Hearing this, everyone looked at each other.
This matter shouldn't have happened.
It was just a matter of a few scholars. How could it be brought to the main hall? No matter how they looked at it, it wasn't dignified. If it was a normal time, these scholars wouldn't even be able to gather together. Even if they came all the way to Huajing and gathered together, they would be dismissed before they could even kneel, not to mention being reported all the way to the palace.
This matter was deliberately planned by someone. Everyone knew that the person who could spread this kind of news was definitely not an ordinary person. The court officials couldn't help but try to figure out who planned this and did such a thing.
The court officials were clear about the twists and turns below, but Li Ming wasn't necessarily unaware. A person who had been coaxed from top to bottom for decades would find it harder to understand the small details.
Everyone saw Li Ming frown. He seemed to think that a big case had happened and immediately said, "What's going on? Go and ask clearly!"
"We've asked clearly," the messenger panted, "These scholars said that they were originally tributes from various villages who had passed the state examination. Logically speaking, they should have come to Huajing to participate in the spring examination. In the end, their spots were snatched away. Therefore, they came to Huajing to report this matter to the Emperor. They are now kneeling outside, begging His Majesty to send someone to see them and give them an explanation. Your Majesty, the palace entrance is now surrounded by commoners. They are all waiting for Your Majesty's decision. "
Hearing this, Li Ming fell silent.
These scholars were smart. Once they entered the main hall, it would be a matter of the imperial court. It would be up to the imperial court to decide how to deal with it. If they knelt outside the door and asked for an explanation, it would be up to the commoners to decide.
Most importantly, once they entered the main hall, there might not be anyone who would take over their case. They might just casually send someone to deal with it. Now that they were asking for someone to come out, they could keep an eye on this person if there were any problems in the future.
He didn't know who gave them the idea, but it was a good idea.
"How many of them are there?"
Li Ming paused for a moment and knocked on the table as if he was thinking. The messenger calmed down and said respectfully, "Reporting to Your Majesty, there are nearly a hundred people."
Hundreds of people came from all over the country. This case involved more than just a few small families.
The most difficult part was not in Huajing, but in these small clans. Li Rong was able to handle cases involving high-ranking officials and big families in Huajing, but he wasn't confident that he could handle a small case involving so many people.
Li Ming remained silent. After a long time, he raised his head and looked at Li Chuan.
Li Chuan waited for a long time. When he sensed that Li Ming was looking up at him, he slowly raised his head.
Nominally, no one was more suitable than Crown Prince Li Chuan for this case. However, if Li Chuan accepted this case, he would either lose the hearts of the people or the hearts of the aristocratic families.
For so many people to be able to replace the quota, it must be a complete chain. From the local government to the Huajing Imperial Court, they must have offended many people, and even if they offended them, they might not be able to complete the case well.
If they didn't complete the case well, Li Ming would have a reason to punish them.
This case could be said to be the best knife to stab Li Chuan.
Li Rong couldn't help but look at Su Yongqing, who had been standing with his head down, as if everything had nothing to do with him.
At this moment, she was finally sure that Su Yongqing's target was Li Chuan.
In this way, the reason why Su Yongqing wanted to rely on Li Chuan in the first place was very interesting.
If Su Yongqing had been reborn when they first met, then he must have known that in the future, Li Chuan would be forced into a desperate situation step by step by Li Ming, until he was finally crippled.
In fact, he didn't need to do anything. As long as he stopped Pei Wenxuan from persuading the aristocratic families at the last moment, Li Chuan would be doomed.
He knew that under such circumstances, he relied on Li Chuan to overthrow Li Chuan. There was only one possibility: he wanted to hide by Li Chuan's side and deal the final blow to Li Chuan at the last moment.
If she and Pei Wenxuan hadn't been reborn, Su Yongqing's plan would indeed be good.
However, she and Pei Wenxuan had returned, so when she established the Inspection Department, Su Yongqing's reaction was so big.
Because she had disrupted Su Yongqing's plan, she had actual power. Su Yongqing knew that she would never betray Li Chuan, so his plan of waiting for Li Chuan to be destroyed had to be changed.
