The imperial harem erupted in chaos when Huangfu Yuchen’s decree to dismiss the consorts spread. Upon receiving the decree, the consorts hurriedly made their way to the Empress’s Yongyi Palace. The only one in the harem that had the power to contend with Huangfu Yuchen was the Empress.
The Empress agreed to meet all the consorts, including Yan Jin, and hosted a banquet in the Qunfang Palace to entertain them. However, to their surprise, the Empress was unusually calm, and from her demeanor, It seemed that she supported their departure from the palace.
Delicious delicacies filled the air with a tantalizing aroma, and the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments echoed pleasantly. However, these could not alleviate the low spirits of the consorts. Among them, a few had already resigned themselves to their fate, acknowledging that they lacked the strength to fight with Yan Jin. Rather than living a lonely life in the palace, they believed it was better to take a chance and leave the palace in hopes of marrying a better man. Being called “the Emperor’s women” sounded glamorous and prestigious, but if they were not favored by the Emperor, their status in the harem was not much better than that of palace maids. As daughters of officials, people dared not speak idle gossip in their presence out of respect for their fathers. Moreover, the Emperor had promised to grant them titles. Some were reluctantly accepting the situation, knowing that their only choice was to leave. Others felt a deep reluctance to depart.
Seeing the consorts’ lack of appetite, the Empress broached the main topic directly, “If you wish to leave the palace, inform me within two days. The Emperor will not force you to leave, but you should know that if you miss this opportunity, there will be no chance for you to leave the palace in the future. Consider it carefully. If I don’t receive your names within two days, I will assume that you don’t want to leave the palace. Is that clear?”
A few consorts responded softly.
Consort Rou, who already a child, naturally decided to stay in the palace. Among the guests, she was the only one who seemed at ease. Although the Emperor didn’t favor her, she had her child to keep her company, and she would not be lonely in the future.
Consort Zhao spoke expressionlessly, “This consort will stay.”
Consort Li and Consort Zheng made the same choice as her.
“Empress…” Tian Guiren could no longer contain her emotional outburst. “Could you please persuade the Emperor? Since we entered the palace in response to the decree, we belong to the Emperor. How can we leave the palace now?”
The Empress replied calmly, “If Tian Guiren wants to stay, you may stay. As I have already said, the Emperor will not force any of you to leave.”
“But…” Tian Guiren glanced around. The others remained silent, and she was the only one daring enough to protest. She bit her lip and said no more. She used to be proud and pleased to be the only new consort favored by the Emperor, but now she regretted why she was the only one. She had no allies. The Empress, Consort Rou, and the others have been in the harem longer and it was impossible to expect any support from.
Under Huangfu Yuchen’s secret arrangement, Yan Ge’s life remained unaffected by the turmoil in the harem.
–“Ding: Side mission – Develop the capital into a famous city. Mission duration: two years. Reward for successful completion: 2 million taels of silver and one golden chest. Failure to complete the mission: deduction of 10,000 taels of silver. To accept the mission, choose “yes”. To decline the mission, choose “no.”
Yan Ge communicated secretly with Yan Jin, “At what level of development can the capital be considered ‘famous’?”
Yan Jin cupped his face, “When everyone in Great Han as well as foreigners have heard of the capital’s fame.”
Yan Ge twitched his lips, “Pretend I didn’t ask. First, help me check if the system store has any limestone for sale.”
Yan Jin remained silent for a few seconds before replying, “Yes, it’s available. One coin per two catties.”
Things that exist in this world usually come at a fair price, while many things that aren’t in this world are sold at exorbitant prices. Yan Ge said, “So, there is plenty of limestone in this world. That resolves the biggest problem.”
“Master, what do you want to do with this?” Yan Jin asked.
“You’ll know soon enough.” Yan Ge purchased twenty to thirty catties of limestone, placed them in a box, and had two little eunuchs carry it as they went to the Imperial Study to find Huangfu Yuchen.
It can be said that he could freely move around the palace without any hindrance. The guards at the entrance bowed and allowed him entry without asking any questions.
“Yuchen.”
“Why didn’t you use the sedan chair?” Huangfu Yuchen approached him.
“I can walk faster than that thing.” Yan Ge sat on the cool jade couch.
“It’s so hot. At least it can shade you from the sun,” Huangfu Yuchen chuckled. “Are you in a hurry?”
“Not really. I’m just used to walking fast,” Yan Ge replied. He had the eunuchs open the box and said, “Do we have this kind of stone in Great Han?”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at it, “I’m not sure. What’s so special about this stone?”
