You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

As dawn breaks, the morning bell tolls.

Inside the Daqing Hall, civil and military officials stood in two rows according to their rank, holding their tablets lightly and bowing their heads in solemn silence.

The bloodshed outside Xuande Gate yesterday was still fresh in our minds, making the atmosphere of today's grand court assembly all the more somber, as if every breath carried the rust of iron and the lingering chill of the past.

Lu Zuo sat high on the dragon throne, his gaze calmly sweeping over the silent officials below. The passionate "loyal ministers" of yesterday had vanished without a trace.

Of the remaining people, some were pale, some had shifty eyes, and most were trying their best to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Announce."

Standing beside him was Gao Qian, the head of the Imperial Household Department on duty that day. He bowed and stepped forward, unfolding a bright yellow silk cloth in his hand.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

"I believe that the key to governing a country lies in selecting the right people. If the administration is corrupt, the government will not be able to implement its policies. If the selection of talent is unfair, the virtuous and capable will be stifled."

"In order to attract talented individuals and rectify official corruption, the following edict is hereby issued:"

"Firstly, starting next year, all levels of the imperial examinations throughout the country, including the county examination for candidates to become students, the prefectural examination for candidates to become scholars, the provincial examination for candidates to become candidates to become candidates to become scholars, and the metropolitan examination and the palace examination for candidates to become scholars, will be changed from being held once every three years to being held once a year."

hum!

Low gasps and gasps of surprise rose uncontrollably from the ranks.

Is the exam changed from once every three years to once a year?

This means that the selection process will be greatly shortened, and more scholars from humble backgrounds will have the opportunity to rise through social classes!

"Secondly, the number of candidates selected for each examination will be tentatively set at one thousand."

"However, moral character is of paramount importance in the selection of officials, and all candidates must undergo a 'political review'."

"Only those whose family members for three generations, as well as the candidates themselves, have no history of committing crimes, oppressing their neighbors, or colluding with the enemy and betraying their country, are qualified to take the exam."

"The specific details will be jointly drafted by the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Justice."

Many officials were shocked. This seemingly simple requirement of "no bad records" was actually a powerful tool that could be flexibly used to select honest and upright officials as well as to accurately strike at political enemies.

Especially at this sensitive time, it is incredibly easy to link it to "obstructing land purchases".

"Thirdly, the clerks, constables, and runners in the government offices at the prefecture and county levels are not officially appointed officials, but they hold low positions and wield great power, and are often the chief culprits in harming the people."

"An order is hereby issued to all localities to conduct centralized training and assessments for all registered and probationary clerks and constables, and to strictly review their political backgrounds."

"Anyone who fails training, fails assessment, has a tainted political background check, or has a history of illegal or unethical conduct will be dismissed and permanently barred from employment!"

"The vacant positions will be filled through open recruitment to local respectable families. Only those who pass the training, assessment, and political review will be hired."

If the first two points are aimed at future "officials", then this one is aimed directly at the current grassroots "clerks"!

Who among the officials present did not know the harm caused by petty clerks?

With their entrenched connections, deceiving superiors and subordinates, and levying exorbitant taxes, countless government orders have been ruined by these "little devils."

His Majesty is trying to strike at the root of the problem and thoroughly purge the very foundations of his rule!

After Gao Qian finished reading the imperial edict, he rolled it up and returned it to its original position.

The hall was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop. The air seemed to freeze, leaving only countless gazes that exchanged glances of surprise, doubt, and speculation in the shadows.

Lu Zuo: "My lords, does anyone have any objections?"

After a brief silence, one person stepped forward from the civil service line.

Everyone looked and saw that it was Lu You, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites in the Ministry of Personnel.

The young official, renowned throughout the land for his poetry and prose and now serving in the Ministry of Rites, bowed deeply and said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"The imperial examination system was reformed, with one test held every year, opening up avenues for advancement for those from humble backgrounds."

"Political vetting for selecting officials prioritizes moral character and conduct, thus eliminating any path to petty corruption or opportunism."

"Rectifying the clerks and lower-level officials directly addresses the crux of the deep-seated problems in officialdom!"

"If these three policies are implemented, the atmosphere in the court and the countryside will be purified, virtuous and capable people will be able to rise to the top, and the common people will be free from the harassment of petty officials."

