Chapter 27 027 I admit defeat.

Zhao Jialing walked up to Xie Lanzao, who had her hands behind her back and leaned slightly forward. Her gaze was fixed on Xie Lanzao's face, her eyes unblinking.

What foresight or discernment? She just held a tiny bit of grudges, annoyed by Chen Xiyuan—no, more accurately, by the constant nagging of the remonstrating officials—so she could only assume the worst about them. After all, she was just copying their methods of labeling people; weren't the remonstrating officials most fond of spreading alarmist rumors?

It's not a big deal if you lose a bet.

If Chen Xiyuan is capable, Xie Lanzhao will transfer her back to Chang'an no matter what.

She needed a trustworthy helper. Who else could compare to her mother's student, whom she knew well and who had a past favor to share?

But she won! She won!

Zhao Jialing's mind was screaming wildly.

Xie Lanzhao raised her hand to stroke her brow, the unrestrained thoughts of Zhao Jialing echoing in her ears. She exhaled a breath of stale air and said, "I concede defeat." After a pause, she added meaningfully, "Your Majesty still sent them back to Chang'an. However, this move was not very appropriate. Historian is a prestigious title, and given the prevailing attitude among scholars, what good would it do if it encouraged others to follow suit?"

"It's just a minor post, no official rank. She may be beautiful, but she's of little use," Zhao Jialing waved his hand dismissively. Chen Xiyuan was originally the magistrate of Fengqiu, but since she resigned, the position is no longer relevant; the Ministry of Personnel will select a replacement. She currently holds the title of historian in the Imperial Academy, but has no official rank and is not considered a full-fledged official.

"After all, he was an honest official," Xie Lanzhao said. Being a historian in the Imperial Academy was a desirable position for scholars, and even without the official title, it wasn't a bad job for them.

Zhao Jialing was taken aback. In this dynasty, many scholars had resigned their posts only to be recalled by the court. She frowned and said, "What you say makes sense. But look at the reigns of my ancestors, Taizu and Taizong, they did this to show their leniency towards scholars."

“But now that His Majesty wants to reform the system, we can’t repeat the old ways.” Seeing that Zhao Jialing was willing to consider these things, Xie Lanzhao gently told her her thoughts, “I will explain to my senior sister.” Since it was just a casual posting, without an imperial edict, reversing the original plan wouldn’t be a problem.

“It was my oversight.” Zhao Jialing scratched her head, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly asked, “Do you also think that clarity and turbidity are important? I actually just wanted historians to be historians, not a path to promotion.”

She appointed Chen Xiyuan as a historian to compile historical books, without considering the matter of him being an incorruptible official. In her view, without a proper official post, a historian in the Imperial Academy could not be considered an official; though incorruptible, his importance was greatly diminished.

Zhao Jialing wasn't chosen as the crown prince, and her education wasn't particularly "orthodox," so she didn't have much of a connection to the concepts of "purity" and "impurity." Of course, she wouldn't actively try to change that social atmosphere. However, during her conversation with the Wise Ruler System, a subtle shift occurred in her thinking.

Meeting Xie Lanzhao's surprised gaze, Zhao Jialing continued, "Officials are divided into those who are upright and those who are corrupt. Those who are upright are of the third rank or above. Below them are officials who are upright, with those in the Secretariat, the Chancellery, the Six Ministries, the Censorate, and the Imperial Academy being the most honorable."

"Among the prestigious official positions, there is a distinction between the most sought-after and the least sought-after, with lower ranks including positions such as Assistant Minister of the Eighth Court, Proofreader, and Corrector. Scholars all aspire to be appointed to the most desirable positions among the prestigious ones, and consider it a disgrace if anything does not meet their expectations. But is a Gatekeeper really inferior to a Proofreader?"

"If one distinguishes between superiors and inferiors based on purity and impurity, how can one treat all people under heaven as equals?"

"This vital route has already been occupied by scholars, and no one else is allowed to set foot on it. If we only see this vital route, won't it be very difficult to break through?"

As he spoke, Zhao Jialing kept his eyes fixed on Xie Lanzao. His smugness vanished, replaced by a growing unease. Had she said something wrong? Zhao Jialing had a fleeting, childhood feeling of being questioned about his studies. After muttering something under his breath, Zhao Jialing straightened his back like a pine tree: "I only confide in you. This matter need not be known to others."

Otherwise, she would be used by the censors as a tool to build a good reputation.

Xie Lanzhao didn't not want to talk.

