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

Chapter 1289 He's the Empress, what do you think he knows?

Li Yusheng's face was grim. He had never been lectured like this by such a young child in front of so many people before!

Li Yusheng's voice was deep: "Cui Qing! Do you know who I am?"

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "Lord Li, you're already prepared to die for your cause, why be so obsessed with your status? Is this high and mighty position really something you can't shake off?"

Everyone around held their breath.

Pairs of eyes were fixed on the woman named Cui Qing.

A courage rarely seen in the world!
Not to mention that she was facing an old minister who enjoyed the treatment of a high-ranking official.

Even in this very situation, with the emperor above, loyal ministers on either side, and countless students beside him.

That's all
These words struck a chord with Li Yusheng!
These words, in particular, not only insulted Li Yusheng, but also all those self-proclaimed high and mighty powerful figures.

Li Yusheng's eyes were bloodshot as he glared at Su Chang'an and roared, "What about me! Who gave you, an ordinary student, the right to speak?!"

Su Chang'an smiled and looked at Li Yusheng: "Why can't I speak?"

After saying that, he looked at Cao Shen and said, "Lord Cao."

Su Chang'an bowed.

Cao Shen returned the greeting solemnly, admiring the courage and boldness of this student.

Su Chang'an spoke up: "Lord Cao, I would like to ask, Lord Li just said that when you went there with money, there was a long queue, and many people were trying to buy the recommendation spot with enough money, is that right?"

Cao Shen, being frank and open-minded, immediately nodded: "Yes!"

Su Chang'an bowed again: "Thank you."

Then, looking at Li Yusheng, whose face was full of anger, he said, "Lord Li, let me ask you again, what is the difference between this and buying an official position? Or, in your opinion, buying and selling official positions, with clearly marked prices, is just like buying and selling goods on the streets of a market. Once the money is in place, you can buy the goods."

The students around had already thought of it, since they had already brought money.

But no one spoke; they just looked at Li Yusheng.

Li Yusheng clenched his fists and looked at the ordinary student in front of him.

But he was just about to speak.

Su Chang'an turned to look at Su Ziyu: "Lord Su."

Su Ziyu returned the greeting.

Su Chang'an asked, "Lord Su, as the Minister of Personnel, may I ask if the buying and selling of official positions is permitted in my Great Xia?"

Su Ziyu was incredibly intelligent, so he naturally knew what the female student was up to. But no matter what, Su Ziyu replied, "In any dynasty or era, buying and selling official positions is a grave crime."

Li Yusheng was no fool, and immediately knew what Cui Qing was up to. He immediately said, "When did I ever say that the recommendation system was about buying and selling official positions? Although I am not in the court, I still enjoy the salary of the court. Do you know what crime you have committed by slandering me like this!"

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "Lord Li, I did not say that the recommendation system was the same as buying and selling official positions. Please don't get agitated. Lord Li Sheng, come and help your mother."

As he spoke, Su Chang'an looked at Li Sheng.

However, everyone was stunned when they heard Su Chang'an's words.

Isn't the point to emphasize that accepting bribes through the recommendation system is no different from buying and selling official positions?

Knowing Su Chang'an's identity, the Huanglong Guards naturally gestured for Li Sheng and Li Yuanzhuo to come over upon hearing Su Chang'an's words.

The two men helped Li Yusheng up, one on each side.

But Li Yusheng pushed him away and looked at Su Chang'an: "What exactly do you want to say!"

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "I have finished speaking. If you still want to remonstrate to the death, then continue. But I want to tell you, my lord, that if you die today, you will not be remembered in history, nor will you disgrace the Emperor's name. You just spoke of being benevolent and righteous, and of serving the country and its people, but your words only revealed 'self-interest'. So, if you still want to remonstrate to the death, then go ahead and do so. No one will stop you."

?

Everyone stared at Cui Qing in astonishment.

They had considered what Cui Qing might say, but they never expected that all the traps they had set were actually set here.

If Li Yusheng had directly remonstrated with the emperor to the death, the result would not only have been to obstruct the emperor, but it would have also caused a great upheaval, and all the emperor's plans would have been thwarted.

Even historical records will mention that Li Yusheng died to remonstrate with the Empress of Great Xia in order to persuade her to implement new policies.

The emperor's reputation will be damaged, while Li Yusheng will be lauded.

but now.
Not the same.

If Li Yusheng were to remonstrate to the death at this point, it would be tantamount to deliberately courting his own demise and obstructing progress, especially since he had already gone this far.

That recommendation system has rotted into a tool for you powerful and wealthy people to buy and sell official positions.

If you, Li Yusheng, are obstructing the emperor from abolishing this system, then what are you?
Li Yusheng's face turned ashen, and his eyes nearly bulged out as he glared at Su Chang'an. "You brat! You brat! You bastard!"

Li Sheng and Li Yuanzhuo were supporting him from the side.

Li Yuanzhuo wanted to say something, but he didn't dare. He just kept his head down, but he wanted to say or do something.

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng calmly. This had to happen, otherwise Li Yusheng would suddenly die, even if he could stop him.

But as long as you crash into it.

My reputation is a small matter.

My wife's reputation can't be ruined because of someone like that.

Looking at Li Yusheng now, Su Chang'an said, "Are you still going to remonstrate to the death? If you're not going to, then I'll have to ask you my third question."

Li Yuanzhuo couldn't hold back any longer. The question had contorted Li Yusheng's face into a ferocious expression, so he looked at Cui Qing and asked, "Cui Qing! What exactly do you want to do!"

Su Chang'an said, "When you were pressuring Xiao Ansheng's family, he also wanted to ask what you were trying to do. Why didn't you answer then?"

Having said that, Su Chang'an bowed to Li Yusheng and asked, "Do you have a third question?"

