Chapter 268 Revealing the Truth
The scholar was taken aback, then nodded subconsciously: "That's right..."
"What good would it do you?" Tu Qing asked in a clear voice. "Do you know that before His Majesty reformed the imperial examination system last year, eight or nine out of ten of those who passed the examinations were from aristocratic families? Even if a scholar from a poor family was exceptionally talented, he would have little chance of success! It was His Majesty who overruled public opinion, broke with convention, and reformed the imperial examination system, giving scholars from poor families a fair chance to compete! Without His Majesty, even if you were extremely learned, you would probably still be unable to escape the fate of being forever suppressed by class prejudice, just like us women!"
Upon hearing this, the scholar lowered his head in shame and could no longer speak.
Tu Qing turned to look at everyone in the room, “Everyone, you might as well think about this carefully! Last year, the Hexi Circuit was ravaged by floods, and it was His Majesty who personally went to the disaster area to repair the water conservancy and solve the century-old flood problem; this year, the Hebei Circuit experienced a popular uprising, and it was His Majesty who planned and strategized to turn the tide. Not to mention the tax reductions, the exemption of harsh labor, and the encouragement of agriculture and sericulture... every single one of these measures was for the sake of the people.”
"Without His Majesty, would all of you be able to sit here peacefully and discuss right and wrong?"
His words carried weight and silence.
Liu Jinzhang gazed at the sharp-tongued woman, his admiration growing stronger.
This woman was not only exceptionally courageous, but also had a keen eye for human nature.
His words just now cleverly elevated a narrow-minded dispute between men and women to a matter of life and death concerning all interests.
This should make everyone realize that, regardless of gender, without a wise ruler in power, everyone will become a drifting duckweed in a chaotic world.
Such insightful observations truly make one a rare pillar of society.
He sincerely praised, "Well said."
"Gentlemen, please hear me out. I served as the Emperor's tutor for six years and know firsthand that His Majesty is diligent in governing and loves his people, a virtue unmatched by anyone. This truly fulfills the prophecy of 'Heaven's Mandate has been bestowed upon us, and the Empress will restore the dynasty!'"
He paused, then raised his voice, "Now that treacherous officials are in power, the foundation of the nation is shaken, and the country is in grave danger, how can we, as citizens of the Great Qi, sit idly by and watch the rebels wreak havoc on the court and steal our Great Qi's land? As long as we work together, we will surely be able to quell the rebellion as soon as possible and restore a bright and clear world to the Great Qi!"
"Grand Tutor is right!" Tu Qing shouted first, raising his arm. "We are willing to follow Grand Tutor to cleanse the court of corrupt officials and quell the rebellion!"
Immediately, everyone stood up in response.
Just then, a sudden commotion broke out outside the door, with shouts and footsteps shattering the lively atmosphere of the hotel.
The shopkeeper's heart tightened, and he quickly went out to check.
The streets, which were originally under martial law, were now teeming with people heading towards the palace, and even the patrolling imperial guards had vanished.
"Isn't there martial law? Where are you all going?" The shopkeeper grabbed a passing boy and asked anxiously.
The boy, panting, spoke rapidly: "I heard that Imperial Uncle Shen is going to publicly reveal the new emperor's false identity at Longwu Gate today, and also formally recognize the new prince! The whole city has gone to watch the spectacle, and even the Imperial Guards have all been deployed to Longwu Gate for security. You'd better hurry, or there won't even be a place to stand!"
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper turned to look at Liu Jinzhang.
Liu Jinzhang made a quick decision, "Let's go too!"
When they arrived at Longwu Gate, it was already packed with people.
The area was already packed with a dense crowd, with almost half of the capital's population gathered there, craning their necks to look up at the city gate tower.
Above the Dragon Martial Gate, Shen Guojiu, dressed in a purple official robe, stood in the very center.
Sitting next to him was Chen Yanqing.
Although he was dressed in bright yellow princely robes, his face was very pale.
He was so weak that he could only maintain a proper sitting posture by being supported by the guards on both sides.
Zheng Wenkai and Liang Cheng stood side by side behind the two men, one with a calm expression and the other scanning the crowd below with a wary look.
Meanwhile, Shen Churong, with the Imperial Guards on high alert, stood downstairs, his eyes fixed on the city tower with a complex mix of emotions.
For Shen Churong, her current situation was like being slowly tortured to death.
Not only are Li Yuanzhao and his father's lives in the hands of these people, but now his father is about to publicly reveal the so-called "truth."
He simply couldn't believe it.
Just half a month ago, his father earnestly instructed him to protect His Majesty. How could he possibly betray His Highness?
Despite his burning anger, he could only remain silent for the time being and watch helplessly as this farce unfolded.
Once everyone had arrived, Zheng Wenkai stepped forward, cleared his throat, and announced loudly, "Fellow citizens of Great Qi, I believe you have all seen the edict issued recently! The usurper Li Yuanzhao harbors wolfish ambitions, plots rebellion, murders his father and teacher—his crimes are too numerous to count! Fortunately, the loyal officials of the court and thousands of righteous warriors of the Longwu Army rescued and protected the emperor, thus preventing our Great Qi from falling into the hands of traitors!"
He paused, then raised his hand to signal Shen Xu: "I suppose you all still have doubts about Li Yuanzhao and the new prince's identities. Today, I will have Empress Shen's younger brother, the new prince's maternal uncle, the Imperial Uncle Shen, explain the truth to you!"
In Zheng Wenkai's view, once this move was made, the overall situation was already decided.
Shen Churong and Li Yuanzhao have always been at odds and had many conflicts in the past. The reason why Li Yuanzhao is willing to serve her recently is only because Li Yuanzhao is using the name of Empress Shen's daughter and is siding with her for the benefit of the Shen family.
Now that Shen Xu has personally declared that Li Yuanzhao's identity is fake, Shen Churong will have no reason to follow Li Yuanzhao and will naturally switch sides to their side.
Shen Xu's life is still in his hands.
Moreover, he believed he had already given the Shen family enough face by marrying the third princess to him!
This is not just about winning them over, but also about firmly binding the four families of "Li-Zheng-Shen-Liang" into an alliance of interests.
For these men, marriage was never about romantic love, but rather the most convenient and quickest way to consolidate their power.
Therefore, he was certain that Shen Churong would not refuse.
After all, who would turn down the temptation of becoming the emperor's son-in-law and the future emperor's biological father?
As long as Shen Churong submits today, the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne tomorrow will be a sure thing.
By then, without the support of the Shen family's military power, Li Yuanzhao would be unable to cause any trouble.
Naturally, there's no need to keep it.
When Shen Churong saw his father step forward, his heart jumped into his throat.
Honestly, he didn't care about kinship or family interests at all; the only person he cared about was Li Yuanzhao.
But if his father were to betray His Majesty in public, he really didn't know what to do.
Should he prioritize his father's life, or remain loyal to His Highness?
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