TEFSCBSS Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Let’s Go—We’re Heading to the Prime Minister’s Residence to Move Some Books

Su Li took the megaphone and stepped onto the raised platform. The crowd immediately quieted—this scene was familiar to them.

“Everyone,” she began, “after spending some time together, I’m sure you all know what kind of person I am, and what our script store is really about. We only provide games—a place for people and their friends to come, have fun, and strengthen their bonds. How many friendships have been torn apart by misunderstandings, only to be mended right here through a game? You’ve all seen it happen.”

“Our original intent has always been simple: to give everyone a place to unwind amid a busy life. A place to play, to laugh, and to relax.”

“Now, we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice. This gives our players a real stage to showcase their talents and ambitions.”

“The resume selection process was fair and transparent—no shortcuts, no connections, nothing was bought. Everything the candidates do from now on will be in plain view for everyone to see.”

“As I’ve said before, aside from a competition every ten days, the rest of the time the candidates will be working in the community, completing daily tasks. And during that time, not only will there be official evaluators—every citizen will act as a judge!”

“Whether they perform well or not, whether they have the ability or not, there’ll be no hiding it. The final winner will be someone truly deserving.”

“I understand that some of you may feel disappointed or bitter if you weren’t selected. But this doesn’t mean you’ve lost your chance.”

“There will be three open challenge events during this activity.”

“The second minor competition, which will take place in twenty days, will be the first open challenge. Besides the ten current candidates, anyone who believes they’re more capable can sign up and form a challenge team.”

“Candidates aren’t set in stone. If a challenger proves themselves more skilled, they can replace an original candidate and continue competing for the final appointment!”

As soon as Su Li announced the rules of the open challenge, the crowd erupted in excitement.

If anyone had previously suspected some shady business with the candidate list, they now realized—every move the candidates made would be judged in the open. There was no way to fake ability.

And with the challenge rule in place, anyone who was dissatisfied could simply prove themselves and take someone’s place.

In short, only the most capable person would get the appointment—connections and bribes would be useless under the public eye.

A wave of guilt swept through the crowd. Many realized they had misunderstood Su Li. Others, however, were filled with renewed determination. When they looked at the candidate list now, it wasn’t with resentment—but with excitement.

They would see for themselves whether those names truly matched their reputations. And if not? They’d step up and take their place.

In the distance, Su San narrowed his eyes at Su Li on the platform. Who would’ve thought the once-sheltered girl from the Prime Minister’s residence would possess such boldness?

In just a few short sentences, she had completely dispelled the crowd’s doubts.

His hand tightened unconsciously on the hilt of his sword.

Once the crowd had calmed down, Su Li continued, “Also, since Prime Minister Su just sent word that he supports our activity, we can’t let his kind intentions go to waste.”

“Prime Minister Su is barely past fifty, yet his hair is white, his back is bent—he’s exhausted himself for the Emperor and the people, working day and night!”

“And tomorrow, to mark the first day of the event, the Prime Minister has promised to donate a thousand volumes from his private library and has agreed to let the candidates shadow him for a day at work.”

“So tomorrow, don’t miss it! We’ll all go together to thank the Prime Minister and bring the books back. After that, I’ll open all the quiet reading rooms on the first floor of the script store—anyone eager to learn will be welcome to read!”

Upon hearing this, the scholars in the crowd perked up immediately. The Prime Minister was donating books? And the shop owner let them read them?

Everyone responded enthusiastically, shouting that they’d be there to help the next day.

Su Li put down the megaphone and looked into the distance at Su San. His expression was like he’d swallowed nails. In her mind, she could already picture the Prime Minister smashing things in a rage and coughing up blood.

She beamed happily.

Hmph! So you want a good reputation? You want the perfect image of a loving father and obedient daughter? Let’s see if you can handle this one!

(Prime Minister Su spits out a mouthful of blood: “You rebellious girl!”)

The Next Morning

At dawn, a large crowd of curious onlookers had already gathered in front of the script store. Some even brought their donkey carts.

Su Li pushed open the door and waved. Behind her, ten candidates wearing matching white uniforms stepped outside.

Each of them stood tall and straight, with their chest badges marked with a number from one to ten, and their names clearly written beneath on wooden nameplates. Everything looked impressively official.

