Qian Qianyi, with a grim expression, recounted the story again.
After listening, Qin Yu lowered his head and fell into deep thought.
Seeing his serious and thoughtful expression, Sima Lie and several ministers couldn't help but secretly despise him.
With a brain that only thinks about women, who would bother to consult him about the palace examination if it weren't for the need to go through the proper procedures?
"Your Majesty, this palace examination is quite a laborious and time-consuming affair. Why don't we have the Imperial Academy set the questions? You would only need to preside over the proceedings."
Sima Lie stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said.
The others also bowed in greeting.
"We are willing to share Your Majesty's burdens."
Seeing how enthusiastic these people from the Imperial Academy were, Qin Yu couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
Doesn't he know what these people are up to?
It seems that after he ruined the provincial examination, the old scoundrel Sima has set his sights on the palace examination.
If he agrees today, then this imperial examination will be Sima Lie's domain.
Therefore, he absolutely could not hand over the power to set the questions for the palace examination to these people.
"Prime Minister, can I set the questions for the palace examination at will?"
Qin Yu looked at Sima Lie and asked.
Although Sima Lie was puzzled as to why Qin Yu would ask such a question, he immediately replied:
“Indeed, Your Majesty. This palace examination is the test for the emperor to examine the newly appointed scholars. Your Majesty is free to set the questions. However, the palace examination is an important part of selecting new officials for the country. Only if the questions are set by the Imperial Academy can we ensure that the selected talents are useful to Your Majesty.”
Upon hearing Sima Lie's words, Qin Yu couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
If the Imperial Academy sets the exam questions, those selected will likely all be Sima Lie's men.
But since Sima Lie has said that he can set the questions freely, why should he waste his breath talking to them?
"Haha, very well, then I will personally set the questions for this palace examination, you don't need to worry about it."
Qin Yu laughed heartily and then waved his hand.
Upon hearing this, everyone present looked astonished.
This tyrannical ruler wants to set the questions himself!
Does he have that ability? Has he even read half a sentence from the classics of history, philosophy, and literature?
Sima Lie's face darkened even more.
"Your Majesty, matters of state are not to be taken lightly!"
Sima Lie stepped forward and said rather rudely.
He dismissed Qin Yu's self-imposed questions as child's play, showing that he completely disregarded Qin Yu.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The palace examination is of utmost importance. If the questions are not set rigorously, only mediocre talents will be selected."
"Your Majesty, please rescind your order and have the Imperial Academy set the exam questions."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
With Sima Lie setting an example, the others also stepped forward to offer their advice.
Snap!
Qin Yu slammed his hand on the imperial desk and stood up abruptly.
"Do you still respect me as the Emperor? It's just a question; am I really inferior to you?"
Qin Yu snorted coldly, looking very unconvinced.
Upon hearing this, a group of scholars from the Imperial Academy almost burst out laughing.
In terms of status, they were naturally no match for Qin Yu.
But in terms of knowledge, Qin Yu wouldn't even be good enough to carry their shoes.
However, no one dared to say this at the time.
As you can see, Qian Qianyi just lost 100,000 taels of silver for nothing just because he said one more word.
For a moment, everyone looked at Sima Lie.
Sima Lie was very dissatisfied at this moment.
This tyrannical ruler is becoming increasingly disobedient.
But this is a crucial moment in their plan, and he doesn't want anything to go wrong.
Forcibly suppressing his dissatisfaction, Sima Lie stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, your time is so precious, how can you waste it on such a trivial matter as setting questions for the palace examination? I heard that Eunuch An has recently gathered quite a few beauties for you at Qingyun Temple. If you focus your energy on the palace examination, how will you have time to see beauties?"
Sima Lie began to "admonish" him in a sincere tone.
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but secretly admire Prime Minister Sima's quick thinking.
This foolish emperor's mind is full of women; at this time, the most effective way to persuade him is to do the opposite.
However, Qin Yu smiled confidently.
"Prime Minister, there is no need to worry. I have already prepared the examination questions. All we need to do now is wait for the palace examination to begin."
Upon hearing this, everyone present looked astonished.
What!
Has this tyrannical ruler already decided on a topic?
Even Sima Lie was stunned.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, what kind of test questions are you planning to set?"
Sima Lie frowned and asked.
Others were also very curious.
This foolish emperor doesn't even read books; what kind of exam questions could he possibly come up with?
"That's a secret."
Qin Yu smiled, not intending to say it immediately.
Sima Lie's brows were now furrowed into a deep frown.
He quickly tried to persuade Qin Yu to give up setting questions.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Examination is no small matter; you should..."
However, before he could finish speaking, Qin Yu interrupted him in a calm voice, "Prime Minister, you have always supported me in everything I have done in the past."
Upon hearing Qin Yu's words, Sima Lie's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
In the past, in order to gain the complete trust of the tyrannical emperor, he not only went to great lengths to please him, but also wholeheartedly supported all of the emperor's actions.
But times have changed.
However, Sima Lie thought that this was a crucial moment for the mobilization of the Youzhou army. If he displeased the tyrannical emperor and something happened, it would truly be a case of losing more than he gained.
Thinking of this, Sima Lie suppressed what he was about to say.
He decided to tolerate the tyrannical emperor one more time.
"Since Your Majesty has made up your mind, then I will say no more."
Sima Lie retreated.
"Master Prime Minister!"
The others' expressions changed, and they quickly looked at Sima Lie.
Sima Lie raised his hand, interrupting the group.
Just then, Anfu walked in.
"Your Majesty, the Empress has sent a message requesting your presence."
Upon hearing Anfu's words, Qin Yu immediately stood up impatiently.
"The Empress is looking for me? Very well, I'll be right there!"
As Qin Yu spoke, she ran towards the door.
Just as she reached the door, Qin Yu seemed to remember something and cautiously turned back to look at Sima Lie.
"Prime Minister, are you alright now?"
"Nothing more, Your Majesty, please proceed." Sima Lie replied calmly.
Hearing him say that, Qin Yu finally relaxed.
"Hahaha, good, Your Majesty, I'm here!"
With that, Qin Yu led his men and ran off in a flash.
Seeing Qin Yu's eager expression, everyone present was seething with hatred.
This tyrant will die from a woman sooner or later.
"Prime Minister, if we just let this foolish emperor run wild like this, who knows what bizarre questions he'll come up with?"
Seeing Qin Yu leave, several people from the Imperial Academy stepped forward and asked Sima Lie questions.
The provincial examination has already eliminated a large number of their people; if they still can't get a foothold in the palace examination, it will be a huge disadvantage for them.
Sima Lie snorted coldly.
"Let him set the questions if he wants. How are the top three scorers in the provincial examination that I asked you to befriend?"
Unable to obtain the right to set the exam questions, Sima Lie could only resort to manipulating people.
His target was the person who got into the top three with his flattering article.
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