Fu Xuan on the side thought to himself: Even if he has objections, he wouldn’t dare express them, would he?

Everyone ate dinner in silence. Zhao Hanzhang had Zeng Yue send someone to escort the three back.

Zhao Erlang had already drunk himself under the table. Zeng Yue carried him onto the carriage, with Wang Shi following behind.

Wang Shi had been somewhat silent tonight. Only today did she truly face Zhao Hanzhang’s authority directly.

Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan stood at the entrance seeing them off. After they had gone far, the two exchanged a glance, smiled, and left hand in hand.

Walking to the garden, Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t suppress a sneeze. Fu Tinghan grew anxious. “Did you catch cold?”

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head. “It must be someone talking about me.”

It was Guo Pu. He had also attended the wedding today, getting a close look at Fu Tinghan, then couldn’t help looking at Zhao Hanzhang again, unable to suppress his inner laughter.

This Fu Tinghan was also interesting. “含章可贞” (kan zhang ke zhen – Hanzhang can be chaste)—this divination from Kun hexagram’s third line wasn’t cast for her at all. It clearly applied to Fu Tinghan instead. He truly had the appearance of a worthy minister, complementing her perfectly.

Guo Pu had expended too much energy today. His head immediately throbbed with pain as he fell back on the bed, staring blankly, thinking: such an interesting place with no danger—he should stay for a longer period no matter what.

It seemed the divination was correct. This truly was his path to survival.

Here, he could finally avoid that nemesis Wang Dun, right?

However, it wasn’t good to keep lodging at someone else’s home. From what Ji Yuan implied, Zhao Hanzhang intended to recruit him. He just didn’t know what position it would be. If the position wasn’t too high and was also leisurely, should he take it?

Fleeing all the way from Jiangnan to here, Guo Pu had long run out of money. Although he hadn’t lived a hard life along the way by fortune-telling for people, calculating money based on divinations also damaged his dignity too much.

No, no. Being an official was better.

Guo Pu was already hoping Zhao Hanzhang would give him a leisurely yet well-paid position.

Zhao Hanzhang returned to her room and couldn’t help sneezing again. She couldn’t help wondering—was she really catching cold?

But sensing her body, her throat showed no abnormalities, and her back wasn’t cold either.

Ting He came forward. “Young Lady, the hot water is all prepared.”

Zhao Hanzhang came to her senses and nodded. “Good. You may all withdraw.”

Fu Tinghan let Zhao Hanzhang bathe first. He collected all the miscellaneous red dates and nuts on the bed into a box, made the bed properly, then took his clothes to bathe in the side room.

When he rushed in from outside with his hair loose and wet, Zhao Hanzhang was already sitting cross-legged on the bed, holding a box in her hands and examining something.

She looked up at him. “Wait a bit longer. Going to the side room to wash and then being blown by cold wind makes it easy to catch cold.”

Fu Tinghan folded the fox fur he’d been wearing and placed it on the wooden couch. “It’s fine. I wrapped up well.”

Zhao Hanzhang shifted over, making room for him. “The bedding was warmed with a hot water bottle. Come up quickly.”

This hot water bottle was something Zhao Hanzhang had Qinggu make because Wang Shi feared the cold. It was very useful, so she had Treasure Pavilion stock this item. Since then it began spreading widely. Now quite a few households used them.

Even after the usage method spread, some families who couldn’t afford metal hot water bottles made hot water bags from cowhide, sheepskin, or other animal hides to use.

Fu Tinghan sat across from her. Seeing her still holding the box, he coughed lightly, somewhat uncomfortable. “It seems to be getting late…”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and handed him the box. “Look. This is what the Imperial Medical Academy Director sent.”

Fu Tinghan took it, looking at the contents with some confusion. “What is this…”

He belatedly realized, his eyes widening. “This can actually be made?”

“Even radio transceivers have been made. As long as we find suitable materials, what in this world can’t be made?” Zhao Hanzhang said. “I don’t want to get pregnant for now. At least not while the realm remains unsettled. This is the best method.”

Fu Tinghan said, “I thought you’d use medicine…” He naturally knew they shouldn’t have children at this time. He had even consulted the imperial physicians—men could also use medicine for contraception.

“Medicine harms the body and can’t be used frequently.” Zhao Hanzhang leaned close to him, kissing the corner of his mouth, and whispered, “Let’s use this first. If it doesn’t work, we’ll discuss other options.”

