Chapter 55 055 I'll hold you.

The cold wind is howling, but a hug can bring spring back to life.

Zhao Jialing couldn't forget her, and even at the court meeting after his break, he would occasionally blurt out thoughts like "she has to take responsibility for me."

Xie Lanzhao was initially as bewildered as the courtiers who could hear her inner thoughts. Gradually, she came to her senses, feeling both astonishment and shame, before finally becoming numb.

Never mind, let's go with His Majesty.

As long as she maintains an expression that remains unchanged even if Mount Tai collapses before her, no one will say anything more to her.

After New Year's Day, the most important event in the court was the imperial examination of the sixth year of the Tianfu era. Before the reform, only one person was in charge of the examination, but this time it was different from usual. In addition to the examiner in charge of the examination, there were also deputies who were in charge of the examination, inspectors who served as the initial examiners, reviewers who served as the secondary examiners, and scribes, proofreaders, sealers, and gatekeepers. There were hundreds of people in total, which shows how rigorous and thorough this examination was.

When it came to the selection of officials for the imperial examinations, the court was extremely cautious in choosing the officials in charge of the examinations. Zhao Jialing discussed the matter with his ministers several times and made a rigorous selection. Around the tenth of the month, the officials in charge of the imperial examinations were selected, and they were immediately sent to the Ministry of Rites' examination hall to stay. These officials were not allowed to communicate with people outside the palace, so as to prevent any unfairness.

Once the imperial examinations for scholars were finalized, Zhao Jialing finally had time to focus on other matters. The notice board indicated that the construction of Mingde Academy was nearing completion. The library, because it was to be built in conjunction with Mingde Academy's schedule, was related to scholarly pursuits, and didn't require various machines, was being constructed faster than a factory, and was expected to be completed in February.

As for the rest of the research, Zhao Jialing didn't need to worry about firearms, and the training of the firearms battalion had already begun. The by-product, the "fireworks display," was quite popular in Chang'an, partly because it benefited from the festive atmosphere of the Xianling Mausoleum, and partly because it was itself dazzling and lively, adding luster to the banquets of high-ranking officials and nobles.

After several disassemblies, the craftsmen finally built a telescope. Although it wasn't as good as the sample provided by the system, the result was still quite pleasing. Zhao Jialing knew that the Minister of Works and his colleagues had been eyeing it, so he bestowed one upon them. As for the other court officials, they were given suitable "glasses" depending on their circumstances. The older ministers needed to wear glasses, but a strange trend of "wearing glasses" had inexplicably swept through the capital. These were just individual frames, temples, and even small silver chains that dangled, but without lenses.

Zhao Jialing: "..."

The Imperial Workshop was still focused on producing large panes of glass, as the clients had already paid a deposit, and they needed to be satisfied. However, the research didn't stop. From reports from his subordinates, Zhao Jialing learned about the various ingenious applications of combining glass with scientific research. The Imperial Medical Bureau wanted to order glassware, while those in the Imperial Workshop who had obtained the "Engineering" manual in advance combined textual knowledge with technical skills to create magical lenses that could "magnify" objects.

Zhao Jialing was deeply moved. When discussing matters with Xie Lanzhao, he listed various things with her and said with great emotion, "With boundless knowledge, one's creative potential is limitless."

Xie Lanzhao agreed with this statement, and she inquired in detail about horseshoes and steel forging.

Zhao Jialing said, "The Imperial Stud has already shoeed one horse, but it will probably take some time before it benefits all the horse farms in Dayong. As for steel forging, the craftsmen have forged a sword that can cut through iron like mud, which has been included in the Imperial Treasury as a tribute at the Grand Court Assembly."

Xie Lanzhao smiled slightly: "Your Majesty should know what this means."

The strength of their armor and the sharpness of their weapons gave them a tremendous advantage on the battlefield. Combined with telescopes and gunpowder, the Dayong army now possessed the strength to advance north and southwest.

"I know," Zhao Jialing nodded slowly. "That's precisely why I'm storing it in the national treasury. However, the forging work of the Imperial Workshops and the Armory will not cease." A more ambitious person would have considered expanding outwards, extending the territory to the ends of the earth. But as long as people are used in war, no matter how powerful the weapons are, it will bring devastation. Since the founding of the Great Yong Dynasty, the world has gradually stabilized. Even if Zhao Jialing wanted to start a war, the people of the world would not agree.

