After rebirth, I joined forces with my mortal enemy to seek revenge.

Looking down at the teacup in front of him, Cen Xi's eyes showed a thoughtful look.

Gently turning the teacup in his hand, Pei Jiaoran raised his eyes, "Mr. Cen, although you and I don't have to let the poor families become powerful, we can't let the noble families control the government. I think the court doesn't have to restrict itself to employing a certain group, no matter if they are from aristocratic families or common people. As long as they are useful to the court, they can be brought into the court to serve as officials. If we don't select people based on their talents, but instead indulge and elevate a certain group, not only will they not be accepted immediately, but will cause hostility and contradictions from all sides. How can we talk about fairness in this way?"

Putting the teacup back on the table, Pei Jiaoran smiled slightly, "Mr. Cen, you are not from a noble family, so you should know what I mean."

Hearing this, Cen Xi sighed and then smiled, "What Jia Gonglu said in the government hall just now seemed like something he had to say under pressure. But what you said, Prime Minister Pei, seems to be from the bottom of your heart."

"The tea is finished. If Mr. Cen has nothing else to say, I will take my leave first." After saying this, Pei Jiaoran bowed and stood up.

"Mr. Pei, please stay." Cen Xi called out.

Pei Jiaoran paused and looked at Cen Xi in confusion, then he relaxed his brows and asked, "What else do you want to ask, Mr. Cen?"

Cen Xi sat up straight and went straight to the point, "Prime Minister Pei said before that he dared not go any further. But I think you should have a place in the Secretariat."

The meaning of his words was clear, Pei Jiaoran glanced at him with a smile, but did not answer.

After a long while, Pei Jiaoran finally said, "Don't I have a place in the Secretariat now? Did you, Mr. Cen, discover something?"

After meeting at Zhaofu Temple yesterday, she felt that Cen Xi had some ulterior motives when he spoke for her everywhere. Now that the two of them had met alone in Menxia Province, her suspicions were confirmed. Cen Xi wanted to cooperate with her to seek greater benefits for the Cen family. Such cooperation must go beyond the scope of the aristocratic family.

Cen Xi probably guessed that she wanted to seize the position of Zhongshu Ling. That was why he suddenly asked her that question that day, so as to determine what price he would have to pay in order to cooperate with her.

It is a good thing that the other party can show the intention of cooperation, but if power is something that can only be obtained by relying on the charity of others instead of actively fighting for it, then it is equivalent to having nothing.

Cen Xi remained silent. After a while, he said, "Mr. Pei has the talent to help the people, so why should he be inferior to others? Apart from the fact that Su Jinghui is from the Wuwei Su family, how can he compare with you? When I chose him, I just followed the trend."

He flattered her like this. Pei Jiaoran was still calm and composed. He stood up and walked to the window, pushing it open. The glazed tiles came into view, and the breeze blew over him.

Although the other party's flattery sounds nice, those who are playing the game will not easily believe anyone's words unless the other party can show enough sincerity.

Pei Jiaoran let out a breath and his pupils moved to the corners of his eyes.

"Mr. Cen's words sound nice, but are you sincere?" Pei Jiaoran smiled and said in a gentle voice, "But I already know what Mr. Cen means. But how does Mr. Cen plan to cooperate with me?"

She was naturally happy to cooperate with Cen Xi. Cui Shao and Wang Guolao were from aristocratic families, but they were not in important positions at the central government. Apart from the reputation brought by their own families, there was not much benefit in cooperating with them. On the contrary, Cen Xi met her political demands in all aspects.

"Prime Minister Pei has been eyeing the position of Zhongshu Ling for a long time. He has been reluctant to take action, but he is just waiting for the right opportunity." Cen Xi stroked his beard and smiled, "I am willing to be the one who helps Prime Minister Pei ascend to the position of Zhongshu Ling."

Pei Jiaoran turned his gaze from the window to Cen Xi, a smile forming on his lips.

"Mr. Pei, do you have anything else to ask for?" Cen Xi asked.

Pei Jiaoran laughed. She lowered her head and said humbly, "I dare not take credit for it. I am very lucky to have the help of Lord Cen. I think it will be a blessing for the court if Lord Cen is the writer in the government hall tomorrow." Her eyes were deep. "I am not talented, but I hope to work with Lord Cen and serve the emperor. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave."

"Well, Mr. Pei, please go. Since Xie Taiduan and Li Run are colluding to frame you, this matter must not be tolerated, and the mastermind behind it must also be found out. I will never allow such treacherous officials and rebels to cause trouble to the government and frame loyal officials."

Listening to Cen Xi's words, Pei Jiaoran smiled without saying anything. After bowing, he turned around and left.

After leaving the house, Pei Jiaoran stood under the corridor with his eyes closed for a long time before he exhaled.

After leaving Chengtian Gate, Pei Jiaoran went to the Ministry of Central Secretariat. However, before she sat down for a while, a servant outside reported that His Majesty asked her to go to Lizheng Hall immediately.

Looking at the door in surprise, Pei Jiaoran thought for a moment and said, "I understand."

In the scorching summer, I traveled back and forth between Chengtian Gate and the Zhongshuwai Province. Even a strong body would feel a little tired. Fortunately, there were ice cubes in the Lizheng Hall, and when I stepped into it, the heat lingering on my body was much relieved.

He looked up and glanced around the hall. In addition to Jia Gonglu and Zhang Rang, the Crown Prince and the King of Wu were also present.

"Your Majesty, I, Pei Jiaoran, pay my respects to you," said Pei Jiaoran.

"Tsk, what happened to Mr. Pei?" The Emperor of Wei looked at her and said in surprise, "You sound a little weak."

"It's okay, I just feel a little dizzy." Pei Jiaoran raised his head and said, "Your Majesty, don't worry, I'm fine."

"That's enough. There's no need to show off in front of me. Zhang Rang, have someone bring a mat to Lord Pei, and you all can sit down together."

As soon as he heard the words, Zhang Rang gestured to the two eunuchs in blue standing beside him, signaling them to bring another cushion.

After thanking the Emperor of Wei, everyone put on their clothes and sat down. Pei Jiaoran glanced at the eunuch who brought him a mat, his eyes thoughtful.

"I heard from Zhongda that it was you, Pei Qing, who proposed that all the ministers present in the Council of State today sign their names on the memorial regarding the collection of books?" said the Emperor of Wei.

Pei Jiaoran nodded when asked, "Yes. I think that although Cao Siqing's proposal to collect books is a good thing that benefits the country and the people, and even for generations to come, it involves a lot of things. If only Jia Xianggong wrote a letter, it would be easy for people to think that he is self-serving. But if everyone has this intention, Your Majesty will not be hindered in implementing this order."

Listening to Pei Jiaoran's words, the prince looked over. He could see that she wanted to tie everyone together with an imperial edict.

It's written in black and white. Even if those noble families will have resistance when they see the decree, your people in charge in the court have already agreed to participate. Even if you want to refuse, you have to consider whether you have the strength to do so. Even if you have the strength, you have to think about the consequences of doing this.

"You are such a cunning little raccoon." The Emperor of Wei narrowed his eyes and looked at her. "What if they still don't want to contribute their collection of books?"

"Your Majesty, books are dead things. It is not these books that support the dome of the family, but the experience gained and talents cultivated through books. If the noble families refuse the decree of the court because of this." Pei Jiaoran sneered, "I will only think that they are short-sighted and unworthy of great use."