“Summon the Ministers of the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of War to the Imperial Study.”
“Yes.”
“Xiao Ge, I will first go to the study to handle the Maifan stone matter.” Huangfu Yuchen gave a brief instruction and proceeded to the study.
Gao Jingwei and Luo Wei were summoned by the Emperor in haste. As they met on the way, they greeted each other respectfully.
“Master Gao, do you know why the Emperor summoned the two of us?” Luo Wei asked.
Gao Jingwei shook his head. “The Emperor’s intentions are hard to predict. It might be about hydraulic engineering or military equipment.”
Luo Wei inwardly cursed the old fox, Gao Jingwei’s response was equivalent to saying nothing.
The two arrived at the door of the Imperial Study and announced, “Minister of Public Works, Gao Jingwei, and Minister of War, Luo Wei, request an audience with the Emperor.”
After a while, a voice from inside said, “The Minister of Public Works and the Minister of War may have an audience.”
“We pay respects to the Emperor, long live the Emperor!”
“Rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Huangfu Yuchen got straight to the point, “I have an important and confidential mission for the two of you. Take a look at this.”
Deng Mande handed two pieces of paper to Gao Jingwei and Luo Wei.
On the paper, they saw the names of various cities, counties, and villages, along with detailed addresses, indicating directions such as east or west from the city.
“Do you see the stone on the table? I want you to immediately send people to these places to carefully survey the specific production and distribution of this type of ore. Instruct the local authorities to mine 50,000 catties of the ore and transport it to the capital. This matter is of great benefit to the development of our Great Han. The Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of War must not only cooperate fully but also keep it a secret.”
“Yes!”
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “The mining operation will inevitably lead to the need for a large number of local laborers. Warn the local authorities that hiring laborers must be done officially with proper wages or providing three meals a day. We must not incite public resentment. Otherwise, if I find out, the punishment will range from dismissal and confiscation of property to public execution.”
“Yes.”
“Furthermore, to prevent some officials from presuming my intentions and secretly hoarding the ore, strict supervision must be in place. Once any misconduct is found, there will be no leniency!”
Luo Wei said, “Your Majesty’s consideration is thorough, and this official admires it. Please rest assured; I will personally oversee this matter with the Minister of Public Works.”
Gao Jingwei added, “Since the implementation of Your Majesty’s ‘cyclical inspection and supervision policy,’ upright officials are rewarded, and corrupt officials are investigated and punished. The officials serve the people with joy, and the governance is fair. I believe that no one dares to abuse their power or slack off.”
The ‘cyclical Inspection and supervision policy’ referred to the practice where the Emperor dispatched two separate groups of officials at different times and locations to secretly inspect the conduct of local officials. The members of the two groups did not know each other’s identities. If the latter group of officials did not discover any illegal activities, such as concealing information, colluding with local officials, or accepting bribes, committed by the first group of officials, then it was good. However, if they found any wrongdoing, severe punishment awaited.
Huangfu Yuchen had increased officials’ salaries, so the officials of Great Han were happy and served the country and the Emperor with greater dedication. Later, with the introduction of the cyclical inspection and supervision policy, people began to self-examine and self-regulate. Overall, it indeed led to a more clean and just governance. However, there were still some daring and greedy individuals, which was why Huangfu Yuchen emphasized this point.
“Immediately send people to handle this matter.”
“Yes!”
The Maifan stone that had been transported to the capital was sent to the Agricultural Experiment Department in secret, and the head of the department was informed about the usage of Maifan stone.
Maifan stone was an effective and natural soil improver that stabilized, enhanced, and balanced soil physical functions. It not only benefited crops but also greatly improved the growth of poultry and livestock, enhancing meat and egg quality and strengthening their disease resistance. Currently, the Maifan stone was only enough to supply the needs of the Agricultural Experiment Department and the Imperial Vegetable and Poultry Farm. In time, Yan Ge would gradually promote the use of the Maifan stone throughout the capital, then to major cities in the kingdom, and finally to counties and towns nationwide, expanding its usage step by step until it reached the whole nation.
