Chapter 99: Chapter 95: On the Nation

Song Mansion

“That Song Yan is really lucky to have saved the princess. Now that she has been taken to the palace by the princess, it will be difficult for us to make a move.”

“What’s so difficult about making a move? It’s actually better if the princess helps her.” Song Yun was indifferent to what Yin Ling said, leisurely pouring herself a cup of tea, blowing away the floating tea leaves, and taking a light sip.

“Yunyun, you want to act against the princess? That’s not possible. The timing is not mature yet. You won’t gain any advantage confronting the princess…” Ever since Song Runzhi’s title was lost due to her own doing, Yin Ling realized how favored the princess was. Not to mention hurting the princess, even speaking a bad word about her could not be tolerated by the Emperor and Empress.

Moreover, their current operation was inherently risky, and many traces were still not cleaned up. If discovered, it wouldn’t just be her and her daughter in trouble; the entire foundation of the Song Family would be destroyed in an instant.

Seeing Yin Ling’s expression, Song Yun naturally guessed what she was thinking. “Mother, there’s no need to worry. Since I dare to take action, I’ve made perfect preparations. No matter how this matter is investigated, it won’t lead back to us.”

“Have you gone to see that person again? That person is very dangerous…”

“Rest assured, Mother. I have it all under control. Just keep in mind that Song Yan’s current situation has nothing to do with us. It’s all her own unkindness to her subordinates that brought about revenge, leading to her downfall, and it’s the princess who got implicated.”

Nobody would actually check if Song Yan lost her chastity. As long as she was kidnapped, in the eyes of the world, she was no longer pure.

A Song Family girl without chastity, even a legitimate daughter, couldn’t possibly marry the Princely Heir of Prince Rong Mansion as the heir’s wife.

Song Yan, wanting to marry another man of the same social class, was impossible. She could only marry down.

The thought of Song Yan serving her in-laws like a servant in a rundown household amused Song Yun.

But she still felt it wasn’t enough. What if Song Yan’s luck turned and she met a family that didn’t mind her purity? No, this wouldn’t do.

Song Yun’s eyes turned as she came up with an idea. She would tell Brother Ming to take Song Yan as a concubine. By then, Song Yan’s status would be the same as hers and entirely at her mercy.

And the princess, she couldn’t escape either.

Even if she’s a princess, without purity, she’s just a soiled shoe, only to be scorned by others.

Song Yun’s greatest regret was not looking properly at who was beside Song Yan when she broke her leg. If she had known the princess was there too, she would have crippled the princess’s leg as well.

A lame girl without purity, just thinking about it was exciting.

What a pity.

…

Shen Jingxian brought Song Yan all the books she needed. To create a study atmosphere for Song Yan, she studied alongside her.

Shen Jingxian always understood the importance of studying.

In the past, many studied just to get into a good university and have better prospects, but that’s just superficial.

Knowledge is a powerful weapon both in the past and present; only with enough knowledge can you see higher and not be confined to your little world.

One reason Shen Jingxian liked Song Yan was her diligence.

Aside from Song Yan’s protagonist aura, which led her to meet various men, she also worked very hard herself.

She wanted to change herself, wanted revenge, but didn’t sail smoothly just relying on knowing future developments like in other novels.

Her identity, her status, and those realities made her realize the most important thing was to become powerful herself, so she was willing to learn, willing to endure hardship.

And what about herself?

Shen Jingxian glanced at her slightly bulging belly.

Dammit, I’ve gotten fat again recently.

It’s all because of the Empress’s delicious pastries.

Shen Jingxian sulked for a while, then redirected her attention to the previous imperial examination papers.

Practicing problems is the same in every era.

Moreover, when it comes to imperial examinations, understanding the preferences of the chief examiners can help one score higher marks.

Shen Jingxian looked at the essay from the last first-ranking candidate. Frankly speaking, she found it quite mediocre. Although it was eloquent and well-referenced, it had very little concrete discussion of politics, and what was there was all platitudes.

It was like a modern essay test, starting with classical references, continuing with more references, and ending by echoing the beginning, creating an essay that would catch the eye of a reviewer within 60 seconds.

Sigh, so boring.

Shen Jingxian tossed the top candidate’s paper aside and started looking at others. Her search led her to a well-written essay.

The title was “On the Nation.”

A name like this certainly wasn’t simple.

Upon reading it closely, the content was indeed not simple. It described some military vulnerabilities hidden within Yunyi Country, and the potential future threats. To address these threats, it listed several strategies, each designed to render the enemy helpless, forcing them to step into a trap despite knowing the danger.

Shen Jingxian also noted strategies regarding the handling of military power in the Northern Land.

It mentioned that although Yunyi Country had a centralized royal power now, military power was dispersed, especially in the North.

To disperse Northern military power further, when direct retrieval wasn’t possible, the military power owned by each noble family should be inherited not only by the eldest son but shared among the eldest, second, and third sons.

Descendants would share military power in turn, until it expired.

Shen Jingxian knew this was feasible, not only feasible but whoever devised this plan was undoubtedly a genius, possessing a terrifying insight into human nature.

Issuing such an order would not only expand central control over the regions in the name of gratitude but also garner more supporters for the Emperor. Thus, those who originally had no military power would suddenly have status, while those whose achievements threatened the ruler could be disempowered.

Shen Jingxian continued reading, marveling at how this essay wasn’t the top candidate. Puzzled, she found it unfinished.

This was an incomplete essay.

Like a modern essay, incomplete work couldn’t score high, and the same applied to this essay.

I wonder who made such a bold decision?

Shen Jingxian mumbled as she glanced at the name, only to find it crossed out.

That’s odd; the poorly written one wasn’t crossed out, so why was this?

Shen Jingxian complained to Song Yan, who said she knew who wrote it.

“It’s by Wen Ranchen. His name was removed because he was disqualified from the exam. But since this paper is here, it means the Emperor has read Wen Ranchen’s essay.”

Song Yan didn’t mention this last part.

Shen Jingxian nodded, “Why was Wen Ranchen disqualified?”

“Three years ago, his Highness fell seriously ill while unconscious. When Wen Ranchen heard the news, he lost interest in the exam and insisted on leaving, leaving only half a paper, and thus was disqualified. Many know about it.”

Three years ago?

Shen Jingxian had no recollection.

Yet, she felt guilty again.

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