Chapter 26.026 I won.

Daming Palace, Yanying Hall.

Located to the west of the Zichen Hall, it was a private hall where the emperor summoned his ministers for discussions. The ceremony was less formal, allowing for more casual conversations between the emperor and his ministers.

The current dynasty treats scholars quite well, so even if Zhao Jialing dislikes Chen Xiyuan, he won't deliberately make things difficult for her.

Xie Lanzhao was indeed worried, so she came along with Chen Xiyuan.

Zhao Jialing maintained a serious expression, but his gaze secretly drifted towards Xie Lanzhao.

[Third Sister, do you think she's afraid I'll eat Chen Xiyuan up?] Zhao Jialing could only mutter to himself.

[Host, have you remembered everything you saw before?] The system was cold and ruthless, indifferent to Zhao Jialing's sourness, only concerned with her growth trajectory.

Xie Lanzhao's emotions didn't fluctuate much when she heard the heartfelt words, as she was used to hearing them. She subconsciously glanced at Chen Xiyuan and, seeing that she remained composed, immediately understood.

Senior Sister cannot hear His Majesty's inner thoughts.

"Please take a seat," Zhao Jialing said. Xie Lanzhao was still there; there was no need for them to stand.

Chen Xiyuan, however, stepped forward, bowed to Zhao Jialing on the throne, and said sternly, "Your Majesty diligently seeks the Way, entrusting matters to your ministers. The imperial examinations are the path for scholars to advance their careers; they should follow the ancient system, not be arbitrarily changed. Seeking talent values ​​virtue, and examinations value precision. Now, the examination papers are sealed, and we know neither the source of the writing nor the merit of the examinee. Disregarding contemporary reputations is abandoning the tradition of local selection, which may lead future generations to value academics over morality. I do not know whose idea this was, but I earnestly request Your Majesty to abolish it and restore the old system of the imperial examinations."

"As for the Temple of Martial Arts and the Military Examinations, how can they be ranked alongside the Sage? I believe they should not be established at all..."

Zhao Jialing remained silent.

The system's predictions have indeed come true.

However, Xie Lanzhao was also deeply involved in reforming the imperial examination system. Did her senior, Chen Xiyuan, have any objections?

Zhao Jialing listened absentmindedly, trying to find some clues on Xie Lanzao's face, but unfortunately, Xie Qing simply did not show her emotions.

[Is this what they mean by "a prime minister's belly can hold a boat"? Even Chen Xiyuan said so—] Zhao Jialing muttered to himself.

Chen Xiyuan, true to his status as a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), offered a lengthy and eloquent critique of the military examination system and its supervisors, drawing on classical texts. Zhao Jialing, however, was not necessarily inclined to heed his advice. Only after Chen Xiyuan's long-winded discourse subsided did she offer a faint smile and say, "I thought you came to confess your sins. To disregard your own faults and instead criticize others—is this the teaching of a sage?"

Chen Xiyuan's face froze.

The emperor she remembered would never have said such a thing in such a nonchalant tone.

She immediately lowered her head and followed Zhao Jialing's words, saying, "Your subject is guilty, but Your subject—"

Every turn of events is followed by excuses, but this time Zhao Jialing didn't intend to let Chen Xiyuan finish speaking. She tapped the imperial chair and smiled, "During your tenure, were your duties light and not too heavy? I've heard that you often climb mountains with your cane, composing poems like 'Where there are no traces of people in the deep white clouds, a flowing spring chills the traveler's heart,' and 'In my drunken state, who asks about official matters, I'm just carrying a boat full of gentle breeze and moonlight.' I thought you were so fond of nature that you resigned your post, but I didn't expect you to be so concerned about the imperial examinations."

Zhao Jialing's tone was as calm as casual conversation, but Chen Xiyuan sensed something was amiss. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment, and she quietly looked up to see the Emperor's somewhat dignified face. Before leaving the capital, her deepest feeling was that this seat should be reserved for a child. Yet now, she sensed an overwhelming imperial authority in the Emperor's calm and composed tone, and the Emperor on the throne suddenly became unfathomable.

How did His Majesty know about her affair in Fengqiu? Her heart was filled with doubt and uncertainty, and she almost subconsciously looked at Xie Lanzhao, with whom she had been communicating.

