I was a prince in the Middle East

Chapter 36 The Movie Emperor Prince Fishing Online
The storm of public opinion, along with doubts about the "collapse of the genius prince's image," swept across the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia like a summer sandstorm in Riyadh.

On Twitter, topics such as "#PrinceWalidExamMystery", "#RoyalPrivilegesCreateAcademicAchievers?" and "#CompleteHighSchoolInOneMonth?" remain highly trending.

Various "leaks," "insider information," and "expert analyses" have emerged one after another.

This wave inevitably crashed against the shore of the kingdom's power center—the royal palace.

The day before the exam, a hastily convened royal meeting was held in the heavily guarded council chamber.

The heavy, carved wooden door shut out the noise of the outside world, but it couldn't block out the solemn atmosphere that permeated the hall.

Seated around the long conference table were the kingdom's most powerful princes and key ministers.

In the main seat, the elder Salman remained calm, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

But those who know him well understand that this old man, who has maintained a conservative image and remained in Riyadh for nearly fifty years, is far from at peace at this moment.

He was initially chosen as crown prince by the Royal Council because of his "conservative", "steady" and "traditional" labels.

At a sensitive time when King Abdullah's reforms have caused internal turmoil, the Council of Elders needs a "safety valve".

A stabilizing force that can maintain the Wahhabist doctrine and law and appease conservative forces.

Salman spent nearly half a century in a high-ranking position in Riyadh, where he had deep-rooted ties with religious conservatives and the Wahhabi establishment.

It is widely believed that if he succeeds to the throne, he will put the brakes on reforms and return to "tradition" and "stability".

However, after Prince Salman gradually secured his position as crown prince over the course of a year, people were surprised to discover that this long-dormant "Snake of Riyadh" was not as conservative in its political nature as the outside world had imagined.

His recent deep alliance with the core of the reformist Talal faction, especially his support for Walid, the "outlier" successor, all indicate his deep-seated reformist tendencies.

This made the conservative forces, who had previously viewed him as a "safety net," feel a deep sense of betrayal and...

panic!

Everyone knew that the tradition of "succession by younger brother" would eventually be broken.

Conservatives had hoped that Salman's aged and conservative image would allow the system to continue for another generation.

But the recent substantial reconciliation between Salman and King Abdullah has completely shattered their illusions!

Even more frightening is-

The Muhammad who was sitting silently and respectfully beside Salman at this moment was only 28 years old;
Walid, who had just revealed his fangs, was only 23 years old.

Two ambitious young people joined forces...

They will absolutely turn this kingdom upside down!

At this moment, Walid's upcoming "achievement test" and "ability test" have become an excellent breakthrough point for the conservatives' counterattack.

First, take down that new lion king of the Talar faction!
Halfway through the meeting, the topic inevitably shifted to the current hot-button public opinion issues.

Grand Mufti Abdul Sheikh.

This supreme representative of the kingdom's religious authority, dressed in a solemn black robe with a white beard reaching his chest, was the first to launch an attack.

His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable religious authority, like the morning bell of an ancient temple, striking the hearts of everyone:

"Your Highness Salman, Your Excellencies Princes and Ministers."

He surveyed the entire room, his gaze finally settling on Salman Sr.

"Recently, there has been a great deal of public discussion, with the focus on the academic achievements of His Highness Prince Walid, son of Prince Khalid."

The voices of doubt sting like venomous scorpions in the desert—such rapid progress far exceeds the common sense of ordinary people receiving God's grace!
Shariah's teachings state that knowledge is like water dripping onto a stone; it cannot be acquired without the passage of time and the polishing of time.

The public has deep concerns; could this involve...?

They desecrate the sacred grounds of the school with gold and silver, abuse royal privileges to bribe teachers, and fabricate the illusion of 'false prodigies' that goes against the true path.
This raises concerns about undermining the very foundation of Wahhabism!

Abdul Sheikh's words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

A subdued murmur rippled through the hall, with many exchanging meaningful glances.

Some conservative princes and officials who were already dissatisfied with the rise of the Talal faction or had close ties with the Sheikh faction showed expressions of deep agreement and began to chime in with echoing sentiments:

"Yes, he was in a coma for seven years and only woke up for five months. The actual time he spent studying was only one month at most? This... is indeed unbelievable."

"Prince Khalid's love for his son is well-known, but this time... wasn't he too hasty?"

"Princess Mona is a Yale graduate, and she's incredibly shrewd. If she were to pull something..."

"This publicity stunt is... a bit too much. What about the royal family's reputation?"

These comments, seemingly concerned with the royal family's reputation, are in fact daggers, directly targeting Prince Khalid and Princess Mona.

The article questions the authenticity of Walid's "genius" aura and implies that the Talal faction will stop at nothing to secure the successor's position.

Old Salman listened expressionlessly, his fingers unconsciously tracing the smooth ebony tabletop.

His sharp gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on the faces that were making noise, before finally settling on Prince Khalid, who was sitting not far below him.

