This small court session’s main topic was the “snow disaster.” Since winter’s arrival, temperatures have plummeted dramatically.
Families who had barely managed by tightening their belts now faced the cold wave’s impact, forced to spend more silver on charcoal, cotton clothing, and other necessities.
But for poor farming households, their yearly income was fixed and meager, requiring careful calculation for food, clothing, and daily necessities.
Spending money on charcoal and cotton clothes meant no silver left for rice.
Many impoverished citizens couldn’t survive this winter, with countless lives lost to hunger and cold.
The court received successive memorials from local officials, describing the disaster’s severity with phrases like “not one household remains in ten villages.”
The Deputy Minister of the Court of Justice immediately stepped forward and bowed:
“Your Majesty, we must have the Ministry of Revenue mobilize funds and grain for disaster relief. When people lack food and clothing, unable to survive the winter, they will inevitably become refugees plaguing various provinces…
“Those plundered by refugees will also become refugees. If we cannot quell this disaster early, it may breed great calamity.”
Before the Yong Xing Emperor could speak, the Minister of Revenue hurriedly stepped forward, crying out:
“Your Majesty, the treasury is empty—we simply cannot spare additional funds and grain for disaster relief. Please reconsider!”
Every year’s disaster relief period threatened to shake his position as Minister of Revenue.
Sure enough, the Revenue Ministry’s Senior Secretary rushed to twist the knife:
“Your Majesty, I must impeach the Minister of Revenue for abusing his power for personal gain, taking bribes, and conspiring with his faction to drain the court’s resources, leading to the empty treasury.”
The Minister of Revenue fell to his knees, shouting: “I beg to retire!”
The Yong Xing Emperor’s mouth twitched violently, his face expressionless as he looked down at his officials.
Factionalism, factionalism!
Even today, still engaging in factional struggles!
It was you a lot of scholars, only knowing internal strife, who joined with the former emperor to bring Great Feng to such misery… The Yong Xing Emperor clenched his hands within his sleeves, saying with a gentle smile:
“I said yesterday that with the disaster so severe, the entire court must unite as rulers and ministers to discuss countermeasures. My beloved officials, please calm yourselves.”
The Minister of Revenue and others immediately ceased their arguments.
The Yong Xing Emperor nodded in satisfaction and asked loudly: “How are the local charity granaries’ reserves?”
The Minister of Revenue replied: “They’ve all been opened for disaster relief. However, during the autumn harvest, the court’s battle with the Shamanic Religion greatly weakened us. The provisions and fodder were requisitioned from various regions then. Therefore, local charity granaries lack sufficient grain.”
The Yong Xing Emperor thought for a moment: “What about the official granaries?”
As his words fell, the assembled officials looked at each other. Left Censor-in-Chief Liu Hong stepped forward:
“Your Majesty must not. To maintain stability in various regions and allow clerks and officials to function normally, we cannot touch the official granaries.”
Charity granaries were specifically for disaster relief in years of famine.
Official granaries were for paying officials’ salaries.
If the official granaries were touched and the court couldn’t pay salaries, that would truly bring chaos to the realm.
The Yong Xing Emperor’s face darkened: “Then what solution does Beloved Official Liu propose?”
Liu Hong pondered: “The northern barbarians still owe our court countless furs, salt, and iron ore. Your Majesty could send envoys to the northern borders to collect these debts.”
The Yong Xing Emperor’s eyes lit up, and the officials below began discussing, but then Prime Minister Wang stepped out of formation and bowed:
“This cannot be done!”
The officials immediately objected:
“Why not?”
“This official finds Lord Liu’s plan excellent.”
“Indeed, the barbarians have countless herds and furs—perfect for keeping warm and solving the court’s urgent needs.”
Prime Minister Wang patiently waited for the officials to finish before continuing:
“When the oath was drafted that day, it was written by Advanced Scholar Xu Xin Nian of the Hanlin Academy, with my supervision. In black and white, it states that the barbarians’ tribute of furs, cattle, and sheep to Great Feng would come after three years.
“The war has barely been over for two months, and the barbarians are also rebuilding, facing material shortages. To demand they fulfill the contract now…”
Prime Minister Wang didn’t continue, but the officials understood.
This would force the barbarians and Great Feng into conflict.
The Yong Xing Emperor grew somewhat agitated: “What solution does the Prime Minister propose?”
Prime Minister Wang sighed internally, feeling the burning gazes from behind without needing to turn around.