Fu Tinghan’s throat bobbed as he reached out to hold her waist, responding quietly, “Alright.”

Zhao Hanzhang rarely slept so well. When she opened her eyes, bright daylight already filled the outside, with light streaming through the window somewhat dazzling.

Zhao Hanzhang turned her head to look at Fu Tinghan beside her, his eyes still tightly closed. But seeing his eyelashes tremble, she moved closer to stare at his eyes, asking in a small voice, “Not awake yet?”

Fu Tinghan’s eyelids moved but didn’t open.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, gently lifting the covers to rise. “Then you keep sleeping. I’ll get up first.”

Zhao Hanzhang changed clothes and went to the adjacent room to wash. Ting He and other servants were already waiting. After they served her, the main room also showed activity.

Ting He said, “This morning, Nanny Ren from the Princess’s courtyard came asking whether Young Lady and the young master will return to that mansion for the meal today?”

Zhao Hanzhang thought for a moment and said, “Today I need to see Teacher Ji and also enter the palace to see the young emperor. Tell her we’re busy with official duties. If we have time this afternoon, we’ll return for the evening meal.”

Zhao Hanzhang washed her face clean, applied some things, then asked, “What time did it snow last night? Was it heavy?”

“It snowed in the latter half of the night. Not heavy. When the servants woke this morning, they all said it was auspicious snow.”

“Indeed auspicious snow,” Zhao Hanzhang smiled. “This is the third snowfall this year. None particularly heavy, yet thick enough to cover the wheat. Go prepare a gift. We’ll use it when visiting Teacher Ji’s mansion to see Guo Pu shortly.”

Ting He agreed and asked, “But I don’t know what this Master Guo likes?”

Zhao Hanzhang thought for a moment and said, “Never mind. I’ll go ask Tinghan for some draft papers shortly. You find a good box and pack them later.”

Ting He was dumbfounded. “Send, send draft papers? Used ones from the young master?”

Zhao Hanzhang tapped her forehead. “Don’t underestimate his draft papers. To those who understand, these are priceless treasures.”

Ting He began pondering. She needed to speak with Fu’an. From now on, the young master’s things, even discarded written papers, must be carefully kept and not carelessly thrown away.

Zhao Hanzhang moved her body in the courtyard, loosening up before returning inside. Fu Tinghan had also finished washing. After they ate together, they went to Ji Yuan’s home.

Fu Tinghan brought his calculations on the five planets. Of course, these weren’t drafts but his careful calculations. He still had some uncertainties and wanted to consult with the other party, since Guo Pu was skilled in numerology and astronomy.

Ancient star observation and celestial body calculations were actually very advanced. Even into the modern era, they still led the West. Their theories remained current even in modern times, with mysteries even they couldn’t solve.

He never dared underestimate any predecessor.

He carefully organized the papers and placed them in a box, feeling somewhat uncertain. “Will giving this as a gift seem inadequate?”

“Not at all. Gift-giving should cater to preferences. Isn’t this exactly what he likes?” Zhao Hanzhang said with certainty. “He’ll definitely like it.”

Fu Tinghan put himself in the recipient’s position. If someone gave him problems he was currently calculating and discussed them together, he’d be very happy too. So he nodded, closed the box, and said, “Let’s go.”

The two went to Ji Yuan’s mansion together. Ji Yuan had anticipated this and was already waiting at the main gate to greet them.

Zhao Hanzhang asked, “Did Teacher sleep well last night?”

Ji Yuan replied, “I slept well, but I don’t know if other colleagues slept well.”

Zhao Hanzhang laughed heartily, feeling no guilt about leaving such a difficult problem that would prevent them from enjoying the New Year properly.

Ji Yuan invited them to a pavilion in the garden. It had a second floor with large windows. Guo Pu was on the second floor sitting around a brazier admiring the snow.

Guo Pu was warming wine to drink. Seeing the three come up, he quickly rose to greet them. “This humble Guo pays respects to the Grand General.”

Zhao Hanzhang gestured for him to dispense with formalities. “Please rise quickly. I’ve long heard of Master Guo’s great reputation. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your name. I heard that Kuai Yi and others could safely reach Luoyang entirely thanks to your guidance, avoiding many dangers along the way.”

Guo Pu didn’t demur, directly saying, “Merely small calculations. Small misfortunes and minor harms can be avoided, but great disasters and calamities are difficult to resolve. One can only follow heaven’s timing and prepare early.”

