"Your Highness, isn't the timing of the Crown Prince's serious illness a bit too coincidental?"
A cold glint flashed in Yan Xingzhou's eyes: "I ordered my men to investigate, and Yan Huai was indeed poisoned without a doubt. If he really did it on purpose, then my good brother is being far too ruthless to himself!"
Moreover, he still had doubts in his heart. The Crown Prince had always believed in brotherly love and respect, and deep affection between father and son. How could he suddenly change his mind?
"Regardless, His Majesty has temporarily dispelled his doubts about the Crown Prince, and our previous plans have all failed!" The older advisor frowned, his tone unwilling.
The young strategist beside him did not panic: "Once the seed of suspicion is sown, it is not so easy to eliminate. His Majesty has only temporarily lowered his guard, but if there is any disturbance later, the thought of suspicion will reignite like weeds in the wind."
Yan Xingzhou shook off his irritation and said in a deep voice, "Very well, there are more important things to do right now. The autumn imperial examinations are approaching, are they all ready?"
The young man bowed respectfully: "Your Highness, rest assured, everything is proceeding according to plan."
——
Tomorrow is the day for the autumn imperial examinations to begin.
The entire west courtyard of the Chi family mansion was filled with a tense atmosphere.
"My son, what would you like to eat? I'll have the kitchen make it for you!" Madam Chi said worriedly. "You won't be able to eat it anymore in the coming days!"
The autumn imperial examinations were held in three sessions, lasting a total of nine days and seven nights.
It can be said that eating, drinking, and even relieving oneself all had to be done in the examination room, making the conditions extremely harsh.
Chi Yan said lazily, "Mother, I'm going to the examination hall, not the execution ground. You're making it sound like I'm about to be executed..."
Madam Chi was so angry that her lips twitched, and she slapped him on the shoulder: "You brat, what unlucky things are you saying? Bah, bah, bah!"
A smile flickered in Shen Tangning's eyes: "Mother, this isn't the first time my husband has participated in the autumn examinations. He has accumulated so much experience. There's no need to be so paranoid."
Chi Yan's eyelids twitched, and he glanced at her, wondering why these words didn't sound like nice things.
Madam Chi suddenly realized, "That's true. Putting everything else aside, this boy is almost developing feelings for the examiner!"
Of course, it's the kind where you hate each other.
During the three exams, there were always times when I ran into acquaintances.
The examiner couldn't help but show a mixture of disdain and admiration when he saw Chi Yan.
Disgusted? It's you again.
I admire your perseverance!
Chi Yan: "..."
His face flushed, and he cleared his throat to quickly interrupt his mother, who was frantically digging up his past: "Well, Mom, don't bother with all that. Just eat something light."
Be especially careful at times like these; eating too much rich food can easily cause an upset stomach.
Madam Chi thought this made sense and quickly made arrangements in the kitchen to prepare.
No sooner had Madam Chi left than Ba Liang came to report: "Second Young Master, Young Master Ji and Young Master Tang have arrived."
Shen Tangning and Chi Yan exchanged a glance.
Chi Yan did not want to meet the two at this time, but seeing his hesitation, Shen Tangning smiled and said, "Since the two gentlemen have come to visit, my husband might as well meet them. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle."
Understanding what the other party wants to do in advance is essential for preparation.
After a moment's thought, Chi Yan agreed.
The two arrived shortly after Shen Tangning turned and left.
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