Chapter 2228: He Turns Out to Be the Emperor's Man
Chapter 2228: Chapter 2228: He Turns Out to Be the Emperor’s Man
There was someone who couldn’t stand Meng Yunzheng and stepped out from the ranks to say sternly, “Your Majesty, Meng Yunzheng has just topped the examination and before he has even been assigned an official position, he claims he wants to return home to teach. Clearly, he treats the imperial examination as child’s play. Such behavior is outright disrespectful to the imperial court, dismissing the importance of the examinations, and should be severely punished.”
Compared to the great reaction from others, the Emperor was much calmer.
He merely looked at Meng Yunzheng, his voice steady, hoping to persuade further, “Meng Yunzheng, with your vast knowledge and talent worthy of governing the world. Following custom, the top scorer should be appointed the position of Editor in the Hanlin Academy, which is a position from the sixth rank. However, given your past achievements, it wouldn’t be excessive to promote you two ranks. The imperial court is in need of talents now, and I hope you can stay to assist me.”
The officials present exchanged bewildered glances, getting promoted two ranks??? They suddenly felt that perhaps the Emperor had gone mad.
No, the Emperor just said that Meng Yunzheng had achieved many accomplishments before? What accomplishments? Why didn’t they know about this?
To their knowledge, the most notable was how he found evidence against Gong Qiu several years ago and brought him to justice.
But that was during the reign of the previous Emperor, and any rewards should have been granted by him.
With minds full of questions, the official who earlier stepped out to put Meng Yunzheng down felt terribly awkward and quietly returned to the line.
However, Meng Yunzheng still insisted, “Your Majesty, now that the court is in need of talents, I should return to teach and nurture more pillars for Dasu. My ability alone is limited; no matter how diligent, I am but one person. If I become a teacher, I can educate countless talents for the imperial court. This is also a way to serve the court, and it suits me better. I hope Your Majesty will allow it.”
The Emperor found it frustrating; this guy was really stubborn.
“Fine, since it is so, I shall agree.”
Qi Chan was shocked and quickly stepped forward, “Your Majesty, this matter has come suddenly. Perhaps Top Scholar Meng has not yet considered it thoroughly. Why not give him two more days to think about it carefully, to avoid the court losing such a valuable minister.”
Give him two more days, he might find a way to persuade him.
But the Emperor waved his hand, “He’s been considering for three years now, yet remains steadfast. Two more days will yield the same result.”
Qi Chan was stunned, three years?
The others present turned their heads sharply to Meng Yunzheng; so Meng Yunzheng had known the Emperor three years ago?
Those quick-minded were even more shocked; three years ago, it was still the previous Emperor sitting on the Dragon Chair.
Thinking deeper, three years ago was the time Meng Yunzheng brought down Gong Qiu, uncovering the Second Prince’s conspiracy, leading to the Second Prince being confined by the previous Emperor. The strongest candidate for the throne lost his chance.
At that time, the Second Prince and Third Prince were heavily contending, and some well-informed people found out the Third Prince was the one who caught Gong Qiu and the Second Prince’s concubine in the act, and even Meng Yunzheng, hovering around the palace gates, was brought in by the Third Prince to see the Emperor.
Everyone thought the one who defeated the Second Prince was the Third Prince, but later, some deeper-thinking officials realized it was the Fifth Prince who acted, especially since after that, the Fifth Prince’s status rose and he held real power.
Especially in the end, the Fifth Prince became the new Emperor, which only confirmed such speculation.