mtlumby2d Chapter 132 "The Ministry of Justice is the Grand Stage, Come If You Dare!"
Chapter 132 "The Ministry of Justice is the Grand Stage, Come If You Dare!"
Lin Shiming's performance wasn't exactly flawless, but his undisguised personality had deeply resonated with Bai Qiongzhu. Coupled with Bai Qiongzhu's unguarded affection for Lin Shiming, the goal was truly achieved perfectly this time.
"Father, look at me! What you couldn't do, I accomplished with ease. Perhaps I am more favored by Mother and smarter than you!"
Emperor Longyun remained silent for a long time.
"roll!"
*
Lin Shiming was not expelled from Fengyi Palace by Bai Qiongzhu, but he was expelled from Xuanzheng Hall by the enraged Emperor Longyun.
Along with being kicked out, Lu Yuxi, who remained completely innocent throughout, was also among those kicked out.
As the two rode the imperial carriage back to the East Palace, Lin Shiming grumbled and complained to Lu Yuxi that Emperor Longyun was a sore loser.
"Alright," Lu Yuxi reached out and covered Lin Shiming's mouth. "Even the stones in the palace can talk. If Father finds out you're talking about him behind his back, he'll probably give you a hard time again."
Lin Shiming was feeling quite pleased with himself, having resolved a major issue. He wasn't afraid of being punished by Emperor Longyun if he overheard, and even boldly stuck out his tongue and lightly touched Lu Yuxi's palm with a smile.
Lu Yuxi: ! ——＞ o(*///▽///*)q
He withdrew his hand as if he had been electrocuted, subconsciously glanced around at the palace servants and guards, and only after confirming that no one had noticed what had just happened did he turn back, his face flushed, to meet Lin Shiming's teasing and smug gaze.
"you..."
Lu Yuxi hesitated for a long time, but still couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh. She only said, with a fierce but weak expression, "You just wait!"
Lin Shiming said smugly, "I'll be waiting."
Lu Yuxi, a dignified and proper ancient woman, has made progress after marriage, but she still only uses the same few tricks. The time she made Lin Shiming cry was already her peak level.
Besides, Lin Shiming has also improved. Now that time has passed, he has evolved from fear to enjoyment, so why would he still be wary of Lu Yuxi's warning?
Lin Shiming was smug. Not only was he not worried, but he also planned to take advantage of Lu Yuxi's unpreparedness after he recovered from his injury and launch a counterattack to set things right!
He smugly teased Lu Yuxi, saying, "You'd better not let me off easily then~"
Lu Yuxi's dangerous gaze lingered on Lin Shiming's arrogant face for a long time, but in the end, considering that Lin Shiming's injuries had not yet healed, she forced herself to hold back.
Not in a hurry.
His father and elder brother had repeatedly taught him not to be greedy for temporary victories or to compete for short-term gains. He would first suppress Lin Shiming and then elevate him, so that Lin Shiming would see the consequences of those who challenged him.
"Okay." Lu Yuxi smiled gently. "I've got it."
The two exchanged a smile, each harboring unspoken thoughts deep within their hearts.
*
Even though Lin You guaranteed that he could do it, Bai Qiongzhu's matter could not be resolved overnight.
They couldn't possibly abandon their political affairs and devote all their attention to Bai Qiongzhu, nor would Bai Qiongzhu allow it.
Therefore, Bai Qiongzhu, unwilling to listen to the three men nagging any longer, simply chased them away and closed the gates of Fengyi Palace, forbidding anyone from entering except for those delivering goods and medicine.
Therefore, the three of them finally shifted their attention away from Bai Qiongzhu and focused on the upcoming imperial examination.
The morning examination was scheduled for the tenth day of the fifth month.
According to custom, Lin Shiming had to prepare excellent exam questions for the Ministry of Justice and, as was customary, meet with some newly appointed scholars to recruit those he wanted to take the exam and secure positions within the Ministry. Simply put, it was like Tsinghua and Peking University vying for the top-scoring student.
But Lin Shiming, being so unconventional, couldn't handle such complicated social interactions, so he had already come up with a solution.
On April 24th, in front of the imperial examination notice board where the notices were usually posted, several eunuchs were carefully affixing a large red paper sprinkled with gold to the notice board.
A group of well-informed people gradually gathered around the imperial edict, craning their necks to see the notice being posted by the eunuchs, and casually reading its contents aloud.
"A propaganda leaflet for the Ministry of Justice's imperial examination in the seventeenth year of the Longyun era?"
The newly appointed scholars looked at each other, completely bewildered. "What is this?"
"I don't know! Let's take a look down first, it's already pasted!"
They looked up and saw that the eunuchs had indeed posted the notice, so they stepped back. The crowd below hurried forward to read it carefully.
"To establish rules for the world, to defend the wicked among the people, and to quell chaos in the court..."
"His Majesty's strong recommendation, unafraid of powerful backers or influential figures, acting impartially, his name will be remembered for eternity..."
…
"The Ministry of Justice is the grand stage, come if you dare!"