"Your subject, Lu You, on behalf of all scholars and common people, humbly expresses his gratitude for Your Majesty's great favor!"

After saying this, he lifted his robe, knelt down, and performed a deep bow.

With him taking the lead, some officials who had long been disgusted by the corruption of clerks or who rose to their positions through hard work and knowledge, also issued statements of support.

But many more people, especially those from prominent families, those with close ties to the local bureaucratic system, or those who are worried about being subjected to political vetting at any time, are experiencing inner turmoil but dare not show it on their faces.

The bloody human head from yesterday weighed heavily on their hearts, choking them back all their objections and doubts.

This is exactly the effect Lu Zuo wanted: kill a batch and scare the majority.

Then, using new channels of profit and opportunities for cleansing, they can divide and win over a portion of the population.

While the reform of the imperial examination system may indeed cause chaos in the short term due to a lack of experience, it also greatly alleviated the pressure of manpower shortages caused by the purge of corrupt officials and the implementation of new policies.

Each year, a thousand newly appointed scholars who have passed political vetting can fill a large number of middle and low-level positions after a little training.

Cleansing up and rebuilding the bureaucratic system is the fundamental way to reduce corruption at the grassroots level and ensure the smooth implementation of government orders.

At the same time, it can also absorb a group of people from relatively clean backgrounds who may be dissatisfied with the status quo into the ruling system and become a new force of support.

"Since there are no objections, this shall be promulgated throughout the land. The Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Justice shall produce detailed regulations within ten days."

Lu Zuo made the final decision: "Dismiss the court."

"Your Majesty, we respectfully see you off."

.....

The bell rang to signal the end of the court session, and the officials left the Daqing Hall in turn.

"An annual examination..." An elderly scholar with white hair shook his head and sighed, whether out of emotion or worry, it was hard to tell.

"Clerks... hey, we've stirred up a hornet's nest this time." An imperial censor whispered to his colleague, "Those local bullies have been entrenched in their areas for decades, their networks as intricate as spider webs. Are they so easy to clean up?"

"Can't get rid of it?"

"The Earl of Yongning's head is still hanging on the gate of Lin'an!"

"I think His Majesty is determined..."

"Lu You is certainly stealing the show today..."

Amid the discussions, there were hopes for the future of the new policies, concerns about their own situations, doubts about whether the deep-seated problems of officialdom could be eradicated, and even more so, a deep awe of the emperor's ruthless methods.

Everyone knows that this is not just a reform of the imperial examination and officialdom, but a reshuffling of the power structure. A war without gunpowder has just begun.

......

After the court session ended, Lu Zuo did not go directly back to the inner palace or the imperial study as usual.

He changed into an ordinary royal blue brocade robe, wore a square scarf on his head, and dressed up as a wealthy young master. He was accompanied by two eunuchs who had also changed into plain clothes and kept a low profile, and quietly left the palace gate.

Even in late autumn, Yingtianfu, as the capital, was still bustling with people, lined with shops, and filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares.

Lu Zuo strolled along, seemingly wandering aimlessly, but his eyes were scanning the everyday life of the people, and his ears were listening to the idle chatter of peddlers, scholars and common folk.

As they approached a relatively spacious street corner, a commotion of crying and cursing erupted ahead, and a crowd gathered in a circle.

Lu Zuo frowned slightly, took a few steps closer, and looked through the gaps in the crowd.

In the middle of the street stood a magnificent carriage with a green canopy and jeweled ornaments, pulled by two exceptionally fine horses.

Beside the car, several burly guards dressed as servants were punching and kicking an old man and a young man who looked like vegetable farmers.

The old man curled up on the ground, clutching his head and wailing. The boy tried to protect the old man, but he was also kicked and rolled away. The vegetable basket was overturned, and radishes and greens rolled all over the ground and were trampled to pieces.

A person dressed in rich clothes with a high-piled bun was being supported by a maid, standing by the carriage and watching coldly.

The woman was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. She was extremely beautiful, with skin as white as snow, and eyebrows and eyes as beautiful as paintings. Her phoenix eyes were slightly upturned, which should have made her charming and graceful, but at this moment they were filled with pride and impatience.

