Chapter 420: Stop Scheming
The triennial palace examination had concluded.
Among the top three scholars, only Nie Meng had earned genuine respect, while the other two had never shown remarkable talent before.
Many scholars specifically went to study the essays of these two individuals, finding them merely adequate with slight novelty but far from deserving the prestigious first and second rankings.
However, since the Emperor had personally appointed them, the scholars had no choice but to reluctantly offer superficial congratulations despite their discontent.
Meanwhile, court officials gathered around the Regent.
"Both the Number One Scholar and the Second-Ranked Scholar in this year's examination are Your Highness's relatives. Congratulations, Prince Regent."
"The Feng and Lin families have done an excellent job educating their sons, truly enviable."
"These two scholars will directly enter the Hanlin Academy—their futures are boundless."
"..."
Chu Rui sneered coldly.
Though these people appeared to be congratulating him, he knew they must be cursing him thousands of times in their hearts.
Originally, he had intended to restore the former glory of the Feng and Lin families. Since Yun Chu had provided this opportunity, he would seize it.
"No need for congratulations." Chu Rui clasped his hands toward the crowd. "I have matters to discuss with His Majesty and must take my leave."
As soon as he left, the expressions of the court officials shifted.
"The Regent has gone too far, interfering with the imperial examinations."
"He already promoted a member of the Lin family as Commander of the Imperial Guards. Now he's made another Lin family member the Second-Ranked Scholar—is he trying to restore his maternal clan's influence?"
"What exactly is the Regent planning? I can't figure it out."
"That's because you're foolish. I suspect he's aiming for the throne."
"He has no legitimate claim..."
"If he had a legitimate claim, would he need to scheme so much..."
"I must go speak with Chief Li."
"Ah, I'll join you."
A group of officials headed toward Chief Li.
Meanwhile, Chu Rui approached Chu Hongyu. "Your Majesty."
After court adjourned, Chu Hongyu had been speaking with Meng Shen and Yun Zhenjiang.
In this palace examination, Meng Shen ranked first in the second tier, while Yun Zhenjiang placed in the middle of the third tier—both achieving respectable results. Dai Hong also ranked in the third tier.
Chu Hongyu was inquiring about which ministry they wished to join so he could make arrangements.
As they spoke, Chu Rui arrived. Chu Hongyu immediately changed the subject, smiling. "Brother Shen, Brother Yun, you've worked hard all morning. You may retire now."
The two clasped their hands and withdrew with bowed heads.
"Your Majesty is increasingly embodying the demeanor of an emperor." Chu Rui wore a pleased expression. "The late Emperor made no mistake in his choice."
Chu Hongyu feigned innocence. "It's all thanks to the Regent's guidance."
"I dare not claim such credit." Chu Rui smiled. "Your Majesty is a good emperor, and the Empress Dowager is a good empress dowager. What a pity you are not biological mother and son—just like the relationship between the late Emperor and the late Empress Dowager."
Chu Hongyu's young face immediately tightened.
He knew perfectly well he was born from his mother.
But both his father and mother had warned him never to reveal this.
Because at the time of his birth, his mother was still Lady Xie, wife of Xie Jingyu. If this were known, doubts might arise about whether he carried imperial blood.
That would create even more complications.
He said coldly, "If the Regent has something to say, speak plainly."
"The Empress Dowager would surely prefer her own biological son to become emperor." Chu Rui lowered his voice. "When Prince Yan grows older, Your Majesty's position may become unstable."
Chu Hongyu tilted his head. "Sowing discord is a tactic favored by girls. I never knew the Regent enjoyed such tricks—how tedious."
Chu Rui's face darkened instantly."The Empress Dowager has summoned me to Kunning Palace for a meal. I shall take my leave now."
Chu Hongyu turned and walked away, truly unwilling to exchange another word with Chu Rui.
When he arrived at Kunning Palace, Lin Shi had also brought Yun Ran along.
