Chapter 24 024 I praise you.

Zhao Jialing didn't mention "gunpowder," and Xie Lanzhao wisely refrained from asking further questions.

When he left the Bathing Hall, in addition to carrying the "Essentials of Woodblock Printing," the palace servants following behind him also carried pastries bestowed by Emperor Jialing.

Many court officials had heard of "printing technology" and "gunpowder," and when Zhao Jialing invited Xie Lanzao to the palace, they had their own guesses and hoped Xie Lanzao could bring back answers. Xie Lanzao didn't hide anything and immediately began arranging the printing. This matter was funded by the Imperial Household Department, in conjunction with the Ministry of Works, the Directorate of Works, and even some people from the Imperial Academy—once so many parties were involved, disputes were inevitable.

Fortunately, it was the Imperial Treasury, the emperor's private treasury, and the emperor's edict was sufficient. If the Ministry of Revenue were to calculate it, even though Xie Lanzhao and the Minister of Revenue, Xiang Yanyi, were old friends, a dispute would still be inevitable. The affairs of the Ministry of Revenue and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were no small matter either. Reforming the imperial examination system, anonymizing names, hiring people to copy documents, patrolling, locking down examination halls, and the Martial Temple and Martial Supervisor... all these things were related to money. The Ministry of Revenue officials, busy with calculations day and night, always wore a bitter expression of being heavily indebted.

The money issue is settled; now it's about the person—

Xie Lanzhao had no choice but to listen to the chatter of the people from the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works.

But these two are relatively good; the most troublesome one is Zheng Shiyan, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy.

Having understood the function of printing and knowing that the task of copying manuscripts fell to the Imperial Academy, Zheng Shiyan naturally assumed that the printing workshop belonged to the Imperial Academy. Although hearing that the Ministry of Finance was funding it, a vague sense of unease arose deep within him, but he didn't dwell on it and simply ignored the oddity. Then, when he inquired about the ownership of the printing workshop, he looked as if he had been struck by lightning, and couldn't help but exclaim, "It has nothing to do with our Imperial Academy?!"

The Minister of Works, the Vice Minister of Works, and the Chief Craftsman of the Imperial Workshop all wore subtle expressions, adopting a spectator's stance.

Academic matters have nothing to do with the Imperial Academy. It seems His Majesty is not satisfied with the Imperial Academy and prefers to pay from the imperial treasury. The Chancellor of the Imperial Academy is a relative of Xie Zhongshu. Could it be that His Majesty is wary of the Prime Minister—stop, stop, that's not a good thought. His Majesty has an ambiguous relationship with Xie Zhongshu, and besides, he has entrusted this matter entirely to Xie Zhongshu. How could it be that he is wary of her? Then it must be purely a problem with the Imperial Academy.

It seems that Zheng Shiyan spoke too much at the court meeting and angered His Majesty.

Judging from His Majesty's attitude in scolding that muddle-headed civil official, it is clear that His Majesty intends to build a Temple of Martial Arts and a Military Supervisory Office.

Ignoring his colleagues' amused expressions, Zheng Shiyan stared intently at Xie Lanzhao, hoping she would offer some rebuttal. He would believe any reason given, as long as the printing house was ultimately affiliated with the Imperial Academy. That was a matter of literature! Graduates from the Imperial Academy could be called, well, "Academicians," representing the academy's academic authority, and of course, they could make money. Zheng Shiyan immediately saw the potential profits. But now His Majesty had other intentions, and the future didn't look so bright.

Xie Lanzhao, of course, wouldn't reveal His Majesty's disdain for the Imperial Academy. He simply stated that the Imperial Academy was a place for studying and researching, and shouldn't be burdened with the work of craftsmen. Besides, the seal-making workshop wouldn't stop the Imperial Academy from engraving whatever it wanted. What did it matter whose name it belonged to?

Seeing Zheng Shiyan's discomfiture, the Minister of Works' eyes lit up, and he stepped forward to try and advocate for the Ministry of Works. They were all shrewd individuals, understanding the wonders of printing technology and the immense impact and profits it could generate. If the Ministry of Works had its own funds, it could at least improve its meals instead of enduring the Minister of Revenue's cold shoulder.

