Yan Ge left and returned, leaving Huangfu Yuchen puzzled. He walked up and held Yan Ge’s shoulder with concern, “What happened, baby?”
Yan Ge explained the matter with the consorts in the imperial garden and Huangfu Yuchen frowned, “I gave them a chance to choose in the beginning, but it was their decision not to leave the palace. Now they’re bored in the harem, so what right do they have to blame you? Did you promise them?”
Yan Ge said, “I wouldn’t have bothered if I saw that they had not really let go of their ambitions.”
Huangfu Yuchen said coldly, “In that case, I’ll come up with another way to send them out of the palace.”
Yan Ge shook his head. “Do you think I don’t know about it just because you don’t mention it? Consort Zhao, Consort Li, and Consort Zheng’s fathers are all prominent ministers in the court, and their grandfathers used to hold official positions and had many students. If we forcefully send them out of the palace, it will undoubtedly anger these ministers and create disharmony in the court. Forget it, even if they have other intentions, they are still under our control. If we can find something for them to do that will completely settle them down, it will be a permanent solution. As I said before, as long as they don’t provoke us, I won’t treat them badly. If they have ulterior motives, there’s no need for us to be polite to them. If they are clever enough, they will know what to do.”
Huangfu Yuchen pondered for a moment and agreed, “Fine, let’s do it as you said. Go talk to the Minister of Rites, and I’ll have Deng Mande go to the Empress.”
“Alright.”
“It’s going to be hard work, my love,” Huangfu Yuchen held his chin and kissed his lips. “Tell me if there’s anything I can help with.”
“I know,” Yan Ge picked up Huangfu Yuchen’s teacup and finished the tea. “I’m going back to Yan Mansion. I won’t make it in time for lunch if I’m late. My mother’s braised lion’s head is exquisite.”
Huangfu Yuchen laughed. “Go ahead. Bring me some when you come back.”
“No problem.”
Yan Ge waved his hand without looking back.
Once it was confirmed that Yan Ge had left, Huangfu Yuchen said expressionlessly, “Deng Mande, summon the four consorts.”
“Yes!”
Consort Zhao, Consort Li, Consort Zheng, and Consort Rou had not left the imperial garden. Upon hearing that Huangfu Yuchen had summoned them, they felt anxious.
Consort Li whispered, “Bring the little princess with us.”
Guided by eunuchs, the four of them arrived at the study, feeling even more anxious. This was the first time Huangfu Yuchen summoned them to the study, and the implication was self-evident.
The four kneelt at the door, awaiting the summons. The palace maids gently carried the innocent little princess and stood by the side. They waited for a quarter of an hour before hearing a cold and indifferent “Enter” from inside.
“Consort Rou, Consort Zhao, Consort Li, and Consort Zheng, enter and greet His Majesty!”
The four consorts entered the study, not daring to lift their heads and knelt respectfully. “Concubines greet Your Majesty!”
“Father Emperor.” The innocent little princess saw Huangfu Yuchen and smiled, calling out to him as she extended her arms.
Huangfu Yuchen picked her up and held her in his arms, sweeping his gaze over the four consorts meaningfully. Finally, he rested his eyes on Consort Li.
Consort Li broke out in a cold sweat.
“I am aware of the matter with you seeking Yan Caiqing’s help, and I have already agreed,” Huangfu Yuchen’s tone was calm. He didn’t sound angry, but the four consorts knew that this kind of Huangfu Yuchen was even more terrifying. They all lowered their heads, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Now, Great Han Kingdom is undergoing reforms everywhere, and it is a time for talents. Many new officials have been promoted in the court, and they have made great contributions to the Kingdom. If you can ensure the successful completion of the grand celebration, it will be a contribution as well.”
Consort Zhao, Consort Li, and Consort Zheng were all taken aback. The underlying meaning of his words was clear—if they made any mistakes, they could be dismissed with a word from the emperor even with their fathers’ positions in court. They once again deeply understood the power of the throne.
Consort Zhao hurriedly said, “We genuinely want to contribute to the Kingdom. Yan Caiqing possesses extraordinary talent and ingenious strategies. That’s why we troubled him. We apologize, Your Majesty.”
