Chapter 9

"Your Majesty, it is already the third watch."

"Nonsense! Why didn't you wake me?!"

"Your Majesty, you haven't slept a wink for a full day and night. We dared not wake you—you were sleeping so deeply…"

Zhu Yuanzhang's throat moved, but finally he merely sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Enough. Summon the ministers. Prepare for the court session."

After the eunuchs rose and departed.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, gazing at the portrait of Empress Ma, and murmured sadly,

"Little sister, if you were here, you wouldn't have woken me either, would you?"

"If only you could give me some advice right now."

"I won't count this as imperial consorts interfering in state affairs…"

After gazing at Empress Ma's portrait in silent sorrow for a moment,

Zhu Yuanzhang came to his senses, washed and groomed under the attendants' care, and stepped onto the imperial palanquin already prepared.

…

Meanwhile, Su Qiao had not yet fully regained his wits.

Yesterday, he had mindlessly been named top imperial scholar.

Today, he was dragged into the palace before dawn for court, still half-asleep.

Not to mention his spirit.

Only Ru Taisu, upon seeing Su Qiao, hurried over with eager delight.

Su Qiao froze in surprise.

Before Su Qiao could react, Ru Taisu laughed loudly,

"I am the chief examiner of this year's metropolitan examination; by that reckoning, I am your master. Come, let your master teach you the court's ways—tomorrow, stand behind me."

"What to do, what not to do—I'll whisper it to you."

Before Su Qiao could respond,

the old man Ru Taisu grabbed Su Qiao's arm and strode purposefully toward Fengtian Sect.

The newly minted jinshi passing by saw this.

Their eyes turned red with envy.

Fuck.

He's your student.

Aren't we your students too?

We're all new jinshi—why is the difference so great?!

9, Prince Yan will rebel sooner or later—the Crown Prince can't beat him!

Amid the ministers' thunderous cries of "Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang began the morning court session.

At court,

Zhu Yuanzhang quietly studied the ministers before him.

Not just the ministers.

But also the newly selected jinshi from yesterday's palace examination.

This was their first court session; among them, those in the top three ranks would likely see Old Zhu only once in their lives.

Hence, today's court attendance was unusually large.

After the ministers completed their bows,

Zhu Yuanzhang, his face etched with exhaustion, finally spoke slowly.

"Since the death of Crown Prince Yiwén last year, I have resolved to appoint Yunwen as Crown Prince and heir."

"But Yunwen is young, while my sons are strong. Hence, I believe… I believe my sons are good children."

"Yet when Yunwen ascends, if traitors incite the feudal princes, what do you suggest the court do?"

At these words,

Ru Taisu, standing beside Su Qiao, whispered softly,

"This concerns the very foundation of the state. If you have no firm strategy, stay silent—those from Donggong will step forward to speak."

"Of course, you may say a few words, but remember: Yunwen is the heir!"

"…."

Among the crowd, Ru Taisu rambled on to Su Qiao about the court's structure.

The other new jinshi all strained to listen, afraid of missing a word.

Only Su Qiao appeared distracted.

Yet in the ranks of ministers, Huang Zicheng and Qi Tai instantly brightened.

Since they began teaching Zhu Yunwen at Donggong,

their careers and fates had become inextricably bound to Zhu Yunwen.

How could they not see that the feudal princes hoarding troops would become a grave threat?

As Zhu Yunwen's staunch allies, they had long been determined to persuade Old Zhu to reduce the princes' power.

The military authority was given out by Old Zhu—only he could rightfully reclaim it.

Yet shortly after Crown Prince Zhu Biao's death, Prince Qin Zhu Shuang was poisoned by a palace woman; losing two legitimate sons in two years, Old Zhu simply could not bring himself to punish his remaining sons.

Today, Old Zhu himself raised this issue.

Isn't this a golden opportunity handed right to our doorstep?!

"Look, Huang Zicheng and the others are about to make their move. Listen to what they have to say first, then you speak… Hey, what are you doing, kid? They haven't spoken yet! Hey!"

Ru Taisu reached out to grab Su Qiao, but clearly failed to hold him back.

Huang Zicheng, who was standing in place, cleared his throat and was about to step forward.

Then he heard a familiar yet unfamiliar voice from behind him, forcibly holding Huang Zicheng in place.

"Your subject Su Qiao respectfully reports: the feudal kings, hoarding troops and self-aggrandizing, will surely become a great calamity in the future!"

The moment these words were spoken, the entire court erupted, and everyone froze in place.

Even Huang Zicheng couldn't help clicking his tongue in amazement.

This kid's got guts!

Though he looks like a shy, awkward little thing.

But when he has something to say, this kid really dares to say it!

Even Zhu Yunwen, standing beside Zhu Yuanzhang, couldn't help casting a gaze toward Su Qiao that carried a hint of approval.

He thought silently: Yes, that's exactly how to say it! Bring back the spirit you showed during yesterday's palace examination!

Ru Taisu, who had been tugging at Su Qiao's sleeve just moments ago, standing beside him, also couldn't help puffing out his chest.

Look at that — that's my student!

A loyal, outspoken minister!

In the future, he'll be the equal of Wei Zheng, Wei Xuancheng!

Ru Taisu looked at Su Qiao and said in a low voice,

"Not bad. The Grand Heir has already taken note of you now. You can pretty much step back."

"In a bit, Your Majesty will probably ask you a couple of questions. Just give some casual answers and that'll do."

What is nanny-style teaching?!

This is nanny-style teaching!

Isn't this the equivalent of a newcomer just entering the workplace, having a senior who finishes all your work for you every day, and explains to you word by word why the work should be done that way?

What kind of examination supervisor is this?!

This is plainly a benefactor fated by heaven!

Sure enough.

The moment Ru Taisu finished speaking.

Zhu Yuanzhang furrowed his brow tightly, stared fixedly at Su Qiao, and asked,

"Then according to your meaning, what should be done?"