“Since His Majesty is funding it, it naturally belongs to the palace.” Xie Lanzhao smiled and bowed towards the Forbidden City. The seal-making workshop could not be placed in the Imperial Academy, nor could it leave any room for other court officials.

Zheng Shiyan muttered, "How can the emperor have private property?"

Building a printing press required selecting a site, the craftsmen needed to learn the "Essentials of Printing," and the Imperial Academy needed to send people to copy the original texts… These things couldn't be accomplished overnight, and Xie Lanzhao, as the prime minister, couldn't possibly do everything himself. After handing over the task, he gave a few more instructions. The first batch of printed books were rhyme books for the candidates, which concerned the reform of the imperial examination system, so it couldn't be taken lightly.

Inside the palace.

Zhao Jialing saw two tasks appearing on the bulletin board for communication between higher and lower levels.

One was the progress of reforming the imperial examination system, and the other was the construction of printing presses.

After discussing with the prime minister and going through the formal procedures, it became a "royal decree," and the system determined that these were not Zhao Jialing's "private matters."

[Why isn't it finished yet?] Zhao Jialing clicked on the "Reform of the Imperial Examination System" task. Hasn't it already started? Fortunately, she got two interesting achievement rewards, so she didn't dwell on it for too long. She took the book about gunpowder and firearms and headed to the Empress Dowager's palace.

[Does the host want to explain the origin of this thing to the Empress Dowager?] asked the Wise Ruler System.

Zhao Jialing paused.

She didn't even think about it.

[My mother is rarely curious, so she said it was presented by the officials. No, no, how can I possibly reward someone for such a merit? Where am I supposed to conjure up a person from?] Zhao Jialing frowned.

However, her worries vanished when she saw the chubby little raccoon walking gracefully with its cat-like gait halfway through the journey. She grabbed the little raccoon and stomped on the books a few times, leaving some footprints. Then she made the little raccoon leave a tooth mark on the edge of the book without damaging the inner pages.

The fat fox, which was being held by Zhao Jialing, meowed unhappily and smacked Zhao Jialing's wrist twice with its raised tail.

Zhao Jialing cleared her throat: "Considering your great contributions, I will not hold your insubordination against you." Before she finished speaking, Fatty gave Zhao Jialing another cat-like punch and jumped out of her arms.

Wise Ruler System: [?]

Zhao Jialing replied lightly, "If the Empress Dowager asks, just say that Little Fox brought it out of the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

The system was speechless.

Is this more reliable than making up a person?

Forget it, it's a trivial matter. As long as the host is happy. Anyway, according to the system's detection, the Empress Dowager is as likely to investigate thoroughly as if blood were raining down from the sky.

Cats come and go in the Empress Dowager's palace.

After the downfall of the Duke of Anguo's mansion, Huan Chuxiang was summoned to the palace by the Empress Dowager to "attend to her illness" and never returned.

She focused on her studies in the palace to prepare for the imperial examinations. The Empress Dowager was not ill and did not need anyone to take care of her. At most, she would feed the cats that ran around in the palace.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Huan Chuxiang bowed deeply upon seeing Zhao Jialing.

"No need for such formalities, Third Sister." Zhao Jialing waved her hand. She didn't have a deep impression of Huan Chuxiang, but she didn't dislike him either. Seeing her studying, she suddenly remembered the imperial examination and said, "This time the imperial examination has been reformed. It is forbidden to bring books into the examination hall. After the examination, special people will come to copy the papers. With the sealed system adopted, Third Sister, are you confident?"

Huan Chuxiang was taken aback. How could she, confined to the palace, know anything of court affairs? If the examination papers didn't know their owners, the practice of bribery could be stopped. Huan Chuxiang's mind raced, and she quickly understood. She respectfully said, "This concubine will do her best." This was her first time taking the exam. Every year, millions of people, dressed in hempen robes like snow, gathered in Chang'an for the imperial examinations. Yet, only twenty or thirty people were selected each year for the Jinshi degree.

“If you don’t pass the first time, you can try again next year. You’re still young, only sixteen. They say, ‘Thirty is old for a scholar, fifty is young for a scholar,’ so there’s no need to rush,” Zhao Jialing said.

"How dare you speak like that?" The Empress Dowager, standing to the side, was speechless upon hearing Zhao Jialing's words. If you can't encourage or comfort someone, then don't say anything at all.

