious and unpredictable Young Master He. He just enrolled this year, and I heard that he gets full marks on every exam. Moreover, his martial arts skills are unfathomable. He’s practically an all-rounder!”

"Oh? Young Master He? I've never heard of him. Whose son is he?"

"I don't know that. I only know that his surname is He. I don't know anything else. Anyway, he is very low-key and rarely appears in front of others."

"It looks like the summer arts exams at the Imperial College will be quite something to watch this year. I'm really looking forward to it. I hope I can find a suitable husband among them."

Chen Xianlin was listening intently to their conversation when suddenly someone tapped her on the back...