"No."
Eunuch Gao answered Jiang Xiaobai's question without hesitation. "This is a reward from His Majesty, and protection for you as well!"
"So, Heir Jiang, you may not refuse!"
"All right..."
The corner of Jiang Xiaobai's mouth twitched.
Tang Ningshuang's icy face rose unbidden in his mind.
Personal protection?
He'd be lucky if that woman didn't personally beat him up!
But the imperial will had been declared, so Jiang Xiaobai could hardly say anything more. Helplessly, he cupped his hands. "Your subject obeys!"
"Heir Jiang, my task here is complete."
Eunuch Gao nodded in satisfaction and smiled faintly. "Do not disappoint His Majesty over the Examination Scandal."
"Rest assured, Eunuch Gao!"
Jiang Xiaobai said solemnly, "Your subject will do everything in his power."
Eunuch Gao nodded, then waved his hand and turned to leave with the Imperial Guards.
After the Imperial Guards departed, silence lingered in the Clear Pavilion for a moment.
Then everyone's gaze fell upon Jiang Xiaobai again.
Their eyes were utterly different from before.
Previously, they had looked at Jiang Xiaobai with doubt and resentment, eager to see him make a fool of himself.
Now, there was an indefinable measure of awe.
The Imperial Silver Tally, His Majesty's verbal decree, entering the fray himself, investigating the Imperial Examination as Imperial Inspector!
They knew perfectly well how much weight all of that carried together.
Holding the Imperial Silver Tally, Jiang Xiaobai slowly raised his head.
"Everyone."
Jiang Xiaobai swept his gaze across both floors of the Clear Pavilion, then smiled faintly. "Among those gathered here today, some came for me, Jiang Xiaobai, and others came for the couplets."
"But whether you came for me or the couplets, naturally, you ought to try matching a line..."
At those words, several scholars' expressions shifted slightly.
Indeed.
Whatever had drawn so