Chapter 160 Requesting an Official Position

As soon as Wang Zhongliang said this, there was a commotion in the Golden Palace.

"Could it be that the incident of bullying subordinates was related to the case of Ning Yuanwailang, the Minister of Rites?"

"Ultimately, it was Ning Yucheng who was at fault. If Lord Du did nothing, and instead allowed the rumors to spread, and betrothed Miss Du to Ning Yucheng, then I would have made a mistake."

"What about killing the mother of an imperial official? Isn't Wen Anbo so mad as to kill people at will?"

"Yesterday, on my way back from duty, I ran into the prefect, Lord Zhu. He said he'd received a report that morning that Ning Yucheng had strangled his mother to death and had been apprehended. Could Lord Wang be referring to this incident?"

"Matricide? What a daring and heartless Ning Yucheng! But what does this have to do with Lord Du?"

"I don't know. Let's wait and see what Master Du has to say."

Dozens of eyes converged on Du Qingtang, some with worry, some with confusion, and some with gloating.

Du Qingtang stepped out calmly and bowed, "Your Majesty, I will report to you."

Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand: "Approved."

Holding a tablet in hand, Du Qingtang recounted everything in detail, from the rumors in the court to sending people to investigate, and then to identifying the mastermind behind the scenes.

"...My sister has suffered injustice because of me. She cries all day long, afraid to see anyone, and frankly says she has no face to live in this world. I blame myself so much that I have resolved to seek justice for my sister and restore her innocence."

Emperor Qingyuan: “…”

Officials: “…”

When it comes to telling lies with open eyes, no one can compare to Wen Anbo.

Du Qingtang ignored the subtle looks from everyone and continued calmly, "I did go to the Ministry of Rites to warn Ning Yucheng and ordered him not to continue serving as an official in Xiajing. However, the premise of all this is that he was in the wrong first. I was merely retaliating."

"As long as Ning Yucheng is in Xiajing, the rumors about him and my sister will become the talk of the court officials and the common people. I don't want my sister to be affected by these rumors, so I have resorted to this desperate measure."

Du Qingtang said, prostrating himself and saying, "I know I am wrong, and I will leave it to Your Majesty to deal with me. But Lord Wang said that I killed the mother of an imperial official. I do not accept this and I do not admit it."

Wang Zhongliang sneered repeatedly and said confidently, "If it weren't for Lord Du abusing his power and using his influence to oppress others, Ning Yucheng wouldn't have reached such a desperate situation and committed the act of matricide in his extreme behavior."

Du Qingtang felt that the old man was being unreasonable and said with a half-smile, "According to what you said, if Lord Wang punishes an official or a servant, and that person accidentally kills someone or commits a serious crime not long after, then it is your responsibility?"

Wang Zhongliang glared: "You..."

Du Qingtang didn't give him a chance to quibble, and used magic to defeat the magic: "Because you punished him, his career was not going smoothly, and he was ridiculed and bullied in the mansion, which led to his desperate situation. In his extreme behavior, he committed murder and committed a serious crime in his trance."

"Lord Wang has been an official for many years and has likely punished many people. Tomorrow, I, Du, will conduct a thorough investigation. I will bring all those who meet the above requirements to the imperial court and uphold justice for them. I will ensure that the truly guilty are severely punished according to the laws of our dynasty!"

Emperor Qingyuan: “…”

Officials: “…”

Wang Zhongliang was so angry that he fell backwards, his fingers trembling as he pointed at Du Qingtang: "You...you are just making up stories!"

"This should be said by me," Du Qingtang sneered, refusing to give in. "I'm just using Lord Wang's words. I'm not angry yet, so why are you jumping up and down first?"

After saying that, Du Qingtang shook his head with an indescribable expression: "Master Wang, it seems that your Qi cultivation skills are not yet up to par."

Du Qingtang bombarded Wang Zhongliang with such force that his vision went dark, his head was buzzing, and he almost fell to the ground.

It was the Left Censor-in-Chief next to him who couldn't bear to watch it anymore and reached out to help him, thus preventing Wang Zhongliang from losing his composure in front of the emperor.

"Master Du, Master Wang was just discussing the matter at hand. Why are you being so aggressive?"

"Then why didn't Ning Yucheng spread rumors to other women? Isn't it because your sister is so unruly and always shows up in public that he has the opportunity to take advantage of her?"

Du Qingtang's eyes shot like arrows at the Tongzhengshi who said this, which made the other party's breath hold back and his hair stand on end. Then, he threw the tablet in his hand out with lightning speed.