By then, the national grain production would significantly increase, ensuring self-sufficiency, meeting wartime needs, and even allowing for export to foreign kingdoms.
However, all of this required time.
Yan Ge had been busy for nearly a month, and the good news of Gao Feng and Gao Yun’s simultaneous marriage spread throughout the streets. Besides his identity as the boss of the First Company, he was also an imperial consort. Attending the weddings of subordinates would go against the palace rules and might affect the political situation, so he didn’t personally go to the Gao family. Instead, he sent trusted attendants and a generous gift. Even so, this honor was enough to make other officials envy.
In the blink of an eye, it was July.
As usual, Yan Ge disguised himself and toured all the industries under the First Company’s name. Such inspections occurred approximately every two to three months. Due to the imperial authority, very few people in the company dared to be lazy or deceitful. If anyone was found, they would be promptly dismissed, and all shops with the ‘Nanyi’ mark would no longer hire them. Thanks to this, the company’s management was smooth.
After Yan Ge finished the inspection, he met with several key members, including Wen Xian, Wei Jushen, and Zhao Cheng.
Wen Xian smiled, “Every time Boss Yan inspects, he uses a different appearance and attire. I heard he caught three employees making mistakes on three different occasions. I’m afraid your employees are already on edge due to your surprise inspections.”
Yan Ge responded casually, “Those with a clear conscience need not fear knocking on a ghost’s door. If they haven’t done anything wrong, why should they be afraid of my inspection?”
“That’s true,” Wen Xian nodded, smiling.
Wei Jushen said, “Boss Yan’s inspections not only identify those who behave improperly but also reward those who are diligent and reliable. There are rewards and punishments, which is fair.”
The group settled in a private room at Liuxian Pavilion, and Wen Xian said, “I’m getting married in a month. Boss Yan, if you’re available, I hope you can grace us with your presence at the wedding.”
“To Jushen?” Yan Ge glanced playfully at him and Wei Jushen. He had long noticed that something was brewing between the two, but he didn’t expect it to take so long to bear fruit.
Wei Jushen replied, “Actually, we had planned to get married long ago, but we’ve been too busy. Now, we finally have some free time. We’ve discussed it and decided to adopt a child from Brother Wen’s eldest brother after the wedding.”
It could be seen that Wei Jushen was in a cheerful mood, he even revealed their private plans.
Yan Ge smiled, “Congratulations! Congratulations! I’ll treat you all today. If I’m free on that day, I will definitely come to congratulate you.” He was genuinely happy for Wen Xian and Wei Jushen’s engagement. In private, both were his trusted friends, and he genuinely wished them happiness. On a public level, Wei Jushen was his confidant, while Wen Xian was a prominent merchant in the capital. Their union would strengthen the ties between the First Company and the Wen family. In the future, if there were any financial or labor needs from the Wen family, it would be easier to negotiate with someone close.
After returning to the palace, Yan Ge took Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi to the treasure room to pick out congratulatory gifts for Wei Jushen and Wen Xian.
When Huangfu Yuchen returned from the morning court, he saw Yan Ge rummaging in the treasure room.
“Xiao Ge, what are you looking for?”
“You’re back. Wei Jushen and Wen Xian are getting married, so I’m looking for suitable congratulatory gifts.” Yan Ge didn’t even turn his head and picked up a jade carving to examine. “This ‘Moonlight Over the Vast Sea’ is not bad, but the symbolism may not be quite appropriate…”
“Are both of them getting married to someone else, or are they marrying each other?” Huangfu Yuchen walked over to his side and casually asked.
“They are marrying each other,” Yan Ge replied.
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled, “Then you’ve saved one congratulatory gift.”
Yan Ge also smiled.
“When is the wedding?”
“In a month.”
“Oh. Then you might not be able to attend.” Huangfu Yuchen glanced at the tea table nearby, and the clever Deng Mande quickly walked over and poured a cup of iced tea, offering it to them.
“Why not?” Yan Ge turned back in confusion.
Huangfu Yuchen said nonchalantly, “In a few days, a special forces unit is going on a mission to the northwest. I was planning to take you with me. However, if you don’t want to go, you can stay.”