Zhao Jialing chuckled and said, "Then I wish Third Sister success in the imperial examination." Why would a nobleman need to go through the imperial examination to become an official? But Huan Chuxiang insisted on participating in the examination, so Zhao Jialing let her be.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao Jialing dismissed the others. She took out a box containing a book titled "A List of Gunpowder and Firearms" and handed it to the Empress Dowager: "Mother, take a look at this!"

"Could it be another strange jade statue of a celestial being?" The Empress Dowager, observing Zhao Jialing's eager-to-present treasure-hunting demeanor, also became intrigued. She hadn't expected the Emperor to produce anything of value, and upon seeing the odd books, a look of suspicion crossed her face.

Zhao Jialing's eyes flickered. She said, "This gunpowder is comparable to the Taoist magic in my mother's scriptures, capable of moving mountains and filling seas. If it's true, it can unleash tremendous power. If our Great Yong had such a divine object in hand, we could crush any foreign race with ease! Explosions are art!" The last sentence was something she learned from the system.

"Isn't this the Golden Elixir formula?" the Empress Dowager murmured... Although she hadn't figured out anything specific, she had read quite a few alchemical texts. Upon seeing the familiar ingredients like sulfur, saltpeter, and pine resin, she couldn't help but laugh.

"The proportions are different," Zhao Jialing hurriedly said. "This is from—"

"Stop." Before Zhao Jialing could utter the words "Imperial Ancestral Temple," the Empress Dowager, reclining on the couch, interrupted her. Gazing intently at Zhao Jialing, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Your Majesty wishes to give it a try? But the Chancellor's side won't allow it?"

“I haven’t shown it to Xie Lanzhao yet. Such a good thing should be given to Mother as soon as possible.” Zhao Jialing blinked and added, “Mother can give it to her later.”

Zhao Jialing sat down next to the Empress Dowager, shook her arm, and said softly, "Mother, believe me, these are all good things, not something to deceive people."

The Empress Dowager lowered her eyes and slowly flipped through the "List of Gunpowder and Firearms." Even though she thought deep down that Zhao Jialing was just using it to amuse himself, she didn't put it aside.

Zhao Jialing paused for a few moments, then changed the subject, talking about matters in the court. "Recently, the court has been discussing the reform of the imperial examination system, and the Duke of Qin has established the Temple of Martial Arts and set up the Military Supervisory Commission."

The Empress Dowager was initially impatient, but when she heard "Martial Temple," she raised an eyebrow and didn't stop the conversation. She asked in surprise, "Duke of Qin, Li Qia?" The Empress Dowager's mother's surname was Li, and she and Li Qia's father were full siblings. In her memory, the Duke of Qin liked to argue with civil officials, but it was always over trivial matters. The Martial Temple and the Martial Supervisory Bureau, however, were matters of "faith" for the civil officials; Li Qia couldn't possibly do such things.

Zhao Jialing added, "After the civil officials rejected the Temple of Martial Arts and the Military Supervisory Office, the Duke of Qin proposed the transfer of military posts."

The Empress Dowager shook her head: "It couldn't have been the Duke of Qin's idea." She believed her cousin wasn't that clever.

Zhao Jialing blinked, puzzled, and asked, "Who is that?"

The Empress Dowager said, "Few courtiers can persuade the Duke of Qin." She paused, then smiled and said, "It must be Aci." Although they were relatives, the Empress Dowager valued the Li family more than the Huan family. She closed the book "A Survey of Gunpowder and Firearms," ​​saying, "Aci will definitely be willing to study it."

Zhao Jialing's face fell: "Mother, don't you believe me?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "We should offer something in return. This can be done privately, without going through the court officials. I will provide the funds."

The Empress Dowager acted swiftly, and the very next day she had Li Zhaoci invited to the palace.

Such things happen frequently, and no civil or military official seems to care.

Li Qia didn't take it seriously. Having firmly established his dominance over the civil officials, he was quite pleased with himself, subtly inquiring about his colleagues' progress and occasionally asking about the progress of the Martial Temple and the Martial Academy. He knew that the candidates for the imperial examinations would arrive in the capital in October, and the annual examinations would begin no later than January. Any further delay might incur the Emperor's wrath.

