Chapter 39: Li Chen

Yunlu Academy was filled with eminent scholars.

They were either renowned scholars from across the TianCe Dynasty or foreign academics who had traveled great distances.

Those who entered the Star Gazing Pavilion were all prominent figures, true literary giants of their regions.

When they arrived, they had come solely to pay homage to Master Yu’s aura; now they had all become Li Chen’s fervent fans.

These literary giants were the real masters of reading the wind and changing direction.

If they praised Master Yu now, they would directly offend the Emperor.

But if they praised Li Chen, they might please him enough to earn an official post.

As for offending Master Yu? Who cared!

Thinking this, the scholars all picked up their brushes and wrote lavish poems extolling Li Chen.

Then, one by one, these literary giants lined up and knelt before Li Chen, offering him their writings.

To an outsider, it might seem today was Li Chen’s fan meeting.

Li Chen did not stop these scholars from praising him; it was as if he said: Praise away—I love hearing it.

Yet those few with tears in their eyes were clearly overacting.

The court officials who knelt daily in the Imperial Study were the true acting masters—these ones clearly lacked real-world experience.

Master Yu, meanwhile, had abandoned his usual wild and unrestrained demeanor: his robes were neatly fastened, his stance straight when standing, his posture upright when seated.

He was even more subdued than the Chief Eunuch Cui Eunuch beside Li Chen.

Had one not known he was Master Yu, bystanders might have mistaken him for Li Chen’s bodyguard.

The fan meeting ended quickly, and the moment to inspire the empire’s students finally arrived.

Amidst the crowd’s escort, Li Chen ascended the balcony of the Star Gazing Tower, overlooking thousands of students below.

Each year, tens of millions of students in the TianCe Dynasty take the Academy Exams; those who pass must then take the Provincial Exams.

Those who advance in the Provincial Exams may come to the capital for the Metropolitan Exams.

Simply making the list in the Metropolitan Exams means securing an official post.

However, the top scorers in the Metropolitan Exams qualify to take the Palace Examination, personally presided over by the Emperor.

In other words, if they earn Li Chen’s favor, these lucky few may be directly appointed to important government posts.

These thousands of students before him were mostly those preparing for the Metropolitan Exams.

Every year before the exams, they came to Yunlu Academy to pay respects to Master Yu, like burning incense for good fortune—a long-standing tradition.

Usually at this time, Master Yu would deliver an impassioned speech, encouraging the students to achieve their best results.

Over time, his status among scholars across the land grew ever higher.

Some even began to model themselves after him.

Who was Master Yu? The Emperor had offered him an official post, and he refused.

Thus, within Yunlu Academy, a certain atmosphere had quietly taken root—especially among Master Yu’s disciples.

Each day, they openly insulted the Emperor and mocked the ministers.

They treated the court as if it meant nothing.

Even in the presence of Princess Li Sining, they blurted out disrespectful words about the Emperor.

Because they knew: even if word got out, it didn’t matter—as long as Master Yu remained here, they were safe.

Master Yu’s bow today had shaken them deeply.

Some gifted disciples were now considering whether they should finally take the exams—hanging around the academy forever wasn’t a solution.

Look at how mighty those officials standing behind Li Chen appear.

When their admiration shifted from Master Yu to Li Chen, their priorities changed too.

Master Yu’s bow lowered him—and naturally, his disciples were lowered with him. This was exactly what Li Chen wanted.

Don’t think Li Chen didn’t guess: Master Yu invited him to this academy ceremony precisely to make him a prop.

As head of Yunlu Academy and the sage of all scholars, to have the Emperor himself attend your academy ceremony?

In literary circles, that would be etched into history.

What literary giant could ever achieve such a feat!

The former Emperor’s humility had conditioned Master Yu to expect such deference.

But Li Chen didn’t indulge him—he struck with a warning from the start.

Many wondered why Master Yu knelt.

High EQ: Master Yu deeply understands that in this vast world, with its countless people, only by placing the sovereign at the center can the state find peace and prosperity, and culture flourish. As a subject of the TianCe Dynasty, though his scholarly attainments are supreme, in matters of state and the way of ruler and minister, he must maintain humility.

Low EQ: He felt he couldn’t win, so he didn’t dare move.

!

This is a world where strength reigns supreme—if reason worked, who would bother cultivating?

To Li Chen, the only solution to any problem is force.

If your force cannot solve it, it simply means your force is insufficient.

Don’t tell me how great Master Yu’s literary attainments are—if he lacked this martial power, he wouldn’t have achieved what he has today; he’d have been killed long ago during his travels across the states.

Li Chen merely used the same method to give Master Yu a warning.

As for how Master Yu would react afterward, Li Chen didn’t care—if he was dissatisfied, let him try to fight.

Standing on the Star Gazing Terrace, Li Chen felt the students’ expectant gazes and raised his voice: “I know you are sharpening your weapons, preparing for the coming Spring Exams. I urge you to strive for excellence. When your names appear on the golden list, you shall relieve my burdens and secure blessings for the people—jointly building the glory of TianCe!”

His voice was majestic, like that of a deity.

Each word struck deep within the students’ hearts, stirring their souls.

“Long live the Emperor! We swear not to betray Your Majesty’s trust—we shall serve the state and relieve Your Majesty’s burdens!”

The students shouted in unison, their voices brimming with longing and hope for their bright futures.

Seeing the students’ fervent expressions, Li Chen was satisfied—this is how you should look.

Time was still early; Li Chen had no rush to return. Like a leader, he continued inspecting Yunlu Academy.

Wherever he went, nearby students grew wildly excited; some even danced with joy, faces flushed, as if ready to play a song of gratitude.

A minor incident occurred: as Li Chen passed near the Quiet Reflection Garden, he ‘accidentally’ spotted Liu Hao.

Liu Hao’s physique made it impossible for any scholar to push past him—he’d finally found a chance to approach Li Chen.

But before he could utter his oath of loyalty, Li Chen clapped him on the shoulder and said: “Study hard this year—I look forward to seeing your name on the list.”

Liu Hao: “.”

He was stunned—he hadn’t taken the Spring Exams; he’d just sneaked in.

Dammit, the Emperor thinks I’m a candidate!

If I tell the truth, is that treason?

Li Chen hadn’t expected that his casual remark would make Liu Hao go home and actually start studying!

Even his father began to suspect his son had been possessed.

In the Chancellor’s mansion, Zhao Wenyuan didn’t have to attend morning court today, but he kept his habit of rising early, reviewing reports from his subordinates, his expression grave.

“The Second Prince has been acting frequently—has he grown so impatient already?”

His subordinate asked, seeing this as a chance to curry favor with Li Chen.

Zhao Wenyuan frowned but gave no answer.

(End of Chapter)

(End of Chapter)