"Your Majesty, you mustn't. They were just doing their duty."

Yun Qing felt guilty, but she was puzzled.

Historically, short-lived tyrants have always disliked officials who offer advice, and this remains true today. Are emperors simply born this way?

Xie Rang didn't dislike the remonstrating officials, but he disliked their indiscriminate remonstrances. The Grand Tutor wasn't an outsider, so what was wrong with him staying in the palace?

But not wanting to upset Yun Qing now, he politely agreed, "I understand. If the Grand Tutor doesn't go to the palace, is it alright for me to stay at the Li residence?"

Yun Qing chuckled: "When did I ever stop you?"

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king. Your Majesty does not need to tell me where you wish to go."

Yun Qing is ultimately proud that he was able to transform a historical tyrant into an enlightened monarch.

She tried to gradually instill modern ideas in Xie Rang, but it was all done step by step, otherwise it would be too contrary to the times and easily cause problems.

"The Grand Tutor is truly wonderful."

Xie Rang was successfully appeased, and his frustration vanished instantly. He asked with concern, "I just saw Diancui take the medicine bowl out. Has the Grand Tutor had his meal?"

"No." Yun Qing shook her head, and pulled her hand away from his. It was already warm now. She had unconsciously gotten used to the little tyrant's thoughtfulness. "Where is Your Majesty? If not, please come with me."

Neither of them brought up the unpleasant matter they had just discussed. These old guys were very shrewd and always knew how to save face. If Xie Rang ignored them for a long time, they would know to go back on their own, so there was no need to worry about them.

They don't even consider that they didn't help the little tyrant when he was in his most difficult time, and now that he's powerful, they're trying to curry favor with him. There are no such things in the world that come for free.

Xie Rang wholeheartedly agreed with this.

What he liked best was being with the Grand Tutor. Except for matters concerning the people's livelihood, the Grand Tutor would only guide his thoughts instead of rejecting them outright, which made him feel very comfortable.

"Let's go together, I'm hungry too."

Xie Rang, mindful that Yun Qing's cold had not yet healed, wanted to help her up, but his movement was avoided. He paused for a moment before casually withdrawing his hand and following Yun Qing's side.

A glint of light flashed in his lowered eyes.

When she went out to eat, Yun Qing didn't wear the blanket anymore. Instead, she changed into a thin cloak. After it got dark, the stuffy feeling in the air finally dissipated a bit and became cool. She didn't want to make her cold symptoms worse.

The food had been prepared long ago, but it was all bland. Yun Qing felt a bit listless after a few bites, which was really unpleasant for someone who prefers strong flavors.

Xie Rang served her a bowl of soup and casually brought up another matter: "After the New Year, does the Grand Tutor want to be the supervisor of the imperial examinations?"

The last imperial examination was mainly to fill vacancies in the court, so it was an emergency selection of talent. Yun Qing also helped with the selection at that time, but he did not stand in the open. The supervisor of the examination was Grand Secretary Zhang, who has now retired to his hometown.

After Liang Zhigong's death, the cabinet was completely purged. After the retirement of this only cabinet elder who remained true to his principles, the cabinet was left vacant. Judging from Xie Rang's appearance, he probably did not intend to set it up again.

After going through so many hardships, how could he allow power to fall into other hands?

Now that the Prince of Pingjiang has been squeezed out of the center of power, and is just waiting for the right opportunity to eliminate him completely, Yun Qing is very clear that that day is not far away. And next year's spring examination will be the first talent selection after Xie Rang has completely taken power, so its importance and value need no further explanation.

His current statement that he wants to entrust this matter to Yun Qing speaks volumes about its implications.

Yun Qing paused in her soup-drinking motion and slowly asked, "Since Your Majesty has said so, do I still have the right to refuse?"

"If the Grand Tutor is unwilling, then so be it; I will not force him."

In front of Yun Qing, Xie Rang never cared about the etiquette between ruler and subject, and rarely even used the emperor's self-reference. His attitude was very friendly. He didn't know what he had done to make the Grand Tutor have such a bad impression. Did they really need to be so formal with each other?

"Fine, then I'll help His Majesty one more time."

As soon as Yun Qing finished speaking, she caught a glimpse of Xie Rang's triumphant smile.

she:……

Why are you being so childish, like a little kid?

Xie Rang's face immediately fell.

He didn't like that the Grand Tutor always treated him like a child. He was already taller than the Grand Tutor now, so why did he always want to lecture him?

Yun Qing was already used to the little tyrant's unpredictable moods and stopped paying attention to his temper.

The medicine she took before dinner that night was now taking effect. Before long, Yunqing was yawning repeatedly, her chin resting on her hand, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Xie Rang watched for a long time, but couldn't bear it any longer, so he put down his chopsticks and said, "Grand Tutor, why don't you go and rest first? You don't need to keep me company if you're sleepy."

Besides seeking leisure, Xie Rang came to the Li Mansion mainly to see Yun Qing. The Grand Tutor was usually gentle and firm in front of his ministers, but when he was sick, he was completely different and vulnerable. Although he had a pale and sickly face, it did not diminish his beauty in the slightest. Even the red corners of his eyes were exceptionally beautiful.

"Then I'll go rest first. Eat slowly. It's the time when you're growing, so don't waste this whole table of food."

Yun Qing didn't stand on ceremony with him. This was the emperor she had brought with her. How often had Xie Rang acted coquettishly in her presence? This little thing didn't diminish the emperor's dignity at all, as long as no outsiders knew about it.

A single word awakened me from my dream.

Xie Rang's thoughts were abruptly interrupted. It wasn't until Yun Qing stood up that he snapped back to reality, his gaze sweeping across the table as if it had been burned.

"Alright, Grand Tutor, take care!"

Why is this attitude so strange?

Yun Qing glanced at it suspiciously, but couldn't see anything amiss. Unable to resist her drowsiness, she turned and left.

Behind her, Xie Rang, who had looked up, felt his heart still pounding, but he couldn't eat the food on the table. He pursed his lips and told someone to take the food away.

...

That evening, Xie Rang stayed overnight at the Li residence.

His room was separated from the Grand Tutor's room only by a corridor, and this was the place most heavily guarded by the Death Servants, mainly to protect his safety.

Xie Rang didn't care much about this. He had never relaxed for a moment over the years and had been constantly improving his martial arts skills. His skills were far superior to those of the assassins. He was happy to be able to get close to the Grand Tutor.

Perhaps disturbed by the chaotic thoughts of the day, Xie Rang had a long-awaited dream in the middle of the night.

The dream seemed to be a chaotic mess, with everything in front of him a hazy mist. He saw the bright windows of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the hanging curtains. Finally, his gaze settled on the slightly reddish hue at the corners of her eyes.

It makes one feel hot all over.