When Li Zhaoci returned with "A List of Gunpowder and Firearms", Li Qia simply asked a casual question.

In his eyes, Li Zhaoci's entry into the palace was merely to speak with the Empress Dowager and play with the group of little foxes. When Li Zhaoci took out the items, Li Qia jumped three feet high, his square face turning bright red.

If Li Zhaoci is asked to do something, it is possible that it will be kept secret from Duke Qin, Li Qia.

If the firearms are as powerful as the emperor claims, they will be tested on Li Qia's soldiers first.

“Father, the Empress Dowager gave us the money, but the estate and the people have to be provided by our family. That way, we can keep it a secret,” Li Zhaoci said, her mood quite pleased. When the Emperor gave her this mysterious item, she knew her opportunity had arrived. His Majesty is truly extraordinary, with discerning eyes! Unlike Huan Chuxiang, she was of noble birth and didn't have the obsession with using the imperial examinations for advancement. Making her write policy essays was worse than beheading her.

"This is a very important matter!" Li Qia said solemnly.

"I know." Li Zhaoci waved her hand impatiently. She glanced at Li Qia's expression and said slowly, "Father won't be jealous, will he?"

Li Qia: "..." Did he have one?

Li Zhaoci didn't care about Li Qia's feelings and started asking him for people. Li Zhaoci had already decided which estate to take them to; it had to be near the mountains, somewhere secluded to minimize the disturbance. Otherwise, given the "ascension" achievement in that book, they might frighten the people in the outskirts of the capital.

Li Qia was dazed for a moment before clapping his hands and laughing, saying "good" three times in a row.

The progress of gunpowder matters would not be displayed on the bulletin board unless they went through the three provinces and were communicated from top to bottom.

However, the Li family was sensible and promptly sent messages to the palace, so Zhao Jialing was able to learn about the current situation.

The printing workshop's location was chosen, and the five characters "Huangyong Printing Workshop" were personally inscribed by Zhao Jialing. As for the task of copying scriptures, the Imperial Academy also made arrangements. Of the two tasks, the proofreading and printing of scriptures were also being carried out in an orderly manner.

However, the reform of the imperial examination system has stalled.

Didn't the imperial court already agree on this? Why is it taking so long to draft the regulations?

After holding back for several days, Zhao Jialing could no longer contain himself. After the regular court session, he summoned the prime ministers to the Zichen Hall to discuss the matter.

The Minister of Revenue, Xiang Yanyi, reported: "Since we need to anonymize names and make copies, the Imperial Examination Hall will need to set up an anonymizing office and a copying office, and we will need to appoint special people to be in charge. In recent years, as many as three thousand people have come to Chang'an to participate in the imperial examinations. We will probably need to hire more than one hundred people to copy the names by hand for anonymizing and copying. It may be okay once a year, but doing this year after year is troublesome and unsettling."

Xie Lanzhao pondered for a moment and said, "During the reign of Emperor Taizu, because the country was not yet settled, after the imperial examinations were held, he would issue edicts to temporarily suspend the examinations from time to time, sometimes for as long as four or five years. If scholars did not take the examinations for a long time, their studies would be neglected. One or two years is too frequent, and the journey for candidates is also arduous. Four or five years is too long. I think that the examinations should be held every three years."

The Minister of Rites said, "The usual practice is to select twenty or thirty Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and just over one hundred Mingjing (successful candidates in the classics examinations). If the examinations are held every three years and the number of candidates remains the same, I'm afraid it will make scholars across the country uneasy."

Xie Lanzhao said in a deep voice, "The number of students to be admitted can be adjusted as appropriate."

Xiang Yanyi had no objection; saving money was the best possible outcome.

The Minister of Rites hesitated, "The annual examinations are an old ancestral system; if—"

Zhao Jialing glanced at the Minister of Rites.

She's already reformed the imperial examination system, why is she still talking about the "old system"? If everything is to be followed as before, there's no need to change anything at all.

She agreed with Xie Lanzhao's idea, cleared her throat, and said, "Chang'an has a population of one million, and every year more than ten thousand candidates and their servants come to the capital for the imperial examinations. In years of famine, the situation becomes even more strained. Let's follow Xie Zhongshu's suggestion and hold the examinations every three years." The title "Emperor Who Chases Grain" existed in the previous dynasty; even the late emperor had traveled to Luoyang. Since her ascension to the throne, the harvests have been relatively good, and Chang'an has not yet experienced a famine. As for the future, Zhao Jialing did not want to endure the hardships of travel.