“Oh? But I wonder what great disasters Dajin will face within this year?”

Guo Pu suddenly raised his eyes, looking directly at her. After a moment, he suddenly smiled. “No major natural disasters. Minor ones like individual commanderies and counties experiencing uneven drought and flooding—with the Grand General’s abilities, these can quickly be stabilized.”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “Then there are man-made disasters?”

“Misfortune relies upon fortune. Perhaps it will even be the Grand General’s blessing.” Guo Pu said, “The Mandate of Heaven has already changed due to the Grand General’s virtue. As long as the Grand General doesn’t forget her original intentions and doesn’t repeat the paths of Prince Donghai, Gou Xi, and others, then for the nation there will be no great disasters.”

Zhao Hanzhang laughed heartily, raising her wine cup. “Good! I accept Master Guo’s auspicious words!”

Guo Pu’s eyes flickered as he drained his wine. He had thought she would ask about the Mandate of Heaven.

After all, who could resist that temptation?

The Prince of Langya had asked, even Wang Dun had secretly inquired. Yet unexpectedly, she didn’t even mention it, directly changing the subject. “The court lacks talented people like Master Guo. I wonder if you’re willing to stay in Luoyang as an official?”

“This…”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “I can recommend you as Lesser Chamberlain of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.”

Guo Pu’s eyes flickered. She said “recommend,” but coming from her mouth, it was practically a direct appointment.

Lesser Chamberlain of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, second in rank only to the Chamberlain, mainly assisted the Chamberlain in conducting sacrifices, rites and music, state altars, education, and similar activities. Oh, and also divination and calendar calculations.

Yesterday’s wedding for Zhao Hanzhang also fell under the Court of Imperial Sacrifices’ responsibilities.

This place didn’t have much work. According to Guo Pu’s understanding, unless the emperor died or ascended, with a change of ruler, everyone generally just did basic calendar calculation work.

The calendars currently used by the court were basically copied from the Taichu Calendar. Some places hadn’t even updated and still used the Taichu Calendar. They just made annual corrections and printed more copies for distribution—the work was extremely leisurely.

A deputy official with high status, high salary, and leisurely work. Guo Pu weighed it and felt this position was acceptable. Most importantly, he had fled. The Prince of Langya and Wang Dun definitely wanted him eliminated.

After all, they had each asked him such life-threatening questions.

All along the way from Jiangnan, he had relied entirely on his talents and abilities to evade wave after wave of people coming to capture or kill him. The world was vast, but those who could shelter him now were only the King of Shu and Zhao Hanzhang.

The King of Shu… forget it. Not entirely safe either. What if the Prince of Langya offered too much and he sold him out?

Moreover, the King of Shu had now also submitted to Zhao Hanzhang, so Zhao Hanzhang was still the most formidable.

Fate had guided him here, indicating this was his destination.

Having decided, Guo Pu rose and bowed. “How dare I not comply!”

Zhao Hanzhang laughed happily and smoothly added, “I’ll arrange a residence for you, right by the Imperial Academy. Chamberlain Zhao Zitu serves as Sacrificial Wine at the Imperial Academy, teaching there. I see your numerology is extremely formidable. Why don’t you also register at the Imperial Academy and become a Doctor? What do you think?”

Guo Pu hesitated. Ji Yuan beside him smiled and said, “It’s just numerology. Sacrificial Wine Zhao teaches the classics, history, and hundred schools. Each day he also has leisure for drinking wine and tea. Master Guo needn’t worry about time constraints.”

Guo Pu thought about it—indeed. Official schools didn’t place much emphasis on subjects like numerology, far less than the intensity of teaching classics, history, and hundred schools.

It seemed worth trying. He could draw two salaries. Not that he loved money, but he had just arrived in Luoyang penniless. Having become an official, he needed to acquire many things and buy servants. He had no money!

So under Zhao Hanzhang’s expectant gaze and Ji Yuan’s encouragement, he agreed.

Zhao Hanzhang was delighted and only then presented the gift she’d brought.

Guo Pu had originally intended to set it aside and open it after everyone left, but Zhao Hanzhang looked at him with expectant eyes. “Won’t Master Guo open it to look?”

Guo Pu paused, then opened the box.

Guo Pu: !!

He picked up the papers inside in bewilderment. Zhao Hanzhang wouldn’t be giving him poetry and prose, would she?

