Joy of Life: I am Li Chengze, and I have mastered the Eight Wonders

Chapter 12 Playing devil’s advocate

In short, Emperor Qing quickly outlined the new situation to Li Chengze:
"I suggest that Lai Mingcheng be the chief examiner for the Spring Examination?" Li Chengze was moved when he heard this. This plot was not recorded in the original novel! But he thought about it again.
Fan Xian's move was actually to protect Lai Mingcheng, and this move indirectly helped him complete an important task, so he quickly decided to support Fan Xian.

However, when facing Emperor Qing, Li Chengze spoke with a completely opposite attitude:
"Father, I think Fan Xian's proposal is not appropriate."

This statement surprised Fan Xian, after all, it was he who suggested protecting Lai Mingcheng first.

Li Chengze's eyes moved slightly, secretly observing Fan Xian's reaction, while Emperor Qing asked calmly:

"Oh? What's wrong? Tell me."

Li Chengze explained clearly:
"First, Fan Xian has already been appointed as the chief examiner. If he were to change his position easily, it would damage the dignity of the court and my father.
Second, Fan Xian was well-known in the literary world and was highly regarded by the public. His appointment as the chief examiner was popular with the public, and replacing him would easily cause controversy.

Furthermore, although I have great respect for Censor Lai, whether his literary talent is sufficient to stand alone and measure the talents of the world is still debatable and difficult to convince the public. "

At this moment, Fan Xian felt mixed emotions and almost blurted out:

"Second Prince, what is your position?" He originally proposed that Lai Mingcheng be the chief examiner of the Spring Examination in order to save his life, and this proposal came from the reminder of the Second Prince.

However, at this moment, the Second Prince not only did not support it, but openly opposed it, and his words were so convincing that it was difficult to refute.

Your Highness, what you said makes sense..." Fan Xian smiled bitterly in his heart and sighed secretly.

Lai Mingcheng, who had been silent for a long time, also spoke up at this time. He humbly said:

"I, an old minister, know that I am not very talented and well-educated. Compared with young Master Fan, my talent is far inferior to that of young Master Fan.

As for being the chief examiner of the Spring Examination and evaluating the talents of the world, I am beyond my ability and feel unworthy of the title.

Thank you for your kindness, Master Fan, but I am afraid I can only appreciate it, but it is difficult for me to obey your order. "

After saying this, he specially apologized to Fan Xian, and the scene was awkward for a moment.

Fan Xian's heart almost collapsed, and he thought to himself:
"what on earth is it?

One reminded me to save people, while the other didn't care about his own life or death. I was struggling to deal with them, but this was the result. "

He couldn't help but feel a sense of tragedy in his heart: "I am about to fight to the death, why did Your Majesty surrender first?"

However, Emperor Qing still maintained his calm expression, his eyes moving between Fan Xian and Li Chengze, and he said with a playful smile:

"I just praised you two for your harmonious relationship, but now you're at loggerheads with each other?"

From his words, he seemed to be quite interested in this sudden "debate".

"Your Majesty, I recommended Fan Xian as the chief examiner of the Spring Examination out of public interest, and now I oppose Censor Lai taking over, also for the sake of the overall situation!"

Li Chengze faced Emperor Qing and spoke earnestly and with righteous indignation.

However, this performance seemed quite funny to Emperor Qing, who thought to himself:
Who in the court doesn't know Li Chengze's character? How many people would believe him if he pretended to be a loyal minister?
"Your Highness is so selfless, he is truly a role model for our generation!" Ying Mingcheng was standing aside, his eyes full of respect and admiration for Li Chengze, and his excitement could not be concealed in his words.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Qing secretly shook his head: Is there really anyone who believes this?
Just as the atmosphere was tense, Chen Pingping, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke. His gaze paused on Li Chengze for a moment, then turned to Emperor Qing:
"Your Majesty, I think that the views of Lord Fan Xian and the Second Prince are both reasonable."