[Host, there's no need to rush. As long as you diligently complete the tasks and become a wise ruler, abundant grain seeds will be distributed sooner or later, and the Great Yong Dynasty will be free from famine.] The Wise Ruler System's timely promises were meant to motivate Zhao Jialing and reassure the prime minister.

Although the tasks and achievements are still nowhere to be seen—

But supporting His Majesty's reforms is never wrong!

If this tribute system isn't promoted, don't even think about getting good things in the future.

The ministers were still skeptical, but once the news of the "Essentials of Woodblock Printing" spread, everyone exclaimed how miraculous it was.

The Minister of Rites, who had been hesitant, was immediately convinced.

Of course, his objections were useless.

The Grand Chancellor and His Majesty are of one mind and clearly intend to carry everything out.

The imperial edicts were first to be copied for the provincial examinations, but this was not the only matter; the copies were also sent to various prefectures and counties, becoming a permanent practice. After the Secretariat drafted the edicts and presented them to the Chancellery, they had to be proclaimed and implemented. Only after the Chancellery received the imperial edicts and implemented them were they sent to the Ministry of Personnel for execution.

The task was completed after the book-making process was finished.

The Wise Ruler System's tone was light and cheerful: [Congratulations, host, on completing the mission.]

Zhao Jialing: "?"

That's it?

She waited and waited, but aside from the "Wise Ruler System's" endless praise, nothing else came. She couldn't help but ask, "Where are my mission rewards?"

The Wise Ruler System innocently replied: [Didn't the host receive an achievement reward before? The host didn't earn any new achievements in this settlement mission.]

Zhao Jialing: "..."

What a lousy system! Can't she just quit?

Zhao Jialing's resentment towards the system grew from within, so much so that he wore a long face for the next few days.

She was still watching documentaries about self-cultivation, and subtly, even when she was sulking, she became more authoritative than before, barely managing to cultivate an air of regal authority.

In a bad mood, Zhao Jialing remained taciturn to the end, and even his innermost thoughts were rarely expressed.

The court officials were not used to it, and Xie Lanzhao was also somewhat at a loss.

What is it that makes Your Majesty unhappy?

Xie Lanzhao didn't ask Zhao Jialing about it, but only mentioned it briefly when she paid her respects to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager held the snow-white cat in her arms, a slight smile on her lips, her eyes gentle and kind. "Just a child's temper."

“Your Majesty has grown a lot during this time,” Xie Lanzhao said.

The Empress Dowager glanced at Xie Lanzhao with a curious look, her gaze somewhat subtle. Xie Lanzhao was always upright and honest in front of her, and she rarely heard her praise the Emperor. Her smile deepened, and the Empress Dowager said, "Let's not talk about that. How is your grandmother's health?"

"He's in fairly good health," Xie Lanzhao said, changing the subject to follow the Empress Dowager's lead and talking about everyday matters.

When Xie Lanzhao left the Empress Dowager's palace, she encountered Zhao Jialing, who was holding a cat.

None of the cats in the palace were raised by Zhao Jialing, but the little cats adored her and would nuzzle around her whenever they saw her, their dragon robes dangling from her legs.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Xie Lanzhao and Zhao Jialing exchanged a glance, then Xie Lanzhao quickly bowed and said respectfully.

[Third Prince, what's wrong with her? A high-ranking minister, how could she not help me out of this predicament? Does she intend to watch me be trapped in Li Nu City?] Zhao Jialing's voice was filled with anger.

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

"Does Your Majesty need my help to carry the cat?"

Zhao Jialing demurely handed the cat in his arms to Xie Lanzhao.

As for asking her to bend down and drag him onto her legs, Zhao Jialing didn't even consider it.

But the cat wasn't so obedient; it rubbed against Zhao Jialing and tried to snuggle into her arms.

When Xie Lanzhao took over, she inevitably came into contact with Zhao Jialing's skin.

Wise Ruler System: [Does cuddling a cat have to be this cuddly?]

