In the Yongyi Palace, the young crown prince was delighted with the various gifts and snacks Yan Jin brought him, and was smiling from ear to ear. He eagerly pulled the empress from time to time and exclaimed cheerfully.
“Brother Jin, how do you play with this?” The young crown prince held a spinning top and asked Yan Jin curiously.
Yan Jin replied, “Let me show you.”
The senior palace maid, Chunhui, watched the two children with a contented expression. She whispered to the empress, “Empress, Prince Jin has brought gifts for the crown prince from all the places he visited. You can rest assured now.”
The empress nodded and let out a sigh of relief. She softly said, “As long as Xi’er is well, I am content. I have completely let go. However, it’s not the same for others in the palace.”
Huangfu Yuchen returned to the Tenglong Palace before the palace gates were closed. He frowned as he looked at the untouched meal on the table and walked over to Yan Ge, who was busy writing. He snatched the pen from his hand, and said, “Didn’t I tell you not to wait for me to eat?”
Yan Ge replied, “You’re back? I am not hungry yet. I just waited for you as a matter of course.”
“Stubborn,” Huangfu Yuchen instructed Deng Mande, “Heat up the food.”
“Yes.”
“How is Prince Dai’s injury?” Yan Ge asked with concern.
Huangfu Yuchen described Prince Dai’s symptoms. “Baby, can you treat him?”
Yan Ge said, “Based on what you’ve said, Prince Dai’s left arm has completely lost sensation from the shoulder, indicating that the bones, joints, and meridians have completely necrotized. Even I am powerless to reverse it. Perhaps I should personally go and take a look tomorrow?”
“Forget it,” Huangfu Yuchen sighed lightly, shaking his head. “Yuhu has always been proud, and this incident has dealt a significant blow to him. He said that he doesn’t want to see anyone other than me until he adjusts his mindset completely. Since there is little hope, we can only resign ourselves to the situation.”
Yan Ge didn’t insist either. “Then I’ll have someone deliver the gifts to him to avoid any disrespect.”
“Okay.” Huangfu Yuchen saw the palace maids from the dining hall arrive and pulled him up. “Let’s eat.”
Yan Ge had just taken a few bites when he remembered something. He pointed to a box on the table and said, “Eunuch Deng, please.”
Deng Mande picked up the box and handed it to Yan Ge, who then passed it to Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen opened the box, revealing a stack of silver notes.
“200,000 taels,” Yan Ge emphasized.
Huangfu Yuchen laughed. “I will issue the decree tomorrow morning. Can we eat in peace now?”
Yan Ge nodded and leaned over, leaving an oily kiss on his face.
When the imperial procession returned from the southern expedition, the civil and military officials had heard to some extent about the several local officials that Huangfu Yuchen had dealt with during the journey.
The morning of the following day was the first imperial court session since the emperor’s return to the palace. The officials made extra efforts to present themselves neatly, and their spirits were impeccable.
Huangfu Yuhu also attended the court session, and it seemed that the comfort from his elder brother had alleviated his condition to a great extent.
“If you have matters to be reported, remain in court; if there isn’t, leave.” Xiao Changzi shouted. Deng Mande had been working hard all this way, so Huangfu Yuchen gave him two days off.
Jiang Gan stepped forward. “I have something to report.”
“Speak.”
Jiang Gan said, “During this southern expedition, we first arrived at Shuangque County, where the county magistrate, Shen Jinzhong, was found guilty of corruption, bribery, and oppressing the people… The city governor of Fancheng, Magistrate Mei, showed concern for the people and deserves commendation… The magistrate of Bazu County… should be punished for severe crimes.”
The officials thought to themselves that the emperor had indeed visited several places this time, and they became even more cautious, secretly trying to recall whether they had violated any laws or regulations.
“Approved,” Huangfu Yuchen said, and then continued: “The crimes committed by Shen Jinzhong, the former county magistrate of Shuangque County, are too numerous to record. Execute him publicly as a warning to others, and announce it throughout the country as a deterrent!”
“Yes!”
“Promote Magistrate Mei, the city governor of Fancheng, to the rank of ‘Third-rank Imperial Censor.’ Any memorial from him can be presented directly to me,” Huangfu Yuchen continued.
“Yes!”
