Hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

This shouldn't have happened.

However, the matter of a few scholars could be brought to the palace directly, which was not decent at all. If it were a normal time, let alone whether these scholars could gather together, even if they came all the way to Huajing and gathered together, they would be dismissed at the palace gate without waiting for them to kneel, not to mention being reported to the palace along the way.

This was done deliberately by someone, and everyone knew that the person who could pass on this kind of news must not be an ordinary person. The court officials couldn't help but wonder who planned and did this.

The court officials knew all the twists and turns of the government, but Li Ming was not necessarily unaware of them. When a person has been coaxed by everyone from top to bottom for decades, it is difficult for him to understand such small details.

Everyone saw Li Ming frowning, and he seemed to think that something serious had happened, so they immediately said, "What's going on? Go and find out!"

"I have asked clearly," the messenger panted, "these scholars said that they were originally tribute students who passed the provincial examinations. According to the rules, they should come to Huajing to participate in the Spring Examination, but in the end, someone took away their places, so they came to Huajing to present this matter to the emperor. They are now kneeling outside, begging Your Majesty to let someone see them and give an explanation. Your Majesty, the palace gates are now tightly surrounded by the people, waiting for Your Majesty's decision."

Hearing this, Li Ming fell silent.

These scholars were also smart. Once they entered the palace, it was the court's business, and how to deal with it would depend on the court's opinion. They knelt outside the door and asked for an explanation, and that was the result given by all the people.

The most important thing is that once they enter the palace, there may not be anyone to take their case in the end, and they may just randomly assign someone to deal with it hastily. But now they are asking someone to come out, so that if there are any problems in the future, they can keep an eye on this person in charge.

I don't know who came up with this idea for them, but it is a solution.

"How many of them are there?"

Li Ming paused for a moment, tapping the table, as if thinking. The messenger evened out his tone and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, there are nearly a hundred people."

There are hundreds of people involved from all over the country. This case involves more than just a few small families.

The most difficult thing about government orders is not in Huajing, but in these small clans. Li Rong can handle the cases of high-ranking officials and big clans smoothly in Huajing, but she is not sure that she can handle small local cases involving so many people.

Li Ming remained silent for a long time. Then he raised his head and looked at Li Chuan.

Li Chuan waited for a long time. When he noticed Li Ming looking up at him, he slowly raised his head.

In theory, there is no one more suitable than the Crown Prince Li Chuan for such a case. But if Li Chuan takes this case, he will either lose the support of the people or the support of the aristocratic family.

For so many people to be able to take over the position, there must be a complete chain, from the local to the imperial court. Many people must have been offended, and even if they were offended, there is no guarantee that the case could be handled well.

If the case was not handled well, Li Ming would have a reason to punish him.

This case was like a sharp knife that could not have been more stabbed into Li Chuan's body.

Li Rong couldn't help but look at Su Rongqing, who was standing aside with his head down, as if everything had nothing to do with him.

Until this moment she finally confirmed that Su Rongqing's target was really Li Chuan.

In this way, the reason why Su Rongqing initially wanted to join Li Chuan becomes very interesting.

If Su Rongqing had been reborn when they first met, then he must have known that in the future Li Chuan would be pushed into a desperate situation step by step by Li Ming until he was finally killed.

In fact, he didn't need to do anything. As long as he stopped Pei Wenxuan from lobbying the aristocratic families at the last moment, Li Chuan would be dead.

Knowing all this, he still joined Li Chuan with the purpose of overthrowing Li Chuan. There was only one possibility: he was lurking beside Li Chuan and would give him the final blow at the last moment.

If she and Pei Wenxuan had not been reborn, Su Rongqing's plan would indeed be good.

It was only because she and Pei Wenxuan came back that Su Rongqing reacted so strongly when she set up the Inspection Department.

Because she disrupted Su Rongqing's plan, she had real power, and Su Rongqing knew that she would never betray Li Chuan, so his plan of waiting for Li Chuan's death had to be changed.