She wore a brocade dress embroidered with gold butterflies and flowers, over which she wore a scarlet brocade cloak with feathers. The white feathers around the collar accentuated her beautiful face, but her rosy lips were pursed, and the words she uttered were cold and sarcastic:

"You blind fool!"

"You startled my carriage and ruined my Suzhou embroidery skirt. A few slaps would be too lenient for you!"

"Beat them! Beat them until they learn their lesson!"

Upon hearing this, the guard struck even harder.

Lu Zuo's face darkened. In broad daylight, right under the city walls, she was letting her servant commit violence and beat up ordinary people. Judging from her behavior, she must be from a powerful and wealthy family.

"stop!"

Upon hearing the voice, the woman's eyebrows furrowed, and she was about to scold who dared to meddle in her affairs. However, when her gaze fell on Lu Zuo's face, she suddenly froze. The anger on her face was instantly replaced by great shock, her red lips parted slightly, and her whole body stiffened.

This face...

She would never mistake this face!

Several months ago, a grand banquet was held in the palace for members of the imperial family and nobles. She accompanied her husband to the banquet and had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the emperor's face from afar!

Although he was dressed in casual clothes, his features and demeanor...

Her legs went weak and she almost knelt down on the spot, but fortunately, the maid next to her was quick-witted and helped her up.

She forced herself to steady herself, pushed aside the guard who was still attacking, staggered forward two steps, and, amidst the astonished gazes of the surrounding crowd, gracefully knelt down, her voice trembling slightly with extreme tension and fear:

"Your Majesty, I... Your wife, Lady Qin of the Yong'an Marquis's residence, was unaware... unaware of Your Majesty's arrival, and thus offended Your Majesty, allowing my servant to commit this heinous act. My crime deserves death! I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

She lay on the ground, not daring to lift her head, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.

How did I end up meeting the emperor here?

Or perhaps it's a clandestine visit!

My arrogant demeanor just now...

Finished!

The guards and maids were terrified and knelt down on the ground, trembling like leaves.

The onlookers were stunned at first, then erupted in uproar!

His Majesty?

Is it His Majesty the Emperor?

The crowd stirred immediately. Some dared to crane their necks to look, while many others instinctively stepped back, yet couldn't resist peeking out of curiosity.

Lu Zuo coldly looked at the person kneeling on the ground, Qin Shi from the Yong'an Marquis's Mansion?

He vaguely remembered that it seemed to be a noble family with little real power but a long and distinguished lineage.

This Qin woman... is indeed quite alluring.

"You allowed your servant to commit violence and oppress the people; do you know your crime?"

"This humble woman knows her crime! This humble woman knows her crime!"

Qin kowtowed repeatedly, her smooth forehead pressed against the cold bluestone pavement: "It is my fault for failing to discipline my subjects properly and for not managing them strictly. I have alarmed Your Majesty and harmed the people. I am willing to accept any punishment!"

She was filled with fear and regret. If she had known she would run into the emperor today, she would never have thrown a tantrum over a little mud splashed on her skirt.

Now she has not only angered the emperor, but also lost face in the street. When she returns, the Marquis will definitely not let her off the hook!

Lu Zuo said calmly, "Since you know you are guilty, then deal with it according to the law."

"The injured person's medical expenses and compensation for damaged property will be paid double."

"Furthermore, you are hereby punished by being confined to your residence for one month to reflect on your actions."

"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty! Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty!"

Qin felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She quickly signaled her maid to take out her money pouch, and personally stepped forward to stuff a large ingot of silver into the hands of the father and son who were stunned with fright. She kept apologizing, and her attitude was completely different from before.

After finishing this task, Lu Zuo turned to leave.

"His Majesty!"

Qin suddenly spoke, her voice timid yet carrying a subtle hint of allure.

She stood up and took a small step forward, getting closer to Lu Zuo.

Her cloak had slightly come undone in the chaos, revealing her slender figure wrapped in a brocade dress. Her cheeks, flushed with tension and fear, and her tear-filled eyes only added to her pitiful charm.

"This humble woman has offended Your Majesty today, and her sins are grave. Although Your Majesty has shown leniency, I am still deeply troubled..."

