Chapter 2024 Imperial Uncle, the World is Now in My Hands (13)

Xiao Yao accepted the order and went out. He quickly completed his task, returned to his sea of ​​consciousness, gulped down two mouthfuls of tea, raised his furry tiger paw, and wiped his mouth with a bold gesture.

His eyes lit up immediately: "Sir, sir, what kind of reward is there? Will it add points?"

Well… Si Jin tugged at the blanket and closed her eyes contentedly: We’ll have to see how it goes.

The gods slept soundly, and the next day, they indeed received news that all the civil and military officials had heard the rumors that the eldest prince was plotting to murder the third prince.

Ambiguous, a mixture of truth and falsehood.

But the eldest prince did indeed kill Yi Ke, and the Imperial Observatory did indeed see an ominous celestial phenomenon symbolizing "princes killing each other".

For a time, the court was in an uproar, with people saying that the eldest prince was petty and unworthy to be emperor.

Even if the Empress Dowager and the Duke of Anguo wanted to help, they wouldn't dare to step forward and clarify at this juncture.

Rumors and gossip rained down like ink splashes. The eldest prince, confined to his residence, was not only filled with worry every day, but also heard news of Si Jin being praised by various ministers.

Finally unable to contain herself any longer, she kicked over a table full of food with a loud crash: "What's going on? Who's spreading these rumors outside?! Where's Mother? Where's Uncle? Don't they know to clear my name?!"

The aides around him had no choice but to lower their heads and explain, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager said that the more you try to clarify things at this time, the more guilty you will appear. Please be patient for a while."

"Patience? Can I possibly endure this?" the First Prince roared. "If I continue to endure this, Nangong Sijin will be sitting on the dragon throne!"

"No, I have to think of a way to ascend the throne as soon as possible, I need to think of a way." The eldest prince sat down, rubbing his temples with a headache.

It looks like they're about to peel off their own skin.

After a long stalemate, finally, an aide leaned close to him and spoke: "Your Highness, it is currently springtime."

Crown Prince: ? ? ?

He raised his eyelids and stared at his staff with suspicion and wariness, even unconsciously tugging at his collar.

No, even though he's bisexual, he doesn't find this staff member attractive because of his white beard.

Sleeping with Nangong Sijin is even more impossible.

He found it disgusting!

Staff: ...

His advisors understood the resistance in his eyes and realized that the regent was sometimes right.

The eldest prince is stupid; his eyes are filled with the foolishness of excessive indulgence!

If it weren't for the Empress Dowager and the Duke of Anguo protecting him, he probably wouldn't have even been able to live to adulthood!

He cleared his throat and continued, "The imperial examination is about to begin. Haven't you been going to the Regent's residence all this time? Go there again in a few days and try to get him to agree to let you and Nangong Sijin participate in the imperial examination together. Whoever has the better answer sheet will be able to inherit the throne."

"The imperial examination was originally intended to select officials for the court, and the regent would not disagree with it."

The eldest prince slowly loosened his collar, still somewhat embarrassed: "But how can you be so sure that my article will surpass Nangong Sijin's?"

“That’s easy to do,” the aide replied. “The Vice Minister of Rites is one of our men. We can find out the questions in advance and ask a few literary masters to write them for His Highness.”

"Your Highness only needs to memorize the article, and once the results are announced, the dragon throne will surely be yours."

Hearing this, the eldest prince finally nodded in relief. The next day, he ordered his servants to find the most valuable antique vase in his mansion, and carried it to the Shen residence with both hands.

Shen Linyuan is a bit cold, but he likes warm-hearted people. I've gotten along quite well with him these past few days, so I can't be ungrateful.

Thinking this, he strode into the Regent's Palace, only to find—

————

[Mini Science Tip]

Spring Examination: Generally refers to the metropolitan examination, which was the central examination in the imperial examination system in ancient China. It was usually presided over by the Ministry of Rites, and those who passed the examination were called "tribute scholars".

The palace examination was presided over by the emperor, and only those who had passed the imperial examinations were eligible to participate. The top scorer was called the "Zhuangyuan" (状元).