An Ning couldn't help but find it amusing. Other people's transmigrations involve romance, but hers is a strategist's story. It seems that it won't be long before she becomes Mu Ange's strategist.

However... she really wanted to see him again; she missed him terribly after their parting at Yichun Garden.

Teahouses in the capital.

"Hmph, the cheating in the imperial examinations is truly chilling to the bone of all scholars."

"In a world in chaos, the imperial examination system is like a quagmire, rife with favoritism and corruption. Even if a poor scholar studies diligently for a hundred years, what hope is there for him to rise above his circumstances?"

"Officials protect each other, and the Crown Prince neglects state affairs, only thinking about how to exploit the people and win over court officials. If this continues, what future does the Great Qi have?"

Perhaps because the tea in the teahouse was mixed with some strong liquor, these students spoke with a truly reckless and fearless air.

Mu Ange arrived quietly, wearing a black mask.

"If we do not reform the imperial examination system and recruit more talented people, I fear there will be no more people with lofty ambitions."

"Yes, what this gentleman says makes sense."

"But aren't these things what those in power should do? We have neither official rank nor power, so what's the point of us besides spouting empty words?"

Mu Ange adjusted his mask and said, "A single spark can start a prairie fire. One person's words are like the buzzing of a mosquito, but if thousands or tens of thousands of people speak out, they can shake the mountains and rivers. As a dignified student, I should fight for the sake of the bright sky and the clear sky. If we scholars also degenerate, what will become of the people and the world?"

“What you say is absolutely right, brother. For the sake of the common people, what is wrong with it? We should have lofty ambitions and become the backbone of the Great Qi.”

"Alright." Mu Ange quietly stepped back, looking at the students before her with great enthusiasm.

The next day, the petition from all the people was presented to the emperor.

The Crown Prince sat alone in the Eastern Palace, filled with anxiety and unease.

"What happened? How did the news leak out? Was it Mu Ange? I knew all of his actions were a facade; he is the lion with its jaws wide open in the darkness."

The servants watched him from afar, not daring to approach him; he looked like a madman at that moment.

"Your Highness, I have ordered my men to investigate. It seems that Mu Ange has become obsessed with some fairy in a painting these past few days and is spending a fortune to find her. I'm afraid he doesn't have the energy to do such things."

"Wait, I heard there was a masked man in the teahouse yesterday. Can you find out who he was?"

Before the servants could answer, a person stumbled in from outside.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, Eunuch Wu has arrived."

The Crown Prince's expression suddenly changed: Eunuch Wu? If it weren't for something important, Eunuch Wu wouldn't have come in person to deliver the decree... Could it be that Father Emperor is going to depose me? Just for a trivial matter like the imperial examination?

Eunuch Wu stood in the courtyard, and the Crown Prince knelt down to pay his respects.

"Summon the Crown Prince to the palace for an audience."

The crown prince took a deep breath and collapsed to the side: Thank goodness, thank goodness it wasn't an edict to depose him.

Inside the Yangju Hall.

An Ning watched as the emperor smashed everything on his desk onto the crown prince's forehead.

"Fool, do you even know how students all over the world curse you?"

"Did you see that? The petition to the people? You have truly disgraced me, utterly disgraced me."

"They say the Great Qi's fate is sealed, and that's all thanks to you, all thanks to you, do you understand?"

*Smack*

The inkstone flew straight toward the prince's head.

An Ning gasped.

Bang.

The prince fainted.

When the imperial physicians came to carry the crown prince out, they were also shocked.

However, An Ning knew that no matter how indignant the students were, the emperor would not depose the crown prince.

Compared to the second son, who only knows about money, and the third son, who is licentious and immoral, the crown prince is the most suitable candidate.

Later that evening, Anning, having nothing to do, took a palace lantern and strolled around.

Unexpectedly, they ended up at Chunxi Palace.

By the dim candlelight, Anning was startled to see a person kneeling at the palace gate.

She was petite and somewhat resembled Bai Lan. An Ning quietly approached and saw that it really was her.

"Magnolia?"

Bai Lan trembled and turned to look at him: "Eunuch Ning?"

An Ning waved her hand: "Just call me Xiao Ningzi."

"By the way, what's wrong with you?"

"The Emperor hasn't come for some time, and the Empress is angry. She's just taking it out on me."

An Ning sighed: "Here, the medicine."

Bai Lan was slightly taken aback, then took the medicine and said thank you.

"Bring that slut to me."

"yes."

Oh no! An Ning quickly ran a few steps and hid in the shadows.

The door creaked open, and Bai Lan was roughly dragged inside by the guards.

*Smack*

A loud slap could be heard clearly, even through the palace walls.

An Ning frowned slightly and unconsciously covered her face: "Hiss~"

The insults lasted for almost five or six minutes, during which Bai Lan occasionally let out a few cries of pain, presumably after being subjected to some kind of torture.

Unexpectedly, at that moment, the emperor arrived.

The emperor glanced indifferently at Bai Lan, who was covered in blood on the ground, and said lightly, "If a servant is useless, just replace him. Why make yourself so angry?"

The tears and blood in Bai Lan's eyes mingled together and flowed onto the cold stone floor.

The Imperial Concubine took the Emperor's arm and said, "Your Majesty, you know I'm always soft-hearted. A few punishments are enough."

After saying that, she swayed her lithe waist and entered the main hall.

Soon, only Bai Lan remained in the cold courtyard, swaying in the wind like a rag doll.

When Anning sneaked in, she was startled.

She held her breath and sighed, letting out a long breath: "Thank goodness she's not dead."

Bai Lan opened her hazy eyes and looked at him with a pleading look: "Eunuch Ning, if I die, please take good care of Bai Cheng."

Anning helped her to her feet: "Come on, let's apply the medicine."

Bai Lan gave a bitter smile: "Forget it, don't worry about me. If we get caught, you're doomed too."

"What nonsense are you talking about? It's just some superficial injury. You'll be fine after a few days of rest. Aren't you going to be the most domineering little palace maid in Chunxi Palace?"

Bai Lan weakly tugged at the corners of her mouth upon hearing this.

“Take the side path, go around there, there are no guards.”

An Ning said, "Okay."

Bai Lan's cottage was extremely simple. After placing a bed in it, there were no more air raids.

"Lie down quickly, I'll apply the medicine for you."

An Ning helped Bai Lan sit on the bed, but Bai Lan cautiously stepped back, saying weakly:

"Thank you for bringing me back, Eunuch Ning. It's late, I can apply the medicine myself. Please go back, Eunuch Ning."

Anning knew what she was worried about: "You're afraid of being seen and having your relationship exposed, right?"

Bai Lan: "I..."

Anning stepped forward, grabbed her hand, and pressed it against her chest.

Bai Lan froze, staring at him with wide eyes: "You...you are actually?"

An Ning brought over a basin of water and said, "Take it off, your injuries aren't minor."