“This is limestone, which can be used to make cement,” Yan Ge explained.
“Cement?” Huangfu Yuchen was puzzled. “What is that?”
“It is something with a strong adhesive property and can be used for road construction and building. This type of stone is quite common and should be easy to find,” Yan Ge said.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded, “I will immediately instruct the Minister of Works to send people to collect this stone from various places.”
“Great. The reconstruction project of the capital should start as soon as possible. It’s still bearable in summer, but if it’s delayed until winter, the conditions will worsen,” Yan Ge advised. “By the way, besides limestone, we also need to gather as much clay as possible.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Don’t worry. You just need to oversee and plan. If there’s anything you need, just let me know, and I’ll arrange it.”
“Alright, then I’ll head out first.”
Yan Ge, accompanied by Gao Feng, Gao Yun, and Du Juan, roamed through the streets of the capital. Xiao Shuanzi drove the carriage and led the horses, following behind at a leisurely pace.
They spent two consecutive days exploring the city.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun had joined Yan Ge’s journey south, leaving Zhao Cheng in charge of the winery. Seeing that Zhao Cheng had taken the responsibility well, Gao Feng suggested to Yan Ge that Zhao Cheng should manage the workshop, as they preferred accompanying Yan Ge and participating in the development of new business projects. They found it more interesting.
As for Wan Xiang, she had become very busy. Having a maidservant by Yan Ge’s side made things more convenient at times, so Huangfu Yuchen had transferred Du Juan to Yan Ge’s side, as her wit and loyalty were unquestionable during the Southern Tour.
The people of the capital were already accustomed to Yan Caiqing’s down-to-earth personality. They no longer felt overly excited or performed frequent salutations upon seeing him. When they crossed paths on the street, they would bow to Yan Ge and then continue on their way. Their respect for Yan Ge was deeply ingrained itself in their hearts, so the outward formalities had gradually become less important.
Only the scholars coming to the capital for the exams still found it difficult to suppress their excitement upon seeing Yan Ge. Recently, they had learned about the various benefits the First Company offered to scholars, and they were filled them with gratitude. Every time they saluted Yan Ge, they did so with utmost correctness.
“Young Master, may I ask what you are looking for?” Gao Yun couldn’t hold back his curiosity after two days.
Yan Ge used Huangfu Yuchen as an excuse, “The Emperor intends to renovate the capital and sent me out to assess the situation.”
“Renovation?” Gao Feng exclaimed. “I think the capital is already good enough. It’s better than many other prefectural cities we passed through on our journey south. What more can be done?”
Yan Ge smiled and pointed to a tea stall by the roadside, asking, “Do you know how the used tea leaves and residue are handled at tea stalls?”
Gao Feng replied, “They are thrown away.”
“Where do they dump them?” Yan Ge asked further.
Gao Yun said, “In secluded areas or the river, I suppose.”
“That’s right,” Yan Ge said. “It’s not just tea stalls; even the wastewater from dishwashing and cleaning vegetables is disposed of haphazardly. Leftover rice and vegetables that haven’t gone bad are fed to pigs, and the spoiled ones are discarded. Haven’t you noticed that some parts of the capital are dirty and messy? The air doesn’t smell pleasant, especially in summer. Additionally, when it rains, stagnant water accumulates in flat areas, making it difficult to disperse. It even emits a foul odor during hot weather. Moreover, there are some streets in the capital with problems—they are too narrow and inconvenient for traffic. These issues are quite prevalent.”
As they thought about it, they realized that it was indeed the case.
“The capital is the heart and image of our Great Han Kingdom. Why not make it more beautiful if we can?” Yan Ge expressed with a sense of pride and excitement.
On hearing this, everyone felt a sense of honor and looked forward to it.
Gao Yun said, “According to Young Master’s words, this is indeed a significant project.”
Yan Ge nodded. “We’ll take it step by step.”
“Some of the main streets in the center of the capital are surrounded by numerous houses. Expanding them will likely be challenging,” Gao Feng pointed out.
“Problems are meant to be solved by people,” Yan Ge said confidently. “Let’s keep moving forward. It would be best to go through every street today.”
They continued walking. Du Juan carried paper, pen, and the map of the capital. Whenever they encountered important locations, Gao Feng would bow his body and serve as a makeshift table, while Gao Yun and Du Juan unfolded the map, allowing Yan Ge to make marks.