No one expected that Du Qingtang would dare to attack in front of the emperor. The Minister of Public Administration was caught off guard and was hit by the tablet. He covered his forehead and cried out to the sky.

"Your Majesty! Du Qingtang dared to commit such evil deeds in front of the Emperor. Please help me, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Qingyuan: “…”

I'm tired and don't want to talk.

Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand and stroked his brow, his tone helpless and with a hint of warning: "Lord Du."

Know when to stop.

Du Qingtang withdrew his gaze, stood with his hands down, and turned a deaf ear to Emperor Qingyuan's warning: "How could this Du not know that there is a theory of victim blaming in this world?"

"Mr. Gao didn't criticize the person who spread rumors and ruined the reputation of an innocent woman. Instead, he accused the victim of being promiscuous and showing off all day. This really opened my eyes!"

"Du suddenly remembered that my son had fallen into a bandit's den in his early years and nearly became the third husband of the female boss. According to you, the fault lies not with the female boss who stole the man, but with my son."

Du Qingtang tilted his head, his dark eyes fixed on the Tongzhengshi, and he was terrified for no reason: "Why didn't the female leader rob another man? Isn't it because your son is fickle and has no sense of self-discipline, and deliberately seduced her, that she took a fancy to him and snatched him into the bandit's lair?"

Emperor Qingyuan: “…”

Officials: “…”

Is Wen Anbo crazy? Or did he eat gunpowder as his meal this morning? Otherwise, why would he curse everyone he caught?

The gunpowder smell in the tone is really choking.

The Tongzhengshi pointed at Du Qingtang and trembled: "You you you you..."

Like a tape recorder, he kept talking for a long time, then his eyes rolled back and he fainted.

Du Qingtang: “…”

Emperor Qingyuan took a deep breath, and Fu Rui wisely summoned two imperial guards, carried the envoy to a side hall, and then sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to invite the imperial physician.

The Minister of Public Administration was already old. If something happened to him and he died in the Golden Palace, people who didn't know the inside story would think that Lord Du had angered him to death.

——Although it was indeed Lord Du who made him faint from anger.

However, in Fu Rui's opinion, Mr. Gao brought this upon himself.

Why pick on Lord Du when there are so many people to pick on? Isn't that asking for trouble?

Fu Rui shook his head, returned to stand beside Emperor Qingyuan, and continued to watch Lord Du display his prowess and kill everyone with his whisk in his pocket.

Du Qingtang was silent for a moment, then looked at Wang Zhongliang, who had impeached her. "Lord Wang said that I, Du, killed Ning Yucheng's mother. Tell me, was it I, Du, who put a knife to his neck, or pointed a musket at his head, forcing him to strangle his own mother?"

Wang Zhongliang stiffened his neck and said confidently, "If you hadn't repeatedly pressed him, how could he..."

Du Qingtang suddenly took a step forward. Wang Zhongliang thought she was going to use violence again, so he stepped back in fear.

"What are you trying to do? Let me tell you, this is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and His Majesty is seated here. You can't be so presumptuous!"

Emperor Qingyuan: “…”

Du Qingtang glanced at Wang Zhongliang in bewilderment, bent down to pick up the tablet, and returned to his original position. "Lord Wang, you're overthinking this. A gentleman uses words, not fists. I, Du, have always believed in convincing others with reason. If it weren't for Lord Gao's insults to my sister, why would I have acted like this?"

After saying this, he sighed softly, "This is too undignified and beneath my dignity."

Wang Zhongliang choked up, secretly cursing that only women and villains were difficult to raise. Deciding not to get entangled with this woman, he sank to his knees and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, Du Qingtang is arrogant and reckless. I beg Your Majesty to punish Du Qingtang severely to uphold the law and reassure me!"

Du Qingtang was unwilling to be left behind, so he stepped forward and said, "I know I shouldn't have barged into the Ministry of Rites and disrupted its order. I am guilty and I am willing to accept the punishment as a warning to others."

The officials had different expressions. Wen Anbo actually took the initiative to accept the punishment?

"but--"

Officials: “…”

They knew it wasn't that simple!

"Lord Wang said that I killed the mother of an imperial official. I never did this and I will not plead guilty."

Just as Wang Zhongliang was about to retort, the gentle voice of Emperor Qingyuan came from above: "Lord Du, you are indeed wrong."

Wang Zhongliang was delighted.

It seems that His Majesty's tolerance for Du Qingtang has reached its limit, and he will no longer allow her to act tyrannically in the court.

Not only Wang Zhongliang, many people think so.

Then, Emperor Qingyuan changed the subject: "But this matter is excusable. It was Ning Yucheng who made the mistake first. In order to protect the women in his family, Lord Du had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure."

