CHAPTER 400: CHAPTER 395: IMPERIAL CONCUBINE

The downfall of the Qiao Family was even swifter than the Wang family’s, and it’s proven that Yue Zhaoyi from the Qiao Family kidnapped the Emperor and left the palace. Despite Old Qiao’s vehement denial that it was Qiao Qingyue acting alone, her crime warranted the execution of her entire extended family. Furthermore, during the raid on the Qiao Family, evidence of Old Qiao forging documents to frame the Ye Family for rebellion was found.

The Ye Family, for generations loyal and distinguished in military achievements, how could they tolerate such slander? Even before the charges were formalized, scholars and retired soldiers began to gather, collectively petitioning for the capital punishment of the Qiao Family, making them endure what Ye Qiu once did.

That day, Empress Dowager Wang was reciting scriptures in the small Buddhist hall at Cining Palace when a palace attendant informed her that the Imperial Concubine, unable to resist public opinion, decreed the death penalty for three generations of the Qiao Family and exile to the border for nine generations. Even so, the Imperial Concubine was praised by the people for her generous and kind heart.

Empress Dowager Wang closed her eyes and uttered an "Amitabha Buddha!" She felt lucky that she didn’t collaborate with Qiao Qingyue back then.

The scarier thought was that, it seemed like both courtiers and the public had already accepted the Imperial Concubine’s authority, feeling it was only natural.

Now, with the downfall of the Wang family and the eradication of the Qiao Family, would anyone be able to withstand the Imperial Concubine and the Ye Family as elder Zhang and those courtiers and aristocratic families kept silent like fools?

She thought of the Second Prince, who was still young and naive. Rather than letting him compete with the Imperial Concubine and the Ye Family for the throne only to die without a place to bury, it would be better to curry favor with the Imperial Concubine and become a leisure prince, at least preserving his life and keeping hope alive.

Several days later, Empress Dowager Wang, citing the Second Prince’s ill health requiring isolation and recovery, took Lady and the Second Prince back to the summer resort, distancing themselves completely from the power struggle.

Fang Pin was also extremely fearful. She was more afraid of Ye Qiu than ordinary people; herself of low status and power, and yet the Eldest Prince seemed to have caught the attention of some schemers. Fearing they would use her Eldest Prince as a target against Ye Qiu, she decided to meet Ye Qiu and candidly express her concerns.

"Are you suggesting to send the Eldest Prince to study in Shandong?" Ye Qiu put down her pen, curious about why Fang Pin would have such an idea.

Fang Pin knelt abruptly: "My Lady, the Eldest Prince is young and knows nothing. Shengze Academy in Shandong is well reputed, and I would like him to study there to prevent, to prevent him being exploited by schemers against you." She then bowed her head in fear.

"You also said the Eldest Prince is young, he’s only five years old, how can we send such a small child so far away?"

"My Lady!" Fang Pin’s head shot up in shock.

Ye Qiu gave her a calming smile: "Rest assured, since you have said so, I will ensure the Eldest Prince’s surroundings are cleansed of any evil influences. From now on, just focus on looking after the Eldest Prince, and leave other matters aside."

Understanding Ye Qiu’s meaning, Fang Pin cried tears of joy. Although her Eldest Prince might never ascend the throne, without his life, what else could she use to strive?

"I, on behalf of the Eldest Prince, offer thanks to My Lady."

"You may leave!"

"My Lady, a military report has arrived from the border." After Fang Pin left, Xiao Guizi entered the palace with an urgent report.

Ye Qiu quickly read through, a sharp gleam flickering in her eyes: "Summon Duke Ye and the Minister of War for an audience."

"Yes!"

Three days later, Ye Qiu stood at the city gate replacing the Emperor to see off Duke Ye and many soldiers. Winter in the north was approaching, and the Liao People were becoming restless again, this time, they intended to ensure the Liao People wouldn’t return.

After sending off the Ye Family Army, it was time for the Imperial Examination. As a result of the previous disturbances instigated by the Qiao Family in the capital, students from the south had more opportunities. Previously, six out of ten were from the north and four from the south for the Imperial Examinations, yet this time it had reversed.

Those who passed the Imperial Examination are now scholars, and on the third day after the results are announced, they will see the Emperor for the final examination. The questions are set by the Emperor himself, often referred to as the Emperor’s Disciples. However, this time the Emperor is bedridden, and Ye Qiu has taken over his responsibilities.

Some, not understanding the practicalities and only focused on intensive studying, were shocked, but seeing the calm expressions of their fellow students, they let go of the doubts in their hearts.

Seeing this, Ye Qiu shook his head inwardly at these people. Can a scholar who only knows how to study diligently truly be a good official? Even if they realized something was wrong, they only endured it silently, showing no vigor. Such people, even if they become officials, would merely drift along with the tide, swaying with the wind, lacking any conviction.

This time, Ye Qiu gave only one topic, which was also very broad, just two words: "National Affairs."

This topic proved to be challenging for many scholars, who scratched their heads and were unsure how to start.

However, Ye Qiu noticed two notable responses, and after some thought, they wrote continuously and vigorously without stopping.

Generally, the scores of the scholars are determined by the examiners, but the best four papers are presented to the Emperor, who decides the top three ranks and the recipients of honorable mentions. This time, since Ye Qiu was overseeing the final examination, these four papers were presented to her.

The four papers were each outstanding in their own right. One scholar even boldly criticized the Imperial Consort for interfering in politics, suggesting that even if the Emperor was seriously ill, a Minister should be appointed to oversee the state. The essay was very fluent and listed historical examples of the consequences brought about by women in politics. However, he was also clever, presumably knowing that Ye Qiu would see this paper, as it also praised some state policies announced by Ye Qiu for their benefits.

The quality of the writing in this paper was truly good, and the use of historical texts and the Four Books and Five Classics was very proficient. Otherwise, not even the boldest examiners would dare to present this paper to Ye Qiu.

But what she admired most was another paper, which was less frivolous and made less frequent use of the Four Books and Five Classics, yet it accurately articulated the current state of national affairs, addressing issues such as the Northern Border, Southern Border, and pirates, and even offering many suggestions. Although some of these suggestions seemed a bit exaggerated, it was already impressive for a scholar who had never held an official post.

In the end, Ye Qiu ranked this paper first, the aforementioned paper second, and the remaining two papers, which were not much different from each other, were ranked third and fourth based on the fairness and beauty of their handwriting.

Ye Qiu was surprised to find that the scholar she personally selected as the top scorer was actually a disciple’s disciple of Mr. Zhang, essentially making him Mr. Zhang’s grand-disciple.

"Well taught, Mr. Zhang," Ye Qiu joked after the results of the examination, with no malice intended.

Mr. Zhang was far from modest, laughing "Hehe, it’s all their own merit."

"I wish to open up maritime trade, what are your thoughts, Mr. Zhang?" After the jest, Ye Qiu began discussing serious matters.

Mr. Zhang’s expression turned serious: "My Lady, with the rampant pirate activities recently, it could be dangerous."

"That’s why I plan to dispatch troops to eradicate the pirates," Ye Qiu said with a resolute and undeniable determination in her eyes.

"However, the border is currently embroiled in conflict, launching another war might strain our finances."

"It is precisely because of the financial difficulties that I want to restore maritime trade. Mr. Zhang, isolating the nation may bring temporary peace, but the long-term harm far exceeds such benefits."

"I fear the courtiers may not agree."

"I will make them agree," Ye Qiu said.