I became the tyrant's only belief.

Chapter 278 Asking for an Opportunity
Although King Xiao's actions are destined to make countless enemies, having the tyrant's support should be manageable. If my elder brother is indeed chosen by King Xiao, serving him for a few years will lead to a direct official appointment, which is more reliable than taking the imperial examinations.

Chu Liuzheng wasn't lacking confidence in his elder brother's ability to pass the imperial examination; rather, this was a rare opportunity.

She has already made contributions and is currently in a good position, so she is not in a hurry to leave the palace. She can use her merits to exchange for a spot for her elder brother.

As I said before, with a good elder brother and a good family, her life after leaving the palace will be more secure.

With the system at her disposal, she's not worried about not having opportunities to make contributions; it's good to earn more money over the months.

Chu Liuzheng made several plans, but he didn't notice when King Xiao left.

Chenxing came in to serve tea and took away the teacup that King Xiao had used.

Xiao Jingfan lowered his head and reviewed two memorials, feeling that something was amiss; it was too quiet around him.

He turned to look at Chu Liuzheng: "What are you standing there staring at?"

Chu Liuzheng was not stunned. She stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty said that I had saved your life and wanted to reward me. He told me to think about it slowly."

"Hmm." Xiao Jingfan put down the vermilion brush.

Chu Liuzheng said, "This servant has an idea..."

"Ahem." Xiao Jingfan suddenly coughed twice, pressing his fist to his lips, then picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "I didn't hear you clearly. What did you just say?"

Chu Liuzheng repeated: "This servant has come up with..."

Xiao Jingfan stared at her with a deep frown, making Chu Liuzheng's scalp tingle.

[What if the tyrant wants to eat people?]

She forced herself to speak quickly and said, "I've figured it out."

Xiao Jingfan: "..."

His brow relaxed, and his tone became quite amiable, even with a hint of a smile: "What do you want?"

[Oh dear, how come the tyrant's unpredictable temper has suddenly improved?]

Chu Liuzheng didn't understand, but the emperor's good mood was good for her.

She said, "My elder brother, Chu Shangming, was granted an imperial favor and was admitted to the Imperial Academy. I am honored to ask His Majesty for a favor so that my brother may have a place with His Highness Prince Xiao."

Xiao Jingfan frowned.

Seeing this, Chu Liuzheng quickly added, "If you can't do your job well, it's fine to go back to the Imperial Academy. I just want to ask for a chance for you."

Xiao Jingfan looked at her: "Is this all you want?"

Chu Liuzheng nodded vigorously.

Xiao Jingfan pondered for a moment and said, "I can grant your request, but ultimately it depends on Prince Xiao's wishes. Do you understand?"

He couldn't let one person affect the overall situation. Although Chu Shangming was indeed interesting, if he was not capable of great things, keeping him around would only be a burden.

"This servant understands." Chu Liuzheng really just wanted to ask for a chance for her elder brother. She knelt down and said, "This servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace. Long live the Emperor!"

"Rise." Xiao Jingfan picked up the vermilion brush again. "I will send someone to speak with Prince Xiao about this matter. You..."

"Your Majesty," Chu Liuzheng looked at him expectantly, "may I speak to His Highness Prince Xiao?"

Since it concerned her elder brother's future, she felt more at ease handling it herself.

Meeting her bright almond-shaped eyes, Xiao Jingfan paused for a moment, then nodded: "Alright."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Chu Liuzheng grinned, his smile even brighter than the sunlight streaming into the hall.

Xiao Jingfan couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips slightly, but after realizing what he meant, he quickly pursed his lips.

He lowered his head to review the memorials, saying as he wrote, "There's no time to lose. You can go find Prince Xiao now and have Zhou Yuande come in to serve you."

"Yes, ma'am." Chu Liuzheng curtsied and happily walked out.

[The tyrant was so kind today!]

Xiao Jingfan's lips twitched. Only today?

He raised his eyelids as if to express his dissatisfaction, but Chu Liuzheng was no longer in the hall; only his thoughts could be heard.

[Many officials have recently come to Beijing to report on their work; the tyrant should just wait for a big surprise.]

