The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 280 Where to go?

"Lord Chen." The Queen Mother's tone was slightly dissatisfied and contained a hint of warning.

"I admire Dean Cen's talent. I allowed her to enter the palace because I think highly of her. I want to give her a broader platform so that she can better display her talents and make greater contributions to the court. What do you mean by this? Do you think my arrangement is inappropriate?"

"Your Majesty the Queen Mother is wise. I am not questioning your decision. I just feel that Dean Cen has been in Zhaoyin Academy for many years and has long been integrated with the academy, just like the academy's foundation. If she leaves suddenly, not only will the students of the academy lose a good teacher and friend, but it will also have an immeasurable impact on the future development of the academy and shake its foundation." Chen Zigui answered neither humbly nor arrogantly.

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, Zhaoyin Academy is now renowned and flourishing, having cultivated many pillars of talent for our dynasty. If the dean suddenly departs, it would undoubtedly damage the academy's reputation, which would be detrimental to both the nation and its people. I believe that the Empress Dowager's love for talent is well known, but it is also important to tailor teaching to individual needs, allowing truly talented individuals to shine in suitable positions, which will truly benefit the nation."

The Queen Mother's face darkened, her eyes raking over Chen Zigui like a knife, and she asked in a cold tone, "Master Chen, are you telling me how to do things? Do I need you to tell me how to employ people?"

"I dare not." Chen Zigui said with a bow, his expression unchanged.

"I am merely addressing the matter at hand, to share the concerns of the court, the people, and the emperor."

Chen Zigui cleverly brought the emperor out and tried to ease the atmosphere.

The Queen Mother snorted coldly, "The Emperor is busy with countless affairs. There's no need to trouble him with such trivial matters. I will make my own decision!"

Chen Zigui remained unmoved and continued, "Empress Dowager, Zhaoyin Academy..."

The Queen Mother interrupted him sharply, "That's enough! I have made up my mind. There is no need to discuss it further!"

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense, like a fully drawn bowstring, ready to explode at any moment. Everyone held their breath, not daring to make the slightest sound, fearing that a single mistake would bring disaster upon themselves.

You could hear a pin drop in the hall, the air seemed to freeze, and everyone's eyes were focused on the Queen Mother and Chen Zigui.

At this critical moment, Chai Zhen, who had been sitting upright on the throne, seemingly unconcerned, finally moved. He slowly sat up straight, stretched out his slender fingers and gently tapped the armrests, making crisp sounds – once, twice, three times – that seemed to strike at everyone's heart.

This sudden action instantly attracted everyone's attention. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, breaking the tense atmosphere in the hall.

"Mother, I think what Minister Chen said makes some sense." He spoke, his voice as clear as jade and with a hint of smile.

He paused, his eyes sweeping over everyone, finally landing on the Queen Mother.

"Dean Cen has produced many outstanding students at Zhaoyin Academy, and he has indeed trained many talents for our dynasty." Chai Zhen's tone was gentle, yet filled with unquestionable majesty, making it impossible to refute.

He paused, as if he suddenly remembered something.

"Besides, the health of the Empress and several of her beloved concubines still requires the care and treatment plans of Zhaoyin Academy, Jinxiuyan Hall, and Puji Hall. Without Dean Cen in charge, I am a little worried."

He gave the Queen Mother a meaningful look and continued, "It might not be a bad idea to let her stay among the people, teach and educate people, and take care of the harem at the same time."

Chai Zhen continued, "In this way, our dynasty's talent pool will be even stronger, and the harem will be safe and healthy. Isn't that the best of both worlds?" The Queen Mother's expression changed slightly when she heard this.

She originally thought she had a sure win, but she didn't expect the emperor to stand on Chen Zigui's side and even bring up the queen and concubines.

Although she was unhappy, she couldn't directly refute the emperor in front of so many people. She took a deep breath, tried to suppress the anger in her heart, and turned her gaze to Cen Jiexiao.

She looked Cen Jiexiao up and down with a complicated look in her eyes, and said meaningfully: "Since the emperor has said so, I will no longer force Dean Cen." Cen Jiexiao looked at Chen Zigui gratefully. This guy was still quite reliable at the critical moment.

Empress Dowager Li snorted heavily. This cold snort, like an icicle hitting a jade plate, was crisp and piercing, echoing in the hall for a long time. The delicacies at the banquet suddenly lost their flavor, and the sound of stringed instruments became noisy and piercing, casting a shadow over everyone's heart.

Empress Dowager Li had a gloomy face and stood up suddenly. Her wide sleeves swept across the table and knocked over the jade cup filled with fine wine. The wine flowed on the white tablecloth like bright red blood, adding a bit of depression and uneasiness.

She left the hall without saying a word, leaving everyone looking at each other in confusion.

The banquet ended abruptly with Empress Dowager Li's gloomy face and sudden departure, as if it was abruptly cut off by a sharp knife, leaving an unsettling ending.

Cen Jiexiao dragged her exhausted body back to Zhaoyin Academy, feeling as if she had been pulled out of the water. She felt weak and unsteady, as if she were treading on clouds. She held onto the doorframe and took a deep breath, finally steadying herself. The fragrance of the flowers in the courtyard now smelt bitter, as if it were soaked in the intrigues of the palace.

"Dean, are you okay?" Yu Lan noticed something was wrong with Cen Jiexiao and hurried forward to support her. Her tone was full of concern, like a warm current flowing into Cen Jiexiao's cold heart.

Cen Jiexiao shook her head weakly and rubbed her aching temples. She felt a buzzing in her head, as if countless bees were flying around. She closed her eyes, trying to dispel the annoying buzzing, but found it futile.

Cen Jiexiao forced a smile, but her voice was very hoarse.

"It's okay, I just feel tired." These four short words contain too much helplessness and exhaustion.

Seeing this, Xiaozhi stamped her foot in anger, her face flushing like a ripe apple. "Dean, Empress Dowager Li clearly has bad intentions! She just wants to trap you in the palace and use you as her pawn!" Xiaozhi's voice was crisp, yet trembling slightly, clearly expressing her displeasure on behalf of Sister Cen.

Cen Jiexiao sighed and opened her eyes again, but there was a bit more determination in her eyes.

"I know, but I don't know what she's up to yet. What's she up to?"

Yu Lan's brow furrowed, her eyes gleaming with worry. "Dean, we can't just sit there and wait for death! We have to find a way out!" Her tone was firm, with a resolute determination to not give in.

Cen Jiexiao pondered for a moment, her gaze falling on the flowers blooming in the courtyard. Her eyes were deep, like a quiet pool of deep water, unfathomable.

"Now is not the time. We must first find out what Queen Mother Li's purpose is, and then make plans." Her tone was calm, but with an unquestionable majesty.

"But..." Yu Lan wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Cen Jiexiao.

Cen Jiexiao gave Yu Lan a reassuring look, which seemed to carry a sedative, instantly calming the anxiety in Yu Lan's heart.