"What did the other scholars say?"
Already sensing the Crown Prince's intentions, Yun Shu ventured a guess.
"Did they all agree that this... Ma fellow had a point?"
"Indeed."
The Crown Prince's gaze bore into Yun Shu. He spoke slowly, each word heavy with meaning.
"Public sentiment is surging. The hearts of the people have chosen."
"Tch. So it was all about manipulating public opinion."
Yun Shu had played this game often enough in the pages of Capital Weekly. It was no surprise that the Crown Prince had picked up on it.
But now, she had been backed into a corner. Refusing the task would require a justification she simply did not have.
As expected, with the Crown Prince's faction giving full support, Emperor Xuanwu quickly made his decision.
"So be it. The responsibility for this year's Spring Examinations shall be entrusted entirely to Princess Sheng An, Yun Shu. Minister of Rites Li Boxian shall assist her. Does anyone have objections?"
"None, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty reign in eternal wisdom."
Anyone who might have had objections should have spoken earlier.
Now that the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the major court officials had all made their stance clear, objecting at this moment would be nothing short of seeking one's own ruin.
The atmosphere inside the hall was one of perfect harmony. Emperor Xuanwu nodded in satisfaction.
"Then court is dismissed."
He rose slowly, casting his authoritative gaze across the hall. His eyes lingered on Yun Shu for a few moments before he turned, flicked his sleeves, and strode out in silence.
"This son and your ministers respectfully bid farewell to Your Majesty."
The Crown Prince and Yun Shu stood side by side. After a deep bow, the Crown Prince straightened, still looking ahead, though a mocking smile played at the corner of his lips.
"Fifth Sister, congratulations."
"That line ought to come from me."
Yun Shu turned to him with a bright, genuine smile, seemingly oblivious to the sneer hidden in his tone.
"When we first learned that Sister-in-law was with child, I was so surprised I forgot to offer my congratulations. I've heard it's common among the people to perform acts of virtue and offer prayers for unborn children. Now that Elder Brother no longer has to manage the Spring Examinations, you'll surely have time to take part."
Time for what? Prayers and merits for Shen Jingshu's unborn child?
Was she mocking him, implying he had no virtue to pass down?
The Crown Prince's expression darkened. He turned to deliver a retort, but Yun Shu had already walked away without so much as a glance back.
-
By the time Yun Shu exited the Xuan Zheng Hall, most of the ministers had already dispersed. Tang Yuanlin stood quietly at the foot of the stairs. It was obvious he had been waiting for her. As soon as she spotted him, Yun Shu hiked up her skirts and bounded over.
"Grandfather!"
"Your Highness, mind the steps!"
These were the very steps that led to the pinnacle of imperial power. Since their construction, they had only been trodden by elderly officials weathered by decades in court, or young prodigies who carried the weight of the realm with solemn grace.
No one had ever skipped down them like a child at play.
Watching Yun Shu's lively figure, Tang Yuanlin could not help but sigh inwardly.
She was still just a child.
Why had the Crown Prince set his sights on her?
And worse yet, His Majesty had shown no intention of stopping him.
Worried, he watched Yun Shu come to a cheerful stop in front of him. Knowing the location was not ideal for lengthy discussion, Tang Yuanlin wasted no time.
"The task you accepted today, I fear, is no fortunate one."
"I know."
Given that the Crown Prince had been the one to recommend her, how could it be a good thing?
Yun Shu nodded solemnly.
"Do not worry, Grandfather. I have considered it carefully."
"If Your Highness has thought it through, then I am relieved."
Out of the corner of his eye, Tang Yuanlin caught a glimpse of the Crown Prince stepping out onto the platform above. He quickly lowered his voice.
"The Crown Prince's men will surely meddle in the Spring Examinations. They may target Mu Zhi. But Your Highness need not be alarmed. I shall instruct Mu Zhi not to leave the estate until the examinations begin.
Should anything seem amiss, even if it means forfeiting this year and waiting another three, he must withdraw. So do not hold back. Proceed as you see fit."
"Cousin Mu Zhi possesses extraordinary talent. He will surely succeed this year. Why should he wait three more?" Yun Shu had long grown numb to the unfairness of the world. She had heard countless stories of daughters being sold to brothels so their families' little sons could eat meat.
The mere fact that Tang Yuanlin genuinely cared for his granddaughter had already exceeded her expectations. She had not expected him to go so far as to say that even if it delayed Tang Mu Zhi by three years, it would be worth it if it allowed her to act freely.
Her eyes grew more resolute.
"Please tell Cousin Mu Zhi he has nothing to fear. With me here, I will not allow him to suffer unjust harm."
She was still that slender, youthful girl. Her features were soft, her frame delicate.
Yet the resolve in her gaze was strangely reassuring.
Tang Yuanlin blinked in quiet surprise. Then he smiled.
"It seems this old man has worried too much. Your Highness has truly grown."
...
To Tang Yuanlin, Yun Shu was a rare talent—wise beyond her years, composed, and capable of standing firm even in the center of courtly power. So capable, in fact, that the Crown Prince had begun to see her as a threat.
In truth, Yun Shu had barely made it back to Fengyang Pavilion before she dove straight into the consciousness villa and curled up with her laptop.
"Shouldn't you be studying in the Imperial Academy Hall right now?"
Yun Ni entered just in time to see Yun Shu sprawled on the sofa, eyes locked on her screen.
She raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Playing truant?"
"Called away to morning court. Perfectly justified truancy."
Yun Shu glanced up briefly.
"What about you?"
"Me? I'm here to slack off, obviously."
Yun Ni flopped onto the other end of the sofa with a groan. With someone who knew her true identity finally around, she could not help but complain.
"Modern life is great and all, but the sheer volume of information is suffocating. Being a celebrity is no easy job.
I just did well on one variety show, and some other contestant's fans started attacking me, slinging mud like it was their life's mission. It's maddening. A few scrolls through the comments and I can't even sleep."
"Then stop reading them."
Yun Shu snapped her laptop shut.
"Compared to the kind of schemes people run here—where the goal is literally to ruin your life—the entertainment industry's drama feels like child's play."
"What do you mean?"
Yun Ni sat up, alarmed.
"Is someone trying to harm you?"
"Why else do you think I got dragged into morning court out of nowhere?"
Yun Shu pulled a face, her mood clearly soured.