Quentin Qian and Mia Qian looked as if they'd just swallowed something foul.
Quentin Qian forced out the word "Yes" through gritted teeth, while Mia Qian twisted her handkerchief so tightly she nearly tore a hole in it.
With Professor Jade Evans's influence, not just the big names on that list—if he simply called out, half the talented scholars in the kingdom would come running!
Worried about finding talent!?
Hah! Clearly, the King of Qin isn't short on talent at all—he's just playing with them!
The Qian Clan Elders were so embarrassed, they wished they could crawl into a hole and disappear!
"Well then, thank you for your recommendations, Lord Qian. It seems they're no longer needed." Su Li smiled as she handed Lord Qian's list right back to Mia Qian.
Mia Qian felt as if she'd been slapped across the face—her cheeks burned as she clutched the scroll, head bowed.
Lord Qian also felt like he'd just been made the butt of a joke—a monkey show for everyone to see!
Clearly, this couple is surrounded by talent, but they still went out of their way to tease him. After all these years, he actually fell for it!
Su Li looked at the Qian Clan Elders, their faces as sour as if they'd eaten something foul, and smiled: "Still, we have to thank Lord Qian for suggesting a method to recommend talent. His Majesty places great importance on the major families. Your advice matters to him—just look, he immediately adopted Lord Qian's suggestion, which says a lot."
"No, no need to thank me. It's—it's my duty." Lord Qian forced a smile, suddenly realizing what had just happened.
So now this couple has earned the reputation of valuing the three major families!
Well, they've adopted the method for recommending talent! But who told your three families not to measure up? The talents you recommended weren't as good as Queen Lily's, so you got squeezed out. Is that my fault?
Quentin Qian's plan to dominate the court had fallen through. He felt so miserable that he hurriedly found an excuse to leave, dragging Mia Qian with him.
Back in their rooms, Mia Qian was nearly beside herself with anger: "Grandfather, that woman did it on purpose! She humiliated us right in front of His Majesty!"
Quentin Qian felt utterly stifled. "Mia, that woman's scheming is terrifying. She gets the advantage and still plays the victim! Even I was outmaneuvered. Sigh, we underestimated our rival and lacked information. Who would've thought Queen Lily is actually Professor Jade Evans! That Professor is no pushover—she's said to be brilliant, with disciples all over the kingdom. Even in court, many officials are her students. She's a tough opponent!"
Mia Qian, furious, smashed a few cups: "Grandfather, I refuse to accept this! I'm young and beautiful—how could I possibly lose to her!"
===
Imperial Study
Alexander Hayes dismissed everyone, then looked at his little wife who was showing off while sitting on his lap.
Su Li looked smug. "Well? Is your wife impressive or what?"
"Impressive! So impressive!" Alexander Hayes laughed heartily, pinched Su Li's cheek, and said, "A-Li, I'm glad to see you so spirited. The road ahead is long and difficult, but as long as we work together as husband and wife, we'll go farther together."
Su Li also held Alexander Hayes's hand and said, "This is your kingdom, and it's mine too. One day, it'll be our son's kingdom as well. I'll do everything I can to help you."
Alexander Hayes smiled and said, "The matter of talent is finally resolved. If it weren't for your help, the court would be filled with people from the three major families—letting the wolves in! Now, with the talented people you've found taking up key positions, we don't have to worry about the aristocratic clans controlling the court and making things difficult for us."
Su Li nodded. "My people can only solve the immediate problem. For Qin to prosper in the long run, we'll need a more comprehensive plan."