I, who disguised myself as a woman, turned out to be a queen! ?

Chapter 1283 You've Offended the Empress, What Does His Majesty Think?

Dressed in a scholar's robe, the old scholar, who seemed to have always been poor and shabby, came alone.

When the old scholar was invited into the main hall and saw Yan Ruyu and She Yue, he was taken aback.

But he was very cunning. He could use any of these words and, recalling the scene in the Imperial Study, he knew that it must have been sent by the Empress.

Moreover, the fact that his student wasn't waiting for him outside Chengtian Gate meant that he had gone to see the Empress.

But it doesn't match.

I was sent by His Majesty, and these two were sent by the Empress. They are on two separate matters and are not related.

Just
Really no contact?

Could it be that the Empress sent this person specifically to wait for me?

So he smiled and bowed to the two men who stood up and bowed to him, saying, "Gentlemen, shall I go first?"

Ruyu and Sheyue quickly clasped their hands in greeting, and then the two of them sat down again.

Mu Xu glanced at the scene and felt a little curious. What did the Empress tell the two of them to do? Something about this scene didn't seem quite right.

But Mu Xu didn't ask any questions. He just looked at the two people standing to his side, scratched his head, and said, "We're not going in. We'll just ask a few questions, and then we'll go to another house."

Yang Muhe and Mu Xu had a long-standing friendship.

When Yang Muhe served as the Right Vice Director of Studies, Mu Xu became the Chief Sacrificer.

Later, Yang Muhe resigned from his official post due to poor health and became a leisurely nobleman.

Looking at Mu Xu, Yang Muhe bowed and said, "Master, please come in and sit down to talk."

Mu Xu waved his hand, glancing at Yang Muhe's gaze. "Old man, you're already starting to plot?"

Yang Muhe was indeed making plans, because Yan Ruyu and Shentu Sheyue had arrived, and Mu Xu was coming right after them!
Song Daoji pursed his lips and looked at the Grand Master of Ceremonies.

Mu Xu smiled and said, "It is His Majesty's oral decree."

Hear this!

Yang Muhe and Song Daoji immediately bowed and stood at attention.

Even the servants in the mansion immediately knelt down.

Ruyu and Sheyue also stood up and came to stand behind Yang Muhe and Song Daoji.

Mu Xu's expression was serious: "Her Majesty said that she thought there were no noble families in the Great Xia Dynasty anymore, but now it seems that there are still people who want to be noble families."

Yang Muhe and Song Daoji's hearts skipped a beat!
Noble family
To put it bluntly, the so-called noble families are just aristocratic clans!
They are not the Qinghe Cui family or the Langya Wang family, which are renowned for their literary achievements, but a proper and legitimate aristocratic family!
Families like the Qi family, the Zuo family, and the Ouyang family were almost wiped out!
The most powerful of them all was the Chen family from Sichuan in the past.

Emperor
Why bring this up?
Yang Muhe felt his lips were a little dry, but subconsciously he saw Yan Ruyu standing behind him, and out of the corner of his eye he saw two knives on Yan Ruyu's back!

They also noticed the knife box that Shen Tu Sheyue had tied to her waist.

Wow!
Sweat immediately broke out on Yang Muhe's forehead.

Song Daoji wasn't stupid, especially since his brother-in-law had just said those things to him. Upon hearing this, he immediately turned to look at Yan Ruyu and Shen Tu Sheyue.

These two are the ones who are responsible for killing people by the side of the Emperor and Empress!

Among them, Yan Ruyu, there is a saying in the capital that this girl has awakened Yan Yunxiao's bloodline!
Shen Tu Sheyue, on the other hand, is a woman whose master, Shen Tu Kuyue, is erratic and prone to fighting at the slightest provocation! Her favorite saying is, "Just kill her, it's too much trouble."

Song Daoji suddenly seemed to understand why the two of them had been sitting still since they arrived.

Mu Xu stroked his beard and smiled. He had no idea what the two were thinking, but to be honest, looking at them, hey! The place where Yan Ruyu and She Yue were standing was just right!
So, the Empress sent these two here to do this.

They really were waiting for me.

No wonder His Majesty sent a wretched old man like me here.

But thinking of this, the old scholar's eyes narrowed. He looked at the two people in front of him, then at Yan Ruyu and Sheyue.

His Majesty
This is an opportunity I've been waiting for.

Is this the opportunity that Yang Muhe had his daughter stage?

Thinking of this, the old scholar suddenly smiled and then said, "His Majesty also has an imperial edict, instructing me to ask you people."

Yang Muhe and Song Daoji quickly bowed respectfully again.

The old scholar spoke up: "Your Majesty asks, what is the meaning of the character '贵' in '贵门' (noble family)?"

Song Daoji's expression hardened, and he subconsciously looked at his brother-in-law.

Yang Muhe's pupils contracted instantly, and he immediately swallowed hard, with beads of sweat visible on his forehead.

What's the meaning.
Yang Muhe turned around and glanced at Yan Ruyu.

