The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 542

Chapter 542: 270 Reunion (two updates combined into one)_4

Indeed, they had more and more complex things to learn compared to the time of the imperial examination.

One can’t enter the Hanlin Academy without being a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations, and one can’t enter the cabinet without being part of the Hanlin Academy, but is it really that easy to enter the cabinet? Those who think that by passing the top three ranks of the triennially held special examination they can henceforth rest on their laurels, can only be said to be too naive.

They would take exams every three months, and at the end of the year, there was the annual exam. If they failed the annual exam once, they would receive a warning; if they failed twice, they would be demoted.

The wounds of Prince An had healed, and he had regained his debonair appearance.

Although he held the rank of an Associate Compiler, his office was larger and more spacious than Xiao Liulang’s.

This was not surprising, after all, the cabinet was the territory of the Grand Tutor Zhuang, and more than half of the Hanlin Academy was also in his hands.

However, the office assigned to Ning Zhiyuan was also better than Xiao Liulang’s, which was a bit interesting.

"No way, you...," As Ning Zhiyuan helped Xiao Liulang move stuff, he smelt a rather indescribable odour emanating from the doorway and whispered, "Is your office near the stable?"

It’s tolerable in winter, but as soon as the weather heats up, that odour... well, it’s quite overwhelming!

Ning Zhiyuan continued his whispers, "You were the one who threatened to taste my defeat, but it seems you are the one who has been defeated. I know about your predicament with the Zhuangs, the Grand Empress Dowager Zhuang is back, otherwise, they wouldn’t dare be this blatant, you’ll have to endure it for a while, maybe the emperor will find an opportunity to settle you in a better place."

Xiao Liulang, having foreseen that his return to the Capital City wouldn’t be met with a smooth path, nonchalantly responded, "You should stop visiting me."

"You think I willingly come here?" Ning Zhiyuan whispered back, "I was asked to come here and laugh at your expense. When I chuckle later, don’t hold it against me."

Well-versed in the art of bureaucracy, Ning Zhiyuan was coerced to choose a side on his first day, and he had to feign allegiance for his own protection.

Deep down, he was on the Emperor’s side and also wanted to befriend Xiao Liulang.

"I’ll put the stuff down and leave." Ning Zhiyuan gently placed a pile of books on Xiao Liulang’s desk. As he reached the door, hesitated for a moment, then turned back, picked up a few books, and apologised, "I’m really sorry, brother."

With that, Ning Zhiyuan threw the books onto the floor, creating a loud echo.

Then he quickly picked them up, dusted them off, wiped them clean with his sleeve, and left, almost as if he was escaping.

Being isolated was just the first step. _{freeweɓnovel.cѳm}