Therefore, he desperately tried to stop the establishment of the Inspection Department and Pei Wenxuan's rise. He clearly knew that Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong's power would eventually be transferred to Li Chuan.
Li Rong's gaze stopped on Su Yongqing, quietly thinking about Su Yongqing's actions.
After a short stalemate between Li Ming and Li Chuan, Li Ming slowly said, "Chuan'er, this matter involves various provinces and counties, and it is also a matter of selecting talents for Da Xia. You are the Crown Prince, so why don't you take charge?"
When Li Chuan heard this, he didn't say anything. He hesitated for a moment. Shangguan Xu stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, this matter involves the imperial examinations. It should be handled by the officials in charge of the imperial examinations, or by the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, or other officials in charge of law. The Crown Prince is the country's heir, so he should be busy. This kind of complicated case, I'm afraid that he has the heart but not the strength. I hope that Your Majesty will reconsider. "
As Shangguan Xu spoke, he turned to look at Wang Houwen, the Minister of Appointments. "Minister Wang, I heard that you wanted to be the chief examiner of the imperial examinations. Why don't you let the Ministry of Justice handle this case for you?"
When Wang Houwen heard this, he quickly stepped forward and said anxiously, "Your Majesty, this old official is old and weak. A few days ago, I did ask to be the chief examiner of the imperial examinations, but recently, I feel that my body can't take it anymore. Now that the chief examiner has not been decided, I hope that Your Majesty can choose another candidate."
Wang Houwen panted three times in one sentence. Along with his chubby body and fluttering white beard, Li Rong felt her chest tighten and her breath become short.
Li Rong guessed that Li Ming probably didn't want Wang Houwen to take on this case either.
Investigating a few people who were substitutes wasn't the most important thing in Li Ming's mind. There were too many important matters in the country. Today, there were natural disasters, and tomorrow, there would be war. In comparison, the future of hundreds of people was nothing.
However, if it could destabilize Li Chuan's position as the Crown Prince, it was too important.
He needed to let the Li family break free from the shackles of the Shangguan Clan. From the moment Li Chuan was born, no matter how outstanding he was, he was no longer suitable for this position.
Thus, Li Ming nodded and said slowly, "Official Wang is also old. I do have other thoughts about the position of the chief examiner of the imperial examinations."
As Li Ming spoke, he looked up at the officials and said, "I don't know who is willing to go out and take on these students' complaints?"
When Li Ming asked this question, everyone already had an answer in their hearts.
In this kind of situation, no one was willing to take on this hot potato.
There was no answer. In the end, the case would still be forced into the hands of the Crown Prince by Li Ming.
Li Rong tapped her fan lightly. She glanced at Su Rongqing, who was not far away. Su Rongqing turned her head back. Her eyes, which were as still as still water, paused on Li Rong's face for a moment before looking at Pei Wenxuan.
He had already made his move. Now, it was up to Pei Wenxuan to deal with it.
If Li Chuan took on this case, no matter what Li Chuan did, he would lose.
He would either lose the hearts of the aristocratic families or the hearts of the people.
Li Rong also couldn't help but look at Pei Wenxuan. She also couldn't help but think about how Pei Wenxuan would deal with it.
He already knew about Su Yongqing's actions. He shouldn't have been unprepared.
Pei Wenxuan noticed the two people's gazes. He slowly raised his eyes and smiled at Su Yongqing's scrutinizing eyes. After a moment, he suddenly stepped out and knelt on the ground. He said loudly, "Your Majesty, I am willing to take on this case!"
Li Rong instantly tightened his grip on his fan. His heartbeat quickened. 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 stepped out to block it for Li Chuan?
Pei Wenxuan, this dog, must be crazy!
Li Rong wasn't the only one who thought so. Everyone in the imperial court also thought so.
Li Ming controlled his temper and advised Pei Wenxuan, "Lord Pei, you have only just become the assistant minister of the Ministry of Personnel. I'm afraid you don't have enough experience to handle this kind of case."
