Chapter 75 075 I swear.

His Majesty the Emperor cannot be wrong. When calamities strike, the fault lies solely with his ministers, especially the Prime Minister. However, since His Majesty does not agree to the Prime Minister's resignation to avert disaster, we must find another culprit. Moreover, the bountiful cotton harvest is irrefutable proof that Heaven has not blamed His Majesty. His Majesty is the Son of Heaven protected by the gods; therefore, this misfortune is a reminder that treacherous individuals are lurking within.

This matter involved former members of the Loyal King's faction; how could they not investigate it thoroughly? The Court of Judicial Review and the Prefectural Government of Jingzhao quickly mobilized and arrested those involved. When the officials arrived, Li Yuanliang was trying to escape through a window and was caught red-handed. Knowing he was in deep trouble, he was utterly dejected. Knowing that resistance would only result in beatings, the Court of Judicial Review barely used torture before Li Yuanliang explained the situation.

His father was a former official of the Prince Zhong's court, and was dismissed from his post due to his involvement in the imprisonment of Meng Yize. Li Yuanliang was deeply indignant, feeling that it was all the fault of the Prince Zhong's servants, and why should the officials of the Prince's court bear the blame? Furthermore, he was a scholar who had failed the imperial examination this year. When the practice of submitting examination papers and seeking favors from high-ranking officials was prevalent, his father had already paved the way for him, but this time, with the major changes to the examination system, he failed to pass. He didn't feel that he had done anything wrong; instead, he naively believed that changing the old system was extremely unfair.

How many scholars in Chang'an failed the imperial examinations? Many more, like him, were swept away by the new system, becoming mere "old hands." Some spent fortunes seeking fame, only to gain nothing in the end—how could they accept this? These failed scholars and students expelled from the Imperial Academy secretly gathered, drinking and composing poems, while simultaneously attacking the new system and the Mingde Academy… They were constantly immersed in complaints, their entire being exuding an air of corruption. In short, everything they hated was wrong.

When the comet appeared, these people had wicked ideas. They wanted to use this opportunity to create supernatural phenomena, spread rumors, and cause widespread panic, so that His Majesty would rescind the new policies. They bribed the Imperial Guards who patrolled the streets to guard the cement, and spread rumors of supernatural phenomena throughout the city.

Just recently, several powerful families had been dealt with, and their relatives and friends dared not ask for favors. Upon seeing the appearance of the comet demon, they immediately thought of "Prisoner's Arrest" and tried to use this opportunity to rescue the people. They spared no effort in fueling the fire, making the rumors spread faster and cover a wider area.

...

Having investigated this far, everything is now clear.

Zhao Jialing looked at the case files presented by the Dali Temple, but her face didn't show much surprise. She muttered, "The villains have finally shown themselves," and then signaled the Dali Temple to handle the matter according to the law. But it was impossible to kill everyone. Those who spread rumors, though hateful, didn't deserve to be beheaded.

"These people are treacherous and spread rumors; they deserve to die. However, I do not wish to disrupt the harmony of Heaven. Since they so despise the new imperial examination system, then their descendants shall not be allowed to participate in the examinations for three generations," Zhao Jialing said calmly.

The officials of the Court of Judicial Review were startled by the words. Although there was no physical or financial harm, this punishment was far more terrifying than exile for those who aspired to pass the imperial examinations throughout their lives. They bowed to the emperor on his throne and then withdrew as ordered.

The truth has come to light, and the despicable acts committed by these failed scholars must be made public.

Because the character for "disaster" appeared on the cement road, the most direct manifestation of the people's panic was their resistance to the cement road—even if they knew in their hearts that the cement road was smooth, they would regard it as a temptation from hell, with the price to be hidden in the future.

This was something Zhao Jialing could not tolerate; whether the task was completed or not was secondary. The road-paving project would benefit the world; how could it be ruined by a bunch of pedantic scholars? Even if these people lived, they would be forever branded with shame!

The panic gradually subsided as the truth came to light, because His Majesty the Emperor had spared no effort in promoting the construction of the cement road, and the officials below dared not slack off. By November, the construction of Zhuque Avenue was finally completed.

It was already winter, everything was desolate, and the cold wind was biting in Chang'an.

