Xie Qianmo, from his high position, wore a calm expression.
"The imperial examination questions are vetted through layers every year! May I ask where Minister Wei heard about this inside information?" kuAiδugg
This?
Wei Chenggong wished to seek help from Su Tai, but Su Tai wouldn't even glance at him.
"Minister Wei?" Xie Qianmo asked again.
"Your subject heard that this year's top scholar is Scholar Qin. Initially, there was nothing unusual about this matter, but I heard... that Scholar Qin did not possess such talent a few days ago! It is truly baffling that he suddenly became the top scholar!"
Upon hearing this, those from the Right Prime Minister's faction instantly found their spark.
Several officials nodded in agreement.
"Indeed! We had never heard of Scholar Qin possessing any talent before. Even the tutors at Blue Mountain Academy were angered by her and she was even expelled from Blue Mountain Academy!"
"It is said that she was expelled from Blue Mountain Academy twice, not to mention the annual poetry competitions!"
"The previous Scholar Qin was notorious as a good-for-nothing in the capital. For her to suddenly achieve the top scholar position makes it difficult to convince the public!"
Listening to everyone's chatter, Qin Yun smiled. "Esteemed officials, are you questioning the legitimacy of my position as top scholar? I am the top scholar personally appointed by His Majesty!"
"Are you suggesting that His Majesty is also mistaken in your eyes?"
Everyone immediately fell silent.
Well played, Qin Yun, using His Majesty as a shield! Truly shameless!
At this moment, Xie Qianmo, while appearing expressionless, inwardly chuckled, "Little clever one."
"Esteemed officials, please continue! I truly wish to hear where His Majesty erred?"
"Do you all perhaps think that His Majesty and I are involved?"
Xie Qianmo felt a bit awkward at this remark!
Did this young man fear that others wouldn't know that she and he were involved?
However... thinking about it carefully!
Every time he got close to her, she was drunk and truly didn't remember what happened afterwards.
Fine!
Ignorance is bliss! It seemed he had been overly imaginative.
Fang Jing, standing beside him, turned red to the roots of his neck at Qin Yun's words, feeling embarrassed.
He was shouting internally!
Scholar Qin! How could you say such a thing!
You truly are involved with His Majesty!
You know it, His Majesty knows it, why did you say it publicly!
"His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, how could he be involved with you! Scholar Qin, do not tarnish His Majesty's reputation!"
"Exactly, His Majesty is pure and supreme! Scholar Qin, it is best you consider your words."
"His Majesty is just and impartial! Even with so many beauties in the harem, they cannot catch His Majesty's eye. Scholar Qin... where do you get the confidence that His Majesty treats you differently!"
Hearing everyone's words, Qin Yun nodded with satisfaction.
"Esteemed officials speak with reason. His Majesty and I are unrelated individuals. Therefore... why did His Majesty choose me as the top scholar? Naturally, it is because of my outstanding literary talent."
Everyone thought that what she said was indeed not wrong.
They had no reason to question His Majesty!
But how could they punish this young man?
"Scholar Qin is correct. I believe Scholar Qin possesses true talent and learning, and the position of top scholar is rightfully hers!" Wei Xiaochang's voice was very loud.
"Scholar Qin has always been modest and did not like to show off. This does not negate Scholar Qin's talent. I also believe Scholar Qin's position is well-deserved!" Zheng Haonan's voice was also very clear.
At this moment, Ouyang Siqing also stepped out of the ranks and stated with certainty, "Scholar Qin's talent surpasses mine. Scholar Qin is resourceful and possesses vast knowledge. Whether it is solving riddles, writing essays, or composing poems, Scholar Qin is second to none!"
Seeing his former classmates come to his aid, Qin Yun felt deeply touched.
Qin Yun stood in the center of the hall, clasped her hands in a salute, and said respectfully, "May I ask how His Majesty views this matter?"
Fang Jing glanced at the Emperor beside him, then at Qin Yun below.
He understood everything very clearly.
How does His Majesty view it?
It all depends on how Scholar Qin pleases His Majesty!
Everyone in the hall fell silent.
They all wanted to hear Xie Qianmo's opinion on the matter.
"Everyone has made valid points regarding this matter! However, Qin Yun's position as top scholar was nominated by me personally! Are all my ministers suggesting that I do not even have the qualification to promote a top scholar?"
"I have read Qin Yun's essays, and they deeply resonated with me."
With Xie Qianmo having said this, the few officials who were still restless dared not speak further.
Su Tai, standing in front, seeing the situation, felt that today's matter should be postponed and not be too aggressive.
"Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty is correct!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Everyone began to flatter and praise again.
It was better to offend anyone than to offend the Emperor.
Seeing that everyone was much more sensible,
Qin Yun wanted to impeach Wei Chenggong in public, but thinking of Wei Xiaochang, she restrained herself.
If Wei Chenggong were to be demoted or have his position reduced again, it would significantly affect Wei Xiaochang's future official career.
Qin Yun sighed and shook her head slightly.
Although the movement was small, it was still noticed by the meticulous Xie Qianmo.
"Minister Wei, I recall your current position is Grand Academician, correct?" Xie Qianmo narrowed his eyes, his gaze filled with coldness.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Minister Wei seems to have a lot of free time recently. Even minor matters based on hearsay can be thought through so meticulously, truly remarkable!!"
"In my opinion, Minister Wei should resign and return home to retire!"
Wei Chenggong panicked!
He had already been demoted. Yesterday, he had merely followed the instructions of the Right Faction to make things difficult for the newly appointed top scholar, Qin Yun, in court today.
This way, the group below would embellish the story, and step by step, the Right Faction could proceed with its next plan.
However, looking at the current situation, not only was he unable to humiliate Qin Yun, but it seemed he might not even be able to keep his position as Grand Academician.
"Your Majesty, this subject was temporarily confused. I implore Your Majesty to revoke your command!" Wei Chenggong knelt and kowtowed.
Wei Xiaochang also stepped out of the ranks immediately and knelt on both knees, begging for leniency for Wei Chenggong. "Your Majesty, for the sake of Grand Academician Wei's sincere repentance, please forgive him this once!"
"Envoy Wei, there is no need to beg for your father. This matter... my decision is final. Our Great Zhou Dynasty does not need such treacherous officials who spread rumors and frame colleagues. Grand Academician Wei shall be relieved of his post and resign. You will no longer need to participate in court disputes in the future!"
"Your Majesty..." Wei Chenggong was unwilling.
Why was it that every time something related to Qin Yun occurred, he had a bad outcome, while Qin Yun remained unharmed from beginning to end?
"I am weary, court is dismissed!" Xie Qianmo left without giving Wei Chenggong a chance to speak and got up to leave directly.
Qin Yun was somewhat stunned at this moment.
She had been planning to impeach Wei Chenggong, but out of consideration for Wei Xiaochang's feelings, she had given up.
She never expected His Majesty to deal with that old man Wei Chenggong directly!
This made her extremely happy!
The outcome of the dog man's actions today was quite good!
It had satisfied her to her heart's content!
Qin Yun turned to leave.
Just as she exited the palace and reached a corner, she encountered Fang Jing.
"Eunuch Fang?" Qin Yun exclaimed in surprise.
"Scholar Qin, His Majesty requests your presence!"