Of course they knew that they were chosen by the Grand Secretary because of their family connections.

They had considered how to deal with Jiang Shuyue, but she was impervious to reason and defense, and they couldn't figure out her methods at all.

"You're nothing but abandoned children of the family. You dare to challenge me on my turf? Who gave you the guts?"

"Anyone who disobeys shall be given twenty strokes of the cane and sent back home. Also, tell his family that if he can't even be a male concubine, how will he study for the imperial examinations in the future? He should just go home and never go out again."

Upon hearing this, those people turned pale.

Once Jiang Shuyue said those words, his life was over.

Jiang Shuyue sneered. Trying to scheme against her? She'll only know how good she is after she's tasted bitterness.

They thought that by siding with Hong Xi, they could be protected. If they behaved themselves after arriving, she would release them at some point.

However, after only one night at the Eastern Palace, he began to make contact with the outside world while she was attending court.

Do you really think she knows nothing?

Don't say they aren't innocent. Even if they are innocent, being implicated by their families, how can they still dream of becoming officials in the future?

Even if they dared to take the exam, she wouldn't dare to hire them.

"Anyone still dissatisfied? Speak up today, and we'll have a proper discussion."

Who would dare?

The courtyard fell silent immediately; no one dared to speak, fearing they would be implicated.

After seeing everyone off, Jiang Shuyue returned to the palace and collapsed onto a low couch: "Everyone says women are troublesome, but men are even more troublesome to deal with."

The senior guards around her stepped forward to massage her legs.

Jiang Shuyue glanced at him and asked, "Ye Hui, aren't you resentful of staying by my side?"

Many of these guards preferred to follow people who were capable of achieving great things, while those who followed women were seen as unambitious.

Does Ye Hui think so too?