As Prime Minister, some things couldn’t be avoided, so he said gravely:
“Though the treasury is empty, wealthy merchants abound in and around the capital, and throughout the Central Plains. Your Majesty could call for nationwide donations from righteous individuals.”
Here it comes… the officials’ hearts sank.
Rumors had circulated in the capital days ago that His Majesty intended to call for donations to fill the empty treasury, cutting flesh from their bones.
The Yong Xing Emperor had been waiting for this moment and smiled:
“An excellent method. How does the Prime Minister suggest we make this call?”
Prime Minister Wang replied: “The officials should lead by example in donating. I am willing to donate half my family’s wealth to aid disaster victims.”
This statement caused an uproar among the assembled officials.
Several members of the Wang faction and former Wei faction immediately responded, expressing willingness to follow Prime Minister Wang in donating half their family wealth to fill the treasury.
But more officials opposed the idea.
“Your Majesty, this cannot be done.”
“We live frugally with empty sleeves—what family wealth do we have?”
“Merchants pursue profit—asking them to donate would be like cutting flesh, surely causing an uproar.”
“The empty treasury must not be publicized, lest the Shamanic Religion learn of it and bring war. Internally, it would also let the people know the court is weak inside, leading to refugees becoming bandits—endless troubles.”
Hearing the Emperor’s call for donations and Prime Minister Wang’s lead in donating half his family wealth, the officials reacted strongly, showing unprecedented unity in standing together—even though they usually were at odds.
The Yong Xing Emperor raised his hand to quiet the ministers’ clamor.
This was the imperial study, not the main hall—there were no eunuchs to crack whips and rebuke them.
After the officials quieted, he looked to the Deputy Minister of the Court of Justice:
“Deputy Minister, what is your opinion?”
The assembled officials were all core faction members—securing their cooperation would secure most of the factions.
The Deputy Minister of the Court of Justice was now the Qi faction’s leader, their only head. If he agreed, the Qi faction could be won over, or at least most of it.
“Your Majesty!” The Deputy Minister stepped forward, crying plaintively:
“I have served as an official for twenty years, diligently and honestly, with empty sleeves—no ice in the summer heat, no coal in the bitter cold, barely making ends meet.”
Speaking thus, he shook his hands, letting his wide sleeves fall to reveal hands covered in chilblains.
“I would give my life for the court, unto death. But I pity my wife and children—I cannot let them freeze in the streets. If Your Majesty insists on this, I beg to retire.”
Old fox… The Yong Xing Emperor’s head throbbed painfully as he quickly waved his hand:
“It won’t come to that, it won’t come to that…”
If it did, he would become the greedy emperor who forced officials to donate, causing them to resign. His reputation would be ruined, and if the history books recorded it…
Well, he’d be no better than the former emperor.
The Yong Xing Emperor was certain these scholars would write it exactly that way.
Because they were the ones being forced to donate.
The Yong Xing Emperor questioned other officials but met with various soft refusals.
If they weren’t pleading poverty, they were begging to retire.
The young emperor’s face grew increasingly dark, caught in an impossible position, until he finally slammed the table.
“This won’t work, that won’t work—what use is it for the court to support you? Within three days, I want a perfect solution. If you can’t produce one, you can all get out!”
“Your Majesty, calm your anger!”
The officials all knelt.
…
The small court session ended early due to the Yong Xing Emperor’s loss of composure and anger.
Prime Minister Wang adjusted his official hat, hands tucked in his sleeves, walking side by side along the spacious stone-paved road with Wei Yuan’s successor, Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate and Night Watchmen leader Liu Hong.
The Meridian Gate lay ahead.
Guards stood watch in the distance, and palace troops patrolled. Prime Minister Wang’s gaze idly followed the palace troops before returning as he spoke slowly:
“His Majesty revealed his weakness for reputation too obviously—how can he contend with these old foxes?
“His Majesty is still too young.”
“He has the heart to strengthen the country and work practically, but his ability falls short.” Liu Hong made no effort to hide his disdain.
Prime Minister Wang drew in a cold breath, his nose red from the cold, and said flatly:
“Crude methods, insufficient scheming—these can all be learned. The Fourth Prince wouldn’t be any better than him.”
Liu Hong made a seemingly unrelated comment: “It’s a pity Princess Huai Qing is a mere woman.”
Prime Minister Wang sneered: “Wasn’t it Princess Huai Qing who gave Er Lang the idea to propose the court’s donation drive in his memorial? Did you think I wouldn’t know?”
Liu Hong admitted frankly: “Prime Minister’s insight is keen indeed.”