So he tried his best to prevent the establishment of the Inspection Department and the rise of Pei Wenxuan, because he knew clearly that the power of Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong would eventually be transferred to Li Chuan.

Li Rong's gaze rested on Su Rongqing, and she quietly pondered what Su Rongqing had done.

After a brief stalemate in front of Li Chuan, Li Ming slowly said, "Chuan'er, this matter involves all the prefectures and counties, and it is also a matter of selecting talents for Daxia. You are the crown prince, why don't you be in charge?"

Li Chuan did not say anything after hearing this. He hesitated for a moment, and Shangguan Xu stepped out and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, this matter involves the imperial examination, and it should be handled by the chief who manages the imperial examination, or by the Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple and other government offices in charge of the law. The Crown Prince is the national treasurer, and he is busy with his own affairs. I am afraid that he is unable to handle such a complicated civil case. I hope Your Majesty will think twice."

Shangguan Xu said, turning to look at the Minister of Personnel Wang Houwen: "Minister Wang, I heard that you want to apply to be the chief examiner this time. Why not let the Ministry of Justice assist you in handling the case?"

When Wang Houwen heard this, he stepped forward and said anxiously, "Your Majesty, I am old and weak. I did ask to be the chief examiner some time ago, but I have been feeling weak recently. Now that the chief examiner has not been decided, I hope Your Majesty will choose another one."

Wang Houwen took three breaths for each sentence, along with his chubby body and flying white beard. Li Rong felt chest tightness and shortness of breath when she heard it.

Li Rong guessed that Li Ming probably didn't want Wang Houwen to take on this case either.

In Li Ming's mind, finding a few replacements was not the most important thing. There were too many major national events, natural disasters today and wars tomorrow. In comparison, the future of hundreds of people was nothing.

But it would be extremely important if the position of Crown Prince Li Chuan could be made unstable.

He needed to free Li from the shackles of Shangguan. From the moment Li Chuan was born, no matter how outstanding he was, he was no longer suitable for this position.

Then he saw Li Ming nodded and said slowly: "Lord Wang is old, and I do have other ideas about the position of the chief examiner of the imperial examination."

Li Ming said, looking up at the ministers: "I wonder who among you is willing to go out and take over the petitions of these students?"

When Li Ming asked this question, everyone already had the answer in their hearts.

In this situation, no one would take on this hot potato.

There was no answer, and the case was eventually forced into the hands of the prince by Li Ming.

Li Rong tapped the fan gently with her hand and glanced at Su Rongqing not far away. She saw Su Rongqing turn around, her eyes as still as dead water paused slightly on her face, and then she looked at Pei Wenxuan.

He has already made his move, now it depends on how Pei Wenxuan responds.

If Li Chuan takes this case, he will lose no matter what he does.

Either you lose the hearts of the aristocratic families, or you lose the hearts of the people.

Li Rong couldn't help but look at Pei Wenxuan. She couldn't help but wonder how Pei Wenxuan would respond.

He had known about Su Rongqing's move long ago and should not have been without any defense.

Pei Wenxuan noticed the two people's gazes. He raised his eyes slowly and met Su Rongqing's scrutinizing eyes with a smile. After a moment, he suddenly stepped out of the line, knelt on the ground, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I am willing to take this case!"

Li Rong immediately clenched her fan, her heartbeat quickening. Li Ming, who was sitting on the high seat, frowned and stared at Pei Wenxuan, who was kneeling on the ground.

Li Ming originally wanted to deal with Li Chuan, but Pei Wenxuan actually came out to protect Li Chuan?

Pei Wenxuan, this bastard, must be crazy!

Not only Li Rong thought so, but everyone in the court thought so too.

Li Ming controlled his temper and advised Pei Wenxuan: "Master Pei, you have just been appointed as the Minister of Personnel. I am afraid you are not qualified enough for a case like this."