This statement showed Chen Pingping's neutral position.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qing cursed Chen Pingping, the "old fox", for being cunning, but on the surface he remained calm and asked calmly:
So, do you support Fan Xian or Li Chengze in the end? " "I tend to support Lord Fan Xian."

Chen Pingping gave the answer without any hesitation. Emperor Qing motioned him to continue, so Chen Pingping continued:
"Indeed, your Second Prince has sufficient reasons. With his reputation as the Immortal Poet and the legacy of Zhuang Mohan in the literary world, Master Fan Xian's talent and learning are impeccable for him to be the chief examiner of the Spring Examination.

However, considering that Master Fan Xian is still young, he may still be immature in the ways of the world..."

Chen Pingping's words revealed his recognition of Fan Xian's potential, while also hinting at areas where he needed further growth.

He is often driven by emotion and is prone to acting impulsively, and Your Majesty is well aware of this.”

Chen Pingping spoke slowly, and then analyzed, "Therefore, there are people who try to influence him by sending him a list of names, and he can't refuse directly because of his personal feelings.

This is the truth.

If Lord Fan Xian chooses to compromise, it may damage the fairness of the Spring Examination; if he firmly refuses, it may cause unnecessary disputes.
It is detrimental to the reputation of Your Majesty and the court. Considering the reputation of Censor Lai for being impartial and selfless in the Censorate over the years,

It is a wise move to let him serve as one of the examiners of the Spring Examination to curb unhealthy practices."

Chen Pingping's words were clear and well-reasoned. Upon hearing this, Fan Xian quickly agreed:
"Your Majesty, my personal gains and losses are insignificant, but the Spring Examination concerns the future of the country. If there is any mistake due to me, I will be held responsible even if I die!"

His words revealed his consideration of the overall situation.

Emperor Qing knew that it was not a good idea to let Fan Xian compromise unilaterally or to respond forcefully, so after pondering for a moment, he decided:
"Decree that Fan Xian and Lai Mingcheng be jointly the chief examiners for this spring's examination. They will supervise each other and ensure fairness and impartiality."

Once the Emperor Qing said something, it was as good as gold, and no one dared to disobey. Everyone accepted the Emperor's order and thanked him, but they all had their own thoughts in their hearts.

At the same time, a system prompt sounded in Li Chengze's mind:

"Reminder, the active mission 'Loyal Minister' has been completed, and you have gained 50% understanding of the Golden Light Curse!"

This sudden reward made him feel a little moved, but he quickly calmed his mind and focused on the situation at hand.

Joy surged like a tide, and Li Chengze's heart was filled with indescribable joy!

This sudden notification of completing the gold-level mission was simply unbelievable to him.

Looking back on the past, in order to repair the rift between him and Fan Xian, he even went so far as to reveal the secret of being a time traveler, and that effort brought a glimmer of hope.

But now, this task seemed to be accomplished easily by Fan Xian alone, which made Li Chengze laugh and think to himself:

Perhaps, the key to completing a task, like accumulating wealth, lies in strategy and method.

"Your Highness, what was your intention in speaking out against the grain just now?"

Emperor Qing's decree was finalized, and everyone dispersed. Fan Xian caught up with Li Chengze and asked with a bit of joking and confusion.

Li Chengze smiled slightly and explained:
"Brother Fan, some things require a roundabout way to achieve twice the result with half the effort. Especially when facing a wise man like His Majesty,
Direct confrontation often backfires. Only by retreating in order to advance can we find a turning point in the subtleties. "

After hearing what he said, Fan Xian savored it carefully and gradually felt that what he said made sense, and nodded secretly in his heart.

The two walked side by side, talking happily and easily, and soon they reached the palace gate and went their separate ways.

However, what they didn't notice was that behind the two people's departing backs, a figure quietly appeared.
He watched all this silently, with a complex and indistinguishable light flashing in his eyes.
(End of this chapter)