He noticed that Yan Ruyu was looking up at him, staring straight at him, still not saying a word, just staring!

It’s very oppressive!
For some reason, Yang Muhe was certain of one thing.

They'll get to work!
The emperor really will take action against them!

And it was at this moment that Yang Muhe understood something.

Why did Yan Ruyu go to the Song residence, while Shen Tu Sheyue went to her own home to find herself?

这 是
They went their separate ways to different places.

Mu Xu, on the other hand, would ask them one by one.

What is the meaning of the character "贵"?

Why send Mu Xu again?!

Isn't this the emperor's way of saying, "You're obstructing what I asked Mu Xu to do? And you even want to become a powerful clan?"

To put it simply, isn't it just, 'Are you looking to die?'

Yang Muhe immediately replied, "Your Majesty, apart from those who are noble by virtue, there are no other noble families in the world!"

Mu Xu looked at Yang Muhe and asked, "Have you thought it through?"

Yang Muhe looked at Mu Xu, eagerly trying to get some clue from Mu Xu's eyes, but the old scholar just looked at him without any extra expression in his eyes.

Yang Muhe swallowed hard: "The Yang family will not act like a noble family."

Mu Xu looked at Song Daoji: "Where is Lord Song?"

Song Daoji's expression froze for a moment. When he looked up, the old scholar noticed that the man was drenched in sweat, and he felt a little sorry for him.

But the old scholar also knew that life and death were at stake, and a wrong answer would mean immediate execution, so he should indeed be afraid.

Song Daoji immediately replied, "The Song family is not a noble family, and there are no noble families in the world."

Mu Xu nodded: "Okay, that's good enough."

As he spoke, Mu Xu quickly said with a smile, "Get up, get up, it's all over now."

He looked at Ruyu and Sheyue as he spoke: "Ruyu, Sheyue, quickly help the two gentlemen up."

Upon hearing this, Ruyu and Sheyue quickly stepped forward.

But Yang Muhe is alright.

But when Yan Ruyu met Song Daoji, the old man was startled, seeing Yan Ruyu's terrified face.

My brother-in-law just said the emperor won't kill them! So what's going on here?!

The emperor even sent executioners directly to his home!
Yan Ruyu looked at Song Daoji in confusion, "What's wrong with me?"
Mu Xu laughed and said, "Brother Yang, Lord Song, is that all? His Majesty has something else for me to pass on, but there's no need for formalities. She said she's waiting for you at the Imperial Academy. By the way, she said there's a case at the Imperial Academy that's causing quite a stir. With the imperial examinations just around the corner, this kind of thing is distracting many students from preparing for the exams. She wants to see for herself what kind of case it is."

Mu Xu added, "Remember to hurry over there. I've calculated the time; the Emperor should have arrived by now."

Yang Muhe looked at Mu Xu, his expression turning deathly pale.

case
The case within the Imperial College naturally involved his daughter and Xiao Ansheng.

The emperor himself investigated?
its not right.

This is different from what he thought.

Shouldn't the emperor only intervene after things have escalated to a point where he can get involved?
Why is it that now the emperor directly investigates?

Did Mu Xu or Xun Kuang say that?
Even if they did tell, the emperor would likely find out anyway.
wrong
The emperor has sent people here, which means he has already decided to kill them.

It seems there's no need to worry about whether the emperor will take action against their dozen or so families, or whether they will risk making enemies of all the families, big and small, in the world.

Because now he's personally getting involved.

It was clear that they intended to use strong measures to support Mu Xu and Xun Kuang in advancing the imperial examination reform.

Is she really planning to offend the powerful and influential local gentry?

Aren't you afraid that everyone will turn against the King of Shu?!

Thinking this, Yang Muhe looked up at Mu Xu.

Mu Xu looked at him and said, "Don't overthink it. I won't stay any longer. I still have to go to other places. After all, I need to ask each of your dozen or so families and then notify them to go to the Imperial Academy. Lord Yang, you should also hurry up and pack your things, otherwise, something might really happen to your young daughter. With your support, who knows what she might say."

After saying that, Mu Xu looked at Yan Ruyu and Shen Tu Sheyue.

But before he could even speak...

Yang Muhe grabbed Mu Xu's hand: "Mu Xu, what exactly does His Majesty mean?"

Mu Xu looked at Yang Muhe and smiled: "Take care of yourself."

He then withdrew his hand.

Looking at Yang Muhe, Mu Xu smiled and said, "His Majesty has killed so many people, he no longer cares. I only understood this matter after seeing these two. But telling you won't hurt. How should I put it? I once submitted a memorial to the late Emperor entitled 'The Admonition on Fairness,' and the late Emperor promised to make it a reality. After the late Emperor passed away, His Majesty read it and told me to 'help me realize it.' Now it seems I have to thank you, Muhe. Thank you for orchestrating this whole thing, which has made His Majesty intend to personally fulfill my decades-long wish. And this reform of the imperial examination system has truly been implemented, which is to accomplish this."

Yang Muhe stared blankly.