Huangfu Yuchen rubbed the little princess’s head and said in a soft voice, “Remember, I gave you all a chance, and I won’t give you a second chance. You may rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Yan Mansion.
When Madam Yan heard that Yan Ge had returned, she almost ran to the front door to greet him.
Yan Ge embraced her with surprise, “Mother, you came to pick me up? It’s been a long time since I received this kind of treatment.”
Madam Yan playfully scolded him, “Stop being so sticky. I want you to go and see your sister in law quickly. She’s about to give birth, and I’ve been worried.”
Yan Ge fanned himself and looked up at the sky, “I knew it, once your grandson is born, I’ll definitely fall out of favor. Sigh…”
The nearby maids and servants couldn’t help but laugh.
“Alright, stop being silly.” Madam Yan was also amused by Yan Ge.
Lady Wen was in her room, lying on the bed with her eyes closed.
When Yan Ge and Madam Yan entered, she heard their footsteps and bowed slightly through the curtain, “Second Brother has arrived, please forgive my rudeness.”
“There is no need for such courtesy, sister in law.” Yan Ge took her pulse and smiled, “Sister in law and my little nephew are both doing well, don’t worry.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” Madam Yan urged, “Let’s go out. Don’t disturb your sister in law’s rest.”
During lunch, Yan Xiaojing also returned.
At the dining table, Yan Ge informed Yan Xiaojing about the arrangements for the performances to entertain the foreign monarchs during the grand celebration and Yan Xiaojing glared at him after hearing it.
Although Yan Xiaojing could understood Yan Ge’s plan after thinking about it, he couldn’t help but worry, “The Empress and the four consorts have never dealt with such matters before. If they mess up, it will be a joke for the foreign monarchs.”
Yan Ge said, “I’ve considered that. Therefore, the Ministry of Rites will still arrange the program as usual. The Empress and the others will perform first during the Grand celebration, and if they mess up, Father can arrange for someone to save the situation. If the people you arranged end up not having to perform, just have Yuchen provide each of them with a subsidy.”
“You…” What else could Yan Xiaojing say. He was already used to his son taking every opportunity to extort the emperor. Let him be, children and grandchildren have their own blessings.
In the blink of an eye, it was already March. On the first day of March, Lady Wen gave birth to the eldest grandson of the Yan family. Yan Xiaojing named him Yan Xiangtian. During the full moon celebration, the Yan Mansion followed its usual customs. Officials gave red envelopes according to their ranks- the officials were well aware of Yan Mansion’s rules, so no one dared to give more than they were supposed to.
Yan Ge truly lived up to his reputation as the wealthiest merchant. His full moon gift was even very generous, and on Yan Xiangtian’s full moon day, he gave each student in the kingdom a fountain pen and notebook for free on behalf of the Yan Mansion. Regardless of their age, all students could go to shops with certificates issued by their school teachers to receive them.
As the day of the grand celebration approached, the whole kingdom gradually entered a festive atmosphere. Whether it was the capital city, provincial capitals, county towns, villages, or towns, they were all filled with joy and decorated with colorful lanterns. The entire nation celebrated together.
The annual opening day was already a festival, not to mention the grand celebration that happened every five years. On the day of the grand celebration, people across the Kingdom set off firecrackers, and everyone knelt and worshipped towards the imperial city to express their gratitude for the emperor’s grace.
Starting from March 5th, the monarchs of the Mai Kingdom, Wei Kingdom, Mini Kingdom, Youji Kingdom, and Liao Kingdom arrived in the capital one after another, as if it had been prearranged.
The monarchs of the Mai, Liao, and Youji Kingdoms, Hou Mailong, Liao Chengyuan, and Luo Yousong, were the first to arrive and arrived together.
When the carriages of the three monarchs entered the city boundary of the capital and traveled on the cement road leading to the south gate, the three monarchs couldn’t conceal their shock. They were amazed at the broad and smooth grayish-white road that could accommodate three carriages side by side. The sound of horse hooves on the road was crisp and clear. Along the sides of the road, thick poplar trees were planted every three feet, their lush green leaves providing a pleasant sight and casting a grey shade on the road, which felt refreshing when a gust of wind blew.
