The secrecy of this southern tour was done very well. It was not until Yan Ge strictly instructed Wei Jushen and a few others to come to the company headquarters for a meeting that they learned that Yan Ge had not been in the capital for the past few months.
During the meeting, Wei Jushen, Wen Xian, Xiao Jinran, Zhang Mo, Ye Ziyang, Wan Xiang, and Xiao Chuanzi each reported on their work during this period. Yan Ge summarized their reports, offering rewards for good performance and providing suggestions for improvement for those who didn’t do well. Finally, he roughly arranged the tasks for the next phase of work.
“The high-quality scented soaps should be put into production as soon as possible.”
“The production of handbags, briefcases, and backpacks can be increased.”
“Gao Feng, Gao Yun, you should start forming the football team.”
“Yes.”
Wei Jushen and the others were confused, but since Yan Ge didn’t say much, they didn’t ask further questions. The First Company had always emphasized confidentiality.
Finally, Yan Ge invited everyone to Liuxian Pavilion for a meal.
On the way back to the palace, Yan Ge finally had time to open the silver box.
“Take a look and see what’s inside,” Yan Jin also didn’t know the rewards for the random side missions.
–“Congratulations, you have obtained a pair of top grade spiritual swords.”
Yan Ge was overjoyed. The two swords sparkled, emitting a cold light as they floated in the air.
Ever since he started practicing martial arts, he had always wanted a suitable weapon. Huangfu Yuchen had given him the best sword, the Lingxiao Sword, from the imperial treasury. But that sword was just an ordinary one and not the most suitable for cultivators. These two spiritual swords were different; they possessed powerful spiritual energy, and their power would be even greater when used by cultivators.
“I didn’t expect it to be a pair,” Yan Ge smiled. “It’s just right for me and Yuchen to use.”
Yan Jin was not surprised and said, “By now, you must have realized that no matter what the side mission is—whether it’s simple, difficult, ordinary, or peculiar—it benefits your leveling up. In other words, side missions are designed to serve the main mission. The rewards from side missions naturally benefit the main mission, which means they benefit you, master.”
Yan Ge nodded, “I discovered that long ago. It’s just a pity that there is still one side mission left unfinished, which is to deal with the Vice leader of Centipede.”
“She will appear soon,” Yan Jin comforted.
“I remember you said that the next system upgrade would include a preservation function for the backpack. How much longer do we have to wait?” Yan Ge asked.
Yan Jin said, “I’m afraid we have to wait until you become Guqing.”
Yan Ge said, “Now that I have been promoted twice, it will still take some time for me to become Guiqing.”
Yan Jin said, “Hmm, there’s no rush.”
When they returned to Tenglong Palace, Yan Ge was surprised to find that the Empress was also there, quietly sitting in a chair, drinking tea. Huangfu Yuchen, on the other hand, was busy at a table far away from her, buried in his work.
As soon as the little crown prince saw Yan Jin, he ran over, and Yan Jin took him to a side chamber.
“You’re back,” Huangfu Yuchen put down his pen.
“Yes. I’ve seen the queen.” Yan Ge said.
Before he bowed in greeting, the empress spoke in a gentle voice, “You don’t need to be formal, Yan Caiqing.”
“Thank you, Empress,” Yan Ge wondered about her intentions. It was obvious that she was waiting for him while drinking tea.
Sure enough, the Empress signaled for everyone else to leave and spoke, “I came here for two reasons: first, I brought Xi’er over; secondly, I wanted to let Yan Caiqing know that I will support the Emperor and Yan Caiqing in the matters of the harem. I only hope that Yan Caiqing will always treat Yunxi as his own child.”
Yan Ge could see that she was truly relaxed. Her eyes were calm and pure, without any impurities. He solemnly replied, “Empress, you can rest assured. If I really wanted to harm Yunxi, I would have already done it from the countless opportunities before. Yunxi is Yuchen’s son, so he is also my son.”
The Empress nodded In relief, “Thank you, Yan Caiqing.”
