Though the words were so, the Crown Prince dared not take it lightly.
When Situ Jue was alive, he was already suppressed by Situ Yan. Now, with the Emperor's further elevation of him, there was no telling if Situ Yan's power might surpass his own.
Given the opportunity to ascend the throne, who would be willing to be a mere subject?
The Crown Prince asked himself, if he were in Situ Yan's position, he would never be content to be a subordinate.
The Empress's reaction was even more intense: "The chief examiner is set as Gu Li. The Emperor is essentially building a powerful aristocratic family to support him. My son, Situ Yan must not be allowed to live."
"Mother, what's the use of saying this now? Do you think your son doesn't want to get rid of him? But we need an opportunity."
"Regardless, we absolutely cannot stand idly by and watch the Gu family grow stronger. If we can't deal with Situ Yan, can't we deal with a mere Gu family? This imperial examination is a good opportunity. If we can stir up corruption in the examination, the Gu family will be finished."
"No, Father greatly values this imperial examination. If we tamper with it, I fear we won't be able to bear his wrath."
The Empress was dismissive: "Just make sure it's done cleanly, and blame it all on Gu Li."
The Crown Prince was troubled: "Mother, have you forgotten what Situ Yan's old profession was?"
Framing others was a good method, but they couldn't use it. This past year, neither he nor Situ Jue had refrained from taking action. Yet, every time they tried to frame someone, Situ Yan could identify the culprit and trace it back. In the end, it was always he and Situ Jue who suffered losses.
Truthfully, the Crown Prince was somewhat afraid. Situ Yan was an uncanny person; no matter how complex a case, he could unravel it and restore the truth.
Framing others was like serving him food.
The Empress refused to believe it: "It must be that your subordinates were negligent..."
"Mother, we can discuss this later," the Crown Prince said, annoyed. "I am tired. I will take my leave."
"My son."
But the Crown Prince had already turned and left. Women, knowing nothing, loved to give nonsensical orders. After leaving the palace, he went to find Fu Lingyun again, but Fu Lingyun was also helpless. In the end, he could only watch helplessly as Gu Li became the chief examiner.
With the chief examiner decided, students from all over the capital began to eagerly inquire about Gu Li's preferences.
Suddenly, the previously deserted Gu mansion became bustling with activity. Madam Qin, who used to sit in the cold on various banquets, also became the object of various families' flattering attention, which made Madam Fang's eyes burn with envy. She couldn't help but find Gu Rong and complain: "He was clearly raised by us, yet the benefits are all going to the second branch. It won't do, I need to go have a word with the second family. No matter how many gifts she receives this time, she has to give me half."
Gu Rong's hand, holding his teacup, paused, and his gaze immediately darkened: "Shut up. Are those words you can speak casually? The chief examiner accepting bribes, are you afraid our Gu family won't be drowned by the students' spittle?"
"We divided the family long ago, so it won't drown us."
"Then what right do you have to go to their door to split gifts?" Gu Rong sometimes didn't know how to describe her. Finally, he said hatefully, "I shouldn't have let you out. Someone, take the madam back to Qiulan Courtyard. One month, no, wait until the results are posted to let her out."
"You dare. It's almost the New Year. Which of the big and small matters in this mansion can be done without me?"
"Isn't there the housekeeper? If he can't manage, let Concubine Fang manage."
"Hmph, a concubine, no matter how prestigious within the estate, can she accompany you to the palace for the New Year's Eve banquet?"
Gu Rong looked at her in surprise. He knew that after he had bullied Censor Fu by association, this woman had been honest. Why was she causing trouble again? It seemed she felt emboldened. He curved his lips: "I'll report you as being unwell, do you think the Emperor will care?"
Really, she didn't know her own standing in the eyes of the imperial family.
That unfilial son learned from her. He had no skill, but he was very picky when it came to choosing a wife, picking and choosing everyone. Now he had become a joke in the capital.
Madam Fang was startled: "Gu Rong, how can you be so heartless?"
"If I were truly heartless, I would have divorced you and sent you home long ago. How could I tolerate your insolence? What are you waiting for, drag the madam back?"
Seeing the two servants approaching her, Madam Fang finally felt fear: "Master, I was wrong, I won't dare again, don't lock me back up. Yan Dong is counting on me to help him choose a wife. He's not young anymore..."
Speaking of Gu Yan Dong, Gu Rong couldn't let her cause trouble anymore. He unceremoniously ordered someone to drag her away.
Madam Fang's curses could be heard from outside the door. Gu Rong rubbed his forehead. What sin had he committed to marry such a woman?