In the novel "Joy of Life," the protagonist wakes up at Li Chengze's residence.

"Fan Xielu".

Upon hearing this, Tao Jingyang stopped putting the grapes into his mouth and stared at the scene before him with great interest.

As expected, Emperor Qing pushed Fan Xian forward, pointed at him, and said to Yun Zhilan, "This is the person who killed your two disciples."

As soon as Emperor Qing finished speaking, Yun Zhilan didn't even glance at Fan Xian before coldly saying, "Nothing special."

I heard there was more than one Fan Xian that day.

Tao Jingyang became alert, realizing he'd almost forgotten about this; he'd been there the other day too. Wow, he'd actually gotten himself involved in this whole mess.

Emperor Qing turned his gaze to Tao Jingyang, wanting to see her reaction as well.

At this moment, all eyes in the hall were focused on her. Emperor Qing spoke up, "There is indeed another one. I remember her name is Tao Jingyang?"

Upon hearing this, Tao Jingyang stood up, bowed to Emperor Qing, and said, "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case."

Emperor Qing gave a cryptic "humph," pointed at her, and said to Yun Zhilan, "Yun Zhilan, are you talking about her?"

The entire hall was silent, everyone watching what was happening inside. Li Chengze, in particular, had been tense ever since Emperor Qing called Tao Jingyang.

Yun Zhilan listened to Emperor Qing's words, turned her head to look at Tao Jingyang, and glanced at Fan Xian as well, but did not respond.

No one responded to Emperor Qing's words, and with an unhappy expression, he continued, "These two, although they look young, are quite capable."

"It wasn't just your two disciples; even Cheng Jushu, an eighth-rank official from Northern Qi, was defeated by them."

The implication is that Dongyi City and Beiqi have joined forces to run rampant in Nanqing.

They sent out many experts, but they were all defeated by these two unknown young men from Nanqing.

Dongyi City and Northern Qi, how disgraceful you are!

Yun Zhilan completely ignored Emperor Qing's provocative words and replied coldly, "Only those who can kill me can be considered capable."

He acted as if he didn't care about anyone at all.

Emperor Qing looked at him, snorted coldly, and then said to Fan Xian:

"You did a good job this time, and I do not wish to praise you in the main hall."

After speaking to him, she turned to Tao Jingyang and said, "But Tao Jingyang, tell me, what do you want?"

When Tao Jingyang was called upon, the first thought that came to mind was, "What else do I want... I want foreigners dead, can you give that to me?"

They wanted to bestow a reward on me in the main hall; they were registering my household registration in front of everyone.

From now on, I'll be a Nanqing resident.

But these are thoughts in my heart that I definitely can't tell anyone.

However, it suits my wishes just as well, since you, Emperor Qing, want to classify me as a citizen of Southern Qing.

So he straightened his back and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Majesty, I was just passing by and offered my help. It's nothing to boast about, so there's no need for Your Majesty's reward."

My only wish is that Nanqing will enjoy favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous nation.

"Good! You are the men of Nanqing!" Emperor Qing's booming voice echoed in the hall. "Come, Fan Xian, you two, have a drink with me."

Eunuch Hou hurriedly poured wine for the two men. After drinking it all in one gulp, the two men standing in the hall were about to walk back when they accidentally met each other's eyes.

They looked at each other, but neither revealed any emotion.

------------

After the two returned to their seats, the Crown Prince stood up and said that Young Master Fan was exceptionally talented and capable of undertaking important responsibilities. He then publicly recommended him to His Majesty to preside over the imperial examinations in the spring of the following year.

Li Chengze couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly: This crown prince is putting on an act again.

Unfortunately, the situation was pressing. If they didn't step forward and say something now, it might be seen as deliberately avoiding suspicion.

Therefore, Li Chengze also put down his cup and agreed to the proposal.

Tao Jingyang observed the slight change in the plot, raised his cup to his own, and followed the two people in the hall with a glance.

Seeing that both of his sons were like this, Emperor Qing was displeased, but he did not refuse outright.

They simply said, "We'll discuss it later."

This time, it was the Crown Prince who acted as the "wingman" for the Eldest Princess to frame Fan Xian; Li Chengze was not involved in the scheme.

As Li Chengze prepared to return to his seat, he met Tao Jingyang's "interested" gaze.

Li Chengze raised his eyebrows slightly, indicating that he was looking back.