“Not targeting merchants alone for donations, but having His Majesty mobilize all officials to set an example—she shows some foresight.”
Prime Minister Wang snorted, his expression turning cold:
“Tell Huai Qing that if she wants to test her methods in the future, don’t use my future son-in-law as a pawn. His Majesty will inevitably lose face over this matter, and when that happens, Er Lang won’t escape his displeasure.”
Liu Hong remained silent.
After walking side by side for a while, Prime Minister Wang’s anger subsided, and he said flatly:
“The court treasury is empty, and the Ministry of Revenue can barely continue. His Majesty’s reluctance to touch those funds and grain is to guard against the rebel army in Cloud Province.”
Liu Hong said gravely:
“But if we allow the disaster to spread and the number of refugees to grow daily, causing chaos everywhere, this too is what the rebels want to see. Using military funds plays into the rebels’ hands. Not using them still pleases the rebels.
“Though I’ve never dealt with Xu Ping Feng directly, I already know his methods are masterful—truly chilling.”
If military salaries couldn’t be paid, the army would mutiny.
But ignoring the disaster and failing to control the growing refugee population would lead to increasing chaos, with equally terrifying consequences of internal instability.
“Princess Huai Qing had no choice.” Liu Hong sighed: “We thought after the former emperor’s departure, the court would enter a new era, but who knew it would be such a mess.”
Prime Minister Wang gazed into the distance, seemingly moved.
After a while, he said gravely:
“If this plan could work, it would indeed solve our urgent crisis. But she overlooked one crucial point. To make these old foxes and officials at all levels willingly open their purses requires someone who can control the situation.
“Looking at the court, the Observatory Master counts as one, the former emperor counted as one, Wei Yuan and I together counted as one, and Xu Qi An counts as one.
“The Observatory Master doesn’t manage court affairs, the former emperor and Wei Yuan are gone, and Xu Qi An is wandering the jianghu—I asked Er Lang recently, and there’s still no news of him.”
Liu Hong was startled internally—Prime Minister Wang had already seen through and thoroughly understood this strategy, quietly investigating and analyzing it before anyone else had noticed.
…
At Jing Xiu Palace.
The Yong Xing Emperor arrived in his imperial palanquin, entering Jing Xiu Palace surrounded by eunuchs.
He paused in the courtyard, took a deep breath, and massaged his brow to ease his severe expression.
With a slight smile appearing on his lips, he crossed the courtyard, stepped over the threshold, and saw his mother and sister waiting.
Noble Consort Chen, who had ordered the dishes reheated several times, gently reproached:
“Though Your Majesty is in the prime of life, you must still mind your dragon body and not overwork yourself.”
“Mother, don’t worry—Ling Bao Temple has plenty of spiritual medicines for health and nourishment.” Lin An waved her little hand, smiling like a flower:
“Imperial Brother, come eat quickly.”
The Yong Xing Emperor smiled, dispelling the court’s gloom, and began dining with the maids’ attendance.
After a few bites, he chatted with his mother and sister about family matters.
“The other day, Zhi Er mentioned that a young girl from Prime Minister Wang’s household came to the Secretariat. Long Kang accidentally offended her and got beaten.
“Zhi Er tried to avenge his cousin but ended up with bumps all over his head.”
“Zhi Er” was the Yong Xing Emperor’s third son, ten years old this year.
Long Kang was Lin An’s sixth brother’s second son.
Hearing her grandson had been beaten, Noble Consort Chen’s expression changed dramatically, her eyebrows rising: “How did I not know of this?”
“I suppressed the matter.”
“Why?”
Noble Consort Chen asked suspiciously, unable to understand her son’s actions.
The Yong Xing Emperor smiled bitterly: “That was Xu Qi An’s young sister. Fortunately, she was sent out of the palace that day and didn’t even start her studies.”
Noble Consort Chen fell silent immediately.
Little did they know, the Imperial Tutor had dodged a bullet.
After eating for a while, Noble Consort Chen noticed the Yong Xing Emperor remained gloomy and asked softly:
“Your Majesty, are there difficulties at court?”
The Yong Xing Emperor hesitated, then sighed helplessly:
“The Treasury has no silver left, and we’ve just finished a war. The local granaries’ reserves are insufficient to aid disaster victims. This has led to refugees rising everywhere, turning into bandits.
“My realm is in complete disarray.”
He also spoke of his setback in calling for donations.
The Yong Xing Emperor massaged his brow, “Only after sitting in this position does one know how difficult it is. Everyone at court seems an enemy.”
