Zhao Yunqi was discussing with the Emperor System, "What do you think?"

The Emperor System scoffed, "Didn't you say you were going to bestow upon her unparalleled favor? Isn't this your chance?"

Zhao Yunqi remained calm. "Are you still not reconciled? Do you have any doubts?"

The Emperor System scoffed, "You humans are the most complex. I'm just worried that they'll become too powerful to control in the future."

Zhao Yun asked curiously, "Very well, I shall ask you then, is your purpose to bring peace to the world, so that you can collect more fortune?"

The Emperor System remained silent, which was considered an admission.

Zhao Yunqi smiled and said, "That's settled then. Our current goal is to ensure the smooth transfer of power and provide multiple layers of protection for the peace and prosperity of Dasheng."

"Xiao Yan and her mother are now an issue we cannot avoid. Their presence can affect our subsequent plans."

"That's why I have to bring them into this game. Even if you want to wipe them out later, you have no choice but to proceed slowly now."

"Furthermore, given the current situation, my life is nearing its end and the crown prince has not yet been decided, while Xiao Zhixing has risen to prominence. Guess how many former Yin officials are already eager to make their move?"

"Therefore, at this time, I hope that you can be of one mind with me and carry out the plan in a down-to-earth manner. Before the crown prince is decided, ensure the stability of the situation and appease Xiao Zhixing."

"Give her the power she wants. Even if she ends up holding all the power in the Great Sheng Dynasty and the Crown Prince becomes a puppet emperor, it's all acceptable as long as it brings peace to the world."

"Fifteen years ago, Xiao Yan fled. The former Yin people knew she was not dead, so they did not make any moves. Now there is Xiao Zhixing. She has become the key link. As long as we restrain and appease her, everything will be fine."

"And you must understand, if it weren't for gathering peace and fortune for you, why would I tolerate their arrogance? I have plenty of ways to manipulate them, and I don't want to be such a stifled emperor!"

The Emperor System spun its code for a while before finally saying, "Aren't you really worried that Xiao Zhixing will rebel?"

Zhao Yunqi patiently explained, "Don't you understand? We humans value legitimacy and the greater good."

“I was personally decreed to abdicate by Xiao Yuzhen in front of all the civil and military officials. As his descendant, if Xiao Zhixing openly and without cause rebels against me, she will be going against the late emperor’s will, and the greater good will not be on her side.”

“Those former Yin people will abandon her, and if that’s the case, I should thank her instead.”

"Therefore, as long as I do not give her an excuse to rebel, and do not force her to rebel, Xiao Zhixing will not dare to rebel. Even if she holds great power and can control everything in the future, she will not dare to rebel."

"Without my imperial decree, even if she watches the Crown Prince ascend the throne, she can only helplessly become a regent and rule from behind the curtain."

Zhao Yunqi concluded, "But that's the worst-case scenario. Aren't you still here? With your help, how could our carefully selected crown prince be so useless as to be unable to defeat her?"

"Besides, does she, a woman, really have that kind of ability? We weren't afraid of Xiao Yan back then, so what's there to fear about Xiao Zhixing?"

The Emperor System quieted down, completely convinced. "Alright, let's do it this way. I'll make preparations on my end as well."

Then Zhao Yunqi addressed the assembled officials, saying, "Then we shall grant Yuan Sheng's recommendation: Qi Danhe shall be appointed Prefect of Beizhou, and Xiao Bei shall be appointed Governor of Beizhou, and promoted to General of the Central Army."

Feng Liyan immediately cried out, "Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

Zhao Yunqi waved his hand, "My mind is made up. Minister Feng, step down."

The others exchanged glances, then looked at the emperor's unfathomable face, and their minds began to wander again.

Your Majesty, could she really be your child?

Xiao Zhixing seemed surprised for a moment, then looked up at the emperor, "Your Majesty is wise!"

A complex expression flashed across his face.

The Emperor System stared intently at her, and upon seeing this, seemed to understand, "Emperor, she is also testing you."

Zhao Yunqi smiled, "You're only just realizing this now? Do you understand now? She's still a little girl, and we can win her over while she's young."

"And have you noticed that although this person has a bad temper and is domineering, she is very kind and tolerant to her own people? I can't be one of her people, but I can still be a benefactor to her."

"I have shown her such favor in public. If she dares to cause trouble in the future, she will be drowned by the spittle of the world."

"Now you can rest assured, right?"

The Emperor System nodded. "Alright, I understand. But I will still make some arrangements. We can't rely on people's hearts. Your human hearts are too complicated. If she suddenly goes crazy, we'll be prepared."

"Of course, you can make arrangements and contingency plans as you see fit, and I will be at ease."

The personnel matters in Beizhou were thus settled.

Xiao Zhixing returned to the queue with satisfaction, watching them continue discussing important matters.

Having overheard the conversation between the emperor and the imperial system, she continued to perform her acting skills, occasionally glancing at the emperor above with a complicated expression.

Beside him, Xiao Yuanshan had a dark expression and seemed to be deep in thought.

The emperor smiled faintly, as if he had everything under control.

The senior officials in front were also preoccupied with trying to decipher the emperor's deeper meaning.

They were too preoccupied to think about what would happen next.

Until the eunuch Fu Lu announced an imperial decree:

The Gentlemen's Academy, which opened last year, must expand its enrollment this year. All sons of officials of the fourth rank or above, aged 13 to under 20, must participate in the entrance examination. Those who pass will be admitted to the Gentlemen's Academy for a certain period of time.

Starting tomorrow, we will prepare to hold an entrance examination to select qualified candidates to go to the capital to study at the Gentleman's Academy.

Note: This examination does not affect the imperial examination for candidates to become scholars, and candidates can participate in both simultaneously.

Everyone was stunned and had no idea what was going on.

The senior officials at the front remained calm, likely because they had been given prior notice by the emperor.

Xiao Zhixing was slightly taken aback. What was the purpose of this Gentleman's Courtyard?

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