“Whoa! Why do all these candidates look so good-looking?”

“The last time I saw such an impressive group was when the Patrol Division was doing a city sweep.”

“Clothes do make the man! I want to wear that uniform too!”

Hearing the chatter from the crowd, the candidates stood even straighter. Quiet and composed, they lined up behind Su Li, following her as the crowd flowed like a stream toward the Prime Minister’s residence.

And why had Su Li insisted on going today?

Because today was a rest day, which meant the Prime Minister should be home.

Even if he wasn’t, yesterday’s announcement had already spread all over the capital. Many servants had already reported the news back to their masters. If Prime Minister Su were to pretend he wasn’t home, refuse to open the door, refuse the book donation, or deny the tour—then he’d be seen as someone who breaks his word. His reputation would take a hit.

As for whether he’d dare to openly contradict Su Li’s statements? Su Li thought: Yesterday he said he wanted to help his daughter—what, was that just empty talk? Was he just playing the common folk for fools?

No matter how this played out, she had already won.

Sure enough, when Su Li and her group arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence, they found Prime Minister Su sitting at the front gate with a stormy expression on his face.

Yunyang crept up beside Su Li and whispered, “Why does he look so mad?”

“…Mad? No way. Prime Minister Su is thrilled.” Su Li smiled brightly and raised her voice, “This humble citizen Su Li, along with the current candidates and all our judges, offer our heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister for his generosity!”

Behind her, the whole group followed suit, bowing in unison.

And yes—Prime Minister Su’s face turned even darker.

But the moment everyone looked up, he quickly put on a kind, grandfatherly smile and launched into a round of compliments: praising them as the hope of the Great Yin Dynasty, the backbone of the nation—on and on.

When it came to the book donation, he acted completely unfazed—eager, even. He even pulled out a few rare volumes and began explaining their origins. The young scholars were fired up with excitement.

Su Li just rolled her eyes. She couldn’t bear to look.

“Aiya, Lier,” the Prime Minister said suddenly, “You haven’t been home in so long. Your grandmother misses you dearly. She’s been ill lately. Why don’t you come stay at the manor today?”

Now that he had shored up his public image, he leaned in with a dramatic sigh—so loud you’d think he was hard of hearing.

Su Li’s eyes narrowed. Here it comes. She knew he wasn’t going to let things go that easily. If she refused, wouldn’t that make her look unfilial?

She paused, then replied, “Prime Minister, this humble woman must oversee the ongoing hiring competition and cannot leave her post. But I do miss Grandmother. Rest assured—I’ll ask Her Highness, the Princess, to summon the best physician in the land for her care. Once the event is over, I’ll return and fulfill my duty as a granddaughter.”

The Prime Minister tried to persuade her several more times, putting on the act of a doting, heartbroken father. Su Li, unfazed, politely but firmly refused—emphasizing that the future of many students rested on this event, and she simply couldn’t leave.

Bottom line? There was no way she was stepping foot into that manor. The moment she crossed that threshold, there’d be no telling if—or how—she’d ever get back out.

Seeing this, the Prime Minister’s face turned cold. Just then, the books were all moved out, and he dropped the polite act altogether.

As for the workday tour he promised? “Ah, it’s a rest day,” he said. “No official duties today. Maybe next time.”

Of course, the candidates were all sharp. Most hadn’t expected that tour to happen anyway. They bowed and thanked him politely, then the group cheerfully returned to the script store.

Well—most of the group returned.

The candidates, still in their uniforms, were escorted away by personnel from the Ministry of Justice. They were split into pairs, each assigned a legal mentor, along with a retired soldier for protection.

Very quickly, each candidate received their tasks. As they moved through the city, curious citizens followed closely behind, watching them announce government policies, investigate cases, and mediate disputes. The capital buzzed with activity.

Now let’s skip ahead—ten days flew by.

By this point, the script store had expanded its selection to four or five games. Three were written by Su Li herself. The other two had input from Wan Niang and Yunyang, with Su Li acting as producer. All received glowing praise from customers.

But what everyone was waiting for now was the content of the first ten-day mini-competition.

In front of the script store, the familiar raised platform had been reassembled, complete with a large banner that read:

“First Round of the Mini-Competition: The Heart-Eater Demon Serial Murder Case!”