"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan knelt on the ground, "Although I am not experienced enough, I am willing to do it. Now that no minister in the court is willing to take on this case, it is better to hand it over to me. I am not from a noble family, but I entered the officialdom through the imperial examination. The imperial examination is of great significance to me. I feel the pain of students whose places have been taken away, so I ask Your Majesty to hand over the imperial examination to me. I will definitely give justice to many students. I hope Your Majesty will agree."

"You are still too young," Li Ming said, feeling a little impatient, "and you don't have much experience. Even if you are willing, I'm afraid you won't be able to do a good job."

"Your Majesty is right."

Su Rongqing finally spoke up. He respectfully suggested, "Why not let Lord Pei assist the Crown Prince in investigating the case and share some of the burden with him?" Su Rongqing turned his head and looked at Pei Wenxuan, as if discussing something. "What do you think, Lord Pei?"

"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan did not back down after hearing what Li Ming said, "The Crown Prince is very busy, and I'm afraid that the final work will fall on the shoulders of the subordinates. If Your Majesty hands the matter over to me, I will do my best."

"Master Pei is right."

When Li Chuan's people saw someone take the pot and carry it, they hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is not a big deal. After all, the imperial examination is just an exam. Compared with the disasters in various places and the border wars, it is nothing. Lord Pei is a fourth-rank minister, and he is more than qualified to handle this case. Your Majesty, why don't you hand this matter over to Lord Pei and let him handle it."

"That's wrong," Su Rongqing's people immediately stood up, "The imperial examination is a system for selecting officials, and it is the foundation of the country. Now someone is cheating and causing chaos, involving all parts of the country. If the prince does not come forward, how can we win the hearts of the people?"

"That's not right..."

Li Ming's people, Su Rongqing's people, and the prince's people fought each other, and the court was in an uproar.

Li Rong glanced at Pei Wenxuan who was kneeling on the ground. Pei Wenxuan raised his head and smiled at her. When Li Rong saw his expression, she knew that he knew what was going on.

Su Rongqing frowned and stood far away, thinking with his head down.

The two sides were arguing and pushing each other when a woman's clear voice rang out.

"Your Majesty," Concubine Rou pulled Prince Su and walked in through the door, with a smile on her face, "Why don't you hand this case over to Cheng'er?"

After hearing this, the whole place fell silent. Everyone looked at Concubine Rou in surprise. Only Li Rong kept smiling.

Concubine Rou pulled Wang Jing over and nodded at Li Rong with a smile.

Li Rong bowed, and Concubine Rou and Prince Su knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I heard that His Majesty Pingle recommended Cheng'er to be the chief of the Inspection Department. Although Cheng'er is young, I am willing to share your worries. Since there is no fixed number of court officials for the imperial examination, why not leave it to Cheng'er? I will lead Cheng'er to meet those scholars and see what they want."

Li Ming was stunned for a moment when he heard what Concubine Rou said.

Shangguan Xu saw that Concubine Rou was willing to carry the iron pot, so he quickly winked at his subordinates, and a minister immediately stepped out and shouted: "Empress Rou is so righteous! Your Highness Prince Su is a prince, and if he takes over the Inspection Department, it would be most appropriate for His Highness Prince Su to take over this case."

As soon as this person called out, the other ministers immediately came out. Although the matter had not been settled yet, they all praised Concubine Rou and Prince Su.

Concubine Rou glanced at Li Rong with a smile. Seeing her smug look, Li Rong snorted coldly and turned away.

Li Ming hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Since Cheng'er wants to take this case, then let Cheng'er go. However, Pei Wenxuan," Li Ming raised his eyes and looked at Pei Wenxuan, "Since you want to handle this case, then I will order you to be the chief examiner of the imperial examination, and together with Su Shilang of the Ministry of Justice, assist Prince Su and Concubine Rou to handle this case."

"I accept your order."

Pei Wenxuan kowtowed respectfully, and Concubine Rou pulled Prince Su up and said, "Then I will take Cheng'er to the palace gate to see what's going on."

"Your Majesty," Li Rong laughed, "I, your son, would also like to join in the fun."

"Go ahead." Li Ming waved his hand, "Go if you want to, and be a witness to His Royal Highness Prince Su."

