Chapter 15 015 I am magnanimous.

Zhao Jialing was tempted to slack off, but the court officials were diligent and conscientious.

Ma Yuanliang confessed quickly after being taken to jail.

He was of mediocre talent and had always been jealous of his cousin, Xue Yuanshuang. He believed that the Ma family had already done more than enough by providing Xue Yuanshuang with food and drink, and that she should reciprocate in kind. Knowing the importance of cultivating a reputation, and realizing that his own poems and essays would never gain the favor of high-ranking officials, he stole Xue Yuanshuang's writings.

He and his family blocked Xue Yuanshuang's path to advancement. As long as she didn't come to Chang'an, given the isolation of her hometown, she might not know that he had the opportunity to steal her literary talent. Besides, once he had her under control, what did it matter if she found out the truth in the future?

In Ma Yuanliang's view, even if Xue Yuanshuang was intelligent and talented, as a woman, she should stay in the countryside, get married, and raise children, instead of constantly talking about "Xuanqi's policies" and believing that she had a way to break down barriers and move to a position that did not belong to her.

How absurd!

Ma Yuanliang was still indignant, but the outcome was already decided, and what awaited him was not only the stripping of his official titles.

As for Xue Yuanshuang—

The court officials wanted to slack off, since dealing with Ma Yuanliang was enough; as for the "victim," what did it matter whether they found him or not?

However, Emperor Jialing issued an edict urging him to hurry.

Having already completed half of the task, Zhao Jialing didn't want to fail to complete the achievement because Xue Yuanshuang hadn't received fair treatment.

She could be negligent, but the court officials could not.

If you say you can't do it, there are plenty of other people who will.

Since the emperor's words were law, the court officials naturally obeyed and ordered their men to hurry to the Ma family in Fenyin to find Xue Yuanshuang.

By the time they made it back, it was already September.

This is not good news; Xue Yuanshuang has disappeared!

Upon receiving the news, Zhao Jialing looked gloomy and had no heart to appreciate Xie Lanzao's beauty.

[It's not that I didn't try hard enough. Xue Yuanshuang has vanished without a trace. Am I just stuck here? Did all my previous efforts go to waste?]

Zhao Jialing was unhappy and tried to reason with the Wise Ruler System.

[If that's the case, don't ask me to do any tasks in the future!]

It wasn't the usual court session, and only Xie Lanzhao and a few civil officials were in the hall. They could all hear Zhao Jialing's thoughts.

Upon hearing such capricious words as "not doing quests," a chill ran down my spine. Although the rewards from quest achievements hadn't materialized yet, the gods had spoken of a prosperous and peaceful future for the people of Dayong. They believed that conquering the northern barbarians and western barbarians, let alone harassing the borders, would be a piece of cake.

The gods have bestowed this gift; Your Majesty cannot refuse it!

Even if His Majesty is truly unwilling to do anything, that's alright; they will strive to accomplish the tasks assigned by the gods.

The Wise Ruler System, fearing that Zhao Jialing, who had finally managed to establish himself somewhat, would give up, quickly said: "[He's still alive, and has even arrived in Chang'an.]"

Zhao Jialing: "?" So fast? But how can we avoid the envoys coming from Chang'an?

Did she discover that Ma Yuanliang had stolen her poems and prose, and thus came to Chang'an first to file a complaint with the emperor, preparing to beat the drum and appeal for justice?

"No, not at all." The Wise Ruler System hesitated for a moment before saying, "She did know that Ma Yuanliang had interfered, preventing her from succeeding in her studies and causing her to waste years of time. However, she came to Chang'an not to seek justice, but to successfully pass the preliminary examination and prepare for the provincial examination."

Zhao Jialing continued, "Have the officials in Puzhou come to their senses?"

System: [No, she impersonated someone else and went to Huazhou in Guannei Dao to retrieve the body.]

Zhao Jialing: "..."

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

According to the laws of this dynasty, candidates should take the imperial examinations in their place of origin. However, because candidates recommended by the capital prefecture and the two prefectures of Hua and Tong are more likely to pass, many scholars leave their hometowns to take the exams in other prefectures. Some even take advantage of the time difference to take the exams in both places, a practice that has been repeatedly prohibited but continues. If cases of impersonation are investigated, many people will be implicated. Therefore, since the founding of the dynasty, few cases have been thoroughly investigated, but ultimately, it is a violation of the law.

If Zhao Jialing pretends not to know, it would be tantamount to encouraging scholars to falsely claim official registration.

However, if the matter were investigated, Xue Yuanshuang might not be able to participate in the provincial examination.

Wise Ruler System: [The host can investigate her mistakes and revoke her academic achievements obtained in Huazhou. However, she must be compensated for the matter concerning Ma Yuanliang by allowing her to take the examination from the Jingzhao Prefecture.]

Zhao Jialing pondered for a moment, finding it quite reasonable, and then asked, "Where in Chang'an is she? How should I find her?"

You can't exactly claim that you're a fortune teller and know where Xue Yuanshuang lives, can you?

System: [The former residence of the Pei family in Shengye Lane.]

Zhao Jialing's thoughts arose, but only for a fleeting moment.

When Xie Lanzhao heard "the former residence of the Pei family," a hint of coldness flashed in her dark eyes. The former residence of the Pei family in Shengye Lane was Pei Sili's residence in the capital. Pei Sili was one of the regents left by the late emperor for Zhao Jialing—the one who successfully returned to his hometown in glory.