Yan Ge was overjoyed and clasped his shoulders with both hands, “I’ll go, of course I’ll go! As for the congratulatory gifts for Wei Jushen and Wen Xian, we can send them through someone else.”
As soon as he heard that he could ‘travel’ again, his eyes sparkled with excitement. Huangfu Yuchen loved seeing him with this expression, and a charming smile curved his lips as he pulled him into an embrace.
The eunuchs and palace maids voluntarily withdrew from the treasure room, closing the door behind them.
“I knew you would be interested.” Huangfu Yuchen lightly scraped Yan Ge’s cheek with his thumb and chuckled.
“I’ve wanted to experience the life of a soldier in the military camp a long time ago, but I never had the time. Now, I have an even better opportunity.” Yan Ge grinned, leaning in to kiss him on the lips with a loud ‘mwah,’ “Are all the political arrangements in place?”
“Otherwise, what do you think I’ve been busy with, shuttling between the Study and Tenglong palace?” Huangfu Yuchen embraced Yan Ge and sat down, affectionately rubbing their hands together with a satisfied sigh, “Baby, I’ve missed you. It feels like it’s been a long time since I held you properly…”
Yan Ge tilted his head back and kissed him.
Huangfu Yuchen wrapped his hands around Yan Ge, as if afraid he might escape, and deeply pressed his lips against Yan Ge’s, passionately sucking…
The next day, Yan Ge informed his family at the Yan Mansion about his upcoming trip to the northwest, but he didn’t mention the special forces mission. His family only thought the Emperor was planning another incognito tour.
“Going to the northwest? Isn’t that where Xiguan Pass is?” Madam Yan’s face lit up, “Can you check on your eldest brother while you’re there?”
“That’s my plan.” Yan Ge smiled, “Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I will make time to visit Xiguan Pass.”
“That’s good.” Madam Yan was somewhat excited, “Your eldest brother has been away for over two years. He always says everything is fine in his letters, but I can’t be at ease. If you can personally see him this time, I’ll be reassured.”
Yan Xiaojing looked at Yan Ge helplessly, “You’re going to the northwest, and the northwest isn’t just Xiguan Pass. Did you tell the Emperor about your visit to Xiguan Pass?”
“I did.” Yan Ge looked at his father with a helpless gaze, “Father, why don’t you trust me?”
Yan Xiaojing snorted heavily, “That’s because you always do things that make me uneasy!”
Madam Yan chuckled, “Alright, old master. Yan Ge’s actions are the most secure, especially with the Emperor’s care. What’s there to worry about?”
Lady Wen, who was holding Yan Xiangtian, sat restlessly, wanting to speak but hesitated.
Madam Yan asked curiously, “Daughter-in-law, do you have something to say?”
“Brother-in-law…” Lady Wen hesitated, glancing at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge was puzzled, “Sister-in-law, we’re all family. Just speak your mind.”
After hesitating for a moment, Lady Wen finally made up her mind. She stood up and paid her respects, “Brother in law, I do have an awkward request.”
“Please, sister-in-law, go ahead and tell me.”
Lady Wen bit her lip, her head lowered even more, her voice softer, “If it’s convenient for Brother in law, I would like to trouble you to take Tiantian to see his father when you go to Xiguan Pass.”
Yan Ge, Yan Xiaojing, and Madam Yan were all stunned, but after a moment’s thought, they didn’t find it surprising. As Yan Xiaojing’s wife, it was only natural for Lady Wen to worry about him and want her husband to meet his son.
However, Yan Xiaojing quickly refused, “No. The Emperor’s tour and leisure are just a pretext; there must be official business involved. How can they take a child who is not even two years old?”
Lady Wen suddenly knelt down, “Father-in-law, Tiantian is very well-behaved, and he has always been close to Brother In law. I believe he won’t cause any trouble for the Emperor and Brother in law.”
Madam Yan was also moved, “Old master, I think our daughter-in-law’s idea is good.” Serving at the border is dangerous. Letting Yan Su see his son and having a constant reminder of his family waiting for him in the capital might keep him safe.