Concubine Rou led Li Cheng to pay her respects, then turned around and walked out. Li Rong followed, and then ministers followed them out one after another.

Li Rong and Concubine Rou walked side by side in the palace. Li Rong said slowly, "Concubine Rou has been very lucky recently. I wonder which expert has given her advice?"

When Concubine Rou heard what Li Rong said, she knew that she had guessed the existence of Cui Yulang, but since Li Rong asked this, she didn't know who was behind her.

Concubine Rou smiled and said, "I don't quite understand what your Highness is saying."

Li Rong sneered when she heard this, and said nothing more. Concubine Rou nodded elegantly: "I still have to take Cheng'er to do some work. Your Highness, please go slowly. It has nothing to do with you."

"You..." Li Rong seemed to want to curse, but Concubine Rou laughed out loud and led Li Cheng forward quickly.

After Concubine Rou walked a little further away, Pei Wenxuan slowly walked to Li Rong's side and seemed to be walking side by side with her by chance.

"Why bother her?"

Pei Wenxuan's lips moved as he asked in a low voice. Li Rong smiled and said, "She's not crazy enough. I'll give her some psychological comfort. But I want to ask, what are you doing?"

Li Rong said coldly: "If Concubine Rou doesn't come, what do you mean? Do you want to prove that you are the spies in front of His Majesty?"

"Did you move Concubine Rou here?" Pei Wenxuan clasped his hands in his sleeves and looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Knowing that Su Rongqing was planning something," Li Rong said calmly, "How could I not be prepared at all? I had Cui Yulang enter the palace long ago and had him persuade Concubine Rou. This was a perfect opportunity to make a contribution. There were a lot of local small clans, and the case was easy to handle. I could win the hearts of the people, get the favor of His Majesty, and establish my authority in the Inspection Department. It was a three-birds-with-one-stone deal."

Li Rong smiled and said, "I am moved."

"Your Highness is wise."

Pei Wenxuan smiled to the side, but Li Rong didn't want to listen to his praise. She and Pei Wenxuan were about to reach the palace gate and watched it open little by little.

"Pei Wenxuan, I understand what Su Rongqing is going to do, but I still don't understand what you are going to do."

Outside the palace gate, the scene of the scholar kneeling on the ground unfolded like a scroll. Concubine Rou pulled Li Cheng to stand at the door. Concubine Rou put on a righteous and awe-inspiring attitude, and said some words that she would definitely make the decision for them. The people kneeling on the ground were immediately moved.

"If you have any grievances, please tell His Royal Highness Prince Su, and he will definitely make the decision for you."

Concubine Rou spoke with great emotion, and the people kneeling in front of her spoke excitedly: "Your Majesty, we are here today to ask for three things."

"First, I hope the court can thoroughly investigate the case of our quota being over-appointed and give us justice!"

"This is inevitable." Concubine Rou responded, "Prince Su and I are here for this very purpose."

"Secondly," the man continued without being interrupted by Concubine Rou, "We are begging the court to add a palace examination to this year's imperial examination, and let Your Majesty personally supervise the examination to prevent anyone from abusing their power and committing fraud."

Hearing this, Concubine Rou frowned. She didn't expect that these scholars would have so many requests.

The ministers who followed were also a little worried. Li Rong looked at the scholars quietly and heard the man in the front raise the scroll in his hand and finally throw it to the ground with a sound: "Third, we beg the court to make the imperial examination the only system for selecting officials and abolish the channel of recommending people from aristocratic families to enter the government, in order to seek fairness!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience burst into tears and Concubine Rou's face turned pale in an instant.

Su Rongqing looked at Pei Wenxuan coldly, and Li Rong tapped her palm with her small fan.

After a long time, she slowly smiled and looked at Pei Wenxuan who was watching the whole scene silently.

"Good." She exclaimed, "Very good."

"Pei Wenxuan," the wind blew out from the palace, making the clothes of Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan rustle. She smiled at the calm young man in front of her and praised him sincerely, "You are really amazing."