The moment their eyes met, Xie Lanzhao understood Chen Xiyuan's suspicions, and a chilling feeling crept into her heart, as if blown by an autumn wind.

How did His Majesty know? Naturally, it was through that unfathomable, almost divine system! But Chen Xiyuan couldn't hear his own thoughts. This poem hadn't yet circulated in Chang'an; only she could recite a fraction of it. If she were in Chen Xiyuan's position, she would also have doubts.

Thus, Chen Xiyuan's plan to speak frankly and directly to the emperor had failed. She had no choice but to answer the emperor's questions first, demonstrating the concern a scholar should have for matters of state. As for the charge of entering the capital without cause, she could only bear it.

Zhao Jialing smiled, as if he didn't care about Chen Xiyuan's matter.

She stood up, looking down at Chen Xiyuan, not giving her a chance to take the lead. She continued, "Those who seek fame and fortune find pleasure in leaving their achievements on record; those who are loyal and filial find pleasure in securing the country; those who are virtuous find pleasure in ruling the people like Yao and Shun. Which one do you consider yourself?"

Chen Xiyuan lowered her head, her astonishment deepening. These were words she had never heard before, and after the initial shock, an almost instinctive fear arose within her. She cautiously replied, "Your subject is naturally willing to be a virtuous person."

Zhao Jialing raised an eyebrow, her smile widening.

Of course, it wasn't for Chen Xiyuan's ideals and choices.

She put on a learned air of authority on her face, but her inner liveliness remained undiminished.

[Xie Lanzhao didn't speak up for her. If Xie Lanzhao suddenly appeared, I would—]

After a long pause, he finally managed to squeeze out a gritted-teeth "I won't be friends with her."

Xie Lanzhao pursed her lips.

She would not remain silent just because His Majesty did not want her to speak; her silence was merely a matter of disapproval of Chen Xiyuan's actions.

Xie Lanzhao's silence filled Chen Xiyuan with an almost terrifying sense of bewilderment. She couldn't help but wonder if all her past correspondence with Xie Lanzhao had been sent to the palace. After being banished from Chang'an, she hadn't actually felt unfamiliar with the city. But now, her perception seemed to have been shattered by a giant hammer. She felt as if she were carrying Mount Tai on her back, her back gradually hunching under the unbearable weight.

The silent Yanying Hall was filled with a deathly stillness.

[I want to test her.] Zhao Jialing's inner thoughts echoed.

Upon hearing the sound, Xie Lanzhao raised an eyebrow, revealing a curious expression.

His Majesty did not hide his dislike for his senior sister in front of her. The emperor's test was not just a casual question; it was equivalent to a questioning of the emperor's wisdom. If he answered correctly, he would rise to prominence; if he did not answer correctly, he might be branded as a fame-seeker.

Zhao Jialing sat back down and said, "Although your words were sharp and offended the court officials, I know your heart is good. I happen to have a question for you. Since Emperor Taizu minted the 'Taihe Tongbao' coin, there has been a shortage of copper coins in circulation. Often, they are sold in strings of 950 coins, called 'Chumo Qian' (meaning 'mo' coins'). With coins insufficient for the required amount, what do you think?"

Chen Xiyuan said, "The imperial edict orders that all people use enough money, and those who do not will be arrested and brought to the government. This will surely change the situation of rampant money abuse among the people." How could she care about how the people use money? Her first thought was that it was illegal, and naturally, criminal charges should be used.

Zhao Jialing neither confirmed nor denied the statement.

Xie Lanzhao sighed inwardly upon hearing this. With a shortage of copper coins, the people naturally hoarded them instead of using them, bartering instead and creating a situation where "coins were heavy while goods were light." In this situation, using "short-denomination coins" could alleviate the shortage to some extent. Merchants and common people alike knew that ninety-five coins could be used for one hundred purposes; this was already a common practice. Forcing the people to use "short-denomination coins" under these circumstances would inevitably cause widespread resentment.

Zhao Jialing continued, “Copper coins are already scarce, and the rampant counterfeiting of coins has caused inferior currency to flood the market, making people even more inclined to hide their good coins. What do you think we should do?”

Chen Xiyuan thought for a while and said, "There is a shortage of copper coins. It would be better to lift the ban and allow the people to mint their own coins. If there are not enough coins, the people will not want to use them and will take the opportunity to melt down the coins into copperware to make more profit. If we allow the people to mint their own coins, the items they have hoarded will be used to mint coins."

