When Sima Lie asked about this matter, the men's expressions turned somewhat grim.
"Ever since these three passed the imperial examination, they have been indulging in debauchery every day. They either stay in brothels or are so drunk that they can't be found. We have no chance to befriend them."
Seeing their embarrassed expressions, Sima Lie snorted coldly.
"A bunch of idiots, you can't even handle such a small thing. They go to brothels to indulge in debauchery, why don't you go with them?"
When Sima Lie got angry, the group immediately cowered like quails, shrinking back and not daring to utter a word.
Seeing this, Sima Lie was too lazy to pay them any more attention and turned to leave with a flick of his sleeve.
These are turbulent times, and he needs to discuss them with Qiu Beiming.
Not long after, Sima Lie returned to the Prime Minister's residence.
"Your Excellency, have you secured the authority to set the questions for the palace examination?"
Upon learning of Sima Lie's return, Qiu Beiming hurriedly came to pay his respects.
Sima Lie shook his head.
"That tyrannical emperor, for some unknown reason, actually wanted to set the questions himself."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Beiming immediately frowned.
"Why would this tyrannical emperor suddenly think of setting the exam questions himself? Could it be that he wants to seize control of the imperial examination system?"
Upon hearing Qiu Beiming's analysis, Sima Lie frowned.
Has that foolish emperor finally seen the light?
"Prime Minister, do you know what kind of question the tyrant will ask?"
Seeing that Sima Lie was deep in thought, Qiu Beiming asked again.
"The tyrannical emperor didn't say it, but he said he had already thought of the test questions."
Sima Lie let out a long breath.
For some reason, he always felt that something was gradually getting out of his control.
After pondering for a moment, Qiu Beiming said, "In my opinion, there may be two reasons why this tyrant wants to seize the right to set the questions."
"What's possible?" Sima Lie asked immediately.
"The first possibility is that the tyrannical emperor has a wise advisor behind him. This palace examination is an opportunity to select talents. If the tyrannical emperor sets good questions, he can take the opportunity to win over the hearts of the scholars. Once there are more officials whose interests are not aligned with ours, the tyrannical emperor will have the opportunity to balance the court and regain control of the government."
Upon hearing Qiu Beiming's analysis, Sima Lie felt a surge of murderous intent.
If that's the case, then he really might be tempted to take action.
But the thought of the Zhao family made Sima Lie suppress his idea of storming the palace right now.
"What kind of expert could possibly guide this tyrannical ruler?"
Sima Lie then asked a question that concerned him most.
Over the years, Qin Yu has become increasingly incompetent and muddleheaded. Those loyal ministers who were once his pillars of support have either been imprisoned or have left the court in despair.
In this situation, who would still be loyal to such a fool?
"Prime Minister, have you forgotten our Duke of the State who is in the southwest providing disaster relief?"
Qiu Beiming gently tapped the table and said a name that Sima Lie hadn't heard in a long time.
"Zhang Tang!"
Sima Lie's voice was cold.
Indeed, if there is anyone who can loyally assist Qin Yu now, then Zhang Tang is undoubtedly the best candidate.
However, this was only a suspicion, so Sima Lie quickly asked again.
"Mr. Qiu, what is the second possibility you mentioned?"
"The second possibility is simple: this foolish emperor is ambitious and wants to show off his civil administration by setting questions for the palace examination. In that case, he will probably make a fool of himself. If that's the case, then let's just let him be, because it's actually a good thing for us."
Qiu Beiming's face was full of cold smiles.
Upon hearing this, Sima Lie nodded.
If Qin Yu hadn't received guidance from a highly skilled person, the questions he set would have been a complete joke.
Even if some of the newly appointed scholars truly wanted to serve him, they would inevitably become completely disheartened because of this.
At this moment, Qiu Beiming spoke up again, suggesting:
"Prime Minister, why don't you send Consort Jing to investigate?"
However, Sima Lie frowned slightly upon hearing this.
He is now dissatisfied with Sima Jing.
Since Sima Jing was found after her disappearance, she has never left the palace, and Sima Lie always felt that something was wrong.
After thinking for a moment, he shook his head.
"Now that Sima Jing is no longer a virgin, the Soul-Capturing Powder has lost its effect. In my opinion, let Ruyan handle this matter and let her use the Soul-Capturing Powder to find out the exam questions."
Qiu Beiming was somewhat taken aback upon hearing Sima Lie's words.
Is the Prime Minister now trying to sideline Sima Jing?
But he dared not disobey Sima Lie.
"Okay, I'll make the arrangements right away."
Qiu Beiming nodded.
But before he could leave, a series of hurried footsteps came from the doorway.
"Your Excellency, Your Excellency, something terrible has happened!"
The visitor was Ma Shangtao, who hurriedly said this as soon as he entered the room.
"What happened?"
Sima Lie frowned.
Ma Shangtao took a breath before speaking, "Your Excellency, an assassination attempt occurred at Chunmanlou last night. The victim was An Yuntai, the commander of the West City Camp."
"What?!"
Sima Lie suddenly stood up.
An Yuntai was a trusted confidant whom he had specially left in the capital, and the soldiers of the Western City Camp under An Yuntai's control were also one of the keys to his control over the capital.
"Who killed Commander An?"
Qiu Beiming quickly asked from the side.
Ma Shangtao shook his head.
"After Commander An was assassinated yesterday, his men and the city patrol officers spent the entire night searching for the murderer, but they have not yet caught her. However, judging from her figure, the assassin should be a woman. In addition, the reason why Commander An went to Chunmanlou last night was because he was invited by a squad leader of the city patrol officers. That person arranged for Xianglan, the most beautiful courtesan of Chunmanlou, to serve Commander An, but after Commander An went upstairs with Xianglan, he was assassinated."
After hearing Ma Shangtao's words, Sima Lie and Qiu Beiming immediately realized that the assassin was definitely related to the sergeant and the courtesan Xianglan.
"Have those two been brought under control?"
Sima Lie quickly asked.
Ma Shangtao shook his head.
"By the time the people in the West City camp reacted last night, the two men had already disappeared."
Upon hearing this, Sima Lie flew into a rage.
"Idiots, a bunch of idiots, can't you even understand something this simple?"
Sima Lie smashed the vase next to him on the ground, scattering shards everywhere.
Ma Shangtao's forehead was immediately covered in cold sweat.
"Your Excellency, the Western City Camp is of utmost importance. We must immediately appoint someone to take over the command position, otherwise, if the tyrannical emperor finds out, he will inevitably place troublesome people in it."
Although Qiu Beiming cursed these people as idiots in his heart, he still hurriedly spoke to Sima Lie.
Sima Lie nodded.
Of course he knew that.
Most of the generals who had submitted to him had already been sent to Youzhou, and most of those in the capital now held important positions. For the time being, he really couldn't think of anyone to assign to.
Just then, Sima Lie seemed to remember something and hurriedly called the steward in.
"Go and inform Zhu Fei to come to the Prime Minister's residence for a meeting."
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