Deyang Palace.

"Haha~, this Li Li is truly a remarkable person! Yang Qiu's subordinates are all talented individuals, eloquent, and efficient..."

Upon learning of Li Li and the group of constables' actions, Liu Hong couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Xi Zhicai smiled and said, "Your Majesty, in this way, the scholars' attempt to spread rumors will be refuted without any further evidence!"

"Not bad! But that's still not enough!"

"Oh? What other plans does Your Majesty have...?"

Xi Zhicai was slightly taken aback and looked at Liu Hong with great curiosity.

Liu Hong chuckled lightly: "Heh~, it's naturally about the assessment. There are just too many people recommended and dispatched by scholars... It's time to move them out of their positions...!"

Xi Zhicai's eyebrows twitched: "Your Majesty is right. In this way, those students from poor families will have a greater chance!"

"good!!"

Liu Hong nodded, then took out several lists and handed them to Xi Zhicai.

When Xi Zhicai took the list, he found that the densely packed names on it were all scholars and students, totaling more than two thousand.

Seeing so many people, Xi Zhicai was also somewhat shocked.

It should be noted that there are only 5,000 places available for this year's assessment, and these people account for more than 40% of them. In addition, there are those recommended by the Yuan, Yang, and Xun families, as well as those recommended by local governments. The number of places left for students from poor families is less than 10%.

This undoubtedly sent a chill down Xi Zhicai's spine and filled him with resentment.

Liu Hong said with a solemn expression, "Zhicai, give this list to the instructors of the Imperial Guard. They should know what to do..."

"promise!!"

Xi Zhicai didn't think much of it and nodded heavily.

"Also, spread the word that I am currently very tired and have entrusted all state affairs to the Grand Tutor, the Minister of Agriculture, and Yuan Hao..."

"promise!!"

Xi Zhicai respectfully accepted the order, then took the list and left Deyang Palace, heading towards the Imperial Guard Camp.

Not long after Xi Zhicai left, Yang Qiu, with a solemn expression, came to see him with some secret letters.

These secret letters were all sent by Han Ping and were later intercepted by spies from the Investigation Department.

"Hmph, it seems that Han Ping truly harbors rebellious intentions... However... he and the Prince of Bohai have done me a great favor!"

After reading the contents of those secret letters, Liu Hong couldn't help but chuckle.

Yang Qiu frowned: "But Your Majesty... if we allow them to unite, I fear it will cause chaos!"

Liu Hong waved his hand: "It's alright. Those aristocratic families have been rooted in Qing, Yan, and Ji provinces for many years, and their influence is widespread. If we don't create some chaos, it will be difficult to sort them out!"

"But...the people over there are going to suffer a lot..."

In the end, Liu Hong couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

Throughout history, whenever turmoil arises, regardless of who wins or loses, it is always the common people who suffer the most.

"Your Majesty, what should the Investigation Division do next...?"

"Continue to block their communications in the southern states, but allow them to pass through Qing, Yan, and Ji states. Just monitor them and wait until they are ready before launching a swift and decisive attack!"

"promise!!"

"Have you heard anything from Wenhe and Zhongde...?"

"Your Majesty, Zhongde has intercepted a batch of stolen refined iron from the treasury and is making arrangements!"

Wenhe is still in Liaodong. Once arrangements are complete with Goguryeo and the Three Hans, he will head to Fanyang…!

Yang Qiu then gave Liu Hong a detailed report on Jia Xu and Cheng Yu's situation.

"That's good!"

Liu Hong nodded: "Send a message to the two of them, telling them not to wait for the right opportunity to make arrangements in secret, but to wait until chaos breaks out in the provinces of Qing, Yan, and Ji before taking action!"

"promise!!"

Then Liu Hong laughed and said, "By the way, Minister Yang, tell me about the current situation of the Investigation Bureau!"

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Investigation Bureau has now spread throughout the four prefectures of Ji, You, Bing, and Liang, and has established branch stations in each prefecture."

Jia Wenhe is making arrangements in the Northeast and Qingzhou, while Cheng Zhongde has begun to infiltrate Yizhou and the Western Regions...

As for the Sili Investigation Bureau, it has already taken control of Yuzhou and Yanzhou, and has also controlled most of Xuzhou....

"Now the Intelligence Bureau has nearly 80,000 core members and secret agents..."

Yang Qiu then gave Liu Hong a detailed report on the territory controlled by the Investigation Division, the families it had infiltrated, and the overall size and number of people involved.

"Hmm, well done!"

After learning the details of the Investigation Division, Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction.

Liu Hong then continued, "Now that the arrangements in the northern provinces have been completed, it's time to begin making arrangements in the south as well!"

Yang Qiu nodded: "Your Majesty is right. I am also selecting personnel to go to Jing and Yang provinces!"

"Your subordinate, Li Li, is quite capable. I think he can be put in charge of the establishment of the intelligence bureaus in Xuzhou and Yangzhou. What do you think, Minister Yang?"

"Your Majesty is wise. Li Li is indeed quick-witted and extremely loyal! He is worthy of being given important responsibilities..."

Yang Qiu readily agreed to the emperor's plan to promote Li Li, after all, Li Li was one of his old subordinates.

"In that case, let's make arrangements after the matter in Luoyang is settled! As for the funds needed for the organization, those scholars can provide them!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! I will ensure that they are put to good use!"

Thinking of the scholars and students who had been imprisoned, Yang Qiu's face revealed a chilling smile.

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