Prince Khalid, the Supreme Chief Justice of the Inquisition, sat upright like a mountain.

He wore a well-tailored white prince's robe, his expression solemn, like a silent sculpture.

However, deep within those deep eyes, a complex and indescribable emotion flickered and vanished.

This fluctuation wasn't panic or anger, but more like...

A mixture of helplessness, struggle, and something even one themselves might not easily perceive...

hesitate?

Old Salman was stunned when he saw this.

What the hell is going on?
Why did Khalid hesitate?

Is it...

Is there really a problem?

He subconsciously looked at his son beside him.

However, seeing that Muhammad was simply looking down at his nose and inwardly focused, old Salman was somewhat relieved.

I have to admit, I'm really getting old!
At this moment, Prince Khalid's inner monologue:

It’s coming, it’s coming!
The son was right!
These idiots are really taking the bait so seriously!

Hey!

Now it's my showtime!

They need to fully convey their 'worry' and 'uncertainty' expressions.

I'll screw you idiots over!
Just then, the side door of the council chamber was silently pushed open.

The attendant announced loudly:

"His Majesty King Abdullah has arrived!"

The hall fell silent instantly. Everyone, including old Salman, immediately stood up, placed their right hand on their chest, and bowed in respect.

King Abdullah, who had been neglecting state affairs for a long time and whose health was deteriorating, slowly entered the hall with the help of his attendants.

His appearance instantly added a chilling atmosphere to the already tense one.

The old king took his seat in the main seat, his slightly cloudy and weary gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Prince Khalid's face.
"Khalid, there's a huge commotion outside. What do you think of Walid, that kid?"

The focus immediately shifted to Prince Khalid.

All eyes were focused on him like searchlights, trying to capture the most subtle changes in his expression.

Mohammed, who was sitting slightly behind Salman, also raised his eyes slightly and looked at Khalid.

He knew Walid's true level and was even more aware of the power struggle behind it, but he chose to remain silent at this moment, like the most composed bystander.

Prince Khalid took a deep breath and slowly rose. He first bowed respectfully to King Abdullah and Salman the Elder, then raised his head.

On his usually calm and dignified face, a clear hint of struggle and hesitation now appeared.

This hesitation was not a perfect pretense; rather, it carried a genuine sense of worry about the uncertain future of a father, which was perfectly captured by everyone.

He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to give his son a firm guarantee, but the words turned into a hesitant, uncertain statement:
“God is great! Your Majesty… Your Highness the Crown Prince… Walid… His behavior after waking up was indeed… extraordinary.”

Those teachers were all top European scholars carefully selected by Mona, and they... all gave them extremely high praise. But..."

He paused, his brow furrowing slightly, his gaze fixed on the table, struggling to organize his thoughts, as if trying to salvage his argument.
"Complete all high school science courses in one month, with perfect scores every time... This is indeed... far beyond what ordinary people can understand."

As his father, I naturally trust him.

But... there's a huge outcry and many people are questioning it... I understand..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the unspoken meaning, the worry in his eyes about whether his son could withstand the pressure, and the just-right uncertainty were accurately captured by all the old foxes present!
He cleared his throat and said quickly, "I think we should let Walid take the test again next year."

Prince Khalid's inner monologue:

Keep acting! Keep acting! My son says this is called 'showing weakness to the enemy'.

really!

This "hesitation" and "uncertainty" were instantly interpreted by conservatives as: even Prince Khalid himself was unsure!

He actually doubted the authenticity of his son's grades!
He was worried that things would be exposed!
So he simply suggested taking the exam a year later!
Even more fatal was his mention of "Mona's carefully chosen teacher"!
This was like dropping a depth charge!
Among the dignitaries present, who didn't know about Princess Mona's Yale background and her extreme expectations for her son?

Who doesn't know that Prince Khalid has more than one son, Walid?
Despite Princess Mona's skillful methods, all of Khalid's other sons were born through Urfi marriages (meaning 'customary' marriages, often translated as secret marriages), and were legally considered illegitimate children with no inheritance rights and no father's surname.

Although Walid was the only legitimate son, but...

The law has always been the royal family's private domain; if things really come to that, removing the queen from her position is not out of the question.

Muhammad's inner monologue:

Uncle Khalid's acting was superb!
Princess Timona? Absolutely stunning!

Those old foxes must have connected it to my father and me...

When my father's first wife, Queen Sulla, passed away, my brothers born to Queen Sulla instantly became illegitimate sons...

They must have thought that Princess Mona was clearing obstacles for Walid, or even... they imagined it to be something much darker!
High, it is high!

Walid, you better be as amazing as those teachers say, or this show will be ruined!
The conservative princes exchanged knowing glances.

Even Mohammed, who was present, chose to remain silent. Prince Khalid himself hesitated, and Princess Mona's possible "motives" were also a factor...

All of this points to one conclusion: Walid's "genius" persona is highly exaggerated!

This exam could very well be an elaborate scam!