Lou Yunsu, who had just been given a severe beating by his cousin at home and was finally able to go out, also came down from the Liu Restaurant out of curiosity, squeezed into the crowd, and stood on tiptoe to look inside.
As more and more people arrived, the eunuchs who had finished posting the notices but hadn't left as usual nodded to each other in confirmation. Then, one of the highest-ranking eunuchs stepped forward, cleared his throat, and shouted in a loud voice, "Quiet—"
The crowd below stirred briefly before quieting down and focusing their attention on the eunuch.
"We have been entrusted by His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Princess to post this notice!"
The eunuch straightened his back and began to recite as Lin Shiming had instructed.
"Your Majesty and the Crown Princess are considerate and caring towards their subjects. Knowing that the imperial examinations are approaching, the two noble ladies must know that many newly appointed scholars are unfamiliar with the various departments of the court and do not know how to choose."
"The imperial examination is crucial to the future careers of all of you newly appointed officials. The two noble ladies do not wish for you to fail to reach the right positions and contribute to the Changping Dynasty. Therefore, with the Crown Princess taking the lead and His Majesty personally writing the document, this proclamation has been completed so that you can better understand the Ministry of Justice."
"His Highness the Crown Prince has said that the selection of departments for the imperial examinations should be based on local conditions, and those who are more suitable for you should be selected. Therefore, if you feel that your ideas align with those of the Ministry of Justice as stated in this notice, you can choose the Ministry of Justice when you register tomorrow. If not, it will be good to make a choice sooner rather than later."
How could they not be compatible? Not to mention that Lin Shiming's content, which incorporated various advertising slogans, was enough to arouse the longing of these ancient people who had never witnessed the power of advertising, the fact that the proclamation was personally written by the emperor made it an unprecedented and powerful advertisement that could cause a sensation throughout the entire country.
The emperor recommends it; who dares to deny it?
Even though Emperor Longyun was tricked into writing this notice by Lin Shiming, the facts are undeniable.
Lin Shiming, who had been watching the whole situation unfold from a corner, looked with satisfaction at the bustling crowd below and listened to the lively discussions.
"How about it, isn't this a good move of mine?"
Lin Shiming proudly showed off his achievement to Lu Yuxi, "With this notice out, the number of people applying for the Ministry of Justice today will definitely be the highest of all departments! They'll be flocking to it like moths to a flame!"
Lin Shiming was smug. This year's "top students" would definitely have many choices for the Ministry of Justice. Everyone would roll up their sleeves, and he could pick out the best ones from among them!
Isn't this faster and more effective than winning them over one by one?
Hahaha! Lin Shiming smugly thought to himself, "Evil capitalists? I am a capitalist!"
Lu Yuxi shook her head at his smug look.
"If you do this, the people in the other departments will probably be dissatisfied."
Lin Shiming couldn't stand Lu Yuxi's discouraging words and immediately retorted, "What are they complaining about! I didn't stop them from posting notices too. It's their own fault for not being able to get Father's signature, so don't blame me!"
What kind of twisted logic is this? Lu Yuxi sighed helplessly, "It's not scarcity that's the problem, but inequality. Even if you achieved it through your own abilities, they will still feel resentful. If they gang up on you, you might not be able to escape unscathed."
"It's alright!" Lin Shiming waved his hand dismissively. "I only plan to do this once. Besides, my brother will clean up the mess for me."
Just and confident.JPG
(Lin Shih-ho: Please, get out of here!)
Lu Yuxi's expression was indescribable.
The more he learned about Lin Shiming, the more sympathy he felt for Lin Shihe.
Until today, he finally deeply suspected that Lin Shihe's ability to manipulate events at will was something he honed while cleaning up the messes Lin Shiming had made.
Lu Yuxi recalled the Emperor Longyun's face, which was even blacker than the bottom of a pot, before she left home, and couldn't help but sigh again.
Lin Shiming really has a knack for all sorts of tricks, and every beating he took was for nothing.
*
After listening to everyone's discussions and praises, Lin Shiming finally felt satisfied and followed Lu Yuxi back to the palace.
At the gate of the East Palace, the two of them had just alighted from the imperial carriage when they spotted Li An, who was standing guard at the gate with a fawning expression.
"Why is Eunuch Li here instead of serving the Emperor?"
Li An trotted forward, flashing a fawning smile, "Your Highnesses, His Majesty sent me to deliver a message to you."
Emperor Longyun sent a message? Lin Shiming and Lu Yuxi exchanged a glance, their hearts gradually becoming serious.
Lu Yuxi glanced at the guards and palace servants beside her and spoke first, "Why don't you come inside with us, Eunuch Li?"
"No need! It's nothing serious." Li An smiled brightly.
It's not a big deal, and judging from Li An's expression, it's not a bad thing either, but saying it in front of so many people...
Lin Shiming suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Eunuch Li, why don't we go inside?"
"No, no, no!" Li An hurriedly refused. "To be honest, Your Highnesses, His Majesty has decreed that I must speak in a crowded place."
Lin Shiming remained silent for a long time before finally mustering his courage.
"You said."
