The court officials were arranged in order.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was the normal procedure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They were ranked by level.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Generally, one''s position corresponded to one''s rank.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But asionally there were one or two shameless individuals who didn''t follow the rules and moved around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If you moved backward, no one would mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But if you pushed forward, it would be considered improper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Meng Qingshe pushed forward, no one said anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Qingshe''s rank was quite high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Usually, he didn''t like to move forward, but he actually could if he wanted to.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But what was the deal with the young neer he was pulling along?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He also had the nerve to push forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t understand any court etiquette at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He, who usually had no one within six zhang (about 20 meters) of him, found the distance shortened as everyone gradually drew closer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He noticed the strange expressions on people''s faces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He turned around and saw the person being pulled forward by Meng Qingshe, quickly approaching him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Qingshe, true to his name (which means "green snake"), walked in a serpentine pattern, grasping Commander Jiang and weaving left and right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
He squeezed his way up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The usually stern-faced Inspector He''s expression almost cracked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Qingshe''s protective attitude was quite unnecessary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Commander Jiang really didn''t need his protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Between the two of them, he definitely wasn''t the one who needed protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He didn''t move closer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He had an image to maintain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He hadn''t even brought his own nephew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He''s nephew, He Chen, was also in the crowd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Just now, when Meng Qingshe was leading Mr. Jiang through, he had bumped into him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was about to greet them, but General Meng had already pushed forward with hispanion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As a workce neer who understood the rules, even though he had connections, he couldn''t move around freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although he had heard his uncle mention Mr. Jiang,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t expect to see him again in the imperial court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He himself no longer felt young due to preparing for the imperial examinations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His hair was falling out in handfuls, and his hairline had receded quite a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If it weren''t for his official hat, he felt his high forehead would be exposed, making his face look longer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yet Mr. Jiang''s appearance remained unchanged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In fact, he looked even more radiant in his official robes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Years ago when they met, he had seemed somewhat poor and down on his luck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After so many years, not only had he not aged,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He had be even more beautiful and confident.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He seemed to have grown into his looks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Time had uniquely bypassed him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Back then, he had regretted that Mr. Jiang, despite his evident knowledge and talent in conversation, could only remain unknown in a small vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He hadmented that Jiang Feng, with his outstanding appearance, had no way to advance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now they met again, both in the imperial court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He himself had gained his position through diligent study and passing the examinations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mr. Jiang, surprisingly, had arrived through rebellion and subsequent amnesty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Life was bothmentable and unpredictable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, Mr. Jiang seemed unchanged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Just now, he had given him an apologetic look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The vicissitudes of fate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With General Meng''s protection, Mr. Jiang should not be bullied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The court was indeed tooplicated; even as a neer with Inspector He as his uncle, he was exhausted and worked very hard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thinking that Shao Xia had also returned, he had originally nned to visit him after court today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meanwhile, Meng Qingshe led Jiang Changtian forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
identally, unable to stop in time, they even passed Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, Meng Qingshe eventually halted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He pulled his inw back a few steps, retreating behind Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Old He is quite petty, we''d better not stand in front of him. Standing here is fine. Any further forward and there''d be few people left, increasing the chances of being questioned by the Emperor," Meng Qingshe said in a low voice, like a typical poor student.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
His quiet voice was just loud enough for everyone around, including Inspector He himself, to hear...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian once again marveled that his inw was fortunate to have such a good father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He didn''t even twitch an eyebrow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In his heart, he sighed that Meng Qingshe was lucky to have such a good son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The officials, scheming and plotting, arranged themselves in line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The ceremonial eunuch threw several nces their way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Qingshe finally noticed it was directed at him and reluctantly moved away from his inw to stand beside him, no longer whispering.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Atst, another sound rang out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The eunuch called in a stretched voice: "The Emperor arrives."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
All officials knelt and called out: "Long live the Emperor, long live, long live for ten thousand years."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor sat down and waved his hand: "My beloved officials, rise."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was just like the start of a ss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In ss, everyone stands when the teacher arrives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At court, everyone kneels when the Emperor arrives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The teacher says, "Please be seated."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor says, "Please rise."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The difference is, in ss you pay money, at court the Emperor pays you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