Yan Ge paused for a moment, “Actually, I owe you an apology.”
“Xiao Ge, you did nothing wrong,” Huangfu Yuchen walked over to him, embracing his waist.
The Empress shook her head slightly, “Yan Caiqing, there’s no need to apologize. Didn’t the Emperor tell you? When the Emperor married me, it was just a contractual arrangement. He gave me the position of Empress, and I ensured peace in the harem. The Emperor has never loved me from the beginning to the end. What fault do you have? Furthermore, when I agreed to become Empress, I was well aware that the Emperor would not have only me. I just didn’t expect that the person he wanted would not be me but you.”
Yan Ge’s face felt a bit hot.
The Empress knelt down before Huangfu Yuchen and turned to leave.
“Why are you so hot?” Huangfu Yuchen touched Yan Ge’s face with consern.
Yan Ge pushed his hand away and narrowed his eyes at him, “Why did the Empress come to express herself at this moment?”
Huangfu Yuchen casually replied, “ I have issued a decree to all the palaces, ordering the dismissal of all consorts. For the remaining few, their monthly allowances will be increased by one level as compensation, and there will be nothing else for them.”
Yan Ge’s heart was both pleasantly surprised and somewhat sour. He looked at Huangfu Yuchen with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. He put is so delicately, “the remaining few” referred to those who had already served the emperor.
“Baby,” Huangfu Yuchen pressed Yan Ge’s head against his chest, “those are things from a long time ago.”
“For the sake of your good performance,” Yan Ge wouldn’t really dwell on past matters, “I’ll let it go and give you a gift.”
“What is it?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Yan Ge took out two identical spiritual swords, “Little Jin gave them to me. These are spiritual swords used by cultivators. Once blood is dripped on them, their wonders will be revealed.”
Huangfu Yuchen picked up one of them and carefully examined it, his eyes filled with admiration. “Good things!”
He casually picked up a piece of paper, let it float down, and it immediately broke upon touching the blade. Then he placed the sword blade down on the table without applying any force, and the table was sliced in half.
Both of them used their qi to force a drop of fresh blood from their fingertips onto the spiritual swords. After a fleeting white light flashed on the spiritual swords, they both felt a mysterious connection between themselves and the swords.
Yan Ge said, “When our cultivation reaches a higher level, we can store these spiritual swords within our dantian and use them as needed.”
“Thank you for the gift, baby. I really like it,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
Yan Jin pulled the Little Crown Prince into the hall and said, “Father Emperor, since your mood is good, can I take the Little Crown Prince to the amusement park tomorrow?”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him, “Who told you that if I’m in a good mood, I would agree to let you go out and play?”
“No one told me,” Yan Jin pouted and gestured with his finger, stealing a glance at Yan Ge.
The Little Crown Prince tried hard to appear calm, but his eyes revealed his hidden eagerness.
Huangfu Yuchen winked at Yan Ge, telling him not to agree.
Yan Ge nudged him with his elbow, “Okay—”
“Baby, I should have known that you would oppose me. I should have agreed,” Huangfu Yuchen helplessly said.
“But—” Yan Ge smiled at him, “Why are you so anxious? I haven’t finished speaking.”
Yan Jin and the Little Crown Prince’s excited expressions froze on their faces.
Yan Ge gently said to the Little Crown Prince, “I’ll allow you to go to the amusement park, but not now. There are many scholars in the capital these days, among them are talents who are well-read. The Little Crown Prince should visit the places where these scholars gather, which will be beneficial.”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded, “Indeed.”
Yan Ge patted the Little Crown Prince’s shoulder, “In the coming days, I will have your father make arrangements for someone to take you out of the palace. When you return, you can tell your father about what you saw and heard. It would be even better if you could write it down, consider it as the assignment I’m giving you. If your father feels that you have learned something from it, after the spring examinations, he will take you to the amusement park. How about that?”
The Little Crown Prince replied solemnly, “I will observe and listen carefully, and then report back to Father Emperor and Second Master.”
“Alright.” Yan Ge smiled and ruffled his little head, letting Yan Jin take him to play for a while.