Zhao Jialing stood up with her hands behind her back and said proudly, "My achievements are enough to be remembered for all time. As long as Mingde Academy is done well, I can ride the late emperor to court."

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

Chatting with the system for too long, she inadvertently let slip her innermost thoughts. Seeing Xie Lanzao's subtle gaze, Zhao Jialing felt a pang of embarrassment and quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "What I meant was, if the late Emperor were alive, he would surely be pleased with me. Though I have many unworthy descendants, I alone am enough to ease his heartache. Isn't it good now? I govern the country, and the late Emperor can enjoy the joys of family reunion in the afterlife. If that's not enough, I can burn offerings for the filial Prince Zhong."

Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes.

This blatant disdain for the late emperor and Prince Zhong is only making things worse. If His Majesty can utter such treasonous words, Xie Lanzhao, as a subject, could not utter a word even if he wanted to agree, and could only adopt a respectful demeanor with his head bowed.

"Alright, let's not talk about anything unpleasant. Now that we've finished discussing official business, may I have some private matters to discuss with you?" Zhao Jialing spoke again. She had specifically summoned Xie Lanzhao to her bedchamber, where there was no entourage, allowing her to relax and be at ease. Since she and Xie Lanzhao were already so close, shouldn't they also have some intimate moments together?

Xie Lanzhao asked, "What does Your Majesty wish to say?"

Now it was Zhao Jialing's turn to fall silent. She just wanted to talk, but as for what to say—she hadn't really thought about it carefully. "Can't we just talk about anything?" Zhao Jialing asked her.

Xie Lanzhao nodded and said "Yes." She looked at Zhao Jialing and said gently, "What would Your Majesty like to ask me?"

Zhao Jialing sat back down. After hesitating for a moment, she pursed her lips and asked, "Did Chen Xiyuan visit your home?" Seeing a look of surprise on Xie Lanzao's face, she explained, "I didn't have anyone spying on you. It's just that Chen Xiyuan is your mother's student. He's in the capital but hasn't shown his face. That means he's holding a grudge against you because of what happened before. Such behavior is despicable."

Xie Lanzhao nodded: "She's here."

Zhao Jialing shifted her position, getting closer to Xie Lanzhao so she could touch her with just a reach. She blinked, then asked curiously, "Did he criticize you?"

Xie Lanzhao: "No."

Zhao Jialing: "What are her thoughts on my various measures during her time in the capital?" Scholars love to discuss current affairs, and she didn't believe Chen Xiyuan would shut up after being dismissed from office. If Chen Xiyuan remained obstinate, then no matter how outstanding her literary talent, she couldn't be employed.

Xie Lanzhao smiled and said, "She is organizing ancient and modern classics and studying the advantages and disadvantages of the coinage policies of different dynasties."

Zhao Jialing frowned: "Chen Xiyuan is not convinced?"

Xie Lanzhao shook her head and said, "No." She said seriously, "That day it was just a brief mention. His Majesty rejected the idea of ​​opening up private minting, but he didn't have a better solution, did he?" After a pause, she added, "The matter of minting coins is related to copper mining and smelting, and it is also closely related to officialdom... It cannot be rushed. I advise her not to get bogged down in trivialities." As long as those in power want to manipulate it, whether the minting is good or bad, it will disrupt people's livelihoods.

In the instant their eyes met, Zhao Jialing gleaned something from Xie Lanzhao's deep gaze, and she instinctively asked, "So what do you want her to do?"

Xie Lanzhao countered, "What are His Majesty's plans for her?"

We can't keep throwing tantrums like we used to, and keep bringing up things that hurt our feelings, can we?

Zhao Jialing muttered, "I asked first." She glanced at Xie Lanzhao, then was momentarily stunned by the smile on her face. A blush crept onto her earlobes, and Zhao Jialing cleared her throat. "I want her to revise the Book of Rites and present it to me. Without revising the rites, the name cannot be correct. Only after the new rites are promulgated can everything last."