The task "Build roads first if you want to get rich" was completed after the construction of Zhuque Avenue was finished, and Zhao Jialing received the achievement "All roads lead to Rome" and the achievement reward "Navigation Instrument Pack". However, Zhao Jialing had no time to think about "navigation" at the moment, as two important matters were before her.

Firstly, the experiments conducted by the students of Mingde Academy and the Sinong Temple yielded results: the selected crops produced a bumper harvest! This was in comparison to the same number of acres of wheat, rice, and other crops. Looking at the entire world, even if all the fruits were kept for breeding, it still wouldn't be enough.

“Some crops are not picky about soil and water, and Guanzhong may not be suitable for planting them.” Xie Lanzhao frowned slightly. For example, rice can be grown in Guanzhong, but it is inferior to that in Jiangnan in terms of both yield and quality.

“I don’t intend for all the grain to remain in Chang’an.” Zhao Jialing nodded slowly. The first batch of seeds needed to be planted for experimentation, which was why it was being carried out near Chang’an. “Aren’t those booklets listing suitable growing areas for crops? For example…” After a pause, Zhao Jialing finally said the word “Liaodong.”

“This is a desolate place, and there are also Xi and Khitan people who frequent it.” Xie Lanzhao shook his head and said, “It’s not suitable for reclamation.”

Zhao Jialing hummed in agreement, then chuckled, "Luckily, this isn't the only option. As for Liaodong, let's make it our future goal." Before her was a long, detailed map scroll; her finger hovered over the Liaodong region before slowly sliding down. "Do you have any suggestions?"

Xie Lanzhao's eyes were deep and unfathomable. She said, "Not only do we need to consider the local conditions, but we also need to select the county magistrate." She met Zhao Jialing's gaze and said bluntly, "Regions where women serve as county magistrates are preferred." While personal hard work is important, it also requires the allocation of resources and full support. In front of Zhao Jialing, Xie Lanzhao no longer concealed her bias.

Their eyes met, and Zhao Jialing smiled brightly. She nodded decisively and said, "Okay."

The matter of planting grain next spring was finalized during their conversation. Zhao Jialing's gaze was fixed on Xie Lanzhao's face. She was only distracted for a moment before pulling her wandering thoughts back and bringing up the second important matter recently.

"The messenger from Tibet arrived late, bringing some cattle, sheep, and gold as compensation. However, they didn't mention a word about the imprisoned envoy," Zhao Jialing said, pursing her lips. She knew the atmosphere in Tibet was tense, and the power struggle between the king and his ministers was far from over. Ge Dongzan, as a son of the Ge family, was also a target the king needed to eliminate. Were they trying to use someone else to do their dirty work?

"Since it's a misunderstanding, then the envoy should be sent back home," Xie Lanzhao said with a slight smile. Whether it was a misunderstanding or not was unimportant; what mattered was that the three parties could accept this explanation. Tibet and the Turks were willing to back down, and Dayong didn't need to fight them; it wasn't the right time yet.

Zhao Jialing nodded, a knowing smile appearing on her face. Ge Dongzan was a good-for-nothing, but he could still raise a banner among the remnants of the Ge clan, causing internal strife within the Tubo Kingdom, which would also benefit them. At the same time, releasing the envoy was also at the request of the Turks; after all, they had already sent a hostage to Chang'an, so Dayong could make some appropriate concessions.

"I wonder what the Turkic Khan is like, sending two of them," Zhao Jialing muttered again. She didn't think too much about it and added, "According to custom, send them to the Imperial Academy." The Great Yong Dynasty had no shortage of "students" from its outer vassal states, all studying Great Yong culture at the Imperial Academy. While the Imperial Academy was causing a stir, some students were interested in the Mingde Academy, but Zhao Jialing didn't give them a chance to enroll. Their files were strictly managed by the Court of State Ceremonial.

"The Imperial College is the best," Xie Lanzhao said.

Zhao Jialing blinked, then said to Xie Lanzhao, "The books are all open to foreigners. I had previously thought about what would happen if these people learned them and took them back to their country." The language and writing of Da Yong and the foreign vassal states are different, so translators are needed. However, these people who have studied in Da Yong for a long time are probably no less learned than the scholars of Da Yong. Translating some books is no problem for them.

