Zu An was really suffering, but he didn’t show it on his face at all. He said, “The crown prince’s exam involves King Qi. It really isn’t something an official of my level can get involved in. However, the fact that I was unable to share in your majesty’s burden is something that leaves me in great shame and disappointment. Please punish me.”

He, who was familiar with the art of ruling, obviously knew that the emperor wasn’t really going to punish him. The emperor was just using this chance to knock him down a peg, to give him more reason to complete the task. That was why he played along.

The emperor was completely convinced that Zu An was being toyed with in the palm of his hand, yet he was actually being led by the nose. This sort of feeling really was great.

The emperor was stunned. He hadn’t expected this kid to be so obedient. He had prepared a bunch of criticism, yet now, it was completely useless. He was completely caught off guard. Eventually, he gathered his thoughts...