Only by killing one to warn the hundred can we eliminate future troubles forever.

Emperor Qingyuan was well aware of this and would not interfere too much, but he had to give an explanation to all officials.

"I will fine you one year's salary as a punishment."

Wang Zhongliang: “…”

Officials: “…”

I was careless. Your Majesty is still the same biased emperor.

The annual salary of a second-rank official was 150 taels of silver, which was a huge sum of money for an ordinary family, enough for the whole family to have food and drink without worries.

But for Du Qingtang, even a little leakage through the gaps between fingers is more important than this.

Don’t you see, in recent years, His Majesty’s rewards were always hundreds or thousands of taels of gold, not to mention that the Wen’an Marquis’s Mansion also has its own business.

A one-year salary deduction is not a very painful punishment.

Du Qingtang lowered his brows and eyes, no longer showing any of his previous arrogance. His attitude was extremely respectful: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward and punishment."

Emperor Qingyuan twirled his beard, and Fu Rui understood. He flicked his whisk and said loudly: "If you have something to report, please report it. If not, please dismiss the court——"

Du Qingtang returned to his original position, and someone else came out to request matters.

......

After the half-hour long court meeting ended, Du Qingtang walked out of the Golden Palace and went down the stairs.

Wherever she went, officials avoided her and treated her like a snake or scorpion.

Isn't she a vicious woman?

When other companies encounter similar situations, most of them choose to accept the consequences.

But Du Qingtang refused to do so. She broke into the Ministry of Rites alone and caused chaos there.

When others are impeached, most of them are anxious and speechless.

Looking at Du Qingtang again, she not only debated with the scholars, but also hit people with her tablet, causing the Tongzhengshi to faint from anger.

In short, Du Qingtang is a crazy woman who does whatever she wants and is lawless. Anyone who dares to provoke her should be prepared to be chased and bitten and have a layer of skin torn off.

Can't afford to offend!

I really can’t afford to offend you!

After returning to the Ministry of Works, Du Qingtang fetched some clean water and cleaned the duty room.

Minister Gao delivered the official document and reported respectfully, "Your Excellency, the Institute has already had 5,000 craftsmen sign up, and many more are probably on their way to Xiajing. By the end of the month, we estimate that nearly 10,000 people will sign up."

Du Qingtang held the ink stick and ground the ink, and replied: "I understand. We will go directly to the imperial farm for the assessment. Those who pass will be admitted directly to the research institute."

Due to the special nature and confidentiality of the research institute, in order to prevent researchers from leaking information that would be detrimental to Daha, Du Qingtang thought about it and decided to build 200 dormitories in the research institute.

The researchers live directly in the institute and only go back during the holidays, or bring their families to the institute to celebrate the New Year together.

There is a time when cattle and sheep can leave the pen, and we can't keep people locked up in the research institute forever.

The latter is suitable for researchers who are developing weapons to strengthen the military and the country. Spies from various countries are omnipresent, and even research institutes are not 100% safe, let alone places outside the institutes.

The dormitory is equipped with a long kang that can accommodate four people, and there will be enough space even if new researchers are recruited in the future.

Minister Gao bowed and left, then walked out the door and saw several officials gathered together chatting.

"No wonder the Minister issued a gag order. I thought those two weren't a matchmaker... I never thought it was Ning Yucheng who was acting unilaterally, maliciously destroying Miss Du's reputation in order to curry favor with the Minister."

"Sir Shangshu has a pair of diamond eyes. He must have seen Ning Yucheng's evil intentions long ago."

"But the Minister is truly...brave. I've been in charge of the Ministry of Works for over twenty years and have encountered similar situations before, but I've never seen anyone come directly to the door like the Minister."

"Those people are too concerned about their reputation to want to sacrifice the women in their families, rather than have a bad reputation."

"Zhang once worked with Ning Yucheng. I never imagined he would be such a ruthless person, even daring to murder his mother..."

"cough--"

Minister Gao coughed forcefully, and several officials were startled. They bowed hastily and ran away as fast as they could.

Minister Gao couldn't help but roll his eyes. What a bunch of gossips, aren't they afraid of being caught on the spot and severely punished by the Minister?

They all have time to chat here, but it seems they are still not busy enough. I will ask the doctors to assign them more tasks tomorrow.

The person in charge: “??!”

......

In the evening, Du Qingtang left the Ministry of Works as the gong sounded, signaling the end of his shift.

On the way back home, the people were all talking about Xia Sheng Daily.

Du Qingtang pricked up his ears and listened. The most popular ones were the strange stories.