Zhao Jialing sighed inwardly, thinking, "The last time we were this close was when we were twelve, during that 'breakup hug'."

Xie Lanzhao froze upon hearing this.

Having grown accustomed to hearing people's innermost thoughts, I feel a vague sense of melancholy when I can no longer hear them.

But when she heard Zhao Jialing's nonsense again, she was annoyed that she could listen to it.

If something is beneficial to the country, that's fine, but can't the system also block out all this nonsense?

The raccoon meowed at Zhao Jialing with a pitiful expression.

Zhao Jialing bent down and lifted the item hanging on his leg into his arms.

She gazed intently at Xie Lanzhao and smiled, "Your fairy-like beauty is still lovely."

Xie Lanzhao's gaze met Zhao Jialing's, and she suddenly smiled. She said slowly, "The little fox in the Empress Dowager's palace is naturally extraordinary."

Zhao Jialing: "..."

She glared at Xie Lanzhao: "I'm praising you, praising you! You're utterly clueless about romance."

Xie Lanzhao sighed softly and said, "This year's reform of the imperial examination system will probably cause a great uproar among the scholars."

"Huh?" Zhao Jialing blinked. "Are you worried that I won't be able to withstand the pressure?"

Xie Lanzhao: "Your Majesty, I trust you."

"Those are the people who love to gossip the most, like Chen Xiyuan," Zhao Jialing snorted. "He calls himself a famous scholar, loves to associate with literati, and spends his days composing poems and engaging in lofty discussions. These people love to cultivate their reputation, so naturally they can no longer advance based on their reputation after the reform of the imperial examination system."

Xie Lanzhao said helplessly, "She is not in Chang'an."

"Is it impossible to discuss court affairs in Fengqiu?" Zhao Jialing believed she saw things more clearly than Xie Lanzhao. Stroking the cat in her arms, she said, "These kinds of people claim to be 'swordsmen who plead for justice,' seeking the reputation of integrity and outspokenness. They criticize the monarch with difficult tasks, and if the monarch slightly displeases them, they'll break railings, kowtow until their heads bleed, doing anything and everything, disregarding the monarch's dignity. If they genuinely wanted good, that would be one thing, but their arguments are absurd, their behavior bizarre, mistaking the strange for the orthodox."①

Xie Lanzhao frowned. There were indeed such dissolute and lewd people among the remonstrating officials, but Chen Xiyuan had not yet reached that level. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something in her defense, but Zhao Jialing interrupted her.

“I know you’re going to say Chen Xiyuan isn’t that kind of person,” Zhao Jialing said. “But she does associate with scholars like that. Birds of a feather flock together, and I don’t believe she’s not bad. I can make a bet with you: if she’s demoted from the capital to Fengqiu without complaint, I’ll reinstate her as you wish. But if she continues to seek fame through ‘admonition’—Prime Minister Zheng has many disciples, do you really need only her?”

As soon as Zhao Jialing finished speaking, she thought sourly: "How can he say 'it has to be her,' isn't it for me?"

Xie Lanzhao remained silent.

Her senior sister's temperament was indeed not to His Majesty's liking. Her mother's initial assessment of her was that she was "straightforward but not in accordance with the rules, and perhaps not suitable for official positions." However, among her mother's students, she was the most talented. Xie Lanzhao had actually tried to advise her a few times, but if she could change, she wouldn't be her senior sister. Over the years, they had corresponded, and it would be impossible to say that there were no complaints. Her senior sister's desired future was to enter the Grand Secretariat and become a prime minister; she did not want to leave Chang'an.

Fengqiu is located in Bianzhou, Henan Province, about half a month's journey from Chang'an. It is not a remote small county, but it is far inferior to Chang'an in terms of location.

"You wouldn't dare, would you?" Zhao Jialing asked again.

Xie Lanzhao exhaled a breath of stale air and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I believe her."

Zhao Jialing: "..."

The Wise Ruler System murmured: "[That was a critical hit. But now that things have come to this, we can't exactly say we don't believe her, can we?]"

Zhao Jialing: [Quiet, I'm thinking!]

Zhao Jialing wouldn't argue loudly with Xie Lanzao; at most, she'd think to herself for a while. She was already a mature adult. She gazed at Xie Lanzao: "I've already placed my bets, but what if I win?"

