Chapter Fifty-Three: The Court Officials Offer Their Recommendations

Hearing Lu Jue’s response, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Feng Yewu’s otherwise solemn face.

It was both an affirmation, and a promise.

Lu Jue’s words filled Feng Yewu’s heart with warmth, dispelling the loneliness that had lingered within her for so long amid the turbulent and frosty winds of court. In this life, she would no longer walk her path alone. In this life, the one before her made her no longer regret beginning anew.

As their eyes met, the heaviness brought by the previous list melted away beneath their shared smiles.

“Your Majesty, I have another list here,” Lu Jue said, seeing that Feng Yewu’s mood had lightened a little, taking a second roster from inside his robe.

“There’s more?” Feng Yewu’s delicate brows furrowed, clearly expecting the list to be another collection of traitors and rebels. Her gaze toward Lu Jue was tinged with reproach.

She was annoyed—why had he not presented everything at once? Just as her spirits had improved, he unsettled her again.

Meeting Feng Yewu’s look, Lu Jue smiled awkwardly, well aware that she blamed him.

“Your Majesty, do not be upset. This list is not like the previous one,” he explained gently.

Hearing this, Feng Yewu grudgingly forgave him, though a trace of doubt flickered in her eyes.

There were not many names on this list, and some she had never even heard of. When she saw the notes appended to the end, her eyes showed a hint of surprise.

“Where did this list come from?” After reading it, Feng Yewu’s expression brightened, and any trace of reproach was forgotten.

Seeing her delighted expression, Lu Jue’s heart was filled with joy as well. On this list were officials who had dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the court, caring deeply for the people’s welfare. In order to investigate them, Lu Jue had scarcely slept for several days, hurrying back and forth, sparing no effort to gather this information.

But standing before Feng Yewu, all his weariness and toil were long forgotten. To him, her happiness was the greatest reward.

“These past days, I have not only uncovered corrupt officials but also singled out a few true talents from among them,” he said with ease, though Feng Yewu was deeply moved.

Most of these individuals were unknown to her and not courtiers already serving at the capital. Investigating them must have required great effort and care. Feng Yewu knew Lu Jue would not say more and silently took note in her heart, keeping her feelings guarded.

For now, the matter at hand was still the list of those to be punished.

The next day, in the great hall.

Feng Yewu sat with a frosty expression upon the dragon throne, listening to the ministers’ reports. When all other matters were concluded, she finally spoke in an unhurried tone.

“Today, I have a matter I wish to discuss with you all.”

Her voice was not loud, yet it echoed throughout the vast palace, lingering in the air. The assembled civil and military officials, hearing her words, fell silent and waited attentively.

She had called it a discussion, yet after her recent displays of swift and decisive action, not a soul in court dared to take her lightly.

“In recent days, there have been many changes among the officials, leaving numerous vacancies. Today, I wish to fill some of them,” Feng Yewu announced, her gaze calm as she swept her eyes over the assembly, awaiting their cautious replies.

“Your Majesty, I have a recommendation,” the Grand Censor was the first to step forward after she finished speaking, responding in a loud, clear voice.

Feng Yewu looked at the Grand Censor, a cold laugh flickering in her heart. Li Mo, the Grand Censor, was listed in the very roster Lu Jue had given her the day before. Feigning ignorance, she asked with a hint of doubt, “Whom does the Grand Censor recommend?”

Li Mo bowed his head, hiding a flicker of glee at her question. Straightening his back, he responded loudly, “I recommend Fan Yi, a recent graduate of the imperial examinations.”

“And what skills does this Fan Yi possess? For which position do you propose him?” Feng Yewu’s tone remained unchanged, but a trace of chill appeared in her eyes.

Fan Yi, the man recommended by Li Mo, was indeed the top scorer in the imperial examinations, but there was more to the story. The list detailed his background—a merchant’s son from the capital, known for bribing officials and currying private favors, a man who, in truth, was barely literate.

Feng Yewu was astonished by Li Mo’s audacity to recommend such a person so openly—it seemed Li Mo had accepted quite a few favors.

Thinking the Empress unaware, Li Mo hurried to extol Fan Yi’s virtues. “From what I know, Fan Yi has studied the classics since childhood and is thoroughly versed in the law and policy. With so many vacancies in the Ministry of Justice, I believe he is fit for a great responsibility.”

What a farce!

Hearing the position Li Mo suggested, Feng Yewu found it utterly ludicrous—her anger flared. That such an illiterate scoundrel should be recommended to the Ministry of Justice! Did that mean the law of the land would become Fan Yi’s personal law?

At this, Feng Yewu’s anger gave way to a cold, incredulous smile. “Well, Lord Li, you truly have an eye for talent.”

Her praise was sharp with irony, her voice rising. Li Mo, standing below the throne, mistook her words for approval, beaming with satisfaction and casting smug glances at the other officials.

Watching Li Mo bask in his self-importance, Feng Yewu took a deep breath, restraining her ire. Then she turned to the rest of the court, her voice ringing out:

“And what of the rest of you? Is there no one else in this hall as discerning as Lord Li?”

No sooner had she spoken than four or five officials hurried to their feet.

“I have a recommendation, Your Majesty.”

“I too, Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty, I have three recommendations.”

One after another, officials rushed to put forth their candidates.

Feng Yewu regarded the eager crowd with a cold expression. These were the very names at the top of the list. Watching them scramble and perform like jesters before her, she felt her fury dissipate entirely. To her, these men were already finished—why waste anger on the dead?

“No hurry. One at a time,” she said, settling back into the dragon throne, propping her head on her hand, motioning for them to proceed in order.

“Then let me begin,” the Vice Minister of Rites said with a smile, stepping forward as if he had just received a thousand gold pieces, launching into a torrent of praise.

Gradually, the morning court session dragged on until noon, yet the officials’ enthusiasm showed no sign of waning. Feng Yewu, growing impatient, waved her hand, signaling them to stop.

At her gesture, the crowd reluctantly ceased, all waiting eagerly for her decree.

“If I recall correctly, the first recommendation was from the Grand Censor?” Feng Yewu rose, strolling slowly down from the throne, asking casually as if confirming a minor detail.

“Yes, Your Majesty, it was I,” Li Mo replied at once, his face bright with anticipation, bowing low.

“Who did you recommend?” Feng Yewu tilted her head as if trying to remember, her tone nonchalant.

Li Mo, seeing her uncertain, hastened to remind her, “Your Majesty, it was the newly appointed top scholar, Fan—”

Feng Yewu interrupted him, feigning sudden recollection, “Fan Yi, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, yes! Fan Yi! Your memory is remarkable, Your Majesty!” Li Mo replied, nodding and bowing enthusiastically, delighted that she remembered.

“Bring Fan Yi before me!” Feng Yewu commanded.