Inside the court hall.
The Female Emperor's decree rang out.
The officials' expressions shifted slightly. They all knew she was going to spare no effort in supporting Xu Qingxiao.
Normally, matters such as the imperial examinations were overseen by the Great Wei Literary Palace, with assistance from the Six Ministries.
Yet no one had expected Xu Qingxiao to be appointed chief examiner this time.
A glance around revealed that no Confucian officials from the Great Wei Literary Palace had attended court today. More precisely, none of them had attended court for some days now.
Scholar Peng was still in prison.
These Confucian officials were staging a silent protest by refusing to attend court.
And for some reason, apart from necessary arguments, relations between the civil and military officials had improved considerably lately.
Everyone found this strangely comfortable.
The Female Emperor's decision to entrust Xu Qingxiao with the Literary Palace's duties was another form of tacit support.
The School of the Mind would probably truly flourish in Great Wei now. With the dynasty putting its full strength behind promoting it, it could hardly avoid becoming mainstream.
"Your servant accepts the decree."
Xu Qingxiao naturally agreed to oversee Wuchang's first imperial examination. Whether in terms of personal influence or recruiting talent, it would be enormously helpful to him.
More importantly, Xu Qingxiao could tell that the Female Emperor intended to suppress the Great Wei Literary Palace.
That was a good thing for him, too.
"Very well, Minister Xu. After court is dismissed, come to my bedchamber."
"There are important matters to discuss."
The Female Emperor spoke, telling Xu Qingxiao to visit her bedchamber.
"Your servant accepts the decree."
"However, Your Majesty, please keep these manuscripts safe. Ideally, use a National Artifact to suppress them. Otherwise..."
"I fear they might summon extraordinary manifestations."