"Your Majesty, I request to be transferred to the Court of Judicial Review."

The sound, like a clear spring, echoed in the silent hall, instantly breaking the somber atmosphere.

The entire hall erupted in uproar; the sound was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.

Everyone's eyes immediately focused on Gu Zhixing, their faces showing shock, confusion, and even some astonishment.

The Dali Temple was a place of punishment and imprisonment, known for its heavy criminal affairs. It was not a place that scholars and literati longed to go, but rather a choice for those of humble origins and martial arts talents.

Gu Zhixing, who had just achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination, was a talented young man, dashing and elegant, with outstanding literary skills. He should have been working in the Hanlin Academy, with a promising future ahead of him.

His choice of such a place was completely unexpected, leading some to speculate whether he had a deeper purpose behind it.

Shen Jintang, standing in the ranks of civil officials, suddenly paused, her hand holding the pen pausing abruptly. The ink spread across the memorial, forming a small patch of dark cloud, like a sudden gloom, reflecting her astonishment and confusion at that moment.

The top scholar, Lin Jinming, turned his head in surprise, his eyes full of incomprehension; the second-place scholar, Zhou Wenhuan, couldn't help but gasp, the chill seemingly running down his spine and straight to his heart.

Everyone knows that the Hanlin Academy is the most prestigious and prestigious place, a sacred place that scholars and writers yearn for, and a symbol of glory and future prospects.

Everyone was determined to get into the Hanlin Academy!

And what kind of place is Dali Temple?

That was a place of punishment and imprisonment, where one was constantly surrounded by criminal cases and prisoners, with one's head hanging in the balance, and the slightest carelessness could lead to disaster.

What was he thinking when he went to Dali Temple?

The emperor leaned slightly forward, the twelve jade tassels of his robes clinking together with a clear, melodious sound, like jade beads falling onto a plate: "Zhixing, I remember you were most afraid of cold and damp places when you were young. The Court of Judicial Review is in charge of criminal cases, which is not as leisurely as the Hanlin Academy. Have you thought this through?"

These words carried a clear hint of doting affection, and the gentle tone was as if he were chatting with a younger relative, yet it caused several senior officials to exchange glances, their eyes filled with a deeper meaning.

Gu Zhixing glanced at Shen Jintang's tense profile, sighed slightly in his heart, then knelt down, his back straight, his voice clear and firm: "Your Majesty is wise. When I was young, I was foolish and personally witnessed wrongful imprisonment that led to the destruction of families and the death of people."

His voice deepened, carrying a hint of compassion and determination as he said, "Now that I have been fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination, I am willing to redress grievances for Your Majesty, so that the prisons may be empty and the world free from injustice. Although I am not talented, I am willing to use my own strength to share Your Majesty's burdens and redress grievances for the people."

As he said this, his gaze unconsciously drifted toward Shen Jintang.

Shen Jintang's body stiffened. She couldn't help but think of the Xie family tragedy, a tragedy she didn't want to recall.

Those bloody scenes, those cries of the innocent, seemed to reappear before my eyes at this moment.

Gu Zhixing is going to the Dali Temple, but he has to…

No!

Shen Jintang dared not think any further, a strange panic welling up in her heart, yet she did not know what to do.

The emperor suddenly chuckled softly, a low and gentle laugh, his knuckles tapping lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne, as if he were considering something.

After a moment, the emperor spoke: "Young people are mostly passionate, so I grant your request. I hope you will not disappoint me and will make a difference for the country and its people."

His voice carried a hint of relief, as if he were encouraging someone, or perhaps expressing anticipation.

"In that case, Shen Jintang, you are the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, so you shall draft the imperial edict for me. You must make sure it is carefully considered and there are no mistakes."

The emperor turned his gaze to Shen Jintang, his previous gentleness completely gone, his tone filled with unquestionable authority.

Shen Jintang's fingers, which were holding the pen, turned slightly white, and her knuckles turned bluish-white from the force she exerted. However, she quickly regained her composure, stepped forward, and said in a clear and firm voice, "Your subject obeys the decree."

As the attendant presented the brush and ink, her palms sweated slightly as she unfolded the bright yellow silk, more nervous than ever before when drafting imperial edicts.

"On the 29th day of the fourth month of the seventeenth year of Jingyuan, an imperial edict was issued..."

Her voice, like shattered jade and scattered pearls, echoed throughout the hall.

Gu Zhixing stared blankly at the shadows cast on her face by her lowered eyelashes.

"Gu Zhixing, the newly appointed third-ranked scholar, possesses broad knowledge and outstanding talent. Even in his youth, when he was a playboy, he showed compassion for prisoners; now, having achieved the highest rank, he harbors an even stronger desire for justice. He is hereby appointed as the Left Judge of the Court of Judicial Review, in charge of all criminal matters in the realm, investigating wrongful convictions, and upholding the law..."

This decree was written with exceptional care, neither violating regulations nor concealing expectations.

As Gu Zhixing listened to the effusive praise, his ears burned slightly, and a strange emotion welled up in his heart.

It turns out that this is how Shen Jintang sees him. Those praises are not empty words, but rather carry her recognition and expectations for him.

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude."

As Gu Zhixing received the imperial edict with both hands, his fingertips inadvertently brushed against the back of Shen Jintang's hand.

However, he saw Shen Jintang quickly withdraw her hand, which stung him.

However, just as she turned to bow to the throne, she whispered in a voice only he could hear, "Behave yourself."

The emperor looked at them with a hint of amusement in his eyes, as if he could see through the subtle interaction between the two. Suddenly, he clapped his hands and laughed: "Good! I am very fortunate to have such a talented person today. Tonight, I will hold a banquet to celebrate with the people."

The banquet was held in the evening. Gu Zhixing was kept behind by the emperor, while Shen Jintang had to rush to report to the eldest princess.

As she stepped out of the hall, a gentle breeze blew by, bringing a touch of coolness.

Just as Shen Jintang was about to quicken her pace, she saw a figure quietly appear beside her.

Shen Jintang raised her eyes slightly and saw Ye Qingzhou, who was also dressed in the attire of a tribute student.

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