Chapter 17 017 I am depressed.

Xue Yuanshuang entered the palace with trepidation.

Although he felt that Pei Wuwei's words made a lot of sense, it was, after all, his first time visiting the palace to pay homage to the emperor, and he couldn't help but feel apprehensive.

This was an opportunity, but taking that step forward could also lead to certain doom. If she had known about Ma Yuanliang's investigation months earlier, she wouldn't have chosen to impersonate someone else. However, since she had already done it, she didn't regret her choice.

Zhao Jialing had no patience to wait for Xue Yuanshuang to plead her case. She looked at the bowing Xue Yuanshuang, said "Rise," and then continued, "Madam Xue is from Puzhou. It is not good for her to impersonate someone else to go to Puzhou for the examination. Each prefecture has a limited number of places. Madam Xue has taken up a place in Tongzhou. Even if she is relying on her own abilities, she can still cause others to fail."

Hearing the emperor's gentle tone, Xue Yuanshuang's heart still trembled slightly, and she felt a little flustered. She kowtowed and said, "This humble subject knows her crime."

“This abuse has a long history, and many have violated it. It would be inappropriate to punish only Lady Xue. But if we do not punish her, people will think that the court condones the fraudulent registration.” Xie Lanzhao stood up, bowed to Zhao Jialing, and said, “Lady Xue has already suffered injustice. Judging from her poetry and prose, she is a person of outstanding talent. I implore Your Majesty to show mercy, dismiss Xue Xianyao, but grant Lady Xue a place to participate in the provincial examination.”

Zhao Jialing listened to Xie Lanzhao's suggestion, let out a soft "hmm" in his heart, and began to mutter to himself.

[Third Prince, I told you Xie Qing and I were of one mind, didn't I? Otherwise, how would she know that this was the way I intended to handle things?]

The Wise Ruler System responded perfunctorily: 【Mmm.】

It's because they heard the host's inner thoughts, so they skipped the step of trying to decipher the emperor's will and directly addressed the host's needs.

As for the purpose, you can tell from Xue Yuanshuang's expression: to win people's hearts without making a sound.

Since the matter had already been brought up, Zhao Jialing, who had no intention of doing anything to Xue Yuanshuang, readily agreed, saying, "Granted, even if she stays in the Jingzhao Prefecture."

Xue Yuanshuang was completely stunned upon hearing this. "Xue the Immortal" was forbidden from taking the provincial examination, but Xue Yuanshuang was allowed. This was tantamount to discrediting him. Moreover, taking the provincial examination in the capital prefecture significantly increased the chances of passing compared to taking it from Tongzhou. It was well known that scholars recommended by the capital prefecture could be directly questioned about their reasons for passing. "This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

Zhao Jialing nodded, satisfied. She waved her hand, signaling Xue Yuanshuang to leave, and then urged the system to calculate the rewards.

【San San, is the mission complete?】

The Wise Ruler System mechanically broadcast the report: [Congratulations to the host for completing "Main Quest: Governing the Country, Eliminating Traitors III: The Case of Scholar Ma Yuanliang's Impersonation," achieving the achievement "One Wave After Another," and the achievement reward "The Majesty of the Ruler" is being distributed.]

With everything settled in the palace, Xie Lanzhao, unsure why Zhao Jialing had summoned her, intended to leave after Xue Yuanshuang departed. However, upon hearing Zhao Jialing's words, she forcibly stopped herself in her tracks.

Previous missions all came with rewards, so what about this one? What benefits will this almost godlike system bring?

Xie Lanzhao listened quietly, and when the words "the majesty of the ruler" reached her ears, her brows furrowed slightly.

What's practical about it?

But Zhao Jialing didn't notice the reward; she pouted in dissatisfaction.

What does "one wave subsides only for another to rise" mean? Are you perhaps cursing me, Third Prince?

Wise Ruler System: [No, that's not true, host. This achievement simply means a new round of tasks is coming your way. Surprised? Unexpected?]

Zhao Jialing: "?"

The Wise Ruler System ignored Zhao Jialing's speechless state and continued: "[Please complete the main quest: Governing the Country - Civil Administration I - Reforming the Imperial Examination System. The Ma Yuanliang case thoroughly exposed the flaws of the imperial examination system. Since you are a wise ruler, you shouldn't stop here, but rather continue to investigate further. An excellent emperor doesn't just look at the surface of things.]"

Xie Lanzhao's mind stirred slightly upon hearing the mission. She had previously considered pushing for reforms, but she could imagine the uproar the council would cause. If His Majesty disapproved of her autocratic rule, he wouldn't encourage her in this matter. However, now that the system had issued the mission, she had to do it regardless of His Majesty's support.

But to what extent should the reform of the imperial examination system be carried out?