"Did the scholar really discover that the little fox is a monster?"

“I always feel that there will be a reversal later.”

"Is the person who wrote this story deliberately trying to get back at us, to pique our curiosity? I'm stuck here, stuck in the middle of nowhere. I've been thinking about it all day. When will I get to see the sequel?"

"The Xiasheng Newspaper Office posted a notice saying that it publishes one issue every ten days, and the second issue won't be published until August 21st."

"Oh my God, how long do we have to wait?"

"Just asking if you want to see it?"

"Look! You definitely have to look!"

"Actually, besides the story of the little fox and the scholar, the other pages are also very interesting, especially..."

The rumble of the carriage gradually moved away, leaving the people's discussions behind.

After returning to the Wen'an Marquis's Mansion, Du Qingtang walked to the flower hall and found it was packed with people.

Eight sisters, six brothers-in-law, and younger generations in the family gathered together.

When Du Qingtang appeared here, twenty or thirty pairs of eyes looked over at him.

Du Qingzhu pursed her lips and endured for two hours, but when she saw people, she couldn't hold it back anymore and burst into tears.

While crying, she rushed towards Du Qingtang and hugged her with open arms.

Du Qingzhu sobbed, her voice thick with tears.

"Xianyu, I didn't know you actually went to the Ministry of Rites and made a scene for me, and were even impeached by the Censor."

"If the news hadn't spread throughout the city, you wouldn't have planned to tell your family at all? Would you have planned to bear everything alone?"

"You're going too far. I'm getting angry."

With every word Du Qingzhu spoke, her arms tightened a little, nearly strangling Du Qingtang. He patted her elbow and said unhappily, "You heartless person! I argued with so many scholars for you, offended all those stubborn old men in the court, and you still dare to be angry with me."

"Wow--"

It would have been better if Du Qingtang didn't say anything. After he said this, Du Qingzhu cried even louder.

She cried without any manner, with tears streaming down her face. As she cried, she rubbed her face on Du Qingtang's clothes.

Du Qingtang: “…”

Du Qingju sat at the door. Seeing the youngest's wooden face, she put her fist to her lips and coughed twice: "Okay, Seventh Sister, Xianyu is wearing her official robes, please don't let her get them dirty."

Du Qingzhu paused in her crying, slowly raised her face, and looked at the wet marks on Du Qingtang's shoulder.

Feeling guilty, I raised my hand and wiped it twice, but not only did it not dry up, the wet mark got bigger.

Du Qingzhu: “!!!”

Du Qingzhu glanced at Du Qingtang's expression, and when she turned around, she found that the youngest was looking at her leisurely.

"Are you done crying?"

"...I'm done crying."

"You are responsible for washing my clothes."

"No, no problem. I promise to wash it clean for you!"

Du Qingtang pushed the person away, sat down nearby, poured himself a cup of tea, and took a sip calmly under the gaze of dozens of eyes.

"Looking at the powerful families and official households in the capital, the relationships among them are intricate and intertwined. They support each other and advance and retreat together. They suffer together and prosper together. However, the Wen'an Marquis's Mansion has only been established in the capital for a short time and has no foundation at all."

Everyone held their breath and listened attentively.

"As a result, the Wen'an Marquis's Mansion became a tool for many unscrupulous officials to climb the social ladder."

"Today it's Seventh Sister, tomorrow it'll be Eighth Sister, and the day after tomorrow it might even be Fang Jie'er."

"Rather than waiting for trouble to ensue and lead to major mistakes, it is better to cut the Gordian knot and solve the problem once and for all."

"Yesterday I caused a disturbance in the Ministry of Rites, and today I caused a disturbance in the Golden Palace. Those people must have been cautious and would not dare to target the Wen'an Marquis's Mansion again."

Du Qingtang held the teacup and glanced at everyone: "Do you understand?"

Du Qinglan spoke first: "Changle County Princess also analyzed it to me in the same way."

Du Qingtang raised his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised: "Changle County Master?"

Du Qinglan nodded and explained, "The five-story courtyard where Xia Jingqiong's English Club is located was provided by the Princess of Changle County. She is only twelve years old this year, but she has regarded you as a role model for many years and has praised you in every word."

Du Qinghua sighed, "She's truly worthy of being the County Lord. None of us in our thirties would have thought that the Changle County Lord would be so thoughtful."

Du Qingshu slapped her husband's hand away from the teacup, making a clanging noise that was killing her: "The Prince's Mansion is different from our humble family - although we are now a wealthy family, we are definitely not comparable to the Prince's Mansion."

"The wealthy men in this town all have concubines, let alone the princes. They must have many