Li An bowed deeply, his posture extremely humble and respectful. "His Majesty said that he accidentally injured his face today and will probably need seven or eight days to recover. Therefore, all the affairs of state will be entrusted to Your Highnesses for the next few days, and the court sessions will also be presided over by Your Highnesses."
"I hope that Your Highnesses will not fail His Majesty's trust and will handle the affairs of state perfectly!"
Before the two could even respond, Li An, fearing being caught and implicated, bowed respectfully and slipped away quietly. His speed was as if he were fleeing a disaster.
Lin Shiming and Lu Yuxi: "... ..."
Good grief, he got what he deserved.
Lin Shiming stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning.
After a long while, Lu Yuxi finally came to her senses, shook her head helplessly, and led Lin Shiming inside.
"I told you not to mess with Father, and now you've suffered the consequences." Your face is hurt? It's probably because of this notice that your face is hurt!
Lin Shiming was on the verge of tears. He hadn't expected this stingy emperor to be so vindictive!
"But I just finished preparing for the morning exam yesterday, and I was planning to take a few days off! I haven't played with my Lin Ha and Lin Qi in ages!"
"Who told you to offend Father Emperor?" Lu Yuxi chuckled and pinched Lin Shiming's cheek. "Alright, take a good rest today. I reckon all those memorials will arrive tomorrow. You'll have to stay up all night every day and work hard, and you probably won't be able to sleep well."
Terrible!
Lin Shiming was pulled into the door by Lu Yuxi in despair.
He sat up in shock while on his deathbed, realizing that the ultimate capitalist was none other than Emperor Longyun.
*
This part-time "emperor" life was truly painful. After only two days, Lin Shiming, feeling dizzy and lightheaded from watching, threw a tantrum and refused to continue.
"I don't care! I still have palace affairs and the Ministry of Justice to handle; reviewing memorials is your job!"
On another table, Lu Yuxi, who was writing non-stop, casually wrote, "This morning at court, my brother dealt with the officials from various departments who were attacking and impeaching you. Before leaving, he specifically told me that if you were disobedient and did not work properly, he would send you directly back to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion so that he could give you a good talking-to."
"..."
Lin Shiming recalled Lin Shihe's gritted teeth face when he cleaned up the mess for him yesterday.
This teaching has a murderous undertone.
Lin Shiming shuddered, and suddenly his backache and headache disappeared. It was as if he could read all the memorials at once. He picked up his pen and continued to work hard.
"I think reviewing memorials is a good exercise; it's also a good way to practice calligraphy!"
"So adorably timid." Lu Yuxi glanced up at Lin Shiming, who was sitting upright, and chuckled silently.
Just as Lin Shiming was finally able to calmly review the memorials under Lin Shihe's intimidation, Li An suddenly arrived again.
"This servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Crown Princess."
Lin Shiming, who was racking his brains to read the memorial, saw it as a savior.
"Eunuch Li!" he greeted him excitedly. "Has Father's face recovered? I can finally be free!"
Li An chuckled awkwardly, "Your Highness is disappointed. This servant did not come for this matter."
"Oh!" Lin Shiming replied dryly, his smile vanishing instantly. He pouted unhappily and sat back down in his seat, dejected.
But he sat back down, and Li An couldn't just leave him sitting there.
Lu Yuxi put down her pen, stretched her wrists, and came over. "Shi Ming is busy and annoyed, Father-in-law, you don't need to worry about him."
"This servant would never dare!" Li An bowed and smiled gently. "How could this servant not know Her Highness the Crown Princess's temperament?" He even dared to disrespect Emperor Longyun, so this was already quite polite to him. His treatment was several times better than that given to Emperor Longyun!
Lu Yuxi naturally understood the unspoken meaning in Li An's words.
Lu Yuxi smiled. "Shiming is indeed a rare sincerity. I wonder what Father Emperor has summoned you for?"
When the conversation turned to business, Li An became more serious, his usual joking demeanor fading. "Your Highness," he said, "Last night, Her Majesty the Empress had a dream that was... of great significance. Therefore, His Majesty and Her Majesty have sent me to summon you both to Fengyi Palace so we can discuss this dream together."
Lin Shiming, who had been eavesdropping, suddenly looked up. "Really?"
Lin You got everything done in just seven days?
"This servant dares not speak presumptuously." Li An thoughtfully added a few more details for Lin Shiming, "His Majesty yesterday... managed to enter Fengyi Palace and stayed overnight."
"While keeping watch at the inner chamber door in the middle of the night, I vaguely heard Her Majesty crying, which also startled His Majesty awake. However, His Majesty tried to wake Her Majesty, but she did not wake up. It was not until the female physician who was on duty in the side hall was summoned that Her Majesty slowly woke up."
"Later, it was the Empress who advised His Majesty not to make a big fuss in the middle of the night. After drinking a bowl of calming soup prepared by Mr. Nan, he went back to sleep."
"His Majesty was worried and stayed by the Empress's side all night. It wasn't until an hour and a half ago that the Empress finally woke up and instructed me to invite the two princes to come. Before leaving, the Empress specifically instructed me to explain the matter clearly, that it was just a feeling in a dream, so that the two princes would not have to worry on their way."