Yue Shen sneered. Even a ghost wouldn't believe Qin Qing's words.
Shuntian Prefecture governed five regions and twenty-two counties, and even managed the capital. It was a center of power that countless officials aspired to their entire lives. They would willingly accept a demotion just to squeeze into Shuntian Prefecture. One can imagine what a lucrative position it was. Even though the Zhizhong of Shuntian Prefecture was officially a fifth-rank position, the power behind it was far beyond that.
However, since Qin Qing was willing to elevate Qiu Shuzhi, who had no significant achievements, into Shuntian Prefecture, it actually suited her wishes. She was happy to go along with it.
But on the surface, she still had to put up a show.
"But Qiu Shuzhi has no foundation in the court and no achievements. Letting her into Shuntian Prefecture might be hard for others to accept. It's better to let her stay in the Hanlin Academy," she said, pretending to be troubled.
Qin Qing lightly fanned himself. "Qiu Shuzhi is Your Majesty's personally appointed imperial scholar, and she was once the imperial tutor. Who would dare to object to her entering Shuntian Prefecture?"
Yue Shen remained silent for a moment. "If that's the case, then let's do as Father Empress Dowager says."
The next day, when the imperial edict was issued, the officials were shocked and discussed it privately.
Qiu Shuzhi, who came from a humble background, had been promoted twice in just over a month, and even entered Shuntian Prefecture. That was Shuntian Prefecture!
Some were envious, while others were green with jealousy.
All the officials knew that the emperor had no real power, and that Empress Dowager Qin Qing held sole control over the court. This edict was undoubtedly issued at Qin Qing's behest.
And Qiu Shuzhi?
She was young and beautiful, the dream woman of many men in the capital. The Empress Dowager was still young...
Some recalled the Empress Dowager's praise for Qiu Shuzhi at the previous Qionglin Banquet, calling her "the epitome of enchanting beauty." Rumors that Qiu Shuzhi was serving the Empress Dowager with her beauty, being his favored courtier, began to spread.
However, this malicious rumor, intended to tarnish Qiu Shuzhi's reputation, was intercepted before it could spread to the common people, forcefully extinguishing this spark of negativity.
Qiu Shuzhi herself was still unaware of this rumor. She was being led by Yu Ye into Qingning Palace, the true pinnacle of power in the Great Qi nation.
"This humble official, Qiu Shuzhi, pays respects to the Empress Dowager," she knelt on the ground, about to kowtow when her chin was lifted by the cool handle of a fan.
Following the force of the fan, her gaze slowly moved upward. Agarwood burned quietly, its fragrance filling the entire palace. She felt slightly intoxicated by the scent as she met Qin Qing's gentle, smiling eyes.
"Minister Qiu, there's no need for such formality," he said in a low, husky voice.
This was Qiu Shuzhi's first time interacting with Qin Qing alone, and she couldn't gauge his temperament. She spoke with utmost respect, "The Empress Dowager has shown great kindness to this official. I dare not be disrespectful."
Qin Qing chuckled softly, his peach blossom eyes shimmering with subtle light. "Knowing that I've shown you kindness, yet you're still so afraid of me?"
Qiu Shuzhi's eyelashes fluttered, her eyes filled with determination. "This official is not afraid of the Empress Dowager. I am willing to lay down my life for the Empress Dowager."
Qin Qing's Adam's apple moved slightly. The fan slowly moved upward, its cool frame tracing the soft contours of her face. His words carried a strong allure, "There's no need to lay down your life. I didn't help you to claim your life. You just need to serve me well, and I will help you rise to the highest positions, making you the most powerful official."
"This official will not disappoint the Empress Dowager's expectations," Qiu Shuzhi raised her eyes, her clear gaze as lustrous as water, reflecting his refined features.
Qin Qing paused, looking into those eyes as bright as stars, his jade hand gripping the fan handle tightly.
Ever since their first encounter at the Qionglin Banquet, he had been inexplicably unable to forget Qiu Shuzhi, even tossing and turning at night, involuntarily thinking of her.
He had been puzzled until today, when he finally understood. It was these clear, warm eyes. In the Forbidden City, people's hearts were gray and clouded, as if covered by a layer of dark clouds blocking out the sun. It had been too long since he had seen such clean, pure eyes.
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