Chapter 56 056 I am very soft.
If you don't express your true feelings, how can it be considered "speaking"?
Xie Lanzhao frowned slightly. She was clearly moved by His Majesty's heartfelt words, yet His Majesty looked at her innocently, and she couldn't very well refute him. From initially being completely focused, she had become self-deceiving, and now, she couldn't even keep quiet. Because when His Majesty's words reached her ears, a slight ripple did indeed stir deep within her, as if acknowledging the softness of His Majesty's body.
Chaotic thoughts may only linger for a moment, but the traces left by countless "moments" become increasingly profound and difficult to erase once they are noticed.
Xie Lanzhao was a little restless.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Jialing observed Xie Lanzao's expression, trying to figure out what she was thinking. She said, "Have you been too busy with official duties lately and haven't had enough rest? Then take a short rest. My strong shoulders can be your powerful support."
Xie Lanzhao glanced at Zhao Jialing.
His intentions were crystal clear. Once a person becomes bold, all inhibitions vanish. What was initially just indulging in unrestrained thoughts has now escalated into outrageous pronouncements. Who would have thought that just last year outside the palace, His Majesty stammered and couldn't utter a complete sentence, finally managing to end the conversation with a hastily chosen phrase, only to be filled with deep regret in his heart?
His Majesty is quite adept at pushing his luck.
"I am not tired," Xie Lanzhao said.
"I see..." Zhao Jialing drawled, her disappointment written all over her face. Then, her thoughts shifted, and she said, "I'm tired."
Xie Lanzhao didn't know whether His Majesty was clever or not. She stared intently at the person so close to her and said, "Your Majesty, I am terrified. Please allow me to take my leave."
Zhao Jialing choked, then hurriedly tugged at Xie Lanzao's sleeve, her face downcast, and gave Xie Lanzao a reproachful look: "I'm better again." She didn't really have anything wrong; she just wanted to chat with Xie Lanzao. Fearing that the silence in the hall would make Xie Lanzao even more reluctant to leave, she took the initiative to speak, "You just put your arm around my waist."
Who exactly was being forcibly detained? His Majesty's counterattack was truly swift and decisive, leaving Xie Lanzhao speechless.
His Majesty can be really infuriating sometimes.
Zhao Jialing ignored Xie Lanzhao's cold gaze and said, "I train hard in the coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer. It's not just my arms that are strong; my waist is also very flexible."
Last time, when they talked about strength, His Majesty even wanted to take off his clothes to show off his arms. If this topic were to delve deeper now, Xie Lanzhao didn't dare to imagine what absurd things she might say, yet she would still put on such an innocent and pure expression, as if she were the one who had been corrupted by evil thoughts. Letting out a breath, Xie Lanzhao said, "The coldest days of winter are over, but the hottest days of summer haven't arrived yet." His Majesty's diligence only began last year.
Zhao Jialing glanced at Xie Lanzhao in surprise and asked, "How did you know?"
[Xie Lanzhao is paying so much attention to me, she probably also wants to see the results of my training, right?]
Xie Lanzhao smiled: "Didn't His Majesty have the eunuchs mention a few things when he served food at the Hall of State Affairs earlier?"
Zhao Jialing sighed, "Only you remember these little details."
Although he longed to chat with Xie Lanzao, he was, after all, a prime minister in charge of all affairs of state, and could not remain in the palace indefinitely. However, Zhao Jialing was easily satisfied, and even after Xie Lanzao left, he still reminisced about the "heart-to-heart" moment.
system:……
Xie Lanzhao's small step is a giant leap for the host's path to madness!
The following events proceeded relatively smoothly, with the imperial examinations, being of paramount importance, drawing the attention of the court officials. The examination halls were estimated to be locked up for a month, with the court allocating substantial funds, including 100,000 coins from the Left Treasury. However, the extended period of confinement presented some unforeseen problems, such as correspondence between examiners and their families. These correspondence, exchanged frequently, could easily contain smuggled items. Who could tell whether it was a personal letter or a simple note? After some discussion, the court officials decided to implement a system of checking all correspondence, with the gatekeepers personally inspecting each letter and prohibiting any tightly wrapped or privately sealed items.
