Chapter 44 044 My Thoughtful Heart.

Although the nobles had the idea of ​​"buying a position," it would be up to them to decide when to actually do it.

Zhao Jialing acted much more swiftly. After discussing it with Xie Lanzhao, he brought up the matter of building the factory in court the next day. Upon hearing the word "money," the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Treasury glared at him, while the remonstrating officials, eager to stir things up, insisted on calling it "a waste of resources and manpower." No matter what the issue, the remonstrating officials had to say something, as if they couldn't demonstrate their "integrity" without doing so.

Zhao Jialing was annoyed by these short-sighted people. His gaze swept around the crowd and landed on Xie Lanzhao, whom he found extremely satisfactory.

Xie Qing is more than just beautiful!

However, Zhao Jialing did not necessarily want the national treasury to provide funds; he merely set a preliminary goal, subtly implying that "I am short of money."

A few days later, Zhao Jialing handed over the copy of the "Sugar Recipe" made by the palace servants to Yin'e, instructing her to have someone sell the recipe outside the palace. Of course, it would be very unseemly for the emperor to be running a business, and even if the emperor himself didn't show up, everyone would know once the eunuchs appeared. Therefore, it was nominally the Mingdao Academy of Mingde Academy that began "teaching and imparting knowledge."

The news, of course, first reached the ears of some "big merchants" through An Yuchan. These people were able to thrive in Chang'an because they had their own connections. Surely they wouldn't insist on "eating and taking" when the Emperor was short of money? Those without shrewdness wouldn't survive.

Mingde Academy was not yet completed, and as for "Mingdao Academy," it was using the Huan family mansion. Although Duke Huan Qi of Anguo had been stripped of his title and exiled, and the Huan family had all moved out of the Duke's mansion, the old Huan family residence was, after all, where the Empress Dowager had grown up, and was ultimately registered under her name. Zhao Jialing needed a place, so after informing the Empress Dowager, he borrowed the Huan mansion. He also sent Huan Chuxiang, who was studying in the palace in preparation for the imperial examinations, away. A balance between work and rest, and of course, this was also a chance for him to broaden his horizons.

They came to Mingdao Academy to learn "sugar-making methods," but many merchants harbored other intentions. Most of their businesses had nothing to do with sugar, and even those that did were insignificant shops. They weren't there to learn anything; they wanted to establish connections with the palace. Without connections, business was precarious. Even with immense wealth, ruin could happen in an instant.

This idea wasn't hard to guess, but Zhao Jialing didn't want to just get a sum of money, nor did he want the merchants to go back and put the "Sugar Recipe" away. However, getting the merchants to truly take it seriously was simple; just show them the profits. Therefore, Zhao Jialing had previously taught the Imperial Household Department the "Nine Sands and Eighteen Turns" technique to make crystal-clear white sugar, which he then demonstrated to the merchants.

Most of what's available on the market is "brown sugar," and a liter of this average quality costs fifty coins, and it's extremely rare. Higher quality sugar is reserved for imperial tributes and is not something ordinary people can afford.

When the crystal-clear, snow-white sugar appeared before the merchants, they could hardly believe what they were seeing; they thought the glass cup contained a handful of snow!

Is this sugar?

The artisan sent by the Imperial Household Department was actually a little nervous, and almost showed her timidity in front of a group of unfamiliar faces. She was the only one among the artisans who could read and write! After taking a deep breath, the artisan, following her superior's instructions, began introducing the "Sugar Recipe" to the merchants.

"It wasn't a tribute, nor was it some other substance used to deceive people by passing off as white sugar; it's sugar they made themselves!" The craftsman said, a proud expression on his face. "Your Majesty is exceptionally wise and blessed by the gods, which is why such exquisite nectar has been brought to the mortal world."

After hearing the artisan's explanation, the merchants' hearts were immediately set on something extraordinary. Sugar was a rare commodity, and this crystal-clear sugar was practically a gift from heaven. Well, the palace had taught sugar-making techniques and forbade price gouging, but surely they could sell it to remote foreign lands?! In short, it was all about money! With such virtuous people at Mingde Academy, how could they not wholeheartedly support them?

As the explanation deepened, the artisan's mood gradually calmed down, and her words were filled with a deep smile. At the end, she added, "Please take all of this sugar back with you."

The merchants gasped in surprise: "?!"

What a generous Your Majesty! It's just a donation of money, right? They've already paid it!

