Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 127 Zhao Guangyi's Suspicion

Chapter 127 Zhao Guangyi's Suspicion

"Since no one objects, the matter is settled."

With a single, casual remark from Zhao Kuangyin, this controversial new civil service examination policy, which had stirred up the court and the public, came to an easy end.

However, this was only at the beginning of the dynasty; if the court were more stable, such actions would be absolutely unthinkable.

After all, only after great chaos can great order be restored.

"Xue Juzheng".

"Your subject is here."

Approaching fifty, Xue Juzheng stepped out of the procession. His expression was respectful but not humble, and his brows revealed a composure born from his experience of the ups and downs of the court.

"This imperial examination is still lacking a chief examiner. I wonder what Lord Xue thinks?" Zhao Kuangyin's tone softened a bit.

Xue Juzheng and he were old acquaintances and had some friendship.

Furthermore, Xue Juzheng was a man of integrity and upright character, not one to be overly critical. He even once stood up against Shi Hongzhao, a powerful figure in the Later Han Dynasty, because of a commoner's grievance.

This integrity naturally earned Zhao Kuangyin's great respect.

Upon hearing this, Xue Juzheng did not hesitate at all and immediately bowed, saying, "Your subject will certainly do his utmost and live up to Your Majesty's trust."

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Xue." Zhao Kuangyin smiled and nodded, then stood up and walked behind the screen.

"Dismiss the court!"

""

The eunuch's high-pitched announcement rang out, and the civil and military officials, with complex expressions, bowed in turn and slowly withdrew from the hall.

After the court session, Xue Juzheng did not leave directly, but instead took the initiative to approach Zhao Dezhao.

After exchanging greetings, the two walked side by side out of the palace. As they walked, Xue Juzheng said, "Your Highness, although no one in the court dares to openly oppose the new policies now, the voices of resistance against the new policies among the people are still quite strong."

""

"I have heard that some people are secretly inciting scholars to boycott the examinations. If this matter is not handled properly, it may jeopardize the overall success of the examinations."

The fact that Xue Juzheng brought up this matter shows that he had been secretly paying attention to the new imperial examination policy during this period, which is why he was able to pinpoint the crux of the problem so incisively.

Zhao Dezhao's heart stirred, and when he recalled that Xue Juzheng's name was not on the list of those who opposed the new policies, he couldn't help but feel a little closer to him.

He smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Officer Xue, this matter is easy to handle."

"I trouble you, Lord Xue, to spread the word after you return that the imperial court intends to recruit more than a hundred people for this imperial examination. Anyone who can pass the palace examination will be able to enter officialdom and be given a real position without having to wait for a vacancy or follow the usual waiting list."

Upon hearing this, Xue Juzheng immediately stopped and frowned, saying, "Over a hundred people? Your Highness, that's far too many!"

"In the past, each imperial examination only admitted a dozen or twenty people. Even at the height of the imperial examinations, thirty people was considered the absolute maximum."

"The Prince wants to recruit over a hundred people at once. Where in the court will there be so many vacant official positions to accommodate these newly recruited scholars?"

"Don't worry, Lord Xue," Zhao Dezhao said with a smile. "It will happen."

Xue Juzheng was suddenly taken aback and fell silent.

One radish, one hole.

Newcomers must come in, and veterans must leave.

Zhao Dezhao's words made Xue Juzheng suddenly realize that after this imperial examination, the court, which had only recently stabilized, might be about to experience another bloody upheaval!

"Prince Wugong————"

He silently repeated the name in his mind, his gaze falling on the boy beside him who barely reached his shoulder, and he completely withdrew his previous childlike perception of him.

His wisdom surpasses even the demons!

This was his first impression of Zhao Dezhao!

"Zhao Dezhao and his elder brother have truly put on a grand show!"

Inside the study of the Marquis of Taiyuan's residence, Zhao Guangyi sat upright at his desk, his fingertips constantly rubbing his brow, his face still showing lingering fear and relief.

fine----

Fortunately, this time he did not rashly stand up and openly oppose the new policies.

Otherwise, it would surely displease the Emperor, and the consequences would be unimaginable.

Today, all his power and status are bestowed upon him by Zhao Kuangyin.

Only by carefully maintaining her image of meekness and loyalty in her elder brother's eyes can she preserve all of this and have any possibility of further schemes.

"But in this way, it would be as difficult as climbing to heaven to interfere in the imperial examinations."