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan knelt on the ground, "Although I don't have enough experience, I have the heart. Currently, in the imperial court, there are no officials willing to take on this case. Why don't you hand it over to me? I am not from an aristocratic family. I entered the government through the imperial examination. The imperial examination is of great significance to me. I can empathize with the grievances of the students. Therefore, I ask Your Majesty to hand over the imperial examination to me. I will definitely seek justice for the students. I hope Your Majesty will agree. "
"You are still too young," Li Ming was a little impatient when he heard him say this. "You are also inexperienced. Even if you have the heart, I'm afraid you won't be able to do it well."
"Your Majesty is right."
Su Yongqing finally spoke. He respectfully suggested, "Why don't we let the Lord Pei assist the Crown Prince in investigating this case and share some of the Crown Prince's burden?" Su Yongqing turned to look at Pei Wenxuan. He seemed to be discussing something, "Lord Pei, what do you think?"
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan listened to Li Ming's words and didn't back down at all, "The Crown Prince is busy. In the end, I'm afraid the work will fall on his subordinates. If Your Majesty gives this task to me, I will do my best."
"Lord Pei is right."
Li Chuan's people saw that someone took the initiative to take the blame and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, actually, this matter isn't a big deal. The imperial examination is just an examination. Compared to the disasters and wars at the borders, it's nothing. Lord Pei is a fourth-rank assistant minister. It's more than enough to handle this case. Your Majesty, why don't you give this matter to Lord Pei and let him handle it? "
"That's not right," Su Yongqing's people immediately stood up, "The imperial examination is a system for selecting officials. It is the foundation of the country. Now that there are people cheating and rebelling, it involves all parts of the country. If the Crown Prince doesn't appear, how can he pacify the people?"
"That's not appropriate …"
Li Ming's people, Su Yongqing's people, and the Crown Prince's people. Several parties were fighting. For a moment, the court was noisy.
Li Rong turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, who was kneeling on the ground. Pei Wenxuan raised his head and smiled at her. Li Rong saw this expression and knew that Pei Wenxuan knew what was going on.
Su Yongqing frowned and stood in the distance with his head lowered, thinking.
Both sides were arguing and pushing each other. Suddenly, a woman's clear voice sounded.
"Your Majesty," Consort Rou pulled Prince Su and stepped through the door. Consort Rou had a smile on her face, "Why don't we give this case to Cheng 'er?"
Hearing this, the entire court was silent. Everyone looked at Consort Rou in surprise. Only Li Rong maintained a smile.
Consort Rou pulled Prince Su over and nodded at Li Rong with a smile.
Li Rong bowed and Consort Rou brought Prince Su to kneel.
"Your Majesty, chenqie heard that His Highness Ping L E recommended Cheng 'er to be the head of the Department of Supervision. Although Cheng' er is young, he is willing to share Your Majesty's burdens. Since the officials don't know what to do with the imperial examinations, why don't we give it to Cheng 'er? Chenqie will lead Cheng' er to see those scholars and see what they want. "
Li Ming listened to Consort Rou's words and paused.
Shangguan Xu saw that Consort Rou was willing to take the blame and hurriedly gave a look to his subordinates. One of the officials immediately stepped out and shouted, "Consort Rou is righteous! His Royal Highness Prince Su is a noble Imperial Prince. If he takes over the Department of Supervision, it would be most appropriate for His Royal Highness Prince Su to take over this case. "
With this person's shout, the other officials immediately stepped out. Although the matter hadn't been decided yet, they all praised Consort Rou and Prince Su.
Consort Rou smiled and looked at Li Rong. Li Rong saw her proud gaze and snorted coldly before turning his head away.
Li Ming hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, "Since Cheng 'er wants to take over this case, then let Cheng' er go. However, Pei Wenxuan, "Li Ming looked at Pei Wenxuan," since you want to take over this case, then you will be appointed as the chief examiner of the imperial examinations. Together with Assistant Minister Su of the Ministry of Justice, you will assist Prince Su and Consort Rou in handling this case. "
"This humble subject accepts the decree."
Pei Wenxuan respectfully kowtowed. Consort Rou pulled Prince Su up, "Then this concubine will bring Cheng 'er to the palace gates to see what's going on."
"Your Majesty," Li Rong smiled, "This son also wants to join in the fun."