“This glass cup—” Some merchants were not only interested in the sugar. They stared at the glass cup containing the sugar and said, “It is crystal clear, unlike the glass cups that foreign merchants brought to Chang’an.” It is clear and transparent, like shimmering water, clearly a top-quality product.

The craftsman only knew how to refine white sugar, but she had been instructed on this before coming to the palace. Her task, besides promoting the wonders of white sugar, was also to promote this unusual glass to the merchants. She smiled and said, "This is a glass cup researched by the Ministry of Works and the Imperial Workshops; it's a rare item. Your dedication to Mingde Academy is well worth it!"

Glass was also one of the tribute items, and merchants from foreign lands would sell it at high prices. Having a glass cup was a status symbol. Did His Majesty just casually bestow glass cups upon them? The Great Yong Kingdom can produce glass that is even better than the imported glass; will it be their turn to gloat in front of the foreign merchants next?

The imperial court wasn't researching these things for fun; they were all ultimately meant to be sold. So, who would seize this opportunity? The merchants' breath hitched. The money they had initially prepared, somewhat as a token gesture, suddenly seemed unusable.

Double!

The fact that the merchants were doing good deeds and donating money to Mingde Academy could not be kept secret from the court officials.

Whether it was a "donation" or an exchange of benefits is unclear, and the money wasn't even used for Mingde Academy. But at least by using the pretext of promoting education for generations to come, the censors and remonstrators couldn't find a way to criticize it.

The nobles, who had been hesitant, became anxious upon seeing the merchants' demeanor. While the current dynasty didn't prohibit the sons of merchants from participating in the imperial examinations, the Imperial Academy still had strict requirements regarding household registration. However, Mingde Academy didn't care about background; anyone from a business or industrial family could enroll. Places were limited; if the merchants snatched them all, what would happen to their children?!

Spurred by this, the nobles recommended Marquis Zan. Marquis Zan came from a military family; his title was inherited from his father, who had fought in numerous battles. Unfortunately, he was unwilling to study literature and was not good at military affairs, so after inheriting the title, he only held minor official positions. Unable to bear those troublesome matters, he resigned and decided to live a leisurely life as a marquis.

However, being outside the court, his information flowed less smoothly. After drinking, he was persuaded by someone to send his son to Mingde Academy. But each generation was worse than the last, and his son was even more useless than him. When the Imperial Academy came to enforce discipline, his son was the one who was expelled.

His family could certainly afford a tutor, but people need to socialize; what's the point of just studying at home?

Thus, Marquis Zan became the first to enter the palace and plead for a place to study.

Upon hearing Zan Hou's words, Zhao Jialing thought she had misheard. She lowered her eyes to look at the shameless Zan Hou, a surge of anger rising within her.

She had just begun reforms, vehemently criticizing the corrupt atmosphere of the Imperial Academy! Now those guys don't want "family connections" anymore, they want to get in by paying money. Are they trying to turn Mingde Academy into a second Imperial Academy?

You damned bastard!

She's short of money, but she won't accept just any kind of money!

Marquis Zan never expected His Majesty to react this way. He was terrified and turned pale. He thought for a moment and realized he had fallen into a trap. Those guys didn't dare to mess with him, so they sent him as the vanguard! Marquis Zan was furious. Without hesitation, he revealed the names of those people.

Zhao Jialing's eyes were icy cold as he cursed Zan Hou a hundred times.

They did save him some face by not letting anyone beat him up directly.

However, the very next day, the voices impeaching the Marquis of Zan rang out as loudly as cicadas chirping in summer.

There were impeachments against Zan Hou for indulging in wine, women, gambling, and corrupting the morals of Chang'an.

Some also criticized him for failing to raise his son properly.

The Imperial Academy scholar seized the opportunity to present a memorial, using the Marquis Zan's useless son as a pretext to denounce the mediocre students of the Imperial Academy, causing many of those implicated to lose face.

Zhao Jialing said in a deep voice, "I built Mingde Academy not for people to come and play. Your families are wealthy, you have built mansions, bought fertile land, and have thousands of slaves. Do you think that money can do anything, and even want to use it to ruin my great cause? Are you trying to tell me that you are richer than the emperor?"

These words struck all the court officials, who immediately replied in fear, "Your Majesty, I dare not."

"You gentlemen have always looked down on merchants, believing that they are ignorant of etiquette and only know how to make a profit. At least merchants know that Mingde Academy is a place for scholars from all over the world to seek knowledge, and are willing to spend money to build houses for it and buy millet, fish and meat. But what about you gentlemen? You buy your positions with money, yet you are not even as good as merchants!"