Zhao Jialing felt a headache coming on as soon as he heard the words "reform of the imperial examination system".

If she were to resort to violence in such a matter, could she withstand the condemnation of the officials? Even the previous emperor's reign couldn't fully implement it.

She abruptly changed the subject.

【San San, let's talk about what "the majesty of a ruler" is.】

Wise Ruler System: [The majesty of a ruler is like the strike of thunder, the crushing weight of ten thousand pounds; wherever it goes, nothing is left unbroken. Once the host activates the aura of the ruler's majesty, all civil and military officials will tremble in fear, bowing before the emperor and obeying his every command! However, this aura has a time limit and can only be activated once every two weeks.]

Using it to assist in the task of reforming the imperial examination system is simply unbeatable, isn't it?

The Wise Ruler System is like a merciless broadcaster: [Keyword detected, triggering a new main quest—Main Quest: Self-Cultivation II: Imperial Majesty.]

Zhao Jialing always only listens to things that interest her. She said "Oh," and her eyes lit up.

The power of a ruler? Enough to make people obey his every command? Is there such a good thing? Even using it once every two weeks would be enough.

[Can I make Xie Lanzhao completely obedient to me, devoted to me, and let me do whatever I want?]

Wise Ruler System: "?"

Xie Lanzhao, who was intently focused on Zhao Jialing's thoughts, was also startled, and her expression instantly turned stern and cold.

The system is unpredictable; if Zhao Jialing were to truly possess that ability, what would become of her? Is the system's appearance ultimately good or bad? Will her future be thrown into turmoil as a result?

[Host, hold on! This is a legitimate system for cultivating a wise ruler, not some scheming, cruel, or melodramatic "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" system. This aura can only be used for matters beneficial to the nation! Didn't you accept the task of reforming the imperial examination system? It will inevitably face numerous obstacles, but that's alright. With the support of the ruler's authority, it will be smoothly implemented.]

Xie Lanzhao's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, returned to its original place.

But after that fright, my back was soaked with cold sweat.

[What crematorium? I don't understand.]

Zhao Jialing frowned, a hint of regret in her eyes. She continued, "I only wanted Xie Lanzhao to look at me properly. She grew up with me; why is she unwilling to relive our past?"

The Wise Ruler System advised Zhao Jialing: "[If the host is willing to strive and work hard, not only Xie Lanzhao, but the entire world will be watching Your Majesty. How could a ambitious and ambitious prince possibly be interested in someone who slacks off and holds others back?!]"

Zhao Jialing felt as if he had been stabbed in the heart, and his expression turned gloomy.

She raised her eyes and gazed at Xie Lanzhao, who remained silent in the hall, and suddenly asked, "Xie Lanzhao, in your heart, am I still not as good as my elder sister?"

This wasn't the first time Xie Lanzhao had heard a similar question, but previously it had always been her inner thoughts.

She hadn't realized before that His Majesty enjoyed comparing himself to others so much.

She chuckled softly: "Does Your Majesty want to hear the truth?"

Zhao Jialing's heart skipped a beat. She really wanted to say no, but in order to save face, she pretended to be magnanimous and said, "Yes."

[Xie Lanzhao, if you dare say I'm inferior, I'll... I'll—you're so mean, Xie Lanzhao is easy to bully!]

Xie Lanzhao coldly uttered two words: "Not as good as".

Zhao Jialing stared blankly at Xie Lanzhao, pursed his lips, and looked hurt.

Xie Lanzhao softened her tone: "But limited to political affairs, His Majesty seems unaware of his own goals." What she's doing now is merely being pushed along by the system. In truth, she's bewildered and clueless, like a child.

Zhao Jialing's heart soared again. Suppressing her joy, she asked, "What about other aspects?"

Xie Lanzhao gave Zhao Jialing a deep look: "If the Prince of Hengshan or the Princess of Zhongshan were sitting in this seat today, I'm afraid I wouldn't know where to see Your Majesty."

Zhao Jialing's mind went blank, and her breath caught in her throat for a moment. She murmured, "How could my elder sister be so heartless?"

Xie Lanzhao said calmly, "Your Majesty, why do you think the Prince of Zhong is crippled? Why does Princess Jinxian seem to be insane?"

Zhao Jialing tentatively asked, "Isn't Fourth Sister... already a lunatic?" She felt a chill run down her spine as Xie Lanzhao stared at her with cold eyes. She lowered her voice, "And what about me?"

If siblings born of the same mother are treated this way, how can she remain unaffected?

Xie Lanzhao did not answer. Instead, she asked, "Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"

Zhao Jialing sighed and said, "It's nothing."

Even after Xie Lanzhao left, she remained depressed.

[Host, don't be upset. The cultivation task has started. Hurry up and complete it.]