t know that Fang Jinshu had already returned the gold piece to Fu Ming. He lowered his head, pretending not to see the meat soup in front of him, and walked past it to kneel before Fu Ming."Master."Fu...Wu Bai subconsciously wanted to raise his head to look at Zong Pingchuan, but just as he was about to do so, the action was abruptly stopped by him. This movement wasn't obvious, but it didn't escape Fang Jinshu's eyes.

Actually, Wu Bai didn't look to Zong Pingchuan for help. She already knew that the person who swapped the top scholar was Zong Pingchuan. Wu Bai cut off her plea for help for two reasons.

First, knowing that even if he handed over Zong Pingchuan, he wouldn't be able to bring him down.

Second, Wu Bai has a weakness or Achilles' heel that Zong Pingchuan holds over him, something more important to him than his life.

It seems forcing Wu Bai to confess about Zong Pingchuan in public won't work. She never expected this fake scholar to testify for Zong Bai anyway.

Since the true identity of the imposter scholar has been determined, dealing with Wu Bai is a minor matter. The key is to uncover the person behind Wu Bai.

This person must be an official sent by the court. He is so bold that he even dares to swap places with this year's top scholar!

Many officials were indignant, and gradually, everyone's gaze shifted to Zong Pingchuan. After all, it was this young boy, Zong Bai, who had just pointed him out.

Could it really be that the Minister Zong was behind this

Then he's too bold, what is this for

Zong Pingchuan gritted his teeth and glared at the people around him, "If you believe this is my doing, then bring forth the evidence."

Even if he was truly the swapped-out top scorer, that doesn't mean I did it.

"Don't forget, he's still my biological son. If he truly passed his high school exams and brought honor to me as his father, how could he have done such a thing"

"My Lords, do not speculate without evidence."

"This official has no reason to do such a ridiculous thing."

Zong Bai let out a cold snort, he suddenly turned around and pointed at Yuan Buyu who was sitting in the main seat.

"He's your reason!"

Many of the guests present were thinking the same thing as Zong Bai, but no one dared to look directly at Yuan Buyu.

This young man is too bold, that's the current chief minister! He not only dared to point at him, but also said it out loud in front of everyone.

Many people began to shake their heads in regret.

After finally passing the imperial examinations and proving that the title of champion was rightfully his, a wise person should have stopped right there.

Because any further investigation would lead to people he couldn't, and shouldn't, provoke.

Now, it's uncertain whether this young man will be able to rise in his career.

When everyone saw that Grand Minister Yuan had finally moved, rising from his seat, everyone in the room held their breath for him.

Besides Zong Yu, everyone on Zong's side looked at Yuan Buyu with a wary gaze. Fang Jinshi also guessed in her heart, could this old fox be going to protect Zong Pingchuan

Does he value Zong Pingchuan this much

Fang Jinxiu felt it was wrong. Though she hadn't interacted with this old fox many times, the only time they had met nearly ended in her death at the hands of his assassins.

It was precisely because the other party's intentions were so ruthless and decisive that she found it strange that Yuan Buyu repeatedly tolerated Zong Pingchuan.

Yuan Xiangli is his beloved daughter, how could he let her continue to be with someone like Zong Pingchuan who only cares about profit Doesn't he know what Zong Pingchuan's true reason for marrying his daughter is

To say it's because of love is just ridiculous.

At first, Fang Jinshu's conclusion was that it was to satisfy her daughter's possessiveness.

Just like liking something, if you like it, you want to get it, but it's not really that important.

As soon as Fang Jinshu saw Yuan Buyu walking towards them, she suddenly lost her confidence. She frowned deeply.

If Yuan Buyu truly wanted to risk being questioned by all the dignitaries in the capital just to protect Zong Pingchuan, she thought he was capable of it.

I thought today I would sever Yuan Buyu's arm. Could it be that they truly can't even stand up to this prime minister at all

Even with concrete evidence

Zongyu stepped forward and stood before everyone. He took a step closer, and Yuan Buyu finally stopped.

The pressure from the other party's aura that had filled the air vanished in an instant. Zong Yu met Yuan Buyu's gaze with his face as hard and impassable as a thousand-year-old glacier.

The officials present were somewhat surprised.

Yuan the prime minister was a man of great intellect and subtlety. In his daily interactions in court, few officials dared to maintain eye contact with him for such a prolonged period without appearing intimidated.

Even several princes trembled in his presence, afraid of saying the wrong thing and displeasing this powerful prime minister who ranked second only to the emperor.

In the minds of most officials, the prince who enjoys Yuan Xiang's support is considered the most likely candidate to ascend the throne. The Emperor certainly wouldn't want to see his son be controlled by the Grand Secretary.

But some things are no longer up to Your Majesty's discretion.he say that as long as we answer the questions, he'll give us all the food on this table"Dong'er rubbed Yuanbao's head."Wait for big brother, later I'll let you eat your fill."Yuan Bao nodded.Next, al...