Chapter 499: Chapter 499

Moreover, Huo Jing lost the position of Minister of Personnel, which is clearly related to Xu Qing’s father-in-law, Feng Xifeng, taking credit for quelling the military rebellion.

In the officialdom, this is a grudge for blocking one’s path.

Although the ranking in the Examination does not affect the Imperial Examination, if Huo Jing forcefully assigns a lower rank to Xu Qing, it would also tarnish Xu Qing’s reputation.

Of course, being the renowned top scorer of Southern Zhili, coupled with Xu Qing being the de facto leader of the Southern Zhili Party, no matter how reckless Huo Jing is, he wouldn’t dare to let Xu Qing fail the Examination.

However, rumors abound that Xu Jieyuan’s dream of securing all six top scores might be shattered this time.

Moreover, news from the Inner Court suggests that there’s a sentiment that Xu Jieyuan’s momentum is too strong and needs to be curbed.

Various speculations are endless.

In any case, there’s widespread pessimism about Xu Jieyuan taking the top position in the Examination, achieving five top scores.

Because of this, a powerful figure has opened a gambling pool, betting on whether Xu Qing can claim the top score in the Examination.

In no time, many people in the Capital, young and old, have joined in.

Yan Shan, trusting the host completely, secretly bet one thousand taels of silver on Xu Qing achieving the top score right when the pool started.

But recently, the Left Imperial Censor made a fierce statement at a certain flower gathering, saying not yet reported because the timing is not right.

Xu Jieyuan’s odds have sharply declined.

Yan Shan couldn’t sleep well all night.

That is one thousand taels!

"Dad, here is one hundred taels of silver from the Prince, you take it to bet on Xu Jieyuan winning the top score," Feng Cai took out the silver.

Feng Qintian now felt somewhat regretful, wishing he had taken his daughter away by force to wander the world or go overseas. Yet, he could see his daughter clearly not wanting to leave the Prince Mansion.

Fortunately, the young master is broad-minded, not suspicious of him over his daughter’s matters, instead reassures him to be at ease. If he can go to Prince Yu’s Mansion to see his daughter, he should go and not avoid it when Prince Yu calls for him.

For Feng Qintian, the young master treats him as a national hero, and he should return the favor as a national hero.

But his daughter using the Prince’s rewarded silver to bet on the young master winning the top score always felt odd to him.

Doesn’t she know the conflict between Prince Yu and the young master?

He clearly mentioned it before.

Seeing her father’s expression, Feng Cai said, "The Prince has been reclusive lately, reciting Buddhist Scriptures, not caring about other matters. There’s no need to worry."

"Your expenses in the Prince Mansion are considerable too. Better keep this one hundred taels, in case the young master doesn’t make top scorer, it would be a loss."

Feng Cai smiled, "Dad, rest assured. I bet the way I do because I am certain. Xu Jieyuan will surely achieve the top score this time."

"How do you know?" If Xu Qing takes the top score, Feng Qintian would be extremely pleased. However, recent rumors are quite unfavorable to Xu Jieyuan.

Feng Cai smiled, "Dad, you’re muddled."

Lowering her voice, she continued, "The Prince couldn’t make Xu Jieyuan suffer, I don’t believe Lord Huo can accomplish it."

Feng Qintian couldn’t help but smile bitterly, but his daughter’s words indeed hit the essence.

If Lord Huo could make the young master suffer, where would Prince Yu’s dignity stand?

Therefore, Huo Jing’s role as the chief examiner in the Examination this time cannot change the result of the young master achieving the top score.

Feng Cai smiled calmly.

There are many smart people, but few who can see through appearances and pinpoint the essence.

In her view, until Prince Yu defeats Xu Jieyuan, no one in the court can defeat Xu Jieyuan.

In a sense, Xu Jieyuan represents Your Majesty’s suppression of the Prince.

The Prince is always resentful and uneasy about Your Majesty’s suppression, but Feng Cai feels inwardly that the Prince’s position as Crown Prince is very secure.

Imagine, if the Prince weren’t Your Majesty’s assured Crown Prince at heart, why would Your Majesty suppress him so harshly?

It is precisely because the Prince is the true Crown Prince, being the greatest threat to the throne, that Your Majesty periodically suppresses him.

But she maintains a persona of innocence before the Prince, never discussing these matters.

There’s nothing greater under heaven than giving birth to a dragon grandson.

Moreover, she harbors a wild thought, wishing for her son’s birthday to coincide with Your Majesty’s.

This time, she must give birth to a son.

She also has a premonition that it will indeed be a son.

Feng Qintian, taking his daughter’s private money to place the bet and returning home, felt it necessary to explain this matter clearly to the young master.

Xu Qing heard and smiled, "Brother Feng, our niece is certainly not simple. You don’t need to worry about her anymore."

"Ah, I don’t know where she gets so much thought at such a young age. Young Master, you treat me as a national hero, Feng will never let you down."

Xu Qing: "Brother Feng, you need not bear too much burden in your heart. Even if one day you do something beyond limits for your daughter, it would be due to the father-daughter bond—a natural instinct, hard to avoid."

"Feng will never do such a thing. If it ever comes to that, I shall..."

Xu Qing: "Brother Feng, don’t think too much before things happen. I actually view your daughter as very useful to me. She understands things, and we’ll surely have opportunities for collaboration in the future."

Xu Qing said meaningfully.

He is not worried that Feng Qintian will become unfavorable because of his daughter, since Xu Qing possesses the Qi Fortune, which can foresee dangers.

Thus, he is very generous in employing people.

The old Emperor would worry all day about how conspirators always plot against him, while Xu Qing rarely worries about this aspect.

After reassuring Feng Qintian, Xu Qing quietly awaited the commencement of the Examination.

This Examination, with Huo Jing as the chief examiner, was also part of the political trade between the Grand Secretary and Wang Gong, one condition of which was making Xu Qing the undisputed top scorer.

In the Grand Secretary’s view, Xu Qing achieving the top score is a significant matter.