Her mind was somewhat dazed, immersed in a thought she herself didn't understand, unable to come back to her senses for a long time. Until a thunderclap exploded out of nowhere. It was as if something had collapsed in an instant, and without realizing it, she was covered in a cold sweat. Since taking over the affairs of the court, she had only placed her trusted confidants in the ranks of the nobility. As for the positions themselves, they were not very important; they were merely following the conventional path of promotion.

She realized that the mysterious system would bring about change, but her mindset hadn't shifted. There were things she hadn't considered! It would be a momentous upheaval; should they still greet it with the old order and habits? It wouldn't be a gradual change unfolding over a century, but a surging, sweeping upheaval.

As if struck by a sudden enlightenment, Xie Lanzhao trembled all over, and even her breathing became rapid.

A blush appeared on her snow-white, jade-like cheeks.

She was restraining herself, but her restraint was incomplete.

This sudden stimulation almost made her abandon her usual reserve and composure.

Zhao Jialing: "?"

She was startled by Xie Lanzhao.

I somewhat regret telling Xie Lanzhao these troublesome things.

"Xie Qing? Xie Lanzhao?" she called out twice, but Xie Lanzhao remained motionless as if possessed, a strange blush rising on her face.

[Third Prince, what's wrong with her? Should I summon the physician?]

Zhao Jialing was a little flustered. She raised her hand and poked Xie Lanzhao's face.

Soft.

It's hot.

Zhao Jialing's heart skipped a beat. Just as he was about to call for a physician, his wrist was suddenly grabbed.

Zhao Jialing: "?"

The restraint on her wrist immediately loosened, and Xie Lanzhao, regaining her senses, hurriedly withdrew her hand, bowed her head, and said, "Your subject was rude."

Zhao Jialing asked cautiously, "Are you... alright?"

[I was almost scared out of my wits! What happened?!]

[Xie Lanzhao touched my hand; it wouldn't matter if she were a little more impolite.]

[Forget it, I'd better not discuss court affairs with her.]

Zhao Jialing's thoughts were a jumbled mess.

"I am fine. I just feel that Your Majesty's words—"

Zhao Jialing, fearing that Xie Lanzao might drift into that absent-minded, dreamlike state again, interrupted her after hearing the words "It's all over." "How are your preparations for my gift coming along? I am the Emperor, possessing the entire world; you must be quite troubled by this. Well then, I won't make things difficult for you. For anything you lack, just make one more; and I'll name whatever you want."

[Xie Lanzhao, aren't I very considerate? Quickly thank me. Where else can you find such a considerate person without me?]

His Majesty has provided the direction; how to proceed is something Xie Lanzhao needs to consider herself. The initial tremor subsided, and Xie Lanzhao regained her composure. She gazed intently at Zhao Jialing, listening to the whispers in her ear, knowing His Majesty wished to refrain from further discussion, so she didn't press the matter.

The wondrous system certainly has its merits, but if Her Majesty is truly unwilling, who can force her? Her Majesty's growth during this period has been witnessed by all the court officials. Perhaps her mother's dying wish and her youthful ideals will manifest in another form!

"What does Your Majesty desire?" Xie Lanzhao asked.

"I want to leave the palace and travel with you!" Zhao Jialing exclaimed excitedly. Even before winning the bet, she had already been making plans in secret. She wanted to travel incognito! Back when the late emperor was still alive, she had already made these plans and even told Xie Lanzhao about them. She planned to build her own residence outside the palace, in Wubenfang, directly opposite the Xie residence. There were vacant official residences of disgraced officials there, which the late emperor had not yet bestowed upon his subjects.

Unfortunately, all her fantasies came to naught when Xie Lanzhao entered the Zhongshan Princess's residence.

She didn't understand why, after becoming her elder sister's advisor, she no longer paid any attention to her.

Later, the mansion ceased to exist.

His wish to tour the gardens of Chang'an with Xie Lanzhao was not fulfilled.

Xie Lanzhao hadn't expected Zhao Jialing to bring this up. She frowned slightly and subconsciously said, "Even if I'm dressed in white, what if I'm offended and slandered by petty people? If the censor finds out about this, it will probably cause controversy."

Zhao Jialing's face fell.

[Ah, I knew it.]

[What's the point of me being emperor if I don't even have freedom? I'm angry!]

“How can I know the people’s livelihood without going into the streets and alleys? I grew up in the deep palace, where transportation between the inside and outside is extremely inconvenient. I can only rely on my eyes and ears to understand the people’s situation. But how can I know if those people are deceiving me?” Zhao Jialing retorted, glaring at Xie Lanzhao and snorting, “Do you also have something you’re hiding from me, something you’re afraid I’ll find out?”