Zhao Guangyi tapped his fingertips heavily on the desk, revealing his inner frustration and resentment.

He had originally intended to use the imperial examinations to win over scholars and cultivate his cronies, but now the new policies were in place, and the chief examiner was Zhao Dezhao—

He no longer had any chance to intervene.

"This is not Your Majesty's fault."

Shi Zaixi, who was standing nearby, quickly spoke up to comfort him, his words filled with undisguised amazement: "No one expected His Majesty to have such ruthless methods, first seizing military power, then spilling blood in the court, actually suppressing the entire court with sheer force. Such decisiveness truly exceeded the expectations of the world!"

After saying that, he paused, as if he had something difficult to say. His lips moved, but he hesitated and didn't continue.

"Ningji, please speak freely. We are ruler and subject, and there is no need for us to hold back," Zhao Guangyi said gently.

"Your Majesty, I just feel that Prince Wugong has grown too fast in the past six months, so fast that it is somewhat abnormal."

He recalled Zhao Dezhao's actions over the past six months, his tone growing increasingly grave: "Ever since returning from the expedition to Zezhou with His Majesty, the Prince of Wugong has risen like a rocket. If this continues, I fear—"

He didn't finish his sentence, but Zhao Guangyi already understood what he meant.

I fear that my elder brother will make Zhao Dezhao the crown prince in the future, and at that time, it will be as difficult as climbing to heaven for him to compete for the throne!

"If you hadn't told me, I really wouldn't have investigated this matter so closely. It is indeed strange."

Zhao Guangyi tapped his fingers on the desk, a thoughtful expression on his face, and said, "Since that expedition to Zezhou, when my nephew returned, he seemed like a completely different person. His temperament, mind, and vision were all completely different from before."

"It's one thing for his temperament to change drastically, but perhaps it's because he has been tempered on the battlefield and his mind has matured quickly."

"How could a ten-year-old child, no matter how gifted, easily come up with ideas like reforming the imperial examination system or the military system?"

Recalling the day they discussed the coup at the teahouse, Zhao Guangyi's eyes showed even greater astonishment and suspicion: "I even suspect that the Crown Prince's robes being placed on him on the day of the coup might not have been done by my elder brother—"

At this point, Zhao Guangyi seemed to recall something, a hint of disbelief flashing in his eyes. He slowly raised his head and asked, "Do you think there might be some hidden story behind this?"

Shi Zaixi was slightly taken aback, not understanding Zhao Guangyi's meaning.

"For example—possession by a ghost?" A glint flashed in Zhao Guangyi's eyes, and he suddenly said, "I remember that a few days before the mutiny, my nephew seemed to have accidentally fallen and broken his head, and was unconscious for half a day. Perhaps his personality changed drastically, could it be related to this? Could it be that he was possessed by something while he was unconscious?"

"This—" Shi Zaixi's expression changed slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he still bowed and advised, "Your Majesty, the talk of ghosts and gods is illusory and cannot be taken as truth."

"If we rashly investigate Prince Wugong under this pretext, it may arouse gossip. If it reaches His Majesty's ears, it will be detrimental to Your Majesty."

"I know," Zhao Guangyi suddenly smiled, his tone meaningful. "We may not believe it, but someone else will, won't they?"

Shi Zaixi was slightly taken aback, but instantly understood Zhao Guangyi's thoughts. He bowed and tentatively asked, "Then what does Your Majesty mean?"

"Let's go to Mount Hua again to find Chen Tuan. He is a legendary figure among the people, known for his ability to read faces, tell fortunes, and see through the secrets of heaven. If he says that Zhao Dezhao has a problem, then people will definitely believe him!" Zhao Guangyi said immediately.

"Your Majesty's intention is understood; I will proceed immediately!"

"You don't need to go personally," Zhao Guangyi waved his hand. "Prince Fu Wei will be coming to the capital soon, and I can't do without someone like you who can discuss important matters. How can I let you leave the capital so easily?"

After saying that, he paused for a moment and then said, "I remember some time ago, a physician named Cheng Dexuan came to seek my help. He is a meticulous person and good at acting discreetly. This matter can be left to him."

"Here you are."

Shi Zaixi bowed in agreement, then turned and slowly left the study.

Inside the study, Zhao Guangyi sat down at his desk again, gazing out the window with a hint of suspicion and inquiry in his eyes.

My nephew has this—

What secret is hidden?

Does Your Majesty really have no suspicions whatsoever?

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