Chapter 164: Jincheng Academy, open and covert struggles
There were quite a few people in the front hall, most of whom were civil servants. They all came to see Xiao Qinggu's assessment results, and eight out of ten of them were Bailipu's former students.
Bailipu didn't act out of concern for Xiao Qinggu's assessment, but those students would not remain silent and hide in their shells.
Tang Yue from the Hanlin Academy stood up, first bowed to Emperor Chengming, and then looked at Xiao Tong.
"Today is the day of Her Royal Highness's assessment. On such an important day, why is Her Royal Highness so aggressive?"
"Hey?" Xiao Tong seemed unaware of what was wrong with what she had just said. "Was I being aggressive?"
She tilted her head. "I have always thought that Imperial Censor Baili harbored a grudge against me. Could it be that I was wrong?"
Xiao Qingxu paused while drinking tea, and Shang Yuwan understood what he meant.
"Baili Yushi~"
Xiao Tong's eyebrows were curved, and the jewelry on her head sparkled brightly in the sunlight.
"Did I push you too hard?"
The corner of Baili Pu's mouth twitched, and he was about to speak when Shang Yuwan stepped forward first.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say."
Emperor Chengming's gaze fell openly on Shang Yuwan.
"But it's okay."
Shang Yuwan bowed to Bailipu and Xiao Tong, then slowly raised his head and looked at Xiao Tong.
"I have heard a little about the affairs between Censor Baili and Her Royal Highness the Princess. I would like to ask you, Censor Baili and Her Royal Highness the Princess, if you will allow me to ask you a question. You have secretly become enemies and even brought this to the attention of His Majesty—"
Xiao Tong's eyes were filled with laughter, but a ruthless aura was hidden in them. Their gazes were like a wolf and a tiger, biting each other invisibly for several rounds.
Shang Yuwan lowered her eyelids slightly to hide the expression in her eyes and suppressed the corners of her lips that were almost raised.
"Could it be related to the girls' school in Jincheng?"
Shang Yuwan's question was particularly sharp. He only mentioned Jincheng but did not mention the girls' school set up in Kyoto. He pointed the knife of the topic directly at Xiao Tong's throat. At the same time, he pushed Baili Pu Ming to the opposite side of Xiao Tong under the nose of Emperor Chengming.
Xiao Qingxu's eyes were calm as he lowered his eyes to stare at the tea in the teacup, as if what happened in the outside world had nothing to do with him.
Although Ji Suxian heard something wrong, she didn't want to disrupt Shang Yuwan and Xiao Qingxu's plans, so she remained silent and pondered the deeper meaning of Shang Yuwan's words.
The trace of astonishment in Bailipu's eyes disappeared in an instant.
This woman was incredibly courageous, daring to speak so wildly before His Majesty. With just a few words, she revealed his...scheming and cunning mind to be truly unfathomable!
Emperor Chengming did not show any admiration this time. When he heard Shang Yuwan specifically mention the girls' school in Jincheng, he suddenly felt a chill on his back for some reason.
Based on his understanding of this seventh sister, even if Xiao Tong's character has changed a little, she would not be so crazy as to use those commoner girls as stepping stones to seize the throne. After all, she was deeply influenced by Empress Langjiang, and her desire to seize the throne was to allow women in Dayu to obtain the same power and status as men, in an attempt to change the situation of women.
Xiao Tong's original intentions were not bad, but her flaw was her eagerness for quick success and instant gratification, rather than her understanding of gradual progress. Why did she choose to form an alliance with Empress Langjiang when she could have chosen anyone else? Such an act, in the eyes of Emperor Chengming, was tantamount to treason. Otherwise, when she had proposed establishing a girls' school for the daughters of ordinary people, Emperor Chengming would not have allowed her to bear all the pressure alone, nor would he have restricted Xiao Tong in every way regarding the establishment of the school.
However, it was not long after she returned that Xiao Tong opened a girls' school despite being impeached by all the civil officials.
Emperor Chengming frowned slightly.
But now Shang Yuwan only mentioned Jincheng. This kid wouldn't say any nonsense in front of so many people. Could it be...
When she came back, had Seventh Sister already changed?
Xiao Tong was silent for a moment, then covered his mouth and giggled.
She laughed so hard that her body shook, and the tassels of her hairpin began to swing.
