The Double-Chapter 560 - 166 Clear-headed_3

Xue Huaiyuan smiled faintly and said, "The spring examination is just around the corner this year. When I was Xue Lingyun back in the day, I had a few like-minded colleagues in the court. Now they have been promoted and are doing quite well. It shouldn’t be difficult for me to participate in the spring examination. After being ranked as the top scholar, there will be the palace examination... Naturally, I will have the opportunity to meet His Majesty."

Ye Shijie said, "Do you plan to submit a memorial during the palace examination, or when you meet the Emperor?" The Ye Family is now aware that both children of the Xue Family have died under untimely circumstances, and they fear there may be grievances involved. Ye Shijie, quick-witted, immediately thought of this possibility.

"No," Xue Huaiyuan denied.

"Then why?" Ye Shijie did not understand. fгeewebnovёl.com

"I simply wish to make an impression on His Majesty during the palace examination. Besides, His Majesty was previously informed about the ins and outs of the incident in Tongxiang and is aware of my existence. Knowing about Xue Lingyun, he will inevitably pay attention to me."

Jiang Li said softly, "Does County Magistrate Xue intend to become an official?"

Xue Huaiyuan looked at her and said, "It’s extremely hard for ordinary citizens to obtain justice. I can only aim higher to gain the power to uncover and investigate the truth."

Jiang Li was extremely saddened. Her father still wanted to clear their wrongful accusations and avenge them. But the father also knew the adversary was none other than Prince Cheng’s sister, a princess with high status and power. Shen Yurong was no longer the impoverished scholar from Tongxiang; he had transformed and become a new favorite of the Emperor, an Assistant Head Writer highly trusted, with a limitless future.

And Xue Huaiyuan? He was now nobody, having even lost his minor official title of Tongxiang County Magistrate. In Yanjing City, Xue Huaiyuan was like an ant, unable to shake a mighty tree, so he had to become Xue Lingyun. The same Xue Lingyun who, in the past, had loathed the corruption of officialdom and had left of his own accord, was now, for his family’s sake, contemplating a return to the official world.

But how could she bear to let her father return to that murky place again? To struggle with those ruthless and treacherous officials. Revenge may seem a focused goal, but the process inevitably involves losing something, sacrificing something—like one’s goodness or dignity, becoming cold and indifferent. Why should her father have to suffer when she alone could bear it?

Ye Mingyu said, "Old Master Xue, you speak as if it’s easy. But the palace examination... heh, do you really think you can secure a high rank in the spring examination?"

Xue Huaiyuan smiled faintly: "I’ll simply do my best." Though he said this, the smile on his face was brimming with confidence, clearly suggesting he did not consider his previous remark a joke. And his smile caused Ye Mingyu to stiffen, making him feel as if his own comment was the joke, something he should not have said.

Hearing this, Ye Shijie felt respect for this elder before him. At such an advanced age, he was willing to enter the officialdom again for his children. Xue Huaiyuan appeared to be utterly confident, and Ye Shijie believed that his confidence was not arrogance; if Xue Huaiyuan said he would achieve a rank in the spring examination, then he truly would achieve it. In the current pursuit of the truth for Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao, this approach was indeed the most promising. And most importantly, this idea had come to Xue Huaiyuan immediately upon waking.

From the moment he woke up to now, possibly less than two shichen, he managed to think so far ahead, which was admirable. Ye Shijie had reason to believe that this Xue Huaiyuan was indeed the same as the former Minister of Works, Xue Lingyun.

Ye Shijie said, "I think County Magistrate Xue need not seek out old colleagues anymore. People change along with their positions; the old friends who were once close may not be willing to give you face now. Let the younger generation take care of it."

Everyone in the room was momentarily taken aback.

Ye Mingyu said, "Shijie, what are you up to?"

"As the Assistant Minister of Revenue, I have some say in the Ministry of Revenue. If Mr. Xue wishes to take the spring examination, I can figure something out." He no longer addressed Xue Huaiyuan as "County Magistrate" as Xue Huaiyuan was no longer one.

"Young people, you have already helped me a lot..." Xue Huaiyuan was about to refuse, but then Ye Shijie spoke again.

He said, "The help is not offered without a reason. I serve as an official in the court, and for my purposes, I lack allies. Mr. Xue had the talent to become the Minister of Works. If Mr. Xue ranks well in the spring examination, and during the palace examination becomes an official, please offer your support to the younger generation. In the world of officialdom, mutual support is also important."

By the end of it, he had assumed the sharp demeanor of a savvy businessman.