"My humble abode has a secluded villa nearby, where Your Majesty may have some light wine that you might find palatable... I wonder if you would allow me to prepare a small amount of wine to apologize to Your Majesty..."

"Indeed... I am also grateful for His Majesty's mercy in not punishing me."

As she spoke, her eyes darted around, looking at Lu Zuo with a mixture of caution and expectation.

Lu Zuo stopped in his tracks and glanced at her.

Qin's heart pounded even faster. She could feel the emperor's gaze sweeping over her face and body. His gaze was deep and unfathomable, making her both afraid and secretly excited.

Very well, I was just worried that I hadn't met my "tyrant performance" target today, so I might as well take the attribute points that were delivered to my door.

"All right."

"I will go and see what fine wines the Marquis of Yong'an's villa has."

Overjoyed, Qin suppressed her excitement and quickly stepped aside to lead the way: "Your Majesty, please follow me."

She personally led the way for Lu Zuo, her waist swaying gently, her steps deliberately slowed, making her appear graceful and charming.

As if her earlier embarrassment had never happened, she quickly regained her elegant demeanor as the lady of the Marquis's mansion, only her eyes and brows revealed an undisguised yearning and determination.

......

The villa was not far from the street corner, hidden deep in a quiet alley. Its entrance was not grand, but its interior was a hidden paradise.

Leading Lu Zuo through the screen wall and into a beautifully furnished, warmly fragrant flower hall, Qin Shi had countless thoughts running through her mind.

She instructed her trusted maid to quickly prepare the most exquisite banquet, while she personally served Lu Zuo as he sat down on the cushioned sandalwood couch.

"Your Majesty, please have a seat. The food and wine will be ready in a moment."

Qin Shi personally poured a cup of warm, fragrant tea and presented it to Lu Zuo with both hands. As she handed over the tea, she leaned forward slightly, and the snow-white skin and delicate fragrance between her collar brushed against him almost imperceptibly.

Lu Zuo reached out and took it, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against her fingers. Qin Shi trembled slightly as if startled, her cheeks flushed, and she stole a glance at him, her eyes sparkling with allure.

The banquet was prepared quickly, but it wasn't a grand feast. Instead, it consisted of a few delicate and unique seasonal dishes, along with a pot of perfectly boiled pear blossom wine.

Qin dismissed all the servants and personally poured wine for Lu Zuo.

"Today, Your Majesty has graced my humble abode with your presence; I am deeply grateful."

She raised her wine glass, her eyelashes lowered, revealing a section of her fair and delicate neck: "Your Majesty, I offer you a toast, wishing you a long and healthy life."

Having said that, she covered her face with her sleeve and drank the wine in the cup in one gulp. Her movements were elegant, but because they were a little too hasty, a strand of wine slid down the corner of her lips, meandered past her chin, and disappeared into her clothes.

A little while later...

After a few cups of warm wine, Qin seemed to be unable to hold her liquor; her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were glistening with tears.

She put down her wine glass, but her body seemed to slump and she couldn't sit still. She let out a soft "ouch" and leaned towards Lu Zuo as if unintentionally.

Lu Zuo reached out to support her, and Qin Shi leaned against his arm, tilting her head back, her breath sweet and fragrant, mingled with the scent of wine: "Your Majesty... this humble woman feels a little dizzy..."

As if seeking support, she gently placed one hand on Lu Zuo's leg, her fingers seemingly unconsciously and extremely slowly tracing a faint line with her fingertips.

Seeing that Lu Zuo did not push her away immediately, and even looked at her with a slightly darker gaze, Qin Shi became bolder.

She also quietly raised her other hand, as if to smooth out the non-existent stray hairs at her temples, but her wrist was so soft and boneless that it gently brushed against the back of Lu Zuo's hand holding the wine glass.

Seeing that Lu Zuo accepted it calmly, Qin Shi slightly raised her upper body, almost nestling into Lu Zuo's arms, her breath sweet as orchids, her eyes gazing up at him with a dreamy look, her red lips parting slightly: "This villa..."

"Few people come here on ordinary days, it's very quiet... Your Majesty works hard for the country, you should... take a rest..."

Lu Zuo's heart skipped a beat: "Put your hair up in a bun."