Xie Lanzhao's eyes flickered. The Xuanqi era was a momentous change, a time of unprecedented upheaval. During the reign of the late emperor, her mother had instructed the court officials to submit a memorial requesting the revision of the Book of Rites, but this was rejected by the court officials on the grounds that it was an "unalterable law." Amidst discussions about the past and present, the only proposed change was to revise the Book of Rites to fit the current situation. Later, due to changes in the political climate at court, the matter was left unresolved.

While some of Chen Xiyuan's political ideas differed from hers, they shared a common desire to promote the "Xuanqi Policies," which aimed to improve the status of women and allow them to stand in the court. Xie Lanzhao hoped she would stop obsessing over trivial matters and focus her energy on compiling books. Once the library was built, she could borrow all the necessary texts and wouldn't need to be so eager for an official career or study ways to advance her career. This plan coincided perfectly with His Majesty's.

"Then you should deliver the previously shelved manuscript to her." He paused, then added, "I have another piece of advice for her: 'Learn from sages, and you will become a virtuous person. Learn from virtuous people, and you will become a gentleman. Learn from the masses, and you will become a sage.'" Chen Xiyuan looked down on warriors, and presumably also despised artisans and entertainers. She only looked up at the road to heaven, not paying attention to her footing, and easily walked towards the cliff.

Xie Lanzhao was startled when she heard the last sentence, her expression one of astonishment. His Majesty, however, remained calm, as if he had said something completely ordinary.

Back then, her stance wasn't fundamentally different from her senior's; it was just that the senior held the position of prime minister, and her interests lay elsewhere. "Sense of belonging" was, in essence, irrelevant.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she remained silent for a long time.

Zhao Jialing: "What's wrong? Was what I said inappropriate?"

Xie Lanzhao pondered for a moment: "Your Majesty's words are the most sagacious truth. I was so impressed that I lost my composure before Your Majesty and acted improperly. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

[I am the wise and enlightened emperor, and my words are naturally the ultimate truth. Who wouldn't praise them as "truly wise words"? Even Xie Lanzhao would have to submit to me.] Zhao Jialing's inner thoughts were arrogant and presumptuous.

But he said, "I only heard it from others. However, I also taught you to hear the sacred words. So, in a way, I have done immeasurable good deeds, haven't I?"

His eyes were clearly pleading and eager to be praised; they were bright and piercing.

Even if Xie Lanzhao wanted to ignore it, she couldn't.

What's wrong with her now? Doesn't she deserve my praise?

[Could it be that some kind of threshold has risen along with my progress? Should I then become a minor, useless snack to lose points, and then progress again? In this way, I'll achieve the spiral-like ascent mentioned by San San.]

system:?

Is that what it means?

The echoing thoughts in her ears made Xie Lanzhao's eyelids twitch, but what immediately occupied her thoughts was Zhao Jialing's hand that inadvertently covered her leg.

[Xie Lanzhao, you wouldn't want my book of grudges to be unearthed by future generations, filled with your name, would you?]

"Forget it, how can I force someone to do something they can't? I understand, it's my own beauty that leaves Xie Lanzhao speechless. I am such a majestic woman." Zhao Jialing said confidently.

Xie Lanzhao could easily utter words of praise for His Majesty, but the distraction of her inner thoughts caused her mind to go blank for a moment.

How could Your Majesty be so shameless?!

Xie Lanzao said with a blank face, "Your Majesty is wise. Every word and action of yours is extremely profound. I have benefited from it endlessly."

A sense of clarity and comfort washed over him, like a sudden awakening. Zhao Jialing smiled secretly, but still sighed, "Does it really take this long to think about this? Learning is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind. But it's alright, I won't dislike you."

Xie Lanzhao pursed her lips.

For once, I felt an urge to hit someone.

Zhao Jialing, immersed in his own wonderful world, said, "I have a broad mind, so I will give you a warm hug."

The embrace during the first month of the lunar year gave her immense courage, and finally, it didn't stop at words, but rather a passionate hug.

Is this what they mean by "Heaven and Earth have eyes, an embrace in return"?

[Xie Lanzhao is as gentle as I am.]

This hug was quite a surprise attack.

Xie Lanzhao, who was being held tightly in someone's arms, was stunned for a moment. Upon hearing that remark, it felt as if a surge of electricity ran down her spine. She said, "Your Majesty, please don't speak nonsense!"

Zhao Jialing reluctantly let go, looking at Xie Lanzhao with a puzzled expression: "I didn't say anything just now?"