Although that would indeed be an honor, what he lacked now was money…

Upon seeing the contents clearly, Guo Pu’s expression gradually turned serious. He began reading carefully while rapidly calculating in his mind. When he saw the later page with the five planets’ orbital trajectory diagram, Guo Pu suddenly sat bolt upright, asking excitedly, “Who calculated this? Please tell me, Grand General, who drew this?”

Zhao Hanzhang pointed at Fu Tinghan.

Guo Pu turned to look at Fu Tinghan, who had been sitting quietly since coming upstairs. He gripped the papers tightly, leaned forward, and grasped Fu Tinghan’s hand. “A kindred spirit! Master Fu, what did you base this five-planet orbital trajectory diagram on?”

“I calculated the elliptical orbit difference—the solar expansion-contraction difference.” Having calculated the expansion-contraction difference, naturally he could also draw the trajectory diagram.

Actually, he had initially created astronomical diagrams to fulfill his promise to Zhao Hanzhang—to find the way home. But later they discovered it was impossible and gradually accepted this world. When he continued his research, it was to write a new calendar.

“Elliptical, elliptical—why are your five planets’ movements elliptical?” Guo Pu said. “Celestial bodies move because of vital energy—the heavens’ energy causes it. But their movement has no distinction of fast or slow. Why elliptical?”

Fu Tinghan said, “Because the five planets’ movement trajectories have both straight and curved sections, especially at perihelion. This creates the expansion-contraction difference.”

“How did you know the trajectories have straight and curved sections?”

Fu Tinghan said, “It can be observed. Actually, what I’m more curious about is the relationship between celestial body movement trajectories and fate, as well as time and weather.” This was also one reason why, although he was doing calculations, he dared not put brush to paper on the calendar. He could calculate, but he still couldn’t use them in an integrated way.

Recently, he’d spent his free time reading astronomical theories and data from successive dynasties.

But due to warfare, official records and books that survived were few. For a time, he fell into a state of having no books to read and no materials to consult.

He needed a knowledgeable expert to guide him. Guo Pu was a very suitable candidate.

Guo Pu paused, set down the papers, and sat formally. “I wonder whether Master Fu believes heaven and earth are spherical or flat like a cover?”

The theory of a spherical heaven had existed since the Warring States period, but wasn’t widely accepted. Not until the Han dynasty did more voices affirm the spherical heaven theory. But even now, the two viewpoints still remained at odds. Some people, even knowing heaven was spherical and suspended in the universe, wouldn’t admit it verbally.

So now there were still two factions.

Guo Pu felt that discussing scholarship required finding those with the same fundamental understanding. Otherwise, remaining time would be spent arguing, greatly affecting his lifespan. So he had to ask clearly first.

Fu Tinghan said, “Heaven and earth are spherical, like a sphere. Earth is like an egg yolk. What we see as heaven is actually the atmosphere…”

Zhang Heng of the Han dynasty believed heaven was larger than earth. Heaven and earth were like an egg—heaven was the egg white, while earth was the yolk in the middle. So earth was enveloped by heaven.

Actually, in a certain sense, his imagination and conclusion weren’t wrong.

Seeing them start talking, Zhao Hanzhang looked toward Ji Yuan, nodded, and rose to leave.

Ji Yuan quickly rose and quietly followed her down, leaving the two men upstairs to discuss their theories.

Zhao Hanzhang walked through the snow—crunch, crunch—to a plum tree, examining it repeatedly. Ji Yuan handed her scissors.

Zhao Hanzhang cut down the plum blossoms she fancied. “I heard that in recent days, the plum blossoms in Luoyang have all been stripped bare by students from the Imperial Academy and Luoyang School.”

Ji Yuan said, “This is also their blessing to you and the young master.”

Zhao Hanzhang handed the cut red plum branches to Ting He. “Hold these. We’ll take them to the palace shortly to present to His Majesty.”

Ting He took the flower branches and withdrew.

Zeng Yue stood in the distance. Zhao Hanzhang played with the scissors in her hand, asking, “What did everyone think last night?”

Ji Yuan smiled. “After several years of great war, quite a few officials have only daughters remaining in their families. Moreover, those inheriting family property are their own daughters after all. Everyone still cherishes their children. This issue isn’t major. But the female household reform…”

He said, “Labor service and taxes are major issues.”

“Indeed,” Zhao Hanzhang sighed. “I know that too. Most women’s strength doesn’t match men’s, so labor service requires more men. But what if labor service were changed to contributions?”