Zhao Jialing chuckled: "Copper is scarce, and its price is rising. If copper artifacts are destroyed and recast into coins, how can their value remain unchanged? Turning artifacts into wealth is easy to say. The pursuit of profit is human nature. After the ban is lifted, small and cheap coins will circulate, and copper coins will all be worthless."

Chen Xiyuan's face turned slightly pale, and he shivered.

[One aspect of the money shortage is the difficulty in mining copper ore and the poor refining efficiency. As long as the host works hard on tasks, copper ore, silver ore, and gold ore will all be available.] The Wise Ruler System seizes every opportunity to make grand promises.

Ignoring what she couldn't have, Zhao Jialing looked at the trembling Chen Xiyuan below, feeling quite smug. She'd been scrolling through the "Heavenly Book" discussions until her head was spinning, and it hadn't been for nothing. How could Zhao Jialing not feel smug when she could silence the eloquent, self-proclaimed brilliant and knowledgeable Chen Xiyuan?

But what concerned her even more was Xie Lanzhao's expression.

[Finally, you're shocked for me, aren't you?!]

It felt like a refreshing breeze coursing through my limbs and bones, leaving me feeling comfortable and light as if I were ascending to heaven.

Zhao Jialing, however, still cared about her image to some extent. No matter how arrogant she felt inside, she tried her best not to show it on her face. She originally wanted to say that Chen Xiyuan was "shortsighted," but she swallowed the words back. Who can be omniscient and omnipotent? "Shortsightedness" is not necessarily true; it's just that proud and arrogant scholars don't care. Of course, she wasn't very clear about this before seeing the various discussions about the "heavenly book."

Zhao Jialing sighed deeply, feigning seriousness. She stood up, hands behind her back, and walked down the steps. "You still need to study, don't you? If Fengqiu isn't suitable, then go to the Imperial Historian's Office as a historian." Once printing technology becomes widespread, there will be many more books to be printed. With Chen Xiyuan's scholarship, he's more than capable of overseeing it. People should be placed where they're meant to be, and not worry about things outside their authority. Besides, compiling national history at the Imperial Historian's Office is a prestigious and respectable position; it will silence the dissent of those scholars. Who wouldn't praise the sage's benevolence!

Chen Xiyuan's face was ashen, all traces of her previous high spirits had vanished. She bowed deeply and said, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

Xie Lanzhao had recovered from her shock when she heard Zhao Jialing's thoughts echoing in her ears.

[In the past, I was always the one verbally abused and rendered speechless; now it's finally her turn to be speechless. I've finally been arrogant for once.]

Xie Lanzhao: "..." Is "outrageous" a good word?

Zhao Jialing had no interest in facing Chen Xiyuan; what if she came to her senses and started cursing again? Zhao Jialing looked at Chen Xiyuan and said, "The fact that you can sit here and discuss this is entirely due to those who guard the frontier. To despise military men is frivolous and unrighteous." Without waiting for Chen Xiyuan's rebuttal, she gestured for her to leave, leaving only Xie Lanzhao behind.

Xie Lanzhao asked, "How did Your Majesty come up with the idea of ​​short-sleeved currency?"

Zhao Jialing said, “It has been like this since the previous dynasty, and even the reigns of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong did not have a good solution. I read about it when I was studying, and I thought that letting things take their natural course might be a way to alleviate the money shortage. Rather than forbidding people from committing crimes they are bound to do, it is better to follow what is appropriate to the people. If there is nothing that can be forbade by imperial decree, it would be better to have an imperial decree set official prices, so that there is a standard for both private and official transactions.”②

Xie Lanzhao didn't believe it entirely, but the matter seemed reasonable, and there was no need to raise any objections. She lowered her eyes and respectfully said, "Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed."

Zhao Jialing kept Xie Lanzao behind, but not to say these things to her.

She said, "Xie Lanzhao, look up at me."

Xie Lanzhao showed no fear and looked up to meet Zhao Jialing's gaze.

That once clear, sharp gaze, as cold as snow, is now as gentle as spring water.

“You lost,” Zhao Jialing said.

As soon as she finished speaking, she could no longer suppress her triumphant mood and laughed happily.