"Go." Li Ming waved his hand, "If you want to go, then go. You can also be a witness for His Royal Highness Prince Su."
Consort Rou led Li Cheng to salute and then turned to leave. Li Rong followed behind and the other officials followed them out one after another.
Li Rong and Consort Rou walked side by side in the palace city. Li Rong slowly said, "Consort Rou's luck has been good recently. I wonder who gave you pointers?"
When Consort Rou heard Li Rong's words, she knew that she had guessed the existence of Cui Yulang. However, since Li Rong asked this, she didn't know who the person behind her was.
Consort Rou smiled and only said, "Your Highness, what are you talking about? I don't really understand."
When Li Rong heard this, she sneered and didn't say anything else. Consort Rou elegantly nodded, "I still have to take Cheng 'er to do something. Your Highness, please take your time. It doesn't have much to do with you."
"You …" Li Rong seemed like she wanted to scold someone. Consort Rou laughed and led Li Cheng forward quickly.
When Consort Rou walked a bit further away, Pei Wenxuan slowly walked to Li Rong's side, seemingly coincidentally walking side by side with her.
"Why did you provoke her out of the blue?"
Pei Wenxuan's lips trembled as he asked in a low voice. Li Rong smiled, "She's not crazy enough. I'm giving her more psychological comfort. I want to ask, what are you doing? "
Li Rong's face was cold, "If Consort Rou doesn't come, what do you mean? Do you want to prove that you're a prostitute in front of His Majesty? "
"Consort Rou was moved here by you?" Pei Wenxuan folded his hands in his sleeves and raised an eyebrow at her.
"I knew that Su Yongqing wanted to scheme against me," Li Rong's voice was calm, "How could I not be prepared? I already had Cui Yulang enter the palace and let him persuade Consort Rou. This is a great opportunity to gain merit. With a bunch of small clans, this case is very easy to handle. I can win over people's hearts, gain His Majesty's favor, and establish my authority in the Department of Supervision. It's killing three birds with one stone. "
Li Rong gave a faint smile, "I'm tempted."
"Your Highness is wise."
Pei Wenxuan tilted his head and smiled. Li Rong didn't want to hear his praise. She and Pei Wenxuan were about to reach the palace gates and watched them slowly open.
"Pei Wenxuan, I understand what Su Yongqing wants to do, but I still don't understand what you want to do."
Outside the palace gates, the scene of the scholars kneeling on the ground unfolded like a painting. Consort Rou pulled Li Cheng to stand at the gates. Consort Rou put on a righteous posture and said that he would definitely seek justice for them. The people kneeling on the ground were immediately moved.
"If you have any grievances, tell His Royal Highness Prince Su. Prince Su will definitely seek justice for you."
Consort Rou spoke very emotionally. The people kneeling in front of her said emotionally, "Your Highness, we're here today to ask for three things."
"First, we hope that the imperial court will thoroughly investigate the case of our quotas being removed and give us justice!"
"Of course," Consort Rou agreed, "Prince Su and I are here for this matter."
"Second," that person wasn't interrupted by Consort Rou and continued, "We implore the imperial court to add a court examination to this year's imperial examinations. His Majesty will personally invigilate the imperial examinations to prevent people from abusing their personal power and committing fraud."
Hearing this, Consort Rou frowned. She didn't expect these scholars to have so many requests.
The officials who came with them also became worried. Li Rong quietly looked at the scholars. She heard the person at the front raise the scroll in his hand and say, "Third, we implore the imperial court to use the imperial examinations as the only method of selecting officials. We will abolish the aristocratic families' recommendation method for the sake of justice!"
Once these words were said, the crowd was in an uproar. Consort Rou's face instantly turned pale.
Su Yongqing looked coldly at Pei Wenxuan. Li Rong tapped her small fan in the palm of her hand.
After a long time, she slowly smiled and looked at Pei Wenxuan, who was silently looking at the crowd.
"Good." She praised, "Very good."
"Pei Wenxuan." The wind blew out of the palace, causing Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan's clothes to flutter. She smiled at the calm youth in front of her and praised sincerely, "You're really amazing."
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