Onlookers understood that Yan Caiqing was thinking of an important matter, so they consciously kept their distance to avoid suspicion of eavesdropping.
“Yan Bao—”
A sudden shout echoed through the street, accompanied by the sound of galloping horses. Passersby calmly moved to the sides.
Lately, both Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge had been busy with state affairs. Sometimes, Huangfu Yuchen had important matters that needed to be relayed to Yan Ge as quickly as possible, and they exchanged messages three or four times a day. Since it was not an official decree or oral command, they named it “Yan Bao,” meaning urgent matters to inform Yan Ge. When the common people heard “Yan Bao,” they would clear the way for the messenger to pass.
Yan Ge heard the call and waited by the roadside.
The horse approached him at a moderate pace, and the messenger on the horse dismounted swiftly, respectfully kneeling down, “Reporting to Yan Caiqing, the Emperor has instructed me to deliver a message to you, reminding you not to forget to have lunch.”
The onlookers chuckled.
Yan Ge touched his face with embarrassment. “Tell him that I understand. Also, let him know not to send someone specifically for such trivial matters next time; it’s embarrassing.”
The messenger said, “The Emperor said that if Yan Caiqing says so, I should reply that if you remember to have your meals, he naturally wouldn’t send a message for such things.”
Yan Ge sighed, “Alright, alright. I understand.”
Only then did the messenger mount the horse and leave.
Yan Ge quickened his pace, leaving that awkward place.
Gao Feng and the others chuckled in secret.
Yan Ge paused for a moment, then obediently walked to a nearby restaurant, to avoid Huangfu Yuchen specially reminding him to have lunch again.
Duke Lu Heng saw Yan Ge from a distance and hesitated for a moment before catching up.
“Yan Caiqing, please wait!” Duke Lu Heng called out.
Yan Ge stopped and glanced at the approaching person. He didn’t recognize him.
Gao Feng whispered, “Young Master, this person is Duke Lu Heng.”
“So it’s Duke Lu Heng.” Yan Ge cupped his hand in greeting.
“I have met Yan Caiqing,” Duke Lu Heng said. “Yan Caiqing, I have something to discuss with you. Can you spare some time?”
“I was just about to have lunch. Duke Lu Heng, why don’t you join me?” Yan Ge suggested.
“Thank you, Yan Caiqing, please.”
“Duke Lu Heng, please.” Yan Ge insisted that Duke Lu Heng go first. Duke Lu Heng held a higher rank, while Yan Ge held a lower rank, so they couldn’t ignore the proper etiquette in front of others.
Once they were seated in a private room, Yan Ge asked directly, “Duke Lu Heng, what business do you have? I suppose it’s not a state matter. There are no outsiders here, so feel free to speak.”
Duke Lu Heng said, “Since that’s the case, I will be straightforward. It’s about my son.”
A hint of confusion flashed across Yan Ge’s eyebrows.
Gao Feng reminded him in a low voice, “Duke Lu Heng has only one son, Lu Shaoling. A long time ago, he was in a clothing store…”
Before Gao Feng finished, Yan Ge remembered. “Ah, I remember.”
“To be honest, I am ashamed to say that my son has been indulging in eating, drinking, and pleasure these past few years, doing nothing constructive. This cannot go on. Recently, it seems he admires Young Master Feng and Young Master Yun. Although he has yet to make any progress, at least he now has some ambition. Therefore, I have an earnest request, and I would like to trouble Yan Caiqing to arrange something for him in the First Company, to give him an opportunity for personal growth.”
Yan Ge raised an eyebrow. “Duke Lu Heng’s words surprise me. I understand your intention. Allowing Master Lu to work in the First Company is possible. However, Duke Lu Heng, you must understand one thing. My First Company is not open to just anyone, so don’t blame me for not giving you face. I can be frank with you; sometimes, even the Emperor’s face is not enough for me.” Thinking about the times when Emperor Huangfu Yuchen looked helpless because of him, Yan Ge couldn’t help but find it amusing.
Duke Lu Heng quickly said, “I understand. It’s already giving me face by considering it. Yan Caiqing, please challenge him and test him! If he does well, it’s naturally good. But If he doesn’t, even if Yan Caiqing doesn’t kick him out, I will personally do it. I cannot afford that embarrassment!”
Yan Ge smiled, “With Duke Lu Heng’s words, I can be assured. I need manpower recently, so you can have him come anytime.”
“Yes, thank you, Yan Caiqing.”