The imperial examination consisted of three sessions, with all unchanged aspects following the old system. As for any changes, the supervising officials followed the regulations, especially prohibiting the unauthorized possession of books. The rhyme books needed by the candidates were distributed by the examiners. After the three sessions of the Jinshi examination, it was time for the examiners in the examination hall to review and evaluate the papers. The papers were first sealed and copied, then reviewed three times, and finally the selected papers were submitted to the Ministry of Personnel for presentation. Because the examination cycle for the imperial examination was also changed, the selection criteria for this examination were slightly relaxed, and fifty-four people were selected.
After the provincial examinations began, the examiners were allowed to go out and meet people, but their hearts were still filled with unease. His Majesty would personally review the papers and, after selecting the candidates, would personally examine and determine their rankings in the Xuanzheng Hall. If His Majesty was dissatisfied after reviewing the papers, then it would be the examiners' fault.
In early February, the Ministry of Rites released the results. Because of the strict copying and prohibition of public recommendations and the circulation of examination papers, the list of successful candidates surprised many candidates. The Imperial Academy was dilapidated, and its students were habitually lazy; while some sought recognition, none possessed the talent to pass the exams. Not a single student from either the Chang'an or Luoyang Imperial Academy passed—who could have imagined the early dynasty's golden age when all the successful candidates came from these two academies?! Moreover, the number of successful candidates this time was double that of previous years; the Imperial Academy had utterly lost face.
But it wasn't just the students of the Imperial Academy who felt ashamed; few of those who had come to Chang'an to mingle with the powerful and wealthy, spending lavishly to gain fame, were on the list. This list from the Ministry of Rites felt like a slap in the face.
Normally, after the results were announced, the newly appointed scholars were all already well-known, and people could already befriend them even before the grand banquets at Qujiang and Cherry Blossom. But now, looking at the list, no one recognized this person, no one recognized that person; they could only determine the gender by the ink-written "male" or "female." Some curious onlookers counted, and more than half were women who had never been known before! A gasp rang out, and the true feeling of the combined "male" and "female" lists finally settled in their minds.
The arrogant and self-important scholar subconsciously felt it was "unfair," but the words stuck in his throat, and before he could utter a single syllable, his anger dissipated. This time, the provincial examinations were all conducted anonymously, and the candidates relied entirely on their genuine talent and learning to succeed.
“In the past, men preferred to visit the powerful and influential and move among the officials. As for women, although the Xuanqi government had established a women's examination system for several years, it was divided into two lists, one for men and one for women. Because of their narrow-mindedness and prejudice, officials mostly did not value the women's list, so their career paths were very limited, and they had no choice but to study diligently. Once the system is changed, the difference will be immediately apparent,” Xue Yuanshuang sighed softly.
"Congratulations, Sister Xue, no matter what." Pei Wuwei was beaming, her eyes full of smiles. Holding a whisk in her hand, she cleared a path for Xue Yuanshuang through the crowded throng.
"It's not over yet," Xue Yuanshuang said.
"Hmm, His Majesty will personally examine the candidates in the Xuanzheng Hall. It should be similar to the special examination, right? There won't be any rejections, will there?" Pei Wuwei frowned slightly. "In the hall, with the Emperor himself present, will he immediately bestow official titles? If so, will Sister Xue still need to register at Mingde Academy?"
Pei Wuwei was impatient to be confined to the residence. She was extremely curious about Mingde Academy, and while Xue Yuanshuang was peacefully studying, she rode out of the city and made several trips towards it. The academy was converted from a Zen temple, but His Majesty certainly spared no expense, using glass windows everywhere. The windows were bright and clean, and the space was open and airy—wasn't that incredibly pleasant?
The palace examination was scheduled for the tenth day of the third month, about a month before the results were announced.
Zhao Jialing initially wanted to hold the palace examination as soon as possible, but the tenth day of the second month was her birthday. Since Emperor Taizong's reign, the birthday of the emperor had been celebrated as a festival, with various names for different occasions. In the early years of her reign, Zhao Jialing issued an edict to the Ministry of Rites, citing the considerable expense, to waive the need for such a celebration, but that was only a relatively economical measure. The emperor was a wise and enlightened ruler; how could his birthday not be celebrated?
Zhao Jialing showed little interest in the courtiers' offerings; what she longed for was the gift from Xie Lanzao. She instructed Yin'e to place Xie Lanzao's gift separately, and only opened the box in her bedchamber after the banquet.
