Jiang Chen did not go to Consort Shu's palace.

Nor did he accept Mei Ruoying's invitation to stay at Chengqian Palace.

Instead, he returned alone to the Hall of Diligent Governance, pondering how to cleanse the court.

Mei Ruoying being able to obtain the detailed blueprints of the Four Camps of the Capital...

This point made Jiang Chen extremely vigilant!

Although the Mei family's painters could freely enter and exit the military camps by his decree...

Without internal cooperation, they could not have drawn such meticulous and detailed scenes.

In other words, if the Mei family ever wanted to commit treasonous acts, he would be in great danger!

Thinking of this, a cold light flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, and he said in a deep voice:

"Jing Yue!"

As soon as he spoke, a dark figure suddenly appeared in the corner of the Hall of Diligent Governance.

"Your subordinate is here!"

Jiang Chen looked at the figure kneeling on one knee and coldly ordered:

"Arrange for the dark guards to collect information on the movements of military officers of rank four and above, and report to me."

Rank four was the dividing line for officials of Great Wei.

Those who did not reach this rank did not even have the qualification to attend court and meet the Emperor.

Jiang Chen could not spare the time to manage those minor officials for the time being and could only supervise the big fish first.

Hearing this, Jing Yue's tone revealed some hesitation.

"Your Majesty, the number of dark guards is limited. It will be very difficult to monitor all of these people."

Jiang Chen frowned, feeling a headache.

The mess left behind by the original owner was really棘手! (jí shǒu, troublesome)

With limited power at his disposal, Jiang Chen had no choice but to take a step back and say:

"If that's the case, send someone to keep an eye on the Mei family and record all the officials who have been in contact with them."

"Also, go to the private treasury and take some gold and silver to expand the staff."

"The situation in the Imperial Capital is complex now, and I need enough eyes and ears to collect information from all sides."

Jing Yue cupped her hands, her voice cold: "Your subordinate obeys!"

After saying that, she disappeared into the hall like a ghost.

Jiang Chen then re-examined the map of the Imperial Capital, his eyes showing a hint of contemplation.

The only one I can trust now is the Southern Army led by Xu Changqing.

But compared to the Four Camps, this force is still somewhat weak.

Most of the civil officials in the court have sided with Mei Wenshi.

In this situation, even if Xu Changqing is rewarded for his successful disaster relief efforts in Wei River and promoted, he will probably have a hard time contending with the Mei family, being alone and weak.

No, I have to think of a way to turn the tables!

Jiang Chen shook his sleeves and stood up from his seat.

He paced around the room, thinking of a way to break the deadlock.

What should I do to control important positions in the court?

As he thought, a gleam of light flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes!

"The Imperial Examination!"

"That's right, implement the Imperial Examination and select scholars from humble backgrounds who are loyal to me!"

The solemn expression on Jiang Chen's face faded, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Now that most of the officials in the court had been won over by the Mei family, Jiang Chen naturally could not trust them.

If he wanted to take back power, he could only cultivate his own loyal ministers.

"Feng Jin, go and invite Grand Tutor Yuan into the palace. I have important matters to discuss with him!"

A moment later, Yuan Buyi arrived.

Jiang Chen stood up to greet him personally.

Inside the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Yuan Buyi was astonished when he heard that His Majesty wanted to implement the Imperial Examination and nearly dropped the teacup in his hand.

Was this still the fatuous, foolish Emperor who was ridiculed by the court as a waste?

He had actually come up with such a brilliant method of governing the country himself?

Jiang Chen noticed his gaffe, laughed loudly, and spoke eloquently, explaining his plans.

Originally, Yuan Buyi thought that Jiang Chen only had a preliminary idea. Although he was shocked, he did not take it too seriously.

However, as the conversation deepened...

His old eyes widened more and more, and his calm and composed expression could no longer be maintained!

He even broke out in a cold sweat.

This...

Was this still the ignorant and incompetent Emperor of the past?!