Xiao Jingfan: "..."

Surprise? He thought for a moment, then called out to the empty space, "Eleven."

Xiao Shiyi stepped forward: "Please give your orders, Master."

Xiao Jingfan instructed: "Send someone to investigate the officials who have recently come to the capital to report on their duties."

Xiao Shiyi looked up and asked, "Investigate what?"

With so many officials coming to Beijing to report on their duties, it's one thing that their tasks and objectives are not fixed, but surely they can't be completely unaware of what they're investigating?

If Xiao Jingfan knew what to investigate, he would have sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard instead. After thinking for a moment, he uttered two words: "Investigate everything."

Xiao Shiyi: "..."

Xiao Jingfan glanced at him: "Can't you do it?"

That's definitely achievable!

Xiao Shiyi cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate obeys."

It's just checking a few dozen people; it's a good opportunity to take those new recruits out for a spin.

On the other side, Chu Liuzheng watched as the imperial chefs prepared the pastries, then carried a three-tiered food box into the gate of the Magnolia Palace.

King Xiao was playing the zither in his study.

Chu Liuzheng was led to the study and curtsied, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."

"No need for formalities." King Xiao gestured for Kunqi to put away the zither, then turned his wheelchair to Chu Liuzheng. "What's in the food box?"

"Replying to Your Highness, they are all pastries." Chu Liuzheng lifted his arm slightly, "There are mung bean cake, layered cake, eight-treasure cake, peach slice cake, osmanthus cake, peanut brittle, walnut brittle, almond brittle, coconut brittle, rose brittle, lotus root shreds, candied lotus root, candied red bean brittle, sesame brittle, candied hawthorn, coconut shreds, soft dumplings..."

"That's enough." King Xiao took the food box with satisfaction. "Sit down and let's talk."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Chu Liuzheng sat down obediently and added, "Since you don't like things too sweet, I specially asked the imperial chef to use less sugar. Please feel free to eat."

King Xiao opened the food box and, while having Kunqi serve tea, asked, "What message did His Majesty send you to deliver?"

Chu Liuzheng said, "There is a student at the Imperial Academy named Chu Shangming. He received His Majesty's favor before the new year and enrolled in the first month of this year."

"His surname is Chu." King Xiao raised an eyebrow at her. "Is he related to you?"

"Your Highness is wise." Chu Liuzheng nodded. "He is my elder brother."

"Oh." King Xiao handed the food box to Kunqi and asked, "What are his skills?"

Chu Liuzheng hesitated for a moment before recounting his elder brother's extraordinary experience in making friends.

King Xiao was overjoyed and exclaimed, "What a wonderful person!"

Chu Liuzheng: "..."

As expected, those who enjoy watching the drama never think it's too bad.

Seeing that King Xiao was smiling happily, she asked, "Has Your Highness agreed?"

“I have noted it down,” said King Xiao. “I will speak after I have seen the person with my own eyes.”

That's just like what the tyrant said: "I've given you the opportunity, so good luck, bro!"

After finishing his business, Chu Liuzheng was about to get up to take his leave, but King Xiao said, "It's noon, stay for lunch."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Chu Liuzheng declined. "This servant must return to the Wenhua Palace to serve you, no..."

Before she could finish speaking, King Xiao said, "If you don't stay for dinner, I will not choose Chu Shangming."

"Your Highness!" Chu Liuzheng's eyes widened slightly. You actually have this kind of Prince Xiao!
King Xiao smiled and instructed Kunqi, "Serve the meal."

Chu Liuzheng: "..."

Even if she stayed for dinner, she would still have to send someone to the Wenhua Hall to deliver a message, but Prince Xiao waved his hand and said that he would take responsibility if the emperor blamed him.

Chu Liuzheng: "..."

However, the meal was quite enjoyable.

King Xiao was very talkative, especially when it came to food, he talked on and on, which made Chu Liuzheng eat an extra bowl of rice.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the Wenhua Hall was not so pleasant.

Xiao Jingfan glanced at the dishes on the table and asked Zhou Yuande, "Where is he?"