“Baby, you’re too good to him, it makes me jealous.” Huangfu Yuchen said sourly.
Yan Ge raised an eyebrow, “Am I not good to you?”
“Good. But I just hope you’re good to me alone.” Huangfu Yuchen hugged him from behind.
Yan Ge was speechless. If he wasn’t your son, would I put so much effort into him?
“Okay, I promise to be better to you in the future.”
Yan Ge glanced at the desk, “What were you busy with just now?”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “I have been considering reforming the imperial examination system. The ministers have written memorials on the subject.”
Reforming the imperial examination system? Yan Ge turned his head and looked at him with a smile. “Yuchen, I believe that one day you will become an emperor who is remembered throughout the ages.”
Huangfu Yuchen smirked, “Do you have that much confidence in me? Without meeting you, perhaps I wouldn’t have considered this matter so soon. I learned a lot from you during this southern expedition.”
Yan Ge extended his hand.
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t understand, “What is it?”
“Where is the gift to honor your master?” Yan Ge said naturally.
Huangfu Yuchen patted himself, but found nothing. After returning to the palace, he didn’t carry a money pouch like he did outside the palace. He bowed his head and gave Yan Ge a kiss on the lips. “The emperor’s kiss, a priceless treasure.”
Yan Ge clicked his tongue and asked about the important matters. “How do you plan to reform?”
Huangfu Yuchen handed him the booklet, motioning for him to sit down, and began massaging his shoulders. “It’s just a preliminary idea.”
Yan Ge comfortably leaned back in his chair, reading and reciting, “Increase practical analysis and problem-solving methods… Not bad, not bad…”
Huangfu Yuchen saw that he hadn’t turned a page for quite some time and lowered his head in confusion.
Yan Ge had a vacant look in his eyes, not knowing where his thoughts had wandered off to.
“What are you thinking about?”
Yan Ge snapped back to reality, “Do you remember the Dahan numbers I taught you and the Little Crown Prince before?”
Actually, they were just Arabic numerals, but in this world, Arabic didn’t exist, so these numbers were essentially original creations. That’s why he gave them the name “Dahan numbers.”
“I remember. Those numbers are amazing,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “Why do you mention them? I remember you said they weren’t ready to be promoted nationwide yet.”
Yan Ge explained, “At that time, the First Company hadn’t established a solid foundation yet. The Dahan numbers were primarily used for product numbering, and maintaining their uniqueness was necessary. Now that you’ve decided to reform the imperial examination system, you can also promote these numbers nationwide. It will also make it easier to teach new counting and accounting methods in the future.”
Huangfu Yuchen squeezed into his chair and sat down, “Baby, how about using numbers as a secret code? For example, if I write down a series of numbers on paper— 140608, 080807, 910513, and then give you a book.” He then picked up a book of “The Analects” and said, “On page 14, column 6, the 8th character is ‘之’; on page 8, column 8…”
Before he could finish, Yan Ge already understood what he meant, “You mean using numbers as a secret code?”
“Exactly,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “It can be used for military purposes. Sending spies and infiltrators to other kingdoms is common, and if the enemy’s spies gain access to military deployments, it could result in losing a war. If we transform military information into numbers, the possibility of enemy spies obtaining intelligence will be greatly reduced.”
Yan Ge cupped his Huangfu Yuchen’s, looking up, down, left, and right.
Huangfu Yuchen clutched his head, “Are you planning to open up my skull to see what’s inside?” It was too awkward and funny to have a cold face pretending to be scared.
Yan Ge slapped his hand, “Stop acting cute.”
Huangfu Yuchen sighed. Wasn’t he just imitating him?
“What do you think of this idea?”
Yan Ge praised him, “Impressive! But it should be a book a few people know about.”
“Naturally,” Huangfu Yuchen nodded, indicating that he understood.
Yan Ge asked with some concern, “Are you suddenly mentioning this because we’re going to war soon?”
“Of course not, it’s just that as an emperor, I consider every aspect,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