Xie Lanzhao respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I will leave this to your discretion."

Zhao Jialing thought to himself: [I am the ruler, you are the subject. Even if I lose, you are at my mercy.]

“After I turned twelve, you became estranged from me. You even stopped giving me birthday gifts. If you lose, you will have to make up for the past gifts,” Zhao Jialing said, feigning nonchalance.

Xie Lanzhao chuckled to herself.

She had no objection to this condition; besides, if His Majesty wanted it, she could deliver it without a gambling game.

but--

She still needs to seek justice for herself.

Xie Lanzhao said, "I have sent them every year."

“Before I ascended the throne, you didn’t come in person, so that doesn’t count. After I ascended the throne, you were there to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday, with the same old congratulatory messages and birthday wine. How can that count?” Zhao Jialing didn’t care; she had her own way of judging.

Xie Lanzhao sighed, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhao Jialing squinted at her: "It's been quite a few years, Xie Qing will probably have to start preparing today."

Xie Lanzhao remained silent.

Regardless of Chen Xiyuan's feelings, she had already prepared the "gift".

"Why is Your Majesty so certain that I will lose?" Xie Lanzhao gently put down the cat in her arms, brushed the cat fur off her sleeve, and asked softly.

"Do you think I don't know Chen Xiyuan?" Zhao Jialing sneered. She released the kitten, turned around with her hands behind her back, and faced Xie Lanzhao with the back of her head. "When she was in the capital, she loved to socialize with scholars and discuss politics. Since she had a reputation for being a playboy, she had to write some articles for people to praise. Whether it was Ci'en Pagoda or Qujiang Garden, her traces were everywhere."

"Whether it's the strength of a long wind emerging from a valley or the ruggedness of towering mountains, or the clarity of a secluded forest or winding stream or the scattering of pearls and jade onto a plate, these can only prove that she can be a good court poet, but not necessarily a capable minister who can govern the world."

The last sentence was something Zhao Jialing learned from watching a documentary. This attitude was recognized by the system, but the system also said that it would be attacked by scholars. The last person to say this had been branded a "tyrant" and "stubborn and self-willed" and nailed to the pillar of shame.

Zhao Jialing didn't want to be bothered by that when he spoke to Xie Lanzhao.

Xie Lanzhao's expression changed slightly. She met Zhao Jialing's calm face and saw a hint of unfamiliarity.

Perhaps it was just a casual remark, without any hidden meaning? If literary figures are merely "literary officials," then who are the capable ones? Are they just bureaucrats?

But Zhao Jialing was right in front of her, and she couldn't hear his thoughts.

Zhao Jialing was observing Xie Lanzhao's expression for a long time before a thought echoed in his mind: "Xie Lanzhao, are you also shocked by me? Tremble!"

Wise Ruler System: [。]

Why is the host able to mimic its speech so quickly?

Coincidentally, a few days later, Xie Lanzhao received a letter from Chen Xiyuan, sent by fast horse from Fengqiu. The letter naturally discussed the reform of the imperial examination system, and just as His Majesty had guessed, her senior sister did not agree with the system of copying documents in Fengqiu.

One reason, as court officials have stated, is that the system of sealing off the village has distanced itself from the old "local opinions," selecting people solely based on their examination papers without considering their hometown reputation. This is bound to lead to moral decay and will only produce a group of "writers" who can only produce classical Chinese essays, rather than true scholars.

Another reason is the quality of the examiners. If the examiners are of slightly lower caliber, how can one know whose essay is good? The letter mentions the Vice Minister of Rites and several other people who have the opportunity to be in charge of the imperial examinations, all of whom launched a fierce attack, their words particularly indignant.

Based on Xie Lanzhao's understanding of Chen Xiyuan, she knew that in addition to private letters, her senior sister would also submit memorials with extensive comments—

Xie Lanzhao did not intend to deliver that eloquent memorial to His Majesty, so she withheld it in the Hall of State Affairs.

As for transferring people back to Chang'an, even if the gamble still exists, Xie Lanzhao would temporarily abandon this plan, let alone if His Majesty did not object.

Xie Lanzhao rubbed her brow, feeling a bit of a headache.

They shared the same goal of promoting women's entry into the court, but they also had differences.

