Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power
Chapter 564: Fearless and Audacious

Chapter 564: Chapter 564: Fearless and Audacious

He had been thinking of weakening the power of the aristocratic clans for more than a day or two, but the freezing of three feet of ice did not happen in one cold day, especially during his Imperial Father’s reign, when those noble families were greatly fostered. Now that they were finally showing signs of decline, if someone were to discover his intentions, it would probably bring about a frenzied backlash from the clans.

This child was incredibly bold; no wonder he resorted to trickery. If he were seen by others, he would be doomed.

Not to mention the complete ruin of his career, whether he could even save his life was another matter.

He hadn’t expected that a Jieyuan would have such audacity, and even more so, that someone who had not yet participated in government could possess such insight and courage.

Since ancient times, the path of a solitary official has been fraught with peril, with most not ending well, like Lord Shang who, in reforming the government and enriching national power, touched the interests of the great clans and eventually met his end torn apart by chariots.

The Emperor read the main text over and over, his emotions surging, and he was unable to calm down for a long time.

Following the end of the main text, there was a section in smaller characters, which were Lian Mu’s words of apology.

Having finished reading that section, he already understood Lian Mu’s intentions; the child boldly admitted the intent behind writing two sets of exam papers at the end.

The first paper was for the sake of a "public" reexamination, the second was due to personal desires, fearing it would be the last chance to reveal the long-contemplated thoughts and observations in his heart.

Interestingly, the content of the first paper claimed to be for the "public" but was merely to pass the reexamination hurdle; the second, said to be driven by private desires, was worded entirely for the "public."

The Emperor smiled, "Jieyuan from Taiyuan Prefecture, Lian Mu, this child is somewhat interesting."

Even he could not deny the remarkable talent of this child, who could write two such papers in just one day. The depth of his regular studies must have been profound. Despite being able to write just one paper, he chose to write two.

The first paper was to be public for everyone to see, while the second was the key point, intended for him alone.

If there had only been the first paper, it probably wouldn’t have taken so much time.

What he had witnessed earlier was likely Lian Mu contemplating over the second answer sheet, an effort that took much consideration.

His gaze fell on the last line, "For the public good of the world, with no regrets," and after contemplation, he realized that, writing this sentence, the child probably had no confidence and had prepared for the worst scenario.

With the talent for practical work, knowing when to advance or retreat, being worldly-wise yet not cunning, with an open heart and mind, this action was not just based on blind courage but was a calculated and strategic move.

Such a person could achieve what others could not and was most fitting for the role!

"Well done!"

If a mere Jieyuan dared to stake his life as a wager, exposing himself clearly before him, then why should he hesitate to use him?

Having thought it through, the Emperor’s mood greatly improved. He rolled up the first paper and put it in a box, keeping the second paper on his desk.

Some day, he would definitely ask how Lian Mu knew that the paper would reach his hands first. After all, the matter of a reexamination for an insignificant candidate was but a trifle to him. Whether or not he chose to read the paper, the outcome of the reexamination would not affect the fairness of the imperial examination and would still reflect its impartiality.

In the courtyard.

"Oh, Steward Zhang, I’ve hardly seen you these past few days. You’ve lost weight," Lian Hua said as she held a bottle of dried flowers and happened to bump into Zhang Qing, who was returning from outside the courtyard.

Zhang Qing had been so busy that he barely had time to rest and had just finished another task before coming to report.

Different from facing those ministers, he showed a genuinely heartfelt smile: "I’ve been a bit busy with some matters recently. Master Lian, you’ve arranged these flowers nicely, they’re a pleasure to look at."

"Haha, really? Nanny taught me," Lian Hua said with a beaming smile, clearly pleased that someone appreciated her flower arrangement.

She looked at the vase, selected the prettiest flower, and offered it to him: "Here, Steward Zhang, this flower will last a long time. I gift it to you, a token for the destined, may you always smile broadly."

"Ouch, I’m very grateful to Master Lian," Zhang Qing also rejoiced, but he refused, "It’s just that by giving this flower to me, there will be one less in the vase, and it won’t look as nice as before. It’s better left where it is. I’m happy just looking at it."

Lian Hua looked down and saw that, indeed, without that flower it didn’t look as nice, but she had already offered it.

She felt troubled for a moment, then put the flower back and decided, "Alright then, I’ll give you something else."

On the side, Xiao Qing saw Zhang Qing’s skinny and frail appearance and suggested, "Master, there’s a pot of big bones stewing in the kitchen, and we also still have some fried chestnuts left. Steward Zhang has become skinny from being so busy, why not send some his way?"

"Right, that’s perfect." No sooner had she said it than she acted on it, very swiftly at that.

Lian Hua directed, "Xiao Linzi, go and prepare some for Chief Steward Zhang."

Then turning back, she asked, "Steward Zhang, would you like to eat now or take it with you to eat later? If you eat now, it’ll taste even better right at the stove."

Zhang Qing hadn’t declined yet when arrangements were already being made. A warmth filled his heart, and he stopped refusing, "Then I shall thank Master Lian greatly, but I still have matters to report to His Majesty, so I’ll eat it later."

"I see," Lian Hua nodded, then instructed Xiao Linzi, "Get our food box, pack some up, and give it to Chief Steward Zhang when he leaves."

"Yes, Master," Xiao Linzi responded, moving quickly toward the kitchen.

Zhang Qing gave thanks with a bow.

Lian Hua waved her hand dismissively, "Chief Steward Zhang, you’re being too formal. You need to eat more."

As she was about to leave, something suddenly occurred to her. She handed the vase to Xiao Qing, walked up to Zhang Qing, and whispered secretively, "Chief Steward Zhang, you have accomplished a great deed."

"What do you mean by that, Master Lian?" Zhang Qing was taken aback.

Lian Hua glanced around, then particularly at the Side Hall, and seeing that he was a bit far away, she couldn’t help but reach out to pull him closer.

At her tug, Zhang Qing stumbled.

Lian Hua scratched her head with embarrassment and awkwardly said, "Chief Steward Zhang, I didn’t mean to. It’s just that you’re so thin, light as a feather, a little pull and you fall over..."

She remembered then, Chief Steward Zhang was all good except his vision wasn’t, and he couldn’t withstand any pulling...

After regaining his balance, Zhang Qing laughed, "It’s fine, Master Lian, don’t worry about it." But his smile seemed a bit forced.

Master Lian was really too strong!

This tug brought back the memory of when he was kneeling in the yard, and Lian Hua had pulled him up kindly, almost dislocating his old arm.

He changed the subject, "Regarding what you mentioned just now, Master Lian, have I really achieved something?"

Without having finished the task, whence came the achievement?

"Yes, that’s right." Lian Hua redirected the conversation, lowering her voice, "Do you remember that stone you dug up and broke the spade on?"

A bitter feeling rose in Zhang Qing’s heart as he smiled wryly, "I remember..."

Ouch, he would never want to recall the digging incident in this lifetime.

It was the only time he had a major setback, ruining his lifetime reputation.

Lian Hua glanced again at the Side Hall to make sure there were no issues, then continued in a soft voice, "Chief Steward Zhang, you dug at exactly the right spot. That stone you uncovered is quite beautiful now that I have turned it into an ornamental rock. It’s at Nanny Qi’s place, ready to give to His Majesty for his birthday."