"Minister Yuan, can my proposal be implemented directly?"

Jiang Chen's eyes were bright, and his tone was full of confidence.

Yuan Buyi took a deep look at him, then bowed down, sincerely convinced.

"Your Majesty's strategies are extraordinary, and I admire you. I am willing to work hard for this matter!"

"Good! Then let's implement the Imperial Examination as soon as possible!" Jiang Chen ordered decisively.

Yuan Buyi knelt on the ground, his eyes fixed on Jiang Chen's back, trembling with excitement.

Could it be that His Majesty's foolish behavior over the years was just a way of concealing his true abilities?

The next day, at the court assembly.

Jiang Chen proposed to select officials through the Imperial Examination so that talented men from humble backgrounds could also have the opportunity to serve the court.

As soon as this was said, the officials in the hall were immediately in an uproar.

Like a hornet's nest that had been poked, they whispered to each other, constantly discussing.

"Your Majesty, this matter is not acceptable!"

"My Great Wei has always shared the world with aristocratic families. If you want to promote men from humble backgrounds, this move would violate the ancestral teachings. I cannot obey!"

Zhang Kang stood out, his face red, his attitude extremely firm.

As the Censor-in-chief, he had the right to question the Emperor on behalf of the officials.

As soon as he finished speaking, Prince Jin, the military representative, also stood out and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, if you insist on re-using men from humble backgrounds and marginalizing the aristocratic families, we will kneel to our deaths in this Golden Palace to show our determination!"

Their statements were like the bugle call for a charge.

Some officials who had been won over by Mei Wenshi and stakeholders from aristocratic families began to denounce Jiang Chen.

"Your Majesty, men from humble backgrounds are lowly and cannot shoulder great responsibilities. Please do not act foolishly!"

"Your Majesty, who gave you this bad idea? That person deserves to be punished!"

Looking at the unusually激烈 (jī liè, intense) reaction of the officials, Jiang Chen was so angry that the veins on his forehead popped out, and he slammed the table and scolded:

"Presumptuous! When did I say I wanted to abandon the aristocratic families?"

"I am the Lord of Great Wei. The aristocratic families are my subjects, and are the common people from humble backgrounds not? Why can't I promote them?"

As soon as these words landed, the Golden Palace was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop!

The officials who were dissatisfied with the Emperor's decision immediately fell silent. The Emperor could say such things, but they could not!

Otherwise, if it spread out, their painstakingly cultivated reputation would be shattered.

Seeing that no one was speaking, Jiang Chen was about to press his advantage and finalize the matter of the Imperial Examination.

But Mei Wenshi suddenly stepped forward and changed the subject:

"Your Majesty, the matter of the Imperial Examination is not urgent. I have an urgent memorial that requires your personal decision!"

As he said that, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and held it high above his head.

"This memorial comes from the Wei River Conservancy. It was sent at eight hundred *li* speed, with three fine horses dying along the way. It concerns the fate of Great Wei. This old minister dares not make a judgment lightly and hopes for Your Majesty's sage decision."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen couldn't help but frown.

Wei River Conservancy? Concerns the fate of Great Wei?

Could it be that there was a new incident in the disaster area, and the Wei River had burst its banks again?!

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen's heart tightened, and he temporarily put aside the matter of the Imperial Examination and said in a deep voice:

"Feng Jin, quickly bring the memorial up!"

"Yes."

Feng Jin obeyed the order and quickly took the memorial, spreading it out on the imperial table.

*Hua la la.*

Jiang Chen flipped through the papers in his hand.

His face grew darker and darker, and finally, he kicked over the table and said sternly:

"How dare this rebellious subject slander the Commander of the Southern Army? It seems he doesn't want his head anymore!"

Jiang Chen's unprovoked rage changed the atmosphere of the entire Golden Palace.

Zhang Kang and Prince Jin, who were standing in the front row, trembled all over.

But Mei Wenshi, who was in the center of the hall, facing the Emperor's anger, remained calm...