Since marrying Dai Hong, Yun Ran had been constantly pregnant, giving birth, and raising children, rarely returning to the Yun family. It had been a long time since she last saw Yun Chu.
"Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." After paying her respects, Yun Ran took a seat and called out, "Elder Sister."
"Dai Hong is now a Third-Class Presented Scholar, a quite commendable result," Yun Chu said with a smile. "How about having him gain experience in the Ministry of Revenue first?"
Yun Ran, who had just sat down, hurriedly rose again. "Elder Sister, I'm afraid that might not be appropriate..."
The Ministry of Revenue was the foremost of the Six Ministries, and every position there was highly coveted. Her husband was merely a Third-Class Presented Scholar—how could he possibly qualify for a post in the Ministry of Revenue? She feared her elder sister would face criticism for this.
"The Minister of Revenue will be dismissed sooner or later," Yun Chu's voice lowered slightly. "Every position has its candidate. The vacancy that will open up in the Ministry of Revenue should naturally go to one of our own."
Currently, the court's attention was captivated by Feng and Lin's achievements as the Number One Scholar and Second-Ranked Scholar. Merely arranging for Dai Hong to take a minor post in the Ministry of Revenue wouldn't attract much notice.
"Since your elder sister has said so, you needn't decline," Lin Shi said warmly. "Just ensure Dai Hong works diligently and doesn't disappoint your elder sister's kindness.""
Yun Ran nodded. "Rest assured, Elder Sister. The Dai family pledges absolute loyalty to the Emperor."
After discussing matters of the court with Lin Shi, Yun Chu arranged for Yun Zhenjiang to be placed in the Ministry of War. Given his youth, he still needed to learn and observe more—there was no rush for him to go to the battlefield.
They conversed for a while longer about court affairs.
Finally, Lin Shi sighed and took a letter from her sleeve, handing it to Yun Chu. "This is a letter from your father's trusted aide."
Last year, after Chu Yi went missing, Yun Chu had written to her father, asking him to send trusted men to investigate in Dongling. At last, news had arrived.
But seeing Lin Shi's expression, Yun Chu hesitated to open the letter.
"Chu'er, you must accept the truth. He didn't just disappear—he... is dead." Lin Shi's heart ached as well. "Fortunately, Yu Ge'er is capable and has firmly secured the throne as Emperor. You've become Empress Dowager and can live in comfort now. There's no need to dwell on the past..."
Yun Chu lowered her head and unfolded the letter.
The brief words struck her like a blunt blow to the head, leaving her struggling to breathe.
"We've searched everywhere, but found nothing..." Lin Shi sighed. "Bodies wash ashore daily by the sea—all casualties of war. The corpses are bloated and mutilated beyond recognition. Chu'er, you..."
"Mother, I understand."
Yun Chu's voice was flat, devoid of excess emotion. She folded the letter and tucked it into her sleeve.
Lin Shi gently stroked her hair. "Then I'll have your father's men withdraw."
"No, continue the search," Yun Chu looked up. "Don't look for a body. Look for a living person. He must still be alive."
"You..." Lin Shi shook her head. "Very well, I'll write to them."
If searching for him was Chu'er's solace, then let that solace endure.
Yun Chu thought to herself.
It had been so long without any news of Chu Yi. It was possible he truly was dead.
He had always been a responsible man—to the nation, to the people, to his family—his sense of duty was extraordinary.
If he were still alive, he would surely return to her and their child.
She believed he was alive, but why hadn't he returned?
Had he lost his memory, like Xie Shiyun?This possibility was not impossible, but it was too slim.
There was another possibility—that she had fallen into enemy hands, been captured, lost her freedom, and thus could not return.
The only thing she could do was conquer the Eastern Tomb Kingdom.
The next day at court, extremely good news arrived.
It was said that the Emperor of the Eastern Tomb Kingdom had actually been assassinated, and with no Crown Prince appointed, the Eastern Tomb Kingdom instantly fell into chaos.
OpenNovel