Mu Xu looked at Yang Muhe: "You people, throughout history, when emperors have governed, people like you have always stepped forward to obstruct them. But the current Empress has taken swift and decisive action. In less than a year, she has pacified the court, destroyed powerful families, quelled the war, and weakened the power of the vassal kings. Does she still care about having a few more people under her command? Heaven and earth are ruthless, treating all things as straw dogs. Sages are ruthless, treating the common people as straw dogs. We who wear official robes are just common people in her eyes. We've just changed our skin."

Seeing Yang Muhe's bewildered expression, Mu Xu continued, "I've told you many times about the interview. It wasn't my decision, it really wasn't my idea, but you didn't believe me. Today I'm telling you, this matter was decided by Her Majesty the Empress, and all the rules and regulations were also set by Her Majesty the Empress. I advised you not to cause trouble, but you didn't listen. You're going against this, isn't that going against Her Majesty the Empress? Her Majesty rarely sets new policies, and now that this has been decided, you don't agree and insist on making a scene. Isn't that displeasing Her Majesty? If Her Majesty is displeasing, what do you think will happen to His Majesty?"

Snapped!
The timid Song Daoji's legs went weak and he collapsed to the ground, staring blankly at Mu Xu.

Yang Muhe's face turned deathly pale in an instant.

Looking at Mu Xu, he was somewhat speechless. He didn't know anything about the "Fairness Proverb" or the idea of ​​fulfilling Mu Xu's long-cherished wish.
He didn't want to know.

But then there are the rules set by the Empress.

Mu Xu ignored Yang Muhe. Actually, there was no need to say the last thing, but the old scholar was soft-hearted and it was better to tell him anyway, since he should at least know the truth.

Mu Xu looked at Yan Ruyu and She Yue: "Gentlemen, shall we go to the next place?"

Ruyu and Sheyue were stunned for a moment.

Ruyu asked, "The next one?"

Mu Xu immediately said, "Yes, Her Majesty sent you here just to wait for me. His Majesty sent me here. Now that this is over, I'll be heading to the next place."

Ruyu and Sheyue were stunned for a moment, and then...
The two silly girls looked at each other, wondering if this was true.

Mu Xu was puzzled: "Didn't the Empress send you here, to do nothing but wait for me to question you, and to draw your swords if you answered incorrectly?"

Ruyu blinked: "Your Majesty sent us?"

Before she could finish speaking, Sheyue looked at Ruyu with a look of sudden realization: "No wonder."

Ruyu looked at Sheyue and thought, "No wonder."
She Yue looked at Mu Xu and asked, "Master, where should we go next?"

Ruyu: "?"

Mu Xu smiled and said, "The Cen family."

Ruyu looked at Sheyue and Muxu, "Is this what Your Majesty means?"
Despite their doubts, Ruyu and Sheyue stayed by Muxu's side.

Without even glancing at Yang Muhe and Song Daoji, he walked out of the mansion.

However, after only a few steps, Mu Xu slipped.

Ruyu quickly stepped forward to help him up.

Mu Xu waved his hand: "No need, no need, I'm so excited! My long-cherished wish of decades is about to come true, my heart is so excited!"

The old scholar's face was beaming with joy!

His long-cherished wish was to have the sound of reading aloud heard throughout the Great Xia.

But the real purpose.

To ensure that all scholars in the world can compete fairly.

In the past, I stood on the city wall and watched the disappointed students leave the capital. Eight or nine out of ten of them were from poor families.

According to the examiners' statistics, less than 20% of the examinees came from impoverished families, while 80% came from families of officials and gentry.

The gap in reading ability is as vast as a chasm.

I often see poor students drinking snow water to stay awake, copying and reading books, and studying late into the night, and I always feel a pang of sympathy.

That's why schools were set up everywhere so that they could also read more.

But I discovered in my old age
It’s difficult!
Fairness is such a difficult concept to achieve!

The intricate details are beyond description; the stakes and interests are all composed of power and patina.

The recommendation system has turned countless students into sycophants and has also become a means for families to consolidate power and recruit disciples. It is truly remarkable!
But he
I still want to pursue fairness for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Even if.
Even a 10% increase would be fine.

Then he saw the exam the Empress was taking in the palace, and it reminded him of job interviews.

What happens in the future is none of his business.

But he has no right to interfere in current affairs!

Wouldn't this interview method improve fairness?
And today.
Just now, he finally understood that His Majesty did not want him to do this alone, but had been waiting for an opportunity!
The reason I asked myself that question in the Imperial Study today was because I had been waiting for the right moment for her to step in.

Mu Xu rubbed his hands together in his sleeves, he was so excited.

I recalled that as I walked out of the Imperial Study, His Majesty looked at me and said, "You're getting old, walk slowly, there's no rush."

Mu Xu grinned and looked at Ru Yu: "Ru Yu, today is a good day."

Yan Ruyu looked at Mu Xu with a puzzled expression, unsure of what to say, but nodded blankly: "Mm."

(End of this chapter)