In a moment of impulse, I forcibly kissed my brother's best friend.

Each with their own thoughts, the two entered the palace.

Standing on the right side of the hall, Cui Yutang saw the Vice Minister of the Chancellery arguing with Empress Wu again, on the same topic as yesterday—"Encourage agriculture and sericulture, and reduce taxes and corvée labor." Both sides held their own views, spittle flying, and the entire hall was filled with the sound of heated debate.

"Shangguan Hong, I have no desire to hear any more of your words today. You may leave." Empress Wu spoke with authority but not anger, her gaze deep and unfathomable.

She glanced around the room, her gaze settling on Cui Zhinuan, who remained silent throughout. She scoffed inwardly—this old fox, trying to remain neutral? No way!

Her gaze shifted to Cui Yutang, who was standing on the right side of the hall.

"Where is Cui Yutang, Minister Cui?"

With a whoosh, all the court officials turned to look at that inconspicuous corner—this year's top scholar, a greenhorn!

Cui Yutang, however, remained calm. He leisurely straightened his official robes, took two steps forward, knelt down, and bowed with unhurried movements: "Your subject Cui Yutang pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress."

"Cui Yutang, you are the top scholar selected by His Majesty, and I admire your talent greatly." Empress Wu's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable air of authority. "Tell me, is 'encouraging agriculture and sericulture, and reducing taxes and corvée labor' appropriate or not?"

The hall was completely silent.

All eyes were on this young top scholar.

Some people are waiting to see him make a fool of himself, some are waiting to see him take sides, and some are simply there to enjoy the show.

Cui Yutang naturally understood why his father remained neutral, and also understood the root of Shangguan Hong's opposition—the new policies threatened the fundamental interests of powerful clans. These clans had long controlled most of the land and property in the country, and naturally did not want the court to intervene.

However, obstructing national policies will only embolden the royal family to completely dismantle the aristocratic families. If this confrontation continues, it will only plunge the country into chaos, and how can there be any peace and prosperity?

He raised his head, his gaze clear and upright: "Your Majesty, I believe—it is appropriate."

The room erupted in uproar.

Ignoring the whispers, his expression grew even colder as he continued, "From the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Sui Dynasty, nearly four hundred years of chaos have led to the devastation of the people's livelihood. Our Great Tang has also fought against foreign enemies several times, and the nation's strength has not yet fully recovered. Therefore, the national policy of 'encouraging agriculture and sericulture, and reducing taxes and corvée labor' to restore the people's livelihood should be implemented. However, its implementation must be measured, and its governance must be carried out in a proper order."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The aristocratic families possess fertile land, cultivated it for generations, and are well-versed in agriculture and water management, making them the foundation of farming and animal husbandry in the prefectures and villages. Therefore, I suggest that the new policies should utilize the strength of these aristocratic families to support the people of the land."

"The gentry in each prefecture can be ordered to investigate their private lands, recruit displaced people, and reclaim wasteland. The government should reduce taxes and provide relief to farmers. The gentry will benefit from land reclamation, the people will enjoy the benefits of peaceful living, and the court will have the foundation for the people's livelihood."

He took a deep breath and said his last words with deep emotion: "Your Majesty, our Great Tang Dynasty has only been established for over sixty years. Mutual dependence is the way to long-term stability and peace."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Empress Wu looked at him, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes. She spoke slowly, her voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Minister Cui's insight is clear. From this day forward, your position in the Imperial Court is promoted to the sixth rank, and you will concurrently lead the Ministry of Agriculture, assisting in the implementation of new agricultural policies. You will be a constant companion to the Emperor, and you may speak frankly about any matters. Just go ahead and supervise, and His Majesty and I will have your backing."

She surveyed the entire hall, her expression authoritative and brooking no argument: "Dismiss the court."

"Your subject obeys." Cui Yutang kowtowed.

Thus, Cui Yutang, who had only been on duty for two days, was promoted.

Cui Zhinuan had been smiling all day, which was quite unlike his stern, strict, and unsmiling image.

His colleagues, seeing him like this, felt like the sun had risen in the west.

