Lord Shi raised his hand and pointed at Madam Shi, his fingers trembling with anger.

"If you let someone into the mansion and someone with ulterior motives finds out, they'll definitely use it to make a fuss. Not only will I be suspected of leaking the exam questions, but in serious cases, it will also implicate the mansion and ruin Mu Chen's career."

It doesn't matter if he is questioned for being an old man, but Mu Chen still has a long way to go and he can't let himself be ruined by someone throwing dirty water at him.

"Is it that serious?"

Madam Shi was silent for a while, and then she seemed to realize the seriousness of the matter and whispered:

"She only came in for a short while, how could she possibly implicate the Marquis' Mansion?"

Feeling that he couldn't explain it clearly to her, Lord Shi withdrew his hand and rubbed his forehead. He didn't answer her question, but said:

"You are not allowed to tell anyone about what happened today."

The assessment is approaching, and Mu Chen knows that this matter will definitely be affected.

"I see."

…

The two secret guards who followed Xu Xiaoxiao secretly watched her return home and then returned to the palace.

The emperor was reading the letter delivered by Jin Ting'an from Yueqing while listening to the report from the secret guard.

Yu Yiluo looked at the vigorous and powerful words on the letter and felt delighted.

[My uncle is coming back, isn't he? That's good. The people in the Beijing Defense Battalion aren't completely obedient to the Marquis of Qingyuan. Once the assessment is over and the truth is revealed, I'm sure the Beijing Defense Battalion will come out and mess with the Marquis's mansion.]

If my uncle is not around at that time, Yan Fan must come out to appease the other party and take the opportunity to retake the Beijing Defense Camp.

[Everything is fine now. My uncle has made all the arrangements and will be able to return to Beijing soon.]

The emperor put down the letter in his hand and asked, "When you were outside, did you see anyone around seeing Xu Xiaoxiao enter the Shi Mansion?"

The secret guards were slightly startled, wondering if the emperor was going to hold them accountable for this matter?

But the emperor only instructed to keep an eye on Xu Xiaoxiao, and did not say that she must not be targeted by anyone.

"Your Majesty, yes."

"That's good, you can leave now."

The two were confused. Did the emperor want to make the situation even more muddy?

Fortunately, they did not act smartly and get rid of the people around the Shi Mansion, otherwise they would have ruined the emperor's good deeds.

[Hey, since the tyrant has someone follow Xu Xiaoxiao and is letting things continue to develop, could it be that he and I have the same idea and want to go with the flow?]

[Indeed, even Lord Shi can see the stakes involved. If the tyrant couldn't see it, he probably wouldn't be alive today.]

emperor:"……"

Why is Luo'er always so unique when she praises him?

Can't you just be simpler and praise yourself for being capable, smart and resourceful?

Yu Yiluo didn't know what the emperor was thinking, and she was laughing happily in her heart.

[Hahaha, that's great. I just wonder if Concubine Shu can still hold on after she knows the tyrant has changed the rules of her game.]

Now that Lord Shi knows the pros and cons of this matter, he's probably already on his way to the palace to meet the tyrant.

As soon as he finished speaking, Eunuch Cao came in hurriedly.

"Your Majesty, Master Shi from the Hanlin Academy wishes to see you regarding an important matter."

"Please come in."

Lord Shi was brought into the imperial study with a serious expression on his face.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

"Master Shi, please stand up and take a seat."

Lord Shi thanked the emperor and walked over to the chair that Eunuch Cao had brought over and sat down.

"Your Majesty, I am here today to conduct an assessment."

The emperor placed one hand on the long table, tapping it intermittently, his face showing no emotion.

"Go ahead."

Lord Shi did not lie and explained everything about Xu Xiaoxiao's visit to the Shi Mansion.

There was silence in the imperial study, and Lord Shi waited anxiously for the emperor to speak.

"Master Shi, are you worried that I will hold you accountable, or are you worried that I will hold Mu Chen accountable?"

The emperor's unhurried voice echoed in the silent imperial study. Lord Shi was wondering how to respond, and then he listened to the emperor continue.

"It is said that when you employ someone, trust him; if you doubt him, don't employ him. Since I have handed this matter over to Lord Shi, I trust Lord Shi."

"Thank you for your highness's appreciation."

Lord Shi stood up and bowed.

"Alright, this isn't a big deal. As for Mu Chen, he has nothing to do with this matter. Master Shi, do you think I can't tell right from wrong?"

After these words were spoken, even though Lord Shi was an old man, he knelt on the ground in fear.

"I absolutely do not have such an idea."

[Look how scared Master Shi is! He's already old, how could he possibly withstand your intimidation?]

"Master Shi, what are you doing? Hurry up and get up. I will handle this matter myself. Just do your part."

"Eunuch Cao, escort Lord Shi out of the palace."

Eunuch Cao responded with a yes, walked to Lord Shi's side, helped Lord Shi up and walked out.

"Fresh breeze."

"I'm here."

The emperor stood up holding Yu Yiluo, looked at Qingfeng who appeared in the imperial study, and gave orders in a deep voice.

"Go, spread the word that you have the test questions."

[Let's spread this news and see which unlucky people will buy the test questions.]

…

While the ministers were busy preparing for the examination, the news that a mysterious person had the test questions gradually spread among the ministers participating in the examination.

Some people who were eager to make a move but worried about being cheated gathered together to look for Lord Qin.

Lord Qin looked at the group of people brought in by the servant in confusion.

"My Lords, the examination is coming up tomorrow. Why are you coming to my Qin Mansion instead of preparing at home?"

There are no test questions in his house.

"Master Qin, it's not convenient to talk here. Let's go to the mansion and talk."

Taking the group to the study, Lord Qin glanced at them.

"Go ahead, it's convenient here."

"I wonder if Lord Qin has heard a piece of news. Someone said he has the test questions."

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