...The Emperor seemed to have grown old? Seeing the Emperor's expression, Su Ziji suddenly felt his heart loosen. He had originally thought the Emperor wise and mighty, with everything under his control.
But now that he looked, he understood: The Emperor had grown old in the end—or rather, after being Emperor for so long, he simply did not care about other people's reactions.
Clear-minded at first, muddled later?
There had been no shortage of such Emperors in history. Although Su Ziji understood that power was like a blade—when it truly came down, it had nothing to do with the state of the one wielding it, and those meant to die would still die—he nevertheless felt a wave of relief.
Yes, power is like a blade, and like a spear. Once struck, one dies. But if the one wielding it lacks skill with blade or spear, there is still an opportunity.
As Su Ziji pondered, Fang Xi, who had been questioned by the Emperor, immediately went pale and stood at a loss. Although Yu Lü's legs had gone weak as well, his thoughts remained clear. He had long realized someone would ask this question, and had long prepared his answer.
Yu Lü knocked his head heavily against the floor. As he rose, the corner of his eye swept over the Imperial Grandson seated below the Emperor. Like everyone else, the Imperial Grandson was looking over.
Seeing the Imperial Grandson's composed expression, his heart, which had been pounding like a drum, miraculously settled and returned to its rhythm.
Yu Lü, who had originally been somewhat flustered, also calmed down. He spoke clearly. "In reply to Your Majesty, the Capital City's Tribute Examination is a mixed bag of fish and dragons. Every year, people guess at examination questions and swindle others. In the