“You mean female household heads substitute contributions for service?”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded. “Women excel at weaving. They can substitute service with silk, hemp, and cloth. But if the household has adult males, they won’t be eligible for substituting contributions for service.”

The household registration reform wasn’t limited to widows. There were all sorts of various detailed distinctions. Besides female household reform, there were other new household registration regulations. Her goal was to encourage them to have more children, establish more households, pay more taxes, and cultivate more land.

Ji Yuan pondered, “If so, I fear female households will become prevalent. At that time…”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled. “Then we’ll reduce the harm of labor service, increase labor service compensation, balance things out—perhaps we can suppress it by twenty or thirty percent.”

Ji Yuan frowned slightly, then smoothed his brow. “You’re doing this intentionally, aren’t you? All under heaven bustle for profit. Female households are clearly more advantageous than male households. When the time comes, the poor common folk throughout the realm will certainly favor female households over male households.”

Zhao Hanzhang sighed. “Teacher, methods that are too severe easily provoke people’s rebellious hearts. Haven’t you always advised me to proceed gradually? Currently, among the Imperial Academy’s three hundred eighty-nine students, there are only sixteen female students.”

“When I look around, throughout the entire nation, there are very few female students qualified to enter the Imperial Academy. I’ve announced to the realm recruiting students, yet the female students who come to study are extremely few.” Zhao Hanzhang said, “This world lacks people, yet there are many women. Why not put them to use?”

“And women better understand how to employ women, allowing them to contribute to this nation. Because of the education system and official system over the past thirty years, there aren’t many literate women. So within ten years, the female officials I can use are limited. And women from the lower classes are even fewer.” Zhao Hanzhang said, “I can only work from bottom to top. I don’t know how many capable women the female household reform can cultivate for the future, but if there’s even one, and she influences those around her, then I’ll have no regrets.”

Ji Yuan fell silent. Finally, he nodded. “I will do my utmost to facilitate this matter.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled with satisfaction.

“Hey, how did you learn this?” The discussion upstairs grew louder. Ji Yuan and Zhao Hanzhang both turned to look.

Zhao Hanzhang said, “Have someone find a suitable mansion. I’ll have soldiers help clean it later. Guo Pu is very important. I plan to revise the calendar. This isn’t the work of a day. Please, Teacher, you must keep him here.”

Ji Yuan had a headache. “I observe he’s a lazy and unrestrained person. You’re giving him so much work all at once…”

“Hey, I’m not having him take on so much all at once. It’s still the New Year after all. First, settle him in. The Imperial Academy classes can start two months later. First, let him adapt to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices’ work. What’s important is the calendar. The calendar must be produced. Best to have a rough outline before spring, and also weather—have him calculate more.”

Such a useful weather forecaster couldn’t be wasted.

Ji Yuan held back, but still couldn’t suppress it. “Doesn’t the Grand General want to ask him about the Mandate of Heaven?”

Zhao Hanzhang looked at him curiously. “Doesn’t Teacher Ji not believe in such things?”

“I don’t believe, but many in this world do believe. I see the Grand General isn’t someone who completely disbelieves either.”

Zhao Hanzhang laughed heartily, then grew serious, saying solemnly, “Having already decided what to do, with no retreat even possible, why ask ghosts and spirits?”

Receiving good news would lead to pride and complacency, thus neglecting vigilance. Receiving bad news would cause anxiety and sadness, thus acting with bias.

Since neither outcome was good, better not to hear or ask, and just follow one’s own plan.

Ji Yuan most loved this composure and determination of hers. He immediately said, “Grand General, rest assured. On New Year’s Eve night, I’ll give you news.”

Zhao Hanzhang said happily, “With Teacher acting, naturally I’m at ease.”

Fu Tinghan and Guo Pu hit it off immediately, regretting not meeting sooner. The two even ate lunch upstairs, completely ignoring Zhao Hanzhang and Ji Yuan. When evening approached and Zhao Hanzhang called Fu Tinghan to go home, Guo Pu still escorted him all the way to the main gate. Even after seeing him mount his horse, he was reluctant to leave, standing to the side holding his hand and earnestly urging, “You must come see me again tomorrow. Or I can visit you. Or perhaps you could stay tonight and we could share a bed.”

Fu Tinghan, who had been thinking about tomorrow’s schedule, immediately said, “Tomorrow I’ll come visit you.”