Chapter 278 Asking for an Opportunity

Although King Xiao is bound to make countless enemies, having the tyrant's support shouldn't be a problem. If my eldest brother is indeed chosen by King Xiao, he could be directly appointed an official after working for him for a few years, which is more reliable than taking the imperial examination.

Chu Liuzheng didn't have no confidence in his elder brother's ability to take the imperial examination, but now was a rare opportunity.

She has made great contributions and is in a decent situation now. She is not in a hurry to leave the palace. She can use her merits to exchange for a place for her elder brother.

As I said, as long as her elder brother is well and her family is well, her life after leaving the palace will be more secure.

Anyway, she has the system in her hands, so she doesn't have to worry about not having opportunities to make meritorious deeds, and it would be nice to earn a few more months of monthly salary.

Chu Liuzheng tried several times but didn't notice when King Xiao left.

Chen Xing came in to serve tea and took away the teacup used by King Xiao.

Xiao Jingfan lowered his head and reviewed two memorials. He felt something was wrong and it was too quiet around him.

He turned to look at Chu Liuzheng: "Why are you standing there in a daze?"

Chu Liuzheng didn't freeze in thought. She stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty said before that I had done a great service in saving him and wanted to reward me. Let me think about it slowly."

"Yeah." Xiao Jingfan put down the red pen.

Chu Liuzheng said: "I have an idea..."

"Ahem." Xiao Jingfan suddenly put his fist to his lips and coughed twice. He picked up the teacup and took a sip before saying, "I didn't hear clearly. What did you say just now?"

Chu Liuzheng repeated: "I have thought of..."

Xiao Jingfan stared at her with a frown, making Chu Liuzheng's scalp tingle.

[What if a tyrant wants to eat people? ]

She gritted her teeth and continued quickly, "I've figured it out."

Xiao Jingfan: "..."

His brows relaxed, and his tone was kind, even with a hint of a smile: "What do you want?"

[Hey, how come the tyrant's mood has suddenly become better? ]

Chu Liuzheng didn’t understand, but it was good for her that the emperor was in a good mood.

She said, "My elder brother, Chu Shangming, was once favored by the Emperor and entered the Imperial Academy. I humble myself and beg Your Majesty for a favor, allowing my elder brother to take a place in His Royal Highness Prince Xiao's school."

Xiao Jingfan frowned.

Seeing this, Chu Liuzheng hurriedly added: "If big brother can't complete the task, it's okay to rush back to the Imperial College. I just want to ask for a chance for you."

Xiao Jingfan looked at her: "Is this what you want?"

Chu Liuzheng nodded vigorously.

Xiao Jingfan pondered for a moment and said, "I can agree to your request, but it ultimately depends on King Xiao's wishes. Do you understand?"

He couldn't let one person affect the overall situation. Although Chu Shangming was indeed interesting, if he was not of great use, keeping him would only be a burden.

"I understand." Chu Liuzheng really just wanted to give his elder brother a chance, so he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. Long live your Majesty."

"Stand up." Xiao Jingfan picked up the red pen again, "I will send someone to talk to Prince Xiao about this matter. You..."

"Your Majesty." Chu Liuzheng looked at him expectantly, "Can I ask this servant to speak to His Royal Highness Prince Xiao?"

Since it concerns her eldest brother's future, she would feel more at ease if she did it herself.

Meeting her bright almond eyes, Xiao Jingfan was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Yes."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Chu Liuzheng grinned, his smile brighter than the sunlight shining into the hall.

Xiao Jingfan couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips, but after realizing what was happening, he quickly straightened his lips again.

He lowered his head to review the memorials, and as he wrote, he said, "There is no time to lose. You can go find King Xiao now and ask Zhou Yuande to come in and serve him."

"As you command," Chu Liuzheng bowed and walked out happily.

【Today's tyrant is really good! 】

Xiao Jingfan's lips twitched. Only today?

He raised his eyelids to express his dissatisfaction, but Chu Liuzheng was no longer in the hall, only his inner voice could be heard.

Many officials have recently come to Beijing to report on their work. The tyrant is waiting for a big surprise.