Su Chang'an pointed to Yang Muhe and the other people kneeling on the ground looking at him, "Them."

Su Chang'an's gaze returned to Li Yusheng: "You, so high and mighty, resorted to underhanded tactics to obstruct the Emperor's abolition of the recommendation system. Your tactic was to use Yang Liaoyuan to create conflict and deliberately target Xiao Ansheng. I want to ask, he's a complete stranger to you, and some of you are even quite accomplished writers—perhaps he's read them and admires them. Yet, just because of your own goals, you're harming him? Who is he? A poor, lowly person. What has he done to hinder you that you inexplicably want to harm him like this?" "He's studied diligently for decades. Unlike your grandson, Yang Liaoyuan, Cen Wenqian, and others, he only needed to study, without worrying about food. People from poor backgrounds had to worry about food while studying; sometimes they didn't even have books and had to find ways to get them. Millions of people faced this. Those who stood out from millions to enter the Imperial Academy endured even more hardship, and then became a tool? Not only are their own academic achievements at risk, but their families are also threatened."

At this point, Su Chang'an looked at Xiao Ansheng and bowed, then continued, "Just because you need someone to obstruct the Emperor, you randomly selected someone? If so, are I, him, her, and all these poor scholars here without background or money, merely tools in your eyes? Please, Lord Li, Lord Yang, and all other officials, answer!"

Xiao Ansheng looked at Cui Qing, wondering why, perhaps it was all that he had endured these past few days, that finally made this slightly slanted student unable to bear it any longer.

Perhaps it was because he was thinking about the hardships he had endured while studying and everything his parents had done for him.

My eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.

His parents were already in tears; his mother hugged her son and wept.

Heat rash and boils in summer.

Chilblains in winter, caused by cold.

A mother knows best what her son has sacrificed for his education.

The students from impoverished backgrounds present, though not many, all looked at Cui Qing.

He not only deeply understood the situation, but also clenched his fists and looked at Li Yusheng.

Today's name is Xiao Ansheng.

What about tomorrow!
In the past!
While those from ordinary families might not suffer such hardship, studying is never as simple as it sounds, especially for those from wealthy backgrounds.

And
Despite their humble origins, what difference did these noble people make?
Even the question of whether someone is a great talent cannot be definitively answered!

However, in the eyes of Cao Can, Su Ziyu, Li Chunfang, and Wei Jiu, this Cui Qing was definitely someone they would pay special attention to and cultivate.

Li Yusheng stared straight at Cui Qing, "You bastard! You worthless wretch, what are you waiting for?"

But just as Li Yusheng was cursing Su Chang'an, Xia Fengxiang stood up and said, "Li Yusheng."

Upon hearing this, Li Yusheng immediately turned around.

The emperor looked at her and said, "I also want to hear an answer, not your impolite words."

Li Yusheng looked at the emperor, who was no longer as arrogant as before. She had originally planned to die for him in order to save the lives of her son and grandson!

Otherwise, if something goes wrong today, the entire Li family will suffer!

But then this bastard appeared!

A lowly bastard born into poverty!

Not only did they stand up and say these things, but they also dared to speak to me like this!

Bastard!

You bastard!
Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "Lord Li can't answer, and all the other officials are also hiding there unwilling to answer. Then let me ask another question. You just said that all the talents of the Great Xia are recommended. I want to ask Lord Li! Your son has been an official for so many years, has he made any achievements?"

Li Yusheng stared straight at Cui Qing, "You're a student of the Imperial Academy! You've repeatedly boasted here! And now you're even more audacious as to discuss officials!"

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "I am not a student of the Imperial Academy."

"?!"

Upon hearing this, everyone stared at Su Chang'an in surprise. Wasn't he a student of the Imperial Academy?
You're not a student at the Imperial Academy, how dare you!?
Many people immediately looked at the emperor.

But seeing that the emperor remained expressionless, they dared not say anything.

But many people also looked at Li Yueyue.

Because Li Yueyue and Cui Qing have a good relationship.

What you can see is Li Yueyue staring wide-eyed at Cui Qing, her face showing a look of "Huh?!"

Su Chang'an continued, "I just had nothing to do today, and my sister and I happened to be here on business, so we came in. I didn't expect to encounter such a thing. We both come from poor backgrounds and are not scholars. We just couldn't stand seeing you all bullying Xiao Ansheng, and we couldn't stand seeing anyone abusing the Empress's teachings to oppress others, so we stood up."

Born into poverty?

These words pierced Li Yusheng's heart like needles.

He got insulted by a peasant!?

The people around immediately erupted in uproar.

Not only is he not from the Imperial Academy, but he's also from out of town, not even from any other academy!
Many people stared at Cui Qing in astonishment.

But many people looked at Cui Qing and wanted to ask, "Girl, where did you get your courage? You weren't afraid of this scene, but you still dared to do what you just did?"
Meanwhile, Li Chunfang and the others in the lecture hall looked at each other, then at Su Chang'an, their faces filled with shock.

Ordinary people!?

Such knowledge and courage!?

Be nice!

Li Yusheng roared, "You're not even a student of the Imperial Academy! Not only did you enter the Imperial Academy without permission, but you also deceived the Emperor again, spouting nonsense and discussing state affairs, and even insulting court officials! Cui Qing! Do you know your crime?!"

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "Does Your Excellency mean that ordinary people shouldn't speak up when faced with such situations?"

Li Yusheng was about to speak.

Su Chang'an looked at Li Yusheng: "Those born into insignificance should remain silent?"

Li Yusheng's eyes were contorted with rage: "Ignorance is bliss! What do you know that you dare to spout such nonsense!"

Su Chang'an was about to speak.

Xia Fengxiang spoke up: "He's the Empress, what do you think he knows?"

"what?"

……

(End of this chapter)