"How dare I do such a thing?" Xie Lanzhao said.

Zhao Jialing glanced at Xie Lanzhao furtively, and seeing that she had no intention of resisting to the end, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She then said, "As for the censors, I have my own way of dealing with them."

[Let it be as advice as it may; history will record our journey together. In the hands of novelists, it will likely become a poignant tale of romance. This matter should be recorded in history, so that our noble sentiments may be remembered for eternity. Alas!]

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

What's with the 'eh'?

After a moment's consideration, Xie Lanzhao said seriously, "Even if we are traveling incognito, we should plan this carefully."

Zhao Jialing nodded repeatedly: "I know, I know." After a pause, she glared at Xie Lanzhao with a hint of resentment, "It's just that the season is a little inappropriate. Will I still be able to see the famous flowers bloom? Thinking back to those years, you told me that the famous garden was in bloom, but you never took me to see it."

Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes as she listened to Zhao Jialing recount the past, a smile playing on her lips. She deliberately said, "When the new scholars held the Qujiang Banquet, His Majesty also viewed the spring scenery of Chang'an from the Ziyun Tower. If His Majesty does not like autumn and winter, it would be fine to change it to next year."

Zhao Jialing: "?"

Her eyes widened.

[Is this even human language?! Xie Lanzhao is so wicked! She clearly broke the promise first! Am I being unreasonable?!]

Xie Lanzhao couldn't help but smile as she listened to Zhao Jialing's excited words.

Zhao Jialing felt increasingly wronged and angry, but she only vented her anger briefly.

【San San, Xie Lanzhao is bullying us too much!】

Xie Lanzhao said gently, "If Your Majesty finds the flowers along Qujiang Road insufficient, I also have some in my residence."

Without hesitation, Zhao Jialing asked, "Really? Aren't there only bean sprouts, which are even rarer than grass?" He couldn't help but recall the absurd things he had done with his secret guards. Zhao Jialing was embarrassed for a moment, but then pretended to be dignified and said, "Since you have invited me so warmly, I should give you face. There's no need for wine, food, or dance. It wouldn't be good to disturb your grandmother's peace."

Xie Lanzhao chuckled and crossed her hands, saying, "Yes."

The palace was heavily guarded, and as the emperor, he couldn't simply leave whenever he wanted; he had to make arrangements. However, there was always hope, and Zhao Jialing was in high spirits for several days in a row.

However, Xie Lanzhao in the Hall of State Affairs was in a terrible mood, his face grim, as if a storm was about to break.

The source of these was a rhyme book sent by the Imperial Academy, copied by its students and used as a printing plate. The construction of the Imperial Yong Printing House was in full swing, but the court officials gradually realized it would only go to the palace and not fall into their hands, so they gave up their ambitions and only occasionally inquired about the progress. The Imperial Academy was in a similar situation; originally, they were the most eager to have the printing house, but after several setbacks, their fervent desire cooled, and they simply copied books according to their assigned tasks.

The Imperial Academy acted rashly, and the scribes they selected were not ideal. With the reform of the imperial examination system already finalized, it was now much harder for students of the Academy to pass the examinations. The professors naturally told the promising students at the Academy to patiently study. As a second-best option, they found someone who wasn't academically gifted but was skilled in calligraphy. After all, copying rhyming books didn't require much brainpower.

Unfortunately, the person copying the book wasn't very attentive, and the officials at the Imperial Academy didn't check it either. The copied notebook was sent directly to Xie Lanzhao. Xie Lanzhao casually flipped through it and immediately noticed several errors!

In the palace.

After reading for a while, Zhao Jialing sighed, resting his chin on his hand, and muttered to himself, "I have an agreement with her that she must be free, and I must be free too."

After the midday meal, all officials in this dynasty, except those on duty, are allowed to leave their offices and go home. However, those who are busy with affairs are an exception and cannot go home immediately.

"Who exactly delayed her?!" Zhao Jialing stood up and paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back.

Suddenly, her gaze fell on the disguised small screen—a notice board that served as a communication channel between superiors and subordinates.

Under the entry for "Imperial Academy's Collation and Printing of Buddhist Scriptures," a glaring red symbol appeared; upon closer inspection, it was the character for "bad."

Zhao Jialing: "?"

How could you mess up something so small?

"Incompetent good-for-nothing!" Zhao Jialing said with a stern face, having no qualms about scolding others. Suppressing her anger, she said, "Summon the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy and the Vice-Chancellor of Studies to see me!"

She wanted to see who was so mean as to prevent her from going out to play!