Chapter 2228: He Turns Out to Be the Emperor's Man

Chapter 2228: He Turns Out to Be the Emperor's Man

Some officials who couldn't stand Meng Yunzheng stepped forward from the queue and said sternly, "Your Majesty, Young Master Meng has just become the top scholar, and he's already talking about going home to teach. It's clear that he's treating the imperial examination as a child's play. Such behavior is a blatant disregard for the court and the imperial examination system and should be severely punished."

Compared to the drastic reactions of others, the Emperor remained relatively calm. He gazed at Meng Yunzheng and spoke without much fluctuation in his tone, "Meng Yunzheng, you possess great knowledge and talents. As the top scholar, according to the usual practice, you should be appointed as a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy, holding the rank of Sixth Rank or even higher due to your previous achievements. Currently, the court is in need of talents, and I still hope that you can stay and assist me."

The court officials present exchanged puzzled glances. Promoting him two ranks? They suddenly thought that the Emperor might be going mad.

Wait, the Emperor just mentioned that Meng Yunzheng had achieved previous merits. What was that? Why didn't they know about it?

To their knowledge, the most famous achievement was when he had uncovered evidence against Gongqiu a few years ago, leading to Gongqiu's punishment. However, that was during the previous Emperor's reign. If it was about merits, the previous Emperor should have rewarded him.

With countless question marks in their minds, the official who had wanted to criticize Meng Yunzheng felt extremely embarrassed and quietly returned to the queue after hearing the Emperor's words.

However, Meng Yunzheng remained steadfast. "Your Majesty, the court is in need of talents, and I believe it's more appropriate for me to return home and educate students, nurturing future talents. My individual abilities are limited, and even if I work diligently in court, I'll always be just one person. If I become a teacher, I can educate thousands of talents for the court. This is also a way to serve the court, and for me, it's a more suitable path. I hope Your Majesty can grant me this."

The Emperor felt quite annoyed. This guy was incredibly stubborn. "Very well, if that's your decision."

Prime Minister Qi was taken aback and hurriedly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this matter has arisen suddenly, and Young Master Meng may not have considered it thoroughly. How about giving him a few more days to think it over? This way, the court won't lose such a talented official."

Give him another two days, and he could try to persuade him.

However, the Emperor waved his hand. "He's been considering it for three years. Giving him two more days won't change the outcome."

Prime Minister Qi was stunned. Three years?

The other officials present turned their heads to look at Meng Yunzheng. So, Young Meng had known the Emperor for three years?

Some quick-minded individuals were even more shocked. Three years ago, the person sitting on the dragon throne was the previous Emperor.

Thinking further, three years ago was when Meng Yunzheng had exposed Gongqiu, pulling out the rotten radish to reveal the mud. He had also uncovered the conspiracy involving the second prince's mother and had been brought into the palace by the third prince to meet the Emperor.

Everyone had thought that the one who had defeated the second prince was the third prince. Later, some officials with deeper insights believed that it was actually the fifth prince who had acted, especially since the fifth prince's power and influence had soared after that event. He had eventually become the new Emperor, a fact that seemed to be implicit but understood by all.