This was the first imperial examination since the Fourth Prince ascended the throne, and Lanqin wanted to choose a husband for Biechuke during this examination. The Fourth Prince specially summoned the Thirteenth Prince to the palace to discuss this matter.
After listening to Fourth Prince's explanation, Thirteenth Prince secretly admired Lanqin's thoughts: "The Empress Dowager is indeed special. Even her choice of a son-in-law is different from others. Ordinary people would probably choose based on family background, but the Empress Dowager doesn't care about these things at all. She only thinks about Biechuke."
"Yes, Consort Xi always manages to bring me surprises from time to time..." the Fourth Prince said with a smile.
The Thirteenth Prince joked, "No wonder my elder brother has favored my sister-in-law so much all these years, always going along with her. My sister-in-law's clever and shrewd mind is probably exactly what my elder brother wants..."
The Fourth Prince glared at the Thirteenth Prince, who smiled and continued, "Your Majesty, this imperial examination is not only to select a suitable husband for Bechuk, but also the best opportunity for our Qing Dynasty to undergo a blood transfusion. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, although the majority of people in the court are on your side, people's hearts are unpredictable, and it's hard to say what will happen. Moreover, there are also Eighth Prince's old faction among them. Last time, the memorial submitted on behalf of Eighth Prince forced Your Majesty to compromise because Your Majesty did not completely eradicate these disloyal people..."
The Fourth Prince pondered deeply: "Yes, I think about the same thing. I want to use this imperial examination to select some talented people to serve the court and become capable of leading the country independently in the future..."
The Fourth Prince was furious when he thought about the Eighth and Ninth Princes' affairs, and the Thirteenth Prince's words hit the nail on the head.
The Fourth Prince turned to the Thirteenth Prince and instructed him: "I intend to entrust this matter to you. Each stage of the imperial examination, from the provincial examination to the metropolitan examination and the palace examination, is extremely important. Selecting talent is unlike any other matter; it is complex and requires patience. I hope you will oversee the process well for me..."
The Thirteenth Prince clasped his hands and bowed his head, saying loudly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint you."
The Fourth Prince helped the Thirteenth Prince up, smiling trustingly, "Alright, I trust you to handle things..."
The Fourth Prince looked up at the scenery outside the house and said slowly, "The court needs a new generation of people to contribute. One dynasty after another... some people should retire. I need new ideas and new vitality to protect this great Qing dynasty for me."
The Thirteenth Prince walked over and stood beside the Fourth Prince, saying, "Yes, only by constantly injecting new power can we control and restrain those with disloyal intentions. If Your Majesty intends to eliminate the Eighth Prince's faction, starting with the imperial examinations is the most reasonable approach, and no one will have anything to say..."
The Fourth Prince chuckled and patted the Thirteenth Prince on the shoulder, asking, "Thirteenth Prince, you've been with me all this time. Don't you think I'm being a little too hasty?"
Thirteen was taken aback, then replied earnestly, "Your Majesty, I understand your good intentions. They only have themselves to blame for this. Besides, Your Majesty is wholeheartedly thinking of the Qing Dynasty and its people..."
"I attach great importance to this imperial examination. Firstly, it is to select a husband for Biechuke, and secondly, it is to select talents for the court. You're in for a tough time in the days to come..." The Fourth Prince suddenly laughed and said.
The Thirteenth Prince was flattered and said nonchalantly, "Then I can only ask my brother, the Emperor, to bestow upon me many treasures after I have handled this matter well..."
What do you want?
"Not much, not much. Just ask my sister-in-law to prepare some delicious snacks for me to satisfy my cravings..."
"Hahaha... It's a deal..."
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