Xie Lanzhao chuckled lightly, "These books are all practical and useful; reading them isn't enough, you also need to put them into practice." Some vassal states even smuggle their currency from Dayong, making it impossible for them to carry out sweeping reforms. After a moment's thought, her smile faded, and she said seriously, "I'm not worried about them using them, as long as Dayong stays ahead. Take the Turks, for example; they often raid southwards when they're short of food. If they were well-fed and clothed, would they still frequently wage war?"

The Wise Ruler System suddenly spoke up: [Her thinking is still quite advanced. If you are the only one who prospers, others will feel resentful, and some forces will take risks. When you are powerful, you will avoid confrontation, but what if you become careless? The wolves surrounding you will seize the opportunity to take a piece of your flesh. Host, you must be strong yourself, but you must also give hope to the surrounding vassal states. Of course, the most crucial things must still be in your own hands.]

Zhao Jialing raised his eyebrows and said, "I understand."

After discussing political affairs, Xie Lanzhao bowed and took his leave as usual.

Zhao Jialing raised his eyes and called out after Xie Lanzhao took a few steps back: "Xie Lanzhao".

Xie Lanzhao said gently, "Hmm? Your Majesty is here." She subconsciously looked towards the source of the voice, her mind somewhat dazed. What came into view was His Majesty's tall and elegant figure. His Majesty still had a smile on his lips, but he was no longer a childish figure. His brows were filled with the dignified bearing of an emperor. Although his height had not changed, he gave the impression of being even taller than he had been two years ago.

Zhao Jialing walked towards Xie Lanzhao, her lips pressed tightly together. Calling out to Xie Lanzhao was just a momentary impulse; she hadn't even thought about what to say next. After staring at Xie Lanzhao for a while, she finally said in a drawn-out tone, "It's windy outside."

Xie Lanzhao replied, "I understand."

Zhao Jialing looked Xie Lanzhao up and down, placing her hand on Xie's arm to feel the thickness of her clothes. She said with concern, "It's a bit thin." Without turning her head, she ordered the eunuch to fetch her fur coat. After receiving it, she weighed it in her hand, spread it out, and draped it over Xie Lanzhao's body.

Xie Lanzhao stood still, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, sweeping down a small, shadowy figure.

So close, she could clearly see the fine downy hairs at Xie Lanzhao's temples. Zhao Jialing's heart pounded in the silence. She licked her inexplicably dry lips, wanting to say something to break the tension. She teased nervously, "Why are you being so obedient today? Are you intimidated by my imperial power?"

"Yes." Xie Lanzhao's voice was very soft, like a feather gently touching the ground under the guidance of the wind.

Zhao Jialing stared blankly, blinking, a blush spreading across her cheeks like an uncontrollable blazing fire burning across a vast field. Her hands slid to Xie Lanzhao's arms, and she lingered there, unwilling to move them.

Finally, Xie Lanzhao spoke up helplessly: "Does Your Majesty intend to stand here with me until the end of time?"

"Why not?" The words slipped out, and at the same time, his muddled thoughts cleared. Zhao Jialing hurriedly tried to salvage the situation, "I...I meant—"

Xie Lanzhao's soft laughter interrupted Zhao Jialing.

Zhao Jialing looked up at her, his lips drooping slightly.

Xie Lanzhao smiled and said, "If Your Majesty has anything else to say, please allow me to sit down and we can discuss it in detail?"

Zhao Jialing released her, smiling awkwardly, "I just wanted to say that the wind is strong and the frost is cold, so be careful on the road."

Upon hearing this, Xie Lanzhao's gaze softened further, and the smile on her lips melted away her usual aloofness. She slowly said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty." After a pause, she added, "Has Your Majesty been getting up early these days?"

Zhao Jialing blinked and said, "Training in the dead of winter."

Xie Lanzhao spoke, her words filled with concern: "Your Majesty, please be careful and don't catch a cold."

"It's alright, I am the Son of Heaven, my temper is still raging." The confident reply grew softer and softer in Xie Lanzhao's eyes, "I understand, I will never take off my clothes after sweating."

After a brief pause, another question popped out: "By the way, if I did that, would you—"

He only got halfway through the conversation before realizing how naive and absurd the topic was, and he cut off the conversation himself.

A look of confusion appeared on Xie Lanzhao's face: "Hmm?"

Will she be angry? If I catch a cold and fall seriously ill, will she come to take care of me? No, that would be too foolish. Not to mention Xie Lanzhao, even I hate this kind of pretentious behavior.