[Could it be another portrait of me? Is she going to use this to fob me off every year?] Zhao Jialing wondered wildly.
[It doesn't seem like it.] The system chimed in, joining in the fun.
Upon opening it, Zhao Jialing's lips twitched, revealing a frustrated expression.
It's even worse than the miniature version.
A handwritten copy of the "Taishang Laojun Shuo Chang Qingjing Jing" (Scripture of Purity and Tranquility Spoken by the Supreme Lord Laozi)!
The characters are beautiful; the flying white strokes are as light as flowing mist and as thick as gathering clouds, but is it appropriate?
Zhao Jialing's long eyelashes drooped down, sweeping over a small dark shadow. She pursed her lips, revealing a frustrated look as if she had been bullied badly.
She muttered angrily to herself, "It's a once-a-year opportunity, and she doesn't even cherish it? Flowers can bloom forever, but I only get to turn twenty once."
This stifling feeling transformed into a melancholy expression of unspoken longing when Xie Lanzhao requested an audience.
After Xie Lanzhao bowed, Zhao Jialing decided not to let her get up and kept watching her.
[Do you think I'm a pushover just because I don't show my power? Xie Lanzhao, I'll show you what true imperial might is.]
Zhao Jialing spoke harshly: "Please take a seat."
Xie Lanzhao raised her eyebrows and smiled. She cupped her hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have something else to offer. Please allow it to enter the palace."
Zhao Jialing's long sighs were so intense they seemed to rip the roof off, but upon hearing Xie Lanzhao's words, his eyes widened. But if she gave in, wouldn't that make her seem easy to talk to? Was she that kind of person? She was going to cause a huge uproar. He gave a heavy snort and said, "Do I need your little things?"
Xie Lanzhao knew that His Majesty did not mean what he said, so she deliberately sighed and said, "It was I who overstepped my bounds. I will now order someone to carry it back."
Zhao Jialing: "!" She blurted out, "Yin'e, have someone carry it in."
[That's outrageous! Is there any reason to take back a gift that's already been given away?]
Xie Lanzhao said, "It is a screen."
Zhao Jialing's alarm bells rang: "Could this be for encouraging students to study?" She didn't want to see any more "virtuous gentlemen."
[Unless it's a self-portrait, I will not forgive you.]
Palace servants carried in a six-panel screen that was set up on the bed. It didn't depict figures or landscapes, but rather various little raccoon dogs under pear trees, beside the Agarwood Pavilion, and by the Taiye Pond.
"You didn't send the Empress Dowager's birthday gifts to me, did you?" Zhao Jialing blurted out.
Xie Lanzhao choked.
Zhao Jialing: "..." She pursed her lips. Given Xie Lanzhao's personality, she wouldn't do such a thing. She stared intently at the screen, even counting the little cat figures on it—exactly twenty in total, collectively titled "Cats Playing in the Sixth Year of Tianfu." Each panel had a painting, each with an accompanying poem. And what it described went far beyond the Tianfu era! It wasn't just about cats; it was about people! Was she afraid she'd find her human paintings perfunctory, so she switched to painting cats?
Zhao Jialing retorted, "I have never climbed a tree, never!"
Xie Lanzhao blinked, feigning surprise: "Why does Your Majesty bring up the matter of climbing trees?"
"Did I say that? I didn't say that." Zhao Jialing's ears burned. She glanced at the palace servants beside her and asked, "Did you hear me?"
Xie Lanzhao smiled calmly as she looked at Zhao Jialing.
Zhao Jialing deflated, finally giving up on intimidating the palace servants and waving them away. She approached Xie Lanzhao, her clear, dark eyes fixed on her. She was satisfied with the gift; anything thoughtful was acceptable. But having gotten such a good deal, she still had to play the innocent, didn't she? She stared at Xie Lanzhao, completely mesmerized, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. She said, "I gave you a pillow, and you gave me a bed screen. Shouldn't that be recorded in my official records?"
Xie Lanzhao: "?"
Wasn't the original intention of using the "slightly sleeping pillow" to give her more energy to handle government affairs and turn her into a tireless "ox or horse"?
If this were done, wouldn't the historians be questioned about their scholarship by later generations?
“We were already quite close, and now our relationship has progressed by leaps and bounds.” Zhao Jialing gazed at the silent Xie Lanzhao, then slowly fell into her arms. “Do you think I’m the cat in your painting?”
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