For the Emperor, today''s court session was no different from those of the past few years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Except when he had just be Emperor, when he was more serious and hardworking, constantly thinking and engaging in battles of wit with his court officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now, after being Emperor for several decades, he was tired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Any job bes tedious when done for a long time without room for promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For the court officials, it was different; every court session was unique.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, each of them had room for advancement if they performed well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The eunuch routinely called out in a stretched voice: "Those with matters to report, step forward. If not, the court is dismissed." Meanwhile, he red at General Meng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even though the Emperor had arrived, the General''s eyes were still restless, constantly exchanging nces with the handsome neer beside him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Who knows where this person came from.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
How could he be so handsome.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The way he wore his official robes made everyone who saw him feel good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Coming to court only once every ten days, the officials naturally had matters to report.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Whether big or small, they all needed to report something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even if there was nothing, they had to find something to report, otherwise wouldn''t it seem like they hadn''t been working hard?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
One memorial after another was presented.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Indeed, it was mainly the officials at the front who spoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Most of those at the back were just background, only serving to fill the space.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They couldn''t even act as mood-setters because they weren''t allowed to speak freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor watched them rehash the same old topics, talking about the same problems over and over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To him, there was nothing new.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In winter, they reported on which ces had suffered disasters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Or they opposed something he wanted to build, even though he was using money from the Imperial Household Department, these people all wanted to have a say, to show they had status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then there were the bold ones who weren''t afraid of death, still suggesting that a Crown Prince should be appointed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This time, there was a slight difference in that two or three officials separately rmended the eldest prince as Crown Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the Emperor''s view,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was just them impatiently wanting him to die so the eldest prince could take the throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It seems the eldest son had been very restlesstely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Stirring up trouble was one thing,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But to actually collude with court officials was crossing a major line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not long after the Crown Prince''s death anniversary, this unfilial, disloyal dog who had no brotherly love or respect for his parents.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As the Emperor''s expression turned displeased,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Those officials who had made the rmendation began to tremble.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Something was wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They hadn''t originally nned to make the rmendation together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Such matters should be done separately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Doing it together was clearly putting pressure on the Emperor, telling him they were the eldest prince''s faction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There must be one or two among them who were false supporters, doing this intentionally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But now, even if they had the words, they couldn''t exin clearly. The Emperor wouldn''t listen to their exnations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The true supporter of the eldest prince, Prime Minister Wang, lowered his head at this moment, thinking, it''s over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The eldest prince was in danger, and so was he.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On his first day at court,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian hadn''t said a word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He just watched as the arrogant, untouchable Prime Minister Wang, who had been standing at the very front with his head held high, ignoring everyone''s greetings,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now trembled, prostrating himself fully on the ground, his official robes stripped off on the spot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The eldest prince was also ordered to reflect on his actions behind closed doors and not cause any more trouble outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After dealing with these matters,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor finally felt his anger subside a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing that the court was no longer in an uproar, but very quiet,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He swept his gaze over the officials with satisfaction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then he saw a man of celestial grace standing next to the dark, burly, square-faced Meng Qingshe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
While others wore their official robes stiffly and nervously,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His robes seemed as if they were specially designed and tailored for him - any longer would be too long, any shorter too short, any wider too loose, any narrower too tight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He stood there, his face like jade, his posture like a willow, his whole being like a clear spring in the mountains. Just looking at him made one''s heart leap with joy, dispelling all gloom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
How could there be such a person in the world, who at first nce felt so familiar?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As if he had been seen before in a dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Is this what they call love at first sight?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
The Emperor suddenly remembered what Wenxin had said this morning, that her sister had married that man because of his good looks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"His beauty is unparalleled, second to none in the world." (Note 1)<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
(Note 1: This linees from the Song Dynasty poet Guo Maoqian''s "Bad of the White Stone Youth":<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The White Stone Youth lives by the river.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Led by the River Earl, followed by fish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Piled stones like jade, lined pines like emerald.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The youth''s beauty is unparalleled, second to none in the world.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This is also the content of ament by reader <Cat Who Wants to Be Reborn and Time Travel> in the previous chapter. The reader is so cultured ︿(￣︶￣)︿.)<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0