Chapter 313 The Favorite of the Hanlin Scholars
Chapter 313 The Favorite of the Hanlin Scholars
Upon reflection, although her rebirth changed many things, she also encountered many variables that she had never experienced in her previous life, and almost lost her life several times.
Compared to the crisis outside, the people of the Hanlin Academy protected her very well. Whether they were academicians or editors, they all treated her like a treasure, not only showing concern for her well-being but also caring about whether she had any unresolved grievances.
It should be noted that the emperor could not ignore the impeachments of Hanlin scholars. Compared to censors, the words of Hanlin scholars, who were reserve officials of the Six Ministries and the Grand Secretariat, might carry more weight.
Seeing the solemn expressions on everyone's faces, Shen Li hurriedly said no. Thanks to Prince Yi, the emperor has already become suspicious of Gu Chang'an, and she can no longer give people the impression of forming a faction.
Even though she is now re-entering officialdom and will be entering the palace, she still needs to keep a low profile to avoid being targeted and impeached.
"What is Lord Shen's view on the current situation in the court?" Zhao Wencai asked, stroking his goatee as he sat down opposite Shen Li when there were few people around.
Both of them passed the imperial examination last year and entered the Hanlin Academy together. They were both editors of the sixth rank at the time, but now Shen Li has been promoted to a fifth-rank academician due to his repeated merits.
"Oh? Brother Zhao, are you looking for a powerful backer?" Shen Li asked with a smile.
"To be honest, my brother, I only managed to pass the imperial examination at such a young age. If I hadn't taken some shortcuts, I'm afraid my life would have been wasted." Zhao Wencai lowered his voice.
“It’s understandable that Brother Zhao has this idea, but the situation is complicated now and the Emperor’s mind is hard to fathom, so it’s best not to get involved too easily,” Shen Li reminded him.
Zhao Wencai pondered for a moment and nodded: "I will listen to you, sir. Thank you for your guidance."
"Brother, you don't need to be so polite. These are just my humble opinions. It's up to you to decide what to do."
"No need. I trust you, sir. If you have any orders, I will go through fire and water for you." Zhao Wencai made his words clear.
He wasn't trying to curry favor with the prince, but rather with Shen Li. Even as an observer, he could see what would become of the Zhou family and the crown prince who targeted Shen Li.
They could be said to have deserved their fate, but the fact that Shen Li was able to remain unscathed and even get promoted despite being attacked by the Crown Prince and the Grand Secretary shows that she is not as harmless as she appears on the surface, and must have a lot of tricks up her sleeve.
With such abilities and background, he believed that no matter which prince Shen Li supported in the future, she would have a chance to inherit the throne, and following her was definitely the right thing to do.
“Brother, you can’t say that. We are all doing our best for the court, so naturally we should all do our utmost.” Shen Li quickly clarified that she did not want to and dared not openly form a faction.
Was the Zhou family's power weak in the past? They were still deposed by the emperor whenever he wanted. Before she has the ability to protect herself, she must not show off her strength.
Zhao Wencai couldn't figure out whether Shen Li was afraid to openly accept him or was truly rejecting him.
“Brother Zhao, in my opinion, although the uphill road is difficult to walk, it is more reliable to rely on your own two legs.” Shen Li said, then added, “However, if Brother Zhao needs my help, I will definitely do my best.”
Zhao Wencai understood that this meant refusing to form a faction, but maintaining a friendship.
"Thank you for your guidance, sir. I understand." Zhao Wencai replied, believing that refusing meant it wasn't time to form a faction yet.
There will definitely be a time in the future when he will be of use; he just needs to wait.
Shen Li finally breathed a sigh of relief after comforting Zhao Wencai, but her worries only intensified. It had taken too much of her energy to bring down the Crown Prince, and the ministers had all seen that clearly. No wonder the Emperor was wary of her.
She should certainly keep a low profile, but what she should do more is to solidify her foundation. She should personally go to the East China Sea.
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