[It's good that the host knows.]

The voice that echoed in her mind answered Xie Lanzhao's doubts, but it also changed her expression, at least when she heard the first part of the sentence. Only when she heard the word "no" did her suddenly grim expression soften slightly. A severe cold could be fatal. Although the Imperial Medical Academy and its medical students had made achievements, who knew what might happen? There was no reason to actively "welcome disaster." What if? Xie Lanzhao's thoughts wandered uncontrollably, and she realized she couldn't bear the consequences. A fear that sprouted from the depths of her heart shattered her composure. She felt as if she had been thrown into an ice cellar, the warmth gradually draining from her body.

"What's wrong with you?" Zhao Jialing, who had been lost in thought, was startled by Xie Lanzhao's unpleasant expression.

Xie Lanzhao's ears were ringing. She barely managed to control her emotions, shook her head, and said, "I was just thinking about some old things."

Zhao Jialing hesitated, unsure whether she should ask further. If it was something bad, wouldn't her questioning be like stabbing Xie Lanzhao in the heart?

But Xie Lanzhao, still uneasy, spoke up, her eyes filled with deep worry: "Both of my parents passed away from illness."

"Huh?" Zhao Jialing didn't quite understand why she brought this up. She blinked, pondered for a moment, then reached out and pulled Xie Lanzao into her arms, gently patting her back to comfort her.

Her prime minister needed her warm embrace.

His Majesty's embrace was warm and strong, but Xie Lanzhao's brows were still furrowed. She continued her unfinished words: "Therefore, I hope Your Majesty will live a long and healthy life, free from illness and disaster." After a moment of silence, she closed her eyes and uttered her last words, her tone somewhat heavy: "Please, Your Majesty, do not do anything foolish."

As the words fell, the previously tight, warm embrace gradually loosened. Xie Lanzhao's heart suddenly felt as if it had been seized by something, and she dared not look at Zhao Jialing's expression. She raised a hand to rub her temples, regret and remorse welling up within her. The mixed emotions made her expression sorrowful. She shouldn't have said it; hadn't His Majesty already denied that kind of behavior in his heart?

Hearing the words "stupid thing," Zhao Jialing felt as if her heart had been struck by a heavy hammer. She felt a surge of displeasure; did Xie Lanzhao think she hadn't grown at all? But when she caught a glimpse of Xie Lanzhao's expression, all her resentment froze. She stared blankly at Xie Lanzhao—this was the first time she had seen her with such an expression since they met. The words of complaint vanished from her lips. Zhao Jialing subconsciously recalled her own words and quickly realized that it was that "if" that had caused Xie Lanzhao to completely lose her composure.

Xie Lanzhao took a deep breath and bowed to Zhao Jialing, saying, "Your subject deserves to die ten thousand times."

"No, no, that's not true." Zhao Jialing quickly helped Xie Lanzao up, and she swore as if making a vow, "You can rest assured, I wouldn't do that. If I fail, may Heaven punish me—"

Before he could utter the vow, his lips were covered by an icy hand, and Zhao Jialing shivered from the cold.

Her lips parted slightly, and her tongue inadvertently explored her palm. As Xie Lanzhao abruptly withdrew her hand, she looked at Xie Lanzhao with a bewildered yet innocent expression.

"Your Majesty, do not make oaths lightly." Xie Lanzhao's eyelids twitched, her tone serious. But her thoughts were on her hands behind her back, as if a warm, moist tongue was still slowly sliding across her skin. Xie Lanzhao closed her hands and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I must go home."

Zhao Jialing was somewhat dazed. Many years ago, Xie Lanzhao would say to her, "Sixth Sister, I'm going home."

And she answered—

See you tomorrow.

There will be many, many more tomorrows between us, right?

Xie Lanzhao paused in her steps.

I caught a very subtle hint of bewilderment and unease in His Majesty's words.

Xie Lanzhao's voice rang out in the hall: "Your Majesty, I will not leave you."

She stood there, prepared for His Majesty to ask her to write a piece of calligraphy, so that her promise would be put on paper as evidence.

But Zhao Jialing didn't say anything.

She just laughed, and finally waved her hand and said, "Go home." As soon as Xie Lanzhao left the bathhouse, Zhao Jialing came out like a whirlwind.

"I will see you off on your journey."