"That old scoundrel always knows how to take advantage of others." Shangguan Hong gave him a cold glare and turned away.

Cui Yutang was busy until late afternoon today before he was able to leave. After finishing his official duties, he rode directly to the Da Ci'en Temple.

He entered Master Xuanling's meditation room and saw the master sitting in meditation with his eyes closed.

Cui Yutang stood at the door, feeling slightly guilty, and hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.

Master Xuanling slowly opened his eyes, looking at him with a half-smile, without saying a word.

"Master, I came to visit you today after my shift..." Cui Yutang bowed respectfully.

"Oh?" Master Xuanling raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing it.

"By the way, Master Xuanji has been successfully settled in Donglin City." Cui Yutang quickly changed the subject.

"You already told this to me," Master Xuanling said, ruthlessly exposing his lie.

Cui Yutang cleared his throat awkwardly: "Yes."

He remained silent for a moment, then mustered his courage and asked, "Master, I wanted to ask if it's possible to move up the wedding date between Yige and me?"

"Aren't you about to get married?" Master Xuanling asked in return.

"Yes, can it go any faster?"

"Please turn right when you leave, sir. I won't see you out." Master Xuanling refused him expressionlessly.

"Master, please help me, okay?" Cui Yutang's tone softened. He hadn't called him "Master" since he was eight years old.

"Please don't call me Master, it will ruin my reputation." Master Xuanling chanted a Buddhist prayer, then closed his eyes coldly. "Please call me Master."

Cui Yutang left the meditation room speechlessly and sullenly.

Trying to appeal to a monk's emotions is like throwing money down the drain. Bao Yu looked at his master with sympathy and spoke cautiously.

"My lord, changing the wedding date will indeed have far-reaching consequences. My father will be the first to object, and even the old lady may not agree."

"That's why I came to see the master; I needed to use him as an excuse to convince everyone." Cui Yutang sighed, "Who knew..."

But the master didn't fall for it. Bao Yu thought to herself, "My master is indeed cunning."

But he still advised, "If you're worried about Miss Xie's safety, then just keep an eye on her more often."

She has four bodyguards in her courtyard, and Zhixia is always by her side. How could she be in any danger? It's clearly you who has ill intentions towards her.

Cui Yutang glanced at him and knew what he was thinking, but he didn't bother to care.

He thought for a moment and said, "The roast chicken at Zui Zhi Lou is quite good; she'll definitely like it. Let's go."

"Master, the queue at Zui Zhi Lou is even longer than the queue at Yun Su Fang!" Bao Yu was almost in tears.

But his protests were ineffective.

At dusk, Xie Yige and her two maids enjoyed the legendary Yun Song roasted chicken.

Bao Yu personally delivered it to the door on behalf of his master, while Cui Yutang himself waited anxiously in the alley outside the Zhou residence.

"Miss, this Yun Song roast chicken is absolutely divine! It's so tender and juicy!" Bi Chun exclaimed as she ate, her mouth dripping with oil, completely disregarding her image. Zhi Xia also nodded enthusiastically, her mouth stuffed full.

Xie Yige took a bite of the chicken. The skin was crispy and fragrant, while the inside was tender and juicy. The smoky aroma of pine exploded on her tongue. Her big, almond-shaped eyes were so captivated by this delicious food that she couldn't even look at herself.

"I heard that it is slow-roasted with old pine branches from Zhongnan Mountain, marinated for half a day with more than ten kinds of fragrant herbs, and then simmered over a low flame to reduce the sauce and lock in the aroma with smoke. When the whole chicken comes out of the oven, it is a deep reddish-brown color and glossy with oil. It is even more delicious to eat it on the spot."

Xie Yige explained as she ate, her tone filled with a satisfied contentment.

"Miss, you know so much. All I know is how to eat." Bichun smiled sheepishly, took another bite of the chicken leg, and said, "Young Master Cui is such a kind person."

Xie Yige smiled gently, a hint of sweetness hidden in her lips. That person always bullied her; he was no good person at all.

Cui Yutang, who was not a good person, indeed went to be a thief again that night.