Xiao Qingxu glanced at him casually, and Xiao Tong immediately caught his gaze.
"Xu'er, you, you..." Xiao Tong seemed to be at a loss for words to describe it. He paused and said, "You, no, how could you, a strategist, be so bold? Did you teach him?"
Xiao Qingxu chuckled and responded: "Aunt is joking."
If word gets out that he is not strict in governing, Xiao Qingxu will be able to bear the reputation, whether good or bad.
Xiao Tong stared at Shang Yuwan with interest.
"Xu'er, you are an interesting strategist. Can you lend me your aunt for two days?"
Xiao Qingxu still chuckled, "Aunt, you're joking."
"Oh, don't be so stingy. It's just one person. I'll return it to you in two days."
As soon as the last word fell, Xiao Tong changed the subject, "You're so nervous, is it because she is Shang Yuwan?"
Everyone's heart skipped a beat.
Is it still late?
Which Shang Yuwan is the eldest princess talking about?
Emperor Chengming's face darkened a little, "Seventh sister, don't make trouble."
He could use his achievements to suppress the outside world's doubts about Shang Yuwan, but if he was exposed now, it would not be long before thousands of mouths would spit at him, and no matter how hard he tried to suppress it, he would not be able to withstand the influence of public opinion.
Xiao Qingxu chuckled and said nothing.
"Royal brother, you have agreed to the topic I proposed, and Gu'er has almost finished writing it. What is there to hide here?" Xiao Tong smiled.
Emperor Chengming's brows darkened slightly, and Xiao Qingxu and Shang Yuwan also remained silent.
If they spoke at this time, it would mean they were guilty of something. The louder they spoke, the more suspicious they would become.
"It is an indisputable fact that the Shang family is collaborating with the enemy and treasonous to the country. This is something known to the whole world. Xu'er, don't blame your aunt for nagging you. If you want to find a replacement, you should hide it well. Why do you let her show up everywhere? Aren't you afraid..."
Shang Yuwan was about to speak, but Bailipu showed anger and moved behind her to block her.
"Your Highness, please be careful with your words!"
The Shang family has been loyal to the emperor and protected the country for more than two hundred years. Even if Bailipu does not approve of Shang Yuwan's support for Xiao Qinggu to be crowned king and participate in politics, he will never allow anyone to slander the Shang family in front of him!
These children are all good kids, they will definitely find evidence that the Shang family did not commit treason!
"...Be careful with your words?"
Xiao Tong's smile faded.
"You want me to be careful with my words?! Do you think I'm a pushover?"
Xiao Tong suddenly flew into a rage. "Then, please tell me, Imperial Censor Baili, what's wrong with me opening a girls' school for those children?"
If it weren't for the secret obstruction from the Censorate, her girls' schools would have been opened all over Dayu!
"Women take care of the home, and men take care of the outside world. This is a rule passed down from ancient times. If all the women in the world go into business and politics, who will take care of the family?"
Bai Li Pu didn't think there was anything wrong with him at all. "Aren't there enough precedents of evil women in previous dynasties who brought disaster to the country and the people? That would shake the foundation of Dayu!"
Shang Yuwan and Xiao Qingxu's expressions remained unchanged, but their breathing stopped at the same time.
Xiao Tong's face was still full of anger, but there was a hint of smile in the corner of his eyes.
Yes, that’s why Gu’er shouldn’t have passed the test to become king!
Although she disagreed with Bailipu and other people from the Censorate over the girls' school incident, it did not prevent her from using Bailipu to create a rift between him and Xiao Qinggu.
Xiao Tong hadn't forgotten Shang Yuwan's existence. The first female student that stubborn old man accepted was Shang Yuwan's mother. Could Bailipu really maintain his integrity when facing the daughter of his only female disciple? Everyone has selfish motives!
"Hmph, I won't bother with you!" Xiao Tong turned to Emperor Chengming, "Brother, let's not talk about the girls' school for now. How about my proposal?"
Looking at her smiling face, Emperor Chengming's eyes were cold and the aura around him became more and more terrifying.
Xiao Tong noticed something was wrong, his face changed, and he immediately knelt down.
"It is my fault for being disrespectful in front of the emperor. I hope my royal brother will not be angry or upset."
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