Though he had only recently ascended the throne, he already felt the multiple obstacles and the helplessness of not controlling his own policies.
This was something he couldn’t have personally experienced as Crown Prince.
The atmosphere at the table suddenly grew heavy.
The Yong Xing Emperor quickly said: “Let’s not think of these troubling matters. Mother, let your son toast you.”
After drinking, the Yong Xing Emperor chose lighter topics, trying to make Noble Consort Chen laugh and ease the family dinner’s atmosphere.
Lin An watched her brother silently, feeling somewhat sad.
Previously, she had felt Crown Prince Brother was obsessed with inheriting the throne, and many of his thoughts and concepts made her uncomfortable.
But time had passed, and after experiencing so much, she had matured considerably.
Crown Prince Brother’s deep attachment to the throne, besides his desire for power, largely stemmed from her and their mother’s situation.
Mother was oppressed by the Empress, unable to hold her head high, while she was often bullied by Huai Qing, and the Fourth Prince had Wei Yuan’s support at court.
Crown Prince Brother just wanted to fight back, to let Mother hold her head high before the Empress, to let her show off freely before Huai Qing.
…
After lunch, Lin An used the excuse of walking to aid digestion to visit De Xin Garden.
Just as she entered Huai Qing’s territory, she saw a handsome, tall young official leaving.
His eyes were like stars, his lips red and teeth white, and his facial features had grown more rugged, appearing more masculine.
“This humble official greets Your Highness.”
Xu Xin Nian stopped and bowed.
“Why is Lord Xu here?”
Lin An’s alluring peach blossom eyes moved as she looked him up and down.
Xu Xin Nian said: “I came to discuss scholarship with Princess Huai Qing.”
After a pause, he asked: “By the way, has my elder brother sent any letters to Your Highness lately?”
Hearing this, Lin An grew deeply resentful, letting out a delicate snort:
“Who is your elder brother? This princess doesn’t know him. Don’t block the way.”
Her skirts swirling, she brushed past Xu Xin Nian.
That dog slave had been gone from the capital for over a month without any word—clearly, he didn’t have her in his thoughts at all.
She went straight to the inner courtyard, led by palace maids to the inner hall, where she saw Huai Qing sitting behind a desk drinking tea.
“I just met Xu Ci Jiu outside. What was he doing here?”
Lin An asked.
Usually, those invited into a princess’s residence were people of special relationship.
Women aside, for men, they were all confidants.
But Lin An knew Xu Xin Nian was the Wang family’s future son-in-law, and Prime Minister Wang was her Imperial Brother’s man.
“Discussing scholarship.”
Huai Qing brushed it off casually, then asked: “Why are you here?”
She didn’t particularly welcome Lin An—this sister chirped like a sparrow, and if you weren’t careful, she’d fly over and peck your face.
Though her combat ability remained as weak as ever, the Yong Xing Emperor was now in power.
Huai Qing had to be somewhat wary.
Although Lin An was unwilling to accept defeat, she had never complained to the Yong Xing Emperor.
Lin An came to the desk, lifted her skirts to sit down, and said:
“Huai Qing, you’re full of ideas. Let me ask you something.”
Huai Qing nodded coldly.
Lin An explained the donation situation, her delicate brows furrowing:
“Do you have any way to make those old foxes open their purses voluntarily?”
Huai Qing said flatly: “If someone tries to take your family wealth, will you give it or not?”
Lin An thought for a moment and said: “That depends on who it is. If that dog slave asked me for silver, this princess would give it.”
Huai Qing took a sip of tea, “So it won’t work with people who aren’t close. Of course, your Emperor Brother can’t get money by asking.”
Lin An felt this made sense and probed: “Coercion?”
Huai Qing shook her head:
“That’s the best method, and also the most foolish. Foolish because His Majesty can’t do it himself, or he’ll face widespread criticism and massive backlash from court and common people alike.
“But some people can do it, and the court officials would have no choice but to comply.”
Lin An’s eyes brightened: “Who?”
Huai Qing was once again disappointed by her sister’s wisdom—trading subtle hints with her was truly uninteresting.
“What do you think about the Observatory Master?”
“I suppose so…”
“What about the former Northern Marquis, Great Feng’s number one warrior?”
“Y-yes, I suppose…”
“Then who is Great Feng’s number one warrior now?”
Lin An finally understood, her face lighting up as she slapped the table with her small hand:
“You mean that dog slave!”
But her face fell immediately, saying disappointedly: “But he’s not in the capital.”