But the "glorious return" was only superficial. After Pei Sili retired, several of his sons in the capital were demoted and exiled. Now, only one member of Pei Sili's lineage remains in Chang'an, namely Pei Sili's eldest grandson, Pei Changqing, who serves as a Taichang Doctor.

The Pei family hadn't committed any heinous crimes, and they had even contributed to the implementation of some of Xuanqi's policies. However, Pei Sili disagreed with Xie Lanzhao's actions against the other two regents and hoped to maintain the balance established by the late emperor.

Since that was the case, Xie Lanzhao no longer showed any mercy.

How did Xue Yuanshuang end up with the Pei family?

If it weren't for the system's mission, Xie Lanzhao would definitely have chosen to abandon Xue Yuanshuang.

“Madam Xue is exceptionally talented. She may have already gone to the capital since she is not in her hometown.” After a moment of contemplation, the Minister of Revenue offered Zhao Jialing a solution, saying, “Although Puzhou belongs to Hedong, it is adjacent to Tongzhou in the capital region. If Madam Xue intends to take up an official post, traveling to the capital would be the best option.”

Zhao Jialing was just worried about not having a reason to send his men to investigate, but when he heard the Minister of Revenue's words, he was immediately overjoyed and said, "As you say, find the person."

The officials acknowledged and replied.

With the matter on Zhao Jialing's mind finally settled, he waved his hand, signaling the ministers to leave, leaving only Xie Lanzhao in the hall.

Xie Lanzhao remained silent about Xue Yuanshuang's matter, which made Zhao Jialing think a lot.

She rose and walked toward Xie Lanzhao, the amulet hanging from her waist along with the jade pendant swaying with her steps.

She stared at Xie Lanzhao, cleared her throat, and said, "Are you worried that Xue Yuanshuang is deeply involved with the Pei family?" Before Xie Lanzhao could respond, she added, "I remember that you have a bad relationship with the Pei family."

Although Zhao Jialing had been on the throne for several years and had limited authority, it didn't mean she was ignorant. Lowly officials might not remember, but she had a deep impression of the senior officials from the previous emperor's time. The Pei family of Hedong was a prestigious clan, renowned for its scholarship and propriety, and had produced many prime ministers over the centuries. However, due to their family's Confucian tradition, Pei Sili prioritized propriety in everything, which Zhao Jialing found quite unpleasant.

Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes to conceal her thoughts, and said respectfully, "How could I, Your Majesty, neglect talented individuals because of personal reasons? Regardless of Lady Xue's relationship with the Pei family, only ability matters. As for the Pei family, if there are any capable individuals, I will certainly promote one or two." She paused, then feigned surprise, "However, why does Your Majesty say this? Has it been confirmed that Lady Xue is with the Pei family?"

Zhao Jialing paused for a moment, wondering what she had said.

She nodded in agreement with Xie Lanzhao's words, then her attention returned to the first part of the sentence, and she thought to herself: [Really? I don't believe it.]

While one may possess integrity and uprightness, those who hold positions of power in the imperial court cannot always be entirely honest and upright.

Xie Lanzhao was stung by Zhao Jialing's words, and her eyes darkened slightly.

Zhao Jialing scrutinized Xie Lanzhao, his thoughts becoming increasingly active.

[No matter what you do, I will forgive you. Who told me to be so magnanimous? Even if you insist on imposing collective punishment and refuse to use Xue Yuanshuang, that's fine too.]

[Xie Lanzhao, you have me in your heart, and I have you in mine.]

【Gagaga.】

The thought that Zhao Jialing had seen through Xie Lanzhao's dark thoughts was just beginning to stir within her when a series of eerie laughs broke the silence.

She took a deep breath and looked up directly at Zhao Jialing.

Is it because the system has gone mad? Or is it because they took on a responsibility they didn't want to shoulder, and are now overwhelmed by it?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Zhao Jialing suppressed a smile and gazed deeply into Xie Lanzhao's eyes.

Xie Lanzhao's eyes remained cold, with a hint of pity mixed in, but she quickly concealed it.

Just like the day of her elder sister's funeral.

What is Xie Lanzhao pitying? Is it her? Or her imperial sister?

Out of respect for the deceased, Zhao Jialing used all her composure to suppress the harsh words that were about to escape her lips.

She pursed her lips and said to Xie Lanzhao, "Xie Lanzhao, how dare you!"

A moment of silence.

Xie Lanzhao lowered his head and said, "Your subject is guilty."

Zhao Jialing scoffed, "Who gave you permission to look me in the eye?"

[Quickly say you couldn't control yourself! Say it! Xie Lanzhao, don't force me to beg you.]

Zhao Jialing's heartfelt words reminded Xie Lanzhao of some buried old stories.

In terms of how demanding she is, she hasn't changed much.

After chuckling, Xie Lanzhao raised her head again, her gaze settling on Zhao Jialing's handsome face.

However, the "silver moon disc" of my childhood gradually developed sharp edges.

Xiao Liu Niang lost her beautiful scenery and the green pines and white clouds, leaving only the country and its people.

Xie Lanzhao said, "I cannot restrain myself, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Zhao Jialing coughed lightly, covering his mouth, and said, "I forgive you."