In her letter, my senior sister said that the examination papers and public recommendations could also open doors of convenience for women. Once they became famous in Chang'an, they would have no worries about failing the imperial examinations.

But can everything go as planned? There are only so many positions available for the imperial examinations, and nearly ten thousand people in Chang'an are vying for them. If she can ask for favors, why can't others? Even if she could use her power to suppress everything, how could she quell the uproar among the scholars? Given her background, she was forced to be "inferior" from the start; it was the way of the times, so it was better to accept "fairness." Did women not have the confidence to succeed in the imperial examinations?

Xie Lanzhao wrote back to Chen Xiyuan. Besides discussing the imperial examinations, Xie Lanzhao also advised her not to do anything unnecessary.

“Bianzhou is a well-connected and prosperous place, a gathering place for talented people. Xiyuan was previously appointed as the magistrate of Fengqiu, and she must have felt wronged,” sighed the Grand Princess of Xiangcheng.

Xie Lanzhao frowned, worried: "It would be fine if she discussed it with me, but I'm afraid she might do something inappropriate." Chen Xi passed the imperial examination at the age of nineteen, enjoying unparalleled prestige. He first entered the Secretariat, then the Censorate; although his official rank was low, both were prestigious, and his future was limitless. His departure to Fengqiu, far from the capital, was a demotion.

Xie Lanzhao and she never stopped corresponding, discussing politics or poetry and classics. Even when they disagreed, she never became so agitated.

Princess Xiangcheng: "You mean—"

Xie Lanzhao said in a deep voice: "Incite the scholars to discuss the matter."

After pondering for a moment, Princess Xiangcheng said, "Scholars who pass the imperial examinations often become high-ranking officials. Even if some scholars are extremely wealthy, it is unlikely that they will pass the examinations in Chang'an. Regardless of their own talent, once the examination papers are anonymized, it means that everyone has a fair chance. It is almost impossible to force the reforms to be stopped like the students of the previous dynasty."

"His Majesty was right," Xie Lanzhao said.

"Oh?" Princess Xiangcheng raised an eyebrow, looking at Xie Lanzhao with great interest.

Xie Lanzhao did not hide anything and told her grandmother about the bet she made with Zhao Jialing.

Princess Xiangcheng laughed and brought up old memories: "When you were young, you gave her a pair of cats, but she didn't keep them; they're all in the Empress Dowager's palace."

Xie Lanzhao seemed to remember something, and a gentle smile appeared on her face: "Li Nu is very close to her."

Princess Xiangcheng added, "It's a pity I can't be a little fox."

·

Zhao Jialing dreamed of a cat all night.

So much so that the scene from the dream still echoed in his mind during the morning court session the next day.

Xie Lanzhao held a cat in her arms by the Taiye Pond.

She then asked, "Who is more beautiful, me or the fox?"

Zhao Jialing: "..."

In recent days, apart from reforming the imperial examination system, there have been no major events in the court. Trivial and non-critical matters are simply reported without any controversy.

In the past, Zhao Jialing would have wanted to close her eyes and sleep soundly at times like this, but at this moment, she had accepted her future identity as a "wise ruler" and forced herself to listen attentively.

Suddenly, the system's mechanical voice entered my ears.

[Congratulations, host, on achieving the achievement "Those who know me, those who condemn me, only history will tell."]

Zhao Jialing: "?"

What happened?

System: [This is called the "aftershocks" of the reform. The prominent figures of Bianzhou are preparing a major uproar; not only will they refuse to cooperate with the reform, but they will also return to their hometowns for elections. They are marching to the capital in a great uproar, intending to petition the emperor.]

Zhao Jialing: [Bianzhou, um, Fengqiu.]

It's easy to think of Chen Xiyuan.

However, at this moment, Zhao Jialing, who had won the bet, looked at Xie Lanzhao with great pleasure.

The courtiers who heard this thought felt a chill run down their spines.

If those people are coming, we can't let our brainless juniors get involved!

Such acts of petitioning the emperor to submit memorials to the emperor are recorded in historical annals, and a casual glance at them reveals the bloody words "ban on political parties."

This isn't about selling official positions, nor is it due to incompetence or ignorance. Submitting petitions, submitting petitions—what a load of rubbish! Shouldn't they all just go back to their graves?