The princess regretted it.

Chapter 282 Wu Changfeng was named "Shujishi"

The emperor pondered for a moment, and the imperial study was completely silent, with only the sound of gentle breathing rising and falling. Wu Anshuo's heart seemed to be suspended high by an invisible rope. From the peak of initial anticipation, as time quietly passed, he slowly fell into the abyss of fear.

His eyes fixed on the Emperor, filled with anxiety, he kept wondering if there was something wrong with what he had just said, if his words had been inappropriate. Or perhaps there was some other hidden reason behind the power struggle in the palace, one he was completely unaware of? Various thoughts tangled in his mind like a tangled thread, but he couldn't make sense of it.

Just as he was struggling with this inner torment, the Emperor finally spoke. His deep, commanding voice, like a resounding bell, echoed through the silent imperial study: "Since that's the case, Wu Changfeng, you will join the Hanlin Academy as a Shujishi. You won't have to wait for the three-year assessment period. If you can pass the Jinshi exam next year with your talent, I will promote you to the position of Editor. This arrangement is also an opportunity for you. It all depends on whether you can seize it. What do you think?"

The Duke of Huguo couldn't help but raise his brows slightly at the Emperor's words, and the lines on his once stern and imposing face softened unconsciously. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mu lowered his eyelids, skillfully masking his emotions and making it difficult to discern his true thoughts. Only the slight tremor of his mouth betrayed his efforts to suppress a smile.

Mu En and his left and right deputy generals did not try to control their emotions. At that moment, even the murderous aura that they had accumulated over the years seemed to have faded a little. The corners of their mouths, which they tried hard to control, were still curled up. The three of them lowered their heads at the same time.

When Wu Anshuo and Wu Changfeng heard the three words "Shujishi", their faces instantly turned as pale as paper, without any blood.

This result was completely unexpected by the father and son. They had originally fully believed that with their family's contribution to the grain protection, coupled with Wu Anshuo's painstaking planning, Wu Changfeng would at least be able to secure a position as an editor, thus establishing a firm foothold in the Imperial Academy and securing a future for the family. However, they had never expected that the Emperor would grant him a position as a relatively insignificant Shujishi (Shujishi) in his opinion.

However, they knew that the emperor's words were golden and could not be taken back. Moreover, what the emperor said was not unreasonable and could not be refuted.

Wu Anshuo was stunned for a moment. Just as he was about to speak, Wu Changfeng, observing his father's actions, feared that his father might say something that would anger His Majesty. So, despite feeling a surge of disappointment and resentment, he suppressed these emotions and, before his father could speak, respectfully kowtowed in gratitude. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations." His voice was calm, yet a slight tremor could be concealed.

Wu Anshuo's heart trembled at Wu Changfeng's words, and he quickly suppressed the words that were about to burst out. He slowly turned his head to look at his son, his eyes filled with questioning helplessness. Wu Changfeng cautiously glanced at his father, his eyes full of caution and suggestion. Then he quickly glanced at the emperor sitting on the throne, as if silently reminding his father not to act rashly, lest he anger the emperor and cause the situation to become unmanageable.

Wu Anshuo instantly grasped his son's meaning and sighed inwardly, realizing his son's concerns were perfectly valid. The emperor's moods were like thunderbolts; a single misstep could unleash a catastrophic disaster. Though he felt resentful, he suppressed his inner turmoil and respectfully followed suit, thanking the emperor.

The emperor nodded and said, "Marquis Wu, since you are unable to attend tonight's palace banquet, please return first. Editor Wu can stay." Sitting at the head of the table, he observed the father and son's every move. A subtle, fleeting curve flickered across his lips, like a shooting star in the dark night. He was clearly aware of their subtle thoughts.

Conferring Wu Changfeng this position was a carefully planned test; he wanted to see how they would react. If they dared to show even the slightest discontent, then the newly promised position of Shujishi would be relinquished. He wouldn't allow others to meddle with or covet his favor. To his slight surprise, Wu Changfeng was resilient and flexible, not showing his emotions on the surface like his father. It seemed this young man's mind was far deeper and more complex than he had imagined; he would need to be more cautious in the future.

Upon hearing the emperor's decree, Wu Anshuo felt a sense of resentment and disappointment, but he had to acknowledge the emperor's words as true. He mused that in his current state, with difficulty moving and requiring assistance, appearing at the palace banquet would be a loss of dignity and would likely draw scrutiny and criticism. Furthermore, if his son, Wu Changfeng, attended, he would represent the Wu family among the public and perhaps even offer some opportunities. With this in mind, he suppressed his inner turmoil and respectfully thanked the emperor.

The emperor immediately ordered people to arrange a safe sedan chair and attendants to send him back to the marquis's mansion safely.

Afterward, the Emperor led Prime Minister Mu and the others to the banquet hall. Inside, the ministers, already seated, heard the eunuchs shout, "The Emperor has arrived!" They all jumped from their seats and knelt, chanting, "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices echoed throughout the hall in unison and resounding rhythm. The Emperor walked steadily to the main seat, raised his hand to signal everyone to stand, and then calmly took his seat. Prime Minister Mu and the other important ministers followed suit, seated according to their rank, in an orderly and orderly manner.

As soon as the Emperor sat down, he raised his eyes slightly, his gaze as sharp as a torch, and slowly scanned the entire room. In an instant, the banquet hall felt as if a pin drop could be heard, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the Emperor to speak.

The deep, powerful and penetrating voice of the emperor rang out in the hall: "My dear ministers, today is a happy day for our dynasty! Our brave and fearless Zhenbei Army, on the border battlefield, overcame all obstacles and went through hard battles, and finally defeated the Yu army and left them in disarray. Now they have returned to the court in glory and triumph. Such glorious military achievements are the blessing of our dynasty and the people. I am very pleased and have set up this celebration banquet. Firstly, it is to reward those soldiers who fought bloody battles and risked their lives on the battlefield; secondly, I also want to share the joy brought by this victory with my dear ministers. I hope you will drink tonight and celebrate the prosperity of our dynasty!" The emperor's words were sonorous and powerful.

The ministers all stood up again, bowed their heads and saluted, saying: "Your Majesty is wise!"

The emperor raised his hand again to signal everyone to stand up, and said, "Everyone, please stand up and take a seat."

The ministers took their seats one after another. Today's protagonist was the Zhenbei Army, so Mu En's seat was second only to his father, Prime Minister Mu. Zhang Chengde, who was sitting diagonally across from him, cast a sinister glance at the Mu father and son. Mu En was keenly aware of the unfriendly look and suddenly raised his eyes to look at Zhang Chengde. Zhang Chengde was caught off guard by the other party's perceptiveness. He forced a smile, and Mu En gave him a faint smile. He then withdrew his gaze, scanned the entire banquet hall, and then quietly turned to ask Prime Minister Mu, "Father, isn't Jin'an attending?"