The gilded dragon candlesticks in the imperial study were half-burned, with wax dripping down like a small mountain.
Lu Nancheng rubbed his temples and put down his vermilion brush. The memorials on his desk were now divided into two distinct stacks.
On the left is the neat and elegant official script of the newly rich from humble backgrounds, while on the right is the arrogant and unrestrained cursive script of the powerful families.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has submitted the examination questions for this year's imperial examination..." Ning Daban held the lacquer tray, seemingly wanting to speak but then stopping himself.
"Leave it there." Lu Nancheng's gaze swept across the dark sky outside the window.
Since the implementation of the new policies, such tense political situations have occurred frequently.
The old aristocracy was used to monopolizing the court for generations, but Emperor Lu Nancheng was determined to reform. He not only made extensive use of scholars from poor families, but also recently recalled officials from poor families with outstanding political achievements from various places, intending to entrust them with important responsibilities.
This move thoroughly enraged the powerful families.
"His Majesty is trying to sever our lineage!"
"If that's the case, don't blame us for cutting off their supply lines!"
Currently, in the imperial court, the old and new factions are locked in a fierce struggle.
Officials from prominent families jointly submitted a letter criticizing students from humble backgrounds for being "inexperienced and unfit for important tasks," and some even mocked officials from poor families in court for being "uncouth."
Officials from humble backgrounds countered sharply, exposing the crimes of powerful families in corruption, land annexation, and oppression of the people. The two sides treated their daily court sessions like battlefields, engaging in heated debates and refusing to yield an inch.
The day before yesterday, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel banged his head against a pillar in court; yesterday, the Minister of Revenue claimed illness and did not attend court; and this morning, twelve memorials impeaching officials from humble backgrounds were submitted at the same time.
Click—
The wolf-hair brush broke in two between the emperor's fingers.
Ink splattered on the latest joint memorial, staining the five characters "ancestral rules cannot be violated" as ferocious as blood.
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The powerful families secretly conspired to manipulate this year's imperial examinations—they wanted to completely destroy the emperor's trust in those from humble backgrounds!
At this very moment, Prince Rong, Lu Mingxiu, secretly visited Zhou Yun'an.
Inside the waterside pavilion, Zhou Yun'an was placing a black piece on the star position.
On the opposite side of the chessboard, Prince Rong twirled the white jade chess piece between his fingers three times, then suddenly chuckled: "Sir, your wisdom is unparalleled. Do you have any good strategies to lend us a hand?"
Gone are the cold words of that day; today, Prince Rong's smile is full of meaning.
Zhou Yun'an lowered his eyes and drank his tea, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
—This is the day he's been waiting for!
Zhou Yun'an smiled slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"I am in the same boat as Your Highness, and I am naturally willing to lend you a helping hand."
He lightly waved his folding fan and said, "Your Highness, the struggle between the old and new factions in the court is fierce. Since the noble families want to make a fuss about the imperial examination, why don't we give them a hand and let this fire burn even brighter?"
Prince Rong raised an eyebrow, showing some interest: "Oh? What's your plan?"
"In this imperial examination, many scholars from poor families cheated in the examination hall and were caught red-handed by the invigilators. When the evidence is conclusive, the scandal of the poor scholars cheating will spread throughout the court and the country. Even if the emperor wants to protect them, it will be difficult to silence the public."
Prince Rong pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "This plan is excellent. However, how can we ensure that it won't be exposed?"
"Your Highness, rest assured, I have already selected several greedy scholars from humble backgrounds. As long as we offer them substantial rewards, they will cooperate. As for evidence, I will arrange for someone to slip prepared cheat sheets into their exam baskets. There is only one thing that Your Highness will need to use some connections to ensure that this matter is 'coincidentally' discovered by the spies of the old nobility. In this way, the guilty will be caught red-handed, and they will have no way to defend themselves."
"Good! Let the world see that the so-called talent of those from humble backgrounds is nothing more than this."
Moreover, the noble families will surely make a big fuss about this matter and force the emperor to cancel the decree allowing commoners to enter officialdom.
At that time, having lost the support of both the old aristocracy and the poor scholars, Lu Nancheng will inevitably find himself isolated and helpless!
Prince Rong clapped his hands and laughed: "Brilliant plan! If this succeeds, we can frame the old nobles in the capital. My good nephew will not only anger the aristocratic families, but he will also be utterly disappointed in the commoners, and the new policies will completely fail! At that time, we will be the ones calling the shots in the court!"
Zhou Yun'an nodded in agreement, his eyes lowered to conceal the sarcasm in them.
—That idiot.
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