Jin Cheng should have been angry upon hearing this, but Luo Jingfeng's fury erupted faster and fiercer, startling him to the point where his own anger dissipated. "Duke of State Protection, please calm down first."
Luo Jingfeng was about to continue when Zong Zhao stopped him: "His Majesty has his own judgment. There’s no need for the Duke to worry."
Luo Jingfeng snorted heavily, clearly still seething.
The young emperor replied, "This matter is simple. Follow the same approach as with the new top scholar—post my examination papers across the regions. This way, the people will judge for themselves whether I deserve this second place."
Vice Minister Shao was both delighted and alarmed.
Delighted because the emperor’s solution was indeed effective.
Alarmed because—you’re the emperor! How could your examination papers be shown to the public? And as the second-place candidate, no less? Wouldn’t this openly admit to the world that you were inferior to the top scholar?
Sure enough, an elder minister immediately voiced opposition: "Your Majesty, I find this highly inappropriate. Your status is far too exalted—how could your examination papers be publicly displayed?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty! If the people see that your papers are... not as good as the top scholar’s, it would surely damage your image in their eyes!"
The young emperor was also frustrated at always being beneath Qin Ye.
But he couldn’t outperform him—he’d tried for three years and failed. What else could he do?
Unfazed by the scholars’ skepticism, the young emperor grew irritated at the thought of losing to Qin Ye. With a dark expression, he said, "If we post them, I’m the second-place candidate. If we don’t, I’m just someone who got in through connections, undermining the Ministry of Rites’ credibility. Tell me—which is more important?"
"Ah, well..."
"This..."
Naturally, the latter was more critical. Vice Minister Shao felt immense gratitude and replied, "Your Majesty, I believe your solution is sound. Our Ministry of Rites has always upheld fairness in the imperial examinations—regardless of status, every candidate deserves an impartial evaluation. Displaying your papers will not only demonstrate your capabilities to the people but also bolster the Ministry’s reputation. It’s a win-win."
Another elder minister protested, "Your Majesty, I still disagree. For commoners to question the Son of Heaven is an unpardonable crime. That you haven’t punished them already shows extraordinary mercy. You mustn’t cater to their demands—if we post examination papers today, will we have to post the imperial succession edict tomorrow?"
The young emperor raised his head. "What’s wrong with posting it? My succession edict was written by my late father’s own hand. What do I have to fear?"
Though his father had explained the process, the result was clear.
The edict was written by the late emperor, stamped unmistakably with the imperial seal. His ascension was lawful and legitimate.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The courtiers split into two factions, awaiting the emperor’s decision.
The young emperor waved his hand dismissively. "Vice Minister Shao, oversee the posting of the examination papers. Proceed—report back if any issues arise."
"Yes!" Vice Minister Shao was overjoyed.
The other ministers wore grave expressions, utterly baffled by the new emperor’s unconventional solutions.
The transition between reigns truly required time to adjust.
"Court dismissed!"
After court, Jin Cheng changed into a red casual robe. Thankfully, being emperor didn’t mean wearing only bright yellow—he’d have grown sick of it otherwise.
Eunuch Huang noticed him yawning and asked considerately, "Your Majesty, morning court was rushed, and you didn’t rest well. Would you like to take a nap?"
The young emperor asked, "Do I have nothing else to do?"
Eunuch Huang replied, "The memorials are being handled by the councilors. They’ll bring them for your review this afternoon. You may read them if you wish—or wait a few years if you prefer."
Jin Cheng was puzzled. "So... does this count as me ruling personally?"
Eunuch Huang thought for a moment. "You’re already attending morning court and handling state affairs independently—of course it counts. But you’re still young, so the councilors assist with the heavier workload."
The young emperor grinned. "That’s good, then. What I say goes, and everyone has to listen."
Eunuch Huang escorted him to nap. After waking and having lunch, Jin Cheng headed to the imperial study to review the memorials.
This was his first time dealing with them, and his curiosity burned. He couldn’t wait to see their contents.
But before he could sit down, an attendant announced, "Vice Minister Shao requests an audience."
The young emperor knew it was about the matter and immediately said, "Summon him."
"Yes."
Vice Minister Shao hurried in, head bowed. After paying respects, he reported, "Your Majesty, I’ve ordered the Ministry of Rites to print and post copies of your examination papers nationwide. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive—many praise your youthful brilliance, saying your wisdom at such a young age heralds a bright future for Great Chu!"
The young emperor was thrilled. He laughed triumphantly before asking, "But did anyone compare me to Qin Ye? Say I’m inferior?"
Vice Minister Shao hastily shook his head. "No, no! Both of you are prodigies, and your age speaks for itself. Who would dare criticize you...?" Though the real reason was different, he didn’t dare say it.
Jin Cheng snorted. "As expected, the people have good judgment. They know I’m just as impressive. Damn that Qin Ye—so what if I can’t outscore him? I’ll surpass him in governance!"
The young emperor brimmed with ambition, blissfully unaware of the world’s harsh realities.
Vice Minister Shao sighed inwardly, falling silent.
The study was quiet for a while. Finally, the young emperor asked, "Oh, right—what about those disqualified scholars? This all started with their complaints. Now that the papers are posted, they must be convinced, right?"
Vice Minister Shao answered bitterly, "Convinced. All of them."
His head drooped even lower.
But his demeanor had shifted—his words were sparse, and the atmosphere grew heavy.
Jin Cheng, sensitive to moods, quickly sensed something amiss. "Vice Minister Shao, what happened? Did they refuse to accept it? Are you... deceiving your emperor?"
At the accusation, Vice Minister Shao paled. "Your Majesty, I’d never dare! They truly accepted it! Before leaving, they even vowed to retake the exams next time!"
"Then why do you look like this?" The young emperor’s tone turned dangerous. "Withholding the truth is also deception. I advise you to speak frankly."
"Yes, yes... I’ll confess everything!" Vice Minister Shao lifted his head, eyes red. "Your Majesty, everything proceeded smoothly, and the scholars were indeed convinced. But... but... just as they were about to leave, General Xiaofeng arrived. He claimed to act on the Duke of State Protection’s orders and... executed all 'traitors who slandered the emperor’s name' on the spot! The scholars’ blood splattered on the bystanders, and word spread throughout the capital!"
The young emperor felt his scalp go numb.
It was like a blow to the head, leaving him dazed.
Executed—Luo Jingfeng had killed them all.
In front of the people.
He’d killed them.
Jin Cheng was both shocked and furious, his voice trembling with rage: "Has he gone mad? Why would he kill those scholars? Didn’t I say posting the examination papers would resolve this? Are you lying to me?"