Xiao Jingfan: "..."

surprise?

He thought for a moment and called out to the empty space, "Eleven."

Xiao Shiyi flashed out and said, "Please give your orders, my lord."

Xiao Jingfan ordered: "Send someone to check on the officials who recently came to Beijing to report on their work."

Xiao Shiyi looked up and asked, "What are you checking?"

There are so many officials coming to Beijing to report on their work. It’s okay that the task objectives are not fixed, but it’s impossible that they don’t even know what to investigate, right?

If Xiao Jingfan knew what to investigate, he would have sent the Jinyiwei instead. He thought for a moment and uttered two words: "Investigate everything."

Xiao Shiyi: “…”

Xiao Jingfan glanced at him: "Can't do it?"

That must be possible!

Xiao Shiyi bowed and said, "I obey your command."

It’s just checking a few dozen people. It’s a good opportunity to take those new kids who just joined the camp out for a walk.

On the other side, Chu Liuzheng watched the imperial chef prepare snacks, and walked into the gate of the Magnolia Palace carrying a large three-layer food box.

King Xiao was playing the zither in his study.

Chu Liuzheng was led to the study and bowed, "Hail, Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities." Prince Xiao gestured for Kunqi to put away his zither and wheeled over to Chu Liuzheng. "What's in the food box?"

"To answer your Highness, they're all snacks." Chu Liuzheng lifted his hands, his arms a little sore. "There are mung bean cakes, thousand-layer cakes, eight-treasure cakes, peach cakes, osmanthus cakes, peanut cakes, walnut cakes, almond cakes, coconut cakes, rose cakes, lotus root candy, inch-gold candy, bean candy, sesame candy, candied hawthorn, coconut shreds, and soft horns..."

"That's all." King Xiao accepted the food box with satisfaction, "Sit down and talk."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Chu Liuzheng sat down obediently and added, "Since you don't like things too sweet, I asked the royal chef to use less sugar. You can eat it without worry."

Prince Xiao opened the food box and asked Kunqi to serve tea while he said, "What message did His Majesty send you to deliver?"

Chu Liuzheng said, "There is a student in the Imperial College named Chu Shangming. He received the grace of His Majesty a few years ago and started school in the first month of this year."

"My surname is Chu." King Xiao raised his eyebrows and looked at her. "Is it your relative?"

"Your Highness is wise." Chu Liuzheng nodded, "He is my elder brother."

"Oh." King Xiao handed the food box to Kunqi and asked, "What skills does he have?"

Chu Liuzheng hesitated for a moment and then told about his elder brother's extraordinary experience in making friends.

King Xiao was overjoyed when he heard this and praised him, "What a wonderful man!"

Chu Liuzheng: “…”

It turns out that those who watch the fun never think it’s too big to cause trouble.

Seeing that Prince Xiao was smiling happily, she asked, "Did the prince agree?"

"I've made note of this," said King Xiao. "I'll tell you when I see the person in person."

[This is exactly what the tyrant said. I've found this opportunity for you. Big brother, you better do your best!]

After finishing his work, Chu Liuzheng wanted to get up and say goodbye, but King Xiao said, "It's noon now, stay for lunch."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness." Chu Liuzheng declined, "I have to return to Wenhua Palace to serve, no..."

Before she could finish, King Xiao said, "If you don't stay for dinner, I won't choose Chu Shangming."

"Prince!" Chu Liuzheng widened his eyes slightly. You are such a filial prince!

King Xiao smiled and told Kunqi, "Serve the meal."

Chu Liuzheng: “…”

Even if she stayed for dinner, she would have to send someone to Wenhua Palace to pass on a message, but Prince Xiao waved his hand and said that he would take the responsibility if the emperor blamed him.

Chu Liuzheng: “…”

Nevertheless, the meal was quite enjoyable.

King Xiao was very talkative, especially when talking about food, he would talk non-stop. Chu Liuzheng ate an extra bowl of rice after listening to him.

At the same time, the atmosphere in Wenhua Hall was not so cheerful.

Xiao Jingfan glanced at the dishes on the table and asked Zhou Yuande: "Where are the people?"