The only fool was Marquis Zan, the cunning was those who instigated him, and the innocent ones being scolded... were the vast number of ministers standing in the court today.

What else could they do? Lately, His Majesty's imposing presence has rivaled, no, surpassed, that of the late Emperor. His Majesty is gentle, but even the most amiable ruler can have a day when he changes his tune. At this time, a storm could be deadly.

Xie Lanzhao's mind stirred slightly.

Your Majesty is taking this opportunity to ask your court officials for money; it is indeed an opportune moment, something Your Majesty could not have considered before.

The court was deathly silent. Xie Lanzhao knew it was time to break the unusual silence. She said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to offer five thousand taels of gold for the construction of Mingde Academy and other projects."

The faces of the civil and military officials were flushed and pale. The Xie family had been officials for generations, producing empresses and prime ministers, and had intermarried with the royal family and other aristocratic clans. With such a large and wealthy family, they were naturally not short of money. But was it easy for them? Chang'an was a prosperous city, but living there was not easy!

But with the prime minister setting an example, how could the court officials remain silent? They contributed money, in varying degrees, to the construction of Mingde Academy.

Zhao Jialing took in the expressions of the court officials. This time, Xie Lanzhao played the "bad cop." Wouldn't that incur the wrath of the villains?

"I remember your contributions, and Mingde Academy will erect a stone tablet to commemorate them. At that time, the scholars will be filled with gratitude," Zhao Jialing said.

Having successfully appeased them with words, Zhao Jialing then had newly made glass cups delivered to the court officials after the court session.

Glasses might be everywhere next year, but it's not next year yet, is it?

Zhao Jialing then summoned Xie Lanzao to the bathhouse.

The painting that had been interrupted by the princess was finally completed.

Xie Lanzhao asked in bewilderment, "Why did His Majesty present me with a portrait?"

Zhao Jialing waved her hand without answering. She continued, "If you speak up today, you might offend some petty people. Alas, not only are they not understanding, but they also insist on making things difficult for us."

Xie Lanzhao: "...Not that narrow-minded." She has now successfully established herself in the court, and those who fought her to the death and attacked her with sharp words have long since disappeared.

Zhao Jialing frowned: "I'm just worried about you."

Xie Lanzhao chuckled softly and said gently, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your concern."

Zhao Jialing tilted his head to look at her.

That's it?

She hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but say, "You have already confided in me before."

Since we haven't heard Her Majesty's true feelings, we must try to guess her thoughts. Xie Lanzao raised her eyes and gazed at Zhao Jialing, then suddenly smiled: "What does Your Majesty wish for me?"

This smile was like the shimmering light of sunrise leaping on the spring water, a vibrant and radiant glow.

Zhao Jialing was stunned, a blush rising to her face. She stammered, "I, I—" After a while, she managed to finish her sentence, "I will have someone secretly deliver the money to your residence."

Xie Lanzhao said solemnly, "Since I have offered the gold, there is no reason for me to take it back. If the other court officials find out, wouldn't that embarrass them?"

“It’s different. You donate gold, and I won’t return it.” Her gaze lowered, and she muttered, “What I’m giving you is my own money. Does that mean I can’t give you things just because I have to consider the court officials?”

"I have money to spend," Xie Lanzhao said softly. "If Your Majesty wishes to bestow gifts, perhaps—"

Her voice paused as she held the king's portrait in her arms, unsure of what to ask His Majesty for.

Zhao Jialing blinked, then reached out and untied the jade pendant from her waist, handing it to Xie Lanzao.

She didn't wear many ornaments; apart from the jade pendant she had carried since childhood, the only other item was a peace charm that Xie Lanzhao had obtained for her.

She said, "When the plum blossoms bloom in the imperial garden, I will pluck a fragrant one and present it to you."

Xie Lanzhao's eyelashes trembled slightly, the sound around her faded away, and her gaze fell on her palm.

She held the scroll in one hand, while Zhao Jialing pulled her other hand outstretched. The coolness of the jade pendant and the warmth of His Majesty's fingertips moved across her skin, bringing a shiver.

Xie Lanzhao's voice was low and almost a murmur: "Zhe Fang?"

I'm accompanied by orchids and wild herbs; I pluck fragrant blossoms to leave for my beloved. ①

“If you don’t like plum blossoms, you can wait for the peach blossoms next year.” Zhao Jialing smiled at Xie Lanzhao. “But picking flowers is a bit of a spoilsport, so why not go out in the snow to find plum blossoms?”

Her radiant face clearly proclaimed, "I want to leave the palace."