Huangfu Yuchen cast a cold gaze below, his warning words resounding like thunder, “When governing the country, rewards shall be given for merit and punishments shall be imposed for crimes!”
The officials kneelt down In unison, calling out, “Long live His Majesty! May His Majesty reign for thousands of years!”
“You may rise.” Huangfu Yuchen raised his hand.
Jiang Gan said, “Your Majesty, there is one more matter. During this southern expedition, Yan Guiren first assisted us in suppressing bandits, then resolved the issues in the Xiguan Pass and the abandoned city. Furthermore, he invented the pulley system and soap, which benefit the people. I believe Yan Guiren’s contributions should be announced to the world.”
Yan Xiaojing maintained a neutral expression, but everyone could see the smile in his eyes. They were both envious and jealous. Why couldn’t they have such a talented son?
Huangfu Yuchen nodded, “Official Jiang’s words are reasonable. I already instructed the Historian to compile a separate record, specifically documenting Yan Guiren’s achievements. First, it will let the world know about Yan Guiren’s contributions to our Great Han Kingdom, and secondly, it will inspire students across the nation to pursue knowledge and progress. What do you think, esteemed ministers?”
As long as it didn’t involve granting nobility or participating in political affairs, the ministers agreed and felt fortunate that Yan Guiren belonged to their kingdom. Moreover, Yan Guiren’s contributions were undeniable.
“If there are no other matters, you may leave. Prime Minister Wen, Prime Minister Wu, Grand Tutor Song, the Imperial Historian, and Grand Tutor You shall remain.”
“We bid farewell to Your Majesty—”
Huangfu Yuchen and the others moved to the Imperial Study.
“Provide seats and serve tea to the esteemed officials.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Has Grand Tutor Song’s illness improved?” Huangfu Yuchen glanced at Song Chaobang, who appeared slightly more dispirited than before. The matter of sending him back to the capital had dealt him quite a blow.
Song Chaobang’s cloudy eyes suddenly lit up. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Your loyal subject is completely fine now and will continue to serve you wholeheartedly!”
Seeing his genuine remorse, Huangfu Yuchen nodded.
“I have kept you here this time because I have a matter to discuss. I intend to dismiss the consorts in the harem who have never served.”
Jiang Gan and the others were somewhat surprised.
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “If I’m not mistaken, two of them are Grand Tutor You’s granddaughter and the Prime Minister Wu’s cousin. I don’t want to hurt the hearts of the esteemed ministers, nor do I want to continue delaying the youth of these two young ladies. I wonder if you esteemed ministers have any good suggestions?”
Even if Huangfu Yuchen sought their opinions, they knew he had already made up his mind. Everyone exchanged glances.
Grand Tutor You hesitated, “Your Majesty, the young consorts have already entered the palace and belong to Your Majesty. If they are dismissed from the palace, I’m afraid…”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Naturally, I won’t force them to leave the palace, but they must be clear about one thing— I have not favored them in the past, and I will not favor them in the future. Even if they remain in the palace, they will live in loneliness. If they are willing to leave the palace, I will grant them honorary titles as compensation and even assist them in finding suitable marriages.” This was something he had considered for a long time and it was time to act on it.
Prime Minister Wu didn’t understand, “May I ask how Your Majesty plans to assist them in finding suitable marriages?”
Huangfu Yuchen smiled lightly, “Our Great Han Kingdom has no shortage of unmarried outstanding young men. In a few days, the Spring Examinations will take place. I will take advantage of the Qionglin Banquet to hold a grand feast in the palace, where you esteemed ministers can bring unmarried young men who have yet to find matches. If they find someone they like, we can act as matchmakers.” As he said this, he felt somewhat helpless. It was uncomfortable for a respectable Emperor to play the role of a matchmaker, but for the sake of his beloved, he had to steel himself. Yan Ge didn’t know about this matter yet. He wondered if they would be happy or tease him upon finding out.
The ministers pondered and weighed their options. After a while, Song Chaobang said, “The Great Han Kingdom has a long-standing tradition of the Hundred Flowers Festival. Holding a ‘Hundred Flowers Festival’ in the palace wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Grand Tutor You and Prime Minister Wu exchanged a glance and nodded. They were already in high positions and didn’t need to rely on their granddaughter or cousin to climb up the ranks. Their happiness was more important to them.