Even the guards and palace attendants in the procession couldn’t help but be amazed. Their eyes secretly glanced at the ground, and some even discreetly used their feet to feel the hardness of the ground.
“So, this is the long-awaited cement road… It’s truly miraculous,” murmured Luo Yousong. “If all the roads in the Great Han Kingdom are built like this, land transportation in all directions would undoubtedly be more developed. From the farthest north to the farthest south, it would probably save a quarter of the travel time.”
Liao Chengyuan nodded in agreement, “I’m really looking forward to meeting that Yan Caiqing.”
However, Hou Mailong’s face was gloomy, and he remained silent.
The procession continued its leisurely journey for more than half an hour until they finally arrived at the south gate. In front of the gate was a spacious and flat square, covering several acres, also paved with cement, and surrounded by trees. The square was bustling with pedestrians coming and going.
The city gate was tall and majestic, with sharp corners, exuding a solemn and dignified atmosphere. On both sides of the gate, the city guards stood tall, dressed in armor, holding long spears and appearing like sculptures. The city walls were also made of cement, giving the impression of being as hard as iron and stone. Soldiers patrolled the walls with disciplined steps, emanating a powerful military presence.
The carriages pulled by spirited horses smoothly entered the city gate. The festive sound of drums and gongs filled the air as the people of the Great Han Kingdom lined the streets to welcome the arrival of the foreign monarchs, applauding and cheering with enthusiasm.
However, Hou Mailong, Liao Chengyuan, and Luo Yousong were not in the mood to feel the joyous atmosphere. Their eyes scanned the wide roads, symmetrical green trees and flower beds along the sides of the road, and the novel architecture within the city, and their heavy hearts sank even further. Unbeknownst to them, the capital had become an unparalleled city!
“Ride—” A cavalry holding red silk banners rushed forward. Leading the way was a black steed with a resolute and dignified general atop it. The cavalry rode at such a fast pace, yet the pedestrians on the road showed no signs of panic, even continuing with their own tasks. It was evident that this cavalry was well-trained and posed no danger to the people on the road.
The general halted his horse a dozen steps away, dismounted cleanly, went down on one knee, and clasped his fists with a resounding voice. “On behalf of His Majesty, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Yang Zhuo, welcomes the esteemed monarchs! After your long journey, please allow this humble servant to escort you to the residence for accommodation.”
Hou Mailong said, “Thank you for your efforts, General Yang.”
“Please!”
After the three monarchs were settled in their accommodations, they came and sat in the grand hall. Various fresh fruits, tea, and snacks were continuously brought from the palace. Square-shaped peaches, beverages of different flavors, biscuits of various colors, soft and sweet cakes etc. Everything amazed them, but they maintained a calm demeanor.
When their shock subsided, Zhang Yongfu entered the room with a dusting cloth in hand and knelt down. “Zhang Yongfu, Deputy Manager of Internal Affairs, pays respects to the three esteemed monarchs.”
“Deputy Manager Zhang, rise,” Hou Mailong’s Mai Kingdom was the most powerful among the three, so he spoke first.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zhang Yongfu said. “Lunchtime is approaching, and I came to inquire about the preferences of the three esteemed monarchs so that the arrangements can be made promptly. Here is the menu, please have a look.”
Hou Mailong, Liao Chengyuan, and Luo Yousong looked at the so-called menu. When they saw that it listed hundreds of dishes, they exchanged a glance without showing any reaction.
Hou Mailong said, “I would like to have…”
He ordered more than twenty dishes, and Liao Chengyuan and Luo Yousong each ordered more than twenty as well. Whether intentional or not, none of the dishes they ordered overlapped.
Zhang Yongfu’s expression remained unchanged. After taking note of their orders, he bowed again, “Please rest well, esteemed monarchs. I will have everything prepared.”
“Very well, you may leave.”
“Thank you, Your Majesties.”
