As soon as Mr. Zi Wu's words fell, silence descended upon the entire racecourse.
Many officials displayed expressions of utter shock.
"Mr. Zi Wu, what are you talking about?"
The one speaking was the Minister of Agriculture.
Mr. Zi Wu turned, looked at him, and asked curiously, "Minister of Agriculture, are you unaware that this competition is to determine the Qilin's rightful place?"
The Minister of Agriculture stammered, "Qi… Qilin's rightful place? Isn't this just… an ordinary contest?"
He hesitated before uttering the word "ordinary," as the competition between the two Imperial Grandsons was anything but ordinary—it was clearly tied to the struggle for the position of Crown Prince.
Wasn't it?
He looked toward the Hanlin Academy Chief Scholar, the Minister of Revenue, and the Cabinet Ministers nearby: "Is there really such a matter as determining the Qilin's rightful place?"
Those individuals nodded without changing their expressions.
