The most unexpected thing is that Pei Shaoming actually committed suicide out of fear of punishment, although this is only the official version of events.
In any case, Mu Zi'an did not believe that Pei Shaoming would commit suicide.
However, Mu Zian did get a good taste of the ruthlessness of the Pei family.
They killed their own direct descendants without hesitation; no wonder they were able to develop into a first-class family in the Great Li Dynasty in just a hundred years.
Just as Mu Zi'an was lamenting the unpredictability of life, Jia Xu came to report that an imperial edict had been issued from the palace.
Mu Zian changed into a gilded python robe and came to the front yard.
At this moment, Eunuch Cao, dressed in a vermilion palace robe, had a smile on his face.
"Please accept the imperial decree, Duke Zhenguo."
Mu Zi'an clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.
"Your subject receives the imperial decree!"
"By imperial decree, the Emperor decrees that Duke Mu Zi'an, who has rendered meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion, is hereby conferred the title of General of Loyalty and Martial Arts of the Fourth Rank! He is hereby granted a jade belt, a thousand taels of gold, ten thousand strings of cash, and a quantity of silk and satin."
Upon hearing the imperial edict, Mu Zi'an was deeply moved.
After all, the title of Duke Zhenguo was merely a nominal one, without any real power.
But now that he has the real title of General Zhongwu, Mu Zian is truly complete.
For military officers, nothing is more reassuring than military power.
Just as Mu Zian was feeling excited, Eunuch Cao suddenly raised his voice a few notches and said.
"The Duke of Zhenguo is a pillar of the nation, skilled in both literature and martial arts. Now, the imperial examinations are a vital national task. Therefore, the Duke of Zhenguo, Mu Zi'an, is hereby appointed as the Inspector of the Imperial Examinations. He shall report any information received to ensure the fairness of the examinations and to uphold the majesty of our dynasty! This is the imperial decree!"
Mu Zian's smile froze.
Just two days ago, Xiao Xiuning told me that the imperial court's attempt to recruit officials from humble backgrounds was met with resistance from aristocratic families, which was extremely difficult.
So they just turned around and dumped such a hot potato on me?
Even a fool would know that Xiao Xiuning must have been involved in this whole affair!
However, now that the imperial decree has been issued, Mu Zian has no choice but to accept it.
Looking at Mu Zian, who had a displeased expression, Eunuch Cao gently comforted him.
"His Majesty said that it would be good if the Duke could do his best in this matter, as the ills of aristocratic families cannot be eradicated overnight."
The emperor entrusted this matter to Mu Zi'an simply to try his luck.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have triggered a choice!"
"Option 1: Stay true to your duty and observe the struggle between the poor and the powerful. Reward: 300 Tang poems."
"Option 2: Do your best to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. Reward: A mysterious beauty."
"Please make a decision, host!"
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