“We have no objections. Your Majesty, please decide.”
Huangfu Yuchen showed a satisfied expression. “Very well, then this matter is settled. As for the Spring Examinations, you esteemed officials should assist the Minister of Personnel.”
“We obey the order. Your Majesty, please rest assured.”
After Jiang Gan and the others left, Huangfu Yuchen instructed Xiao Changzi, “Issue the decree.”
“Yes.”
———–
Yan Ge sat in the carriage, heading towards the Yan Mansion at a leisurely pace.
“There are many scholars in the capital.”
Wan Xiang said, “In another five or six days, it will be the Spring Examinations. Scholars from various regions will arrive in the capital in advance to avoid missing the exams due to unexpected delays. Most of them will even come a month in advance.”
“Yes, I almost forgot,” Yan Ge said, “Instruct them that students who purchase any products sold under the name of the First Company can enjoy a 30% discount.”
“Yes,” Wan Xiang acknowledged.
Xiao Chanzai suggested, “Young Master, how about setting rewards for the top ten scholars in advance? It might motivate their morale.”
Yan Ge waved his hand, “No, that’s something the Emperor should do. Yuchen won’t mind if I steal his limelight, but we also need to consider the thoughts of the officials and the common people. We can’t let them think that I’m overshadowing him. Instead, we will announce the 30% discount in the Emperor’s name. After all, the company is an imperial enterprise, so it’s perfectly reasonable.”
Xiao Chanzai nodded repeatedly, “Young Master, you have considered everything thoroughly.”
At that moment, Yan Ge suddenly heard a notification from the system:
–“Ding. Congratulations on successfully completing Main Mission 8 – Being promoted to Shiqing by the Emperor. Mission reward: 10,000 taels of silver, ‘Fengyun Immortal Records’ up to the Early Golden Core stage. Main Mission 9 – Being promoted to Caiqing by the Emperor. Mission rewards: 50,000 taels of silver and ‘Fengyun Immortal Records’ upto the Late Golden Core stage. To accept the mission, select ‘Yes’, to decline the mission, select ‘No’.”
*Ranks — Daying, Changzai, Shirén (scholar), Cairen, Guiren, Shiqing (talented scholar), Caiqing (honorable official), Guiqing(Noble Consort), to Huang Guiqing (Imperial Noble Consort)
Yan Ge just selected “Yes,” and the prompt rang out again:
–“Ding. Congratulations on successfully completing Main Mission 9 – Being promoted to Caiqing by the Emperor. Mission reward: 50,000 taels of silver and the ‘Fengyun Immortal Records’ up to the Late Golden Core stage. Main Mission 10 – Being promoted to Guiqing by the Emperor. Mission rewards upon completion: 100,000 taels of silver, ‘Fengyun Immortal Records’ up to the Mid Nascent stage. Punishment for mission failure: 100,000 taels of silver will be deducted. To accept the mission, select ‘Yes’, to decline the mission, select ‘No’.”
Yan Ge’s eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise. Huangfu Yuchen must have directly promoted him to “Caiqing.”
He happily selected “Yes,” and the system prompt rang out for the third time;
–“Ding! Side Mission – Sending Du Changzai to the cold palace is complete. Rewards: 400 taels of silver, one silver chest. Would you like to open the silver chest now?”
Yan Ge almost burst into laughter. Huangfu Yuchen had sent Du Zhengfeng to the cold palace? Du Zhengfeng must have used this opportunity to return to the position of a Shadow Guard. Although he wouldn’t actually be in the cold palace, with the imperial edict in place, the mission was considered successful.
“Young Master, is there something wrong?” Wan Xiang looked at Yan Ge with confusion.
“Nothing. I’m just thinking about meeting my parents soon, so I’m happy.” Yan Ge temporarily stored the silver chest in his backpack.
Wan Xiang hesitated for a moment, “Young Master, there’s something… I don’t know if I should mention it now…”
“What is it?” Yan Ge raised his eyebrows, “Don’t you know my temperament? Just speak up if there’s something.”
Wan Xiang said, “It’s about Young Master Yan Su. About a month ago, Young Master Yan Su divorced his wife.”
Yan Ge widened his eyes, “Divorced? Did my elder brother initiate it, or did his wife initiate it?”