A glint flashed in the eyes of the Grand Mufti Abdul Sheikh; he keenly seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

He immediately stood up, his voice booming with an unquestionable religious authority:
"Your Majesty! Your Highness the Crown Prince! Prince Khalid's concerns prove that the people's doubts are not unfounded!"

He surveyed the room, his tone turning stern.

“The words and actions of members of the royal family, especially princes with the right of succession, are related to the dignity of the royal family and the sanctity of the law, and must not be tainted in any way!”

Public opinion is currently in uproar. If the doubts cannot be quelled in the most open and transparent way, it may shake the foundation of the nation and damage the glory bestowed upon the royal family by God!

He paused, then presented his pre-prepared plan with a resounding tone:
"Therefore, I propose!"
Prince Walid's original 'royal family examination privilege' was immediately revoked, and he was ordered to take the test tomorrow at a public examination center designated by the Ministry of Education, along with all other students in the kingdom.

A special supervisory team dispatched by the Ministry of Education will be stationed at the examination site throughout the entire process to conduct strict supervision, and!

He deliberately emphasized his words, his gaze fixed intently on Old Salman and King Abdullah:
"Live broadcast of the entire process! Every step of Prince Walid's exam will be broadcast live to all the people of the kingdom!"
May the glory of God and the eyes of millions witness the fairness and impartiality of this examination!

Only in this way can the doubts be completely quelled and the royal family's innocence restored!

These words were like a bomb going off in the council chamber!
Live stream from start to finish?!
This is absolutely unprecedented!

Is the examination process of a core prince being placed under the microscope of the entire nation?

This is not only a test of Walid's knowledge, but also a naked exposure of the dignity of the entire royal family, especially the Talal line, to the public court!
"Is this... going too far?"

An old prince who was on good terms with the Talal faction couldn't help but frown.

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!"

Abdul Sheikh stood firm, his tone resolute.
“If Prince Walid is truly as divinely gifted as he has demonstrated, a miracle bestowed upon the kingdom by God, then why fear being examined in the sunlight?”
Live streaming is the best way to showcase their true strength!

on the contrary……"

He snorted coldly, his unspoken meaning quite clear.

All eyes were once again focused on Prince Khalid.

Prince Khalid's face instantly turned extremely ugly, turning ashen, his lips pressed tightly together, and his hand under the table seemed to clench into a fist.

He abruptly looked up at Abdul Sheikh, his eyes filled with humiliated anger and...

A hint of hidden panic?
His chest heaved a few times, as if he was trying his best to suppress his anger.

Finally, under Abdul Sheikh's unyielding gaze and the silent pressure from the surrounding conservative princes, he managed to squeeze out a few words with extreme difficulty, as if clenching his teeth:

“…Okay!…Let’s do as Sheikh says!”

The voice was filled with humiliation and resentment, and the expression on his face was extremely ugly.

(Prince Khalid's inner monologue: It's done! The fish has completely taken the bait! Live broadcast? Special oversight team? You old bastard Abdul, you're the one who handed the noose to my son! I'll screw you over!)
Prince Khalid's "forced" and "humiliating compromise" demeanor acted like a final shot of adrenaline, completely winning over the hearts of the conservatives.

Their last shred of doubt vanished.

It's safe! It's safe! Everything's safe!
Walid is definitely a fraud!

Khalid is feeling guilty!
They were forced into a corner and had no choice but to agree!
Live broadcast of the entire event?

Tomorrow will be the day when the Talal faction loses face and Walid's "genius" persona completely collapses!

Abdul Sheikh, his face beaming with barely suppressed smugness, clasped his hands to his chest and bowed to the King and Crown Prince.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness is wise!"

Old Salman glanced at Khalid, whose face was ashen, then at his son Muhammad, who remained silent but had a deep look in his eyes, before finally turning to King Abdullah.

The old king nodded wearily, which was taken as tacit approval.

"In that case,"

Salman announced in a calm voice, "The Ministry of Education is hereby ordered to immediately implement the Grand Mufti's proposal."

Prince Walid bin Khalid will take his exams tomorrow at the Riyadh No. 1 Public High School examination center.

A special supervisory team dispatched by the Ministry of Education will oversee the entire process, which will be broadcast live by the State Television Network! No errors are permitted!

The decision has been made, and there is no turning back.

The meeting ended in an eerie atmosphere.

The conservative princes walked briskly, their eyes filled with a smug, triumphant smile.

Prince Khalid, with heavy steps and a somber expression, was the first to leave, as if carrying a heavy burden.

The news spread like wildfire throughout Riyadh.

"Have you heard? Prince Walid is going to take his high school entrance exam!"

"Live broadcast throughout! My goodness! This must be the first time for royalty, right?"

"Prince Khalid's face turned dark; it seems there really is a problem..."

"This is going to be interesting! I'll be watching it on TV tomorrow!"

"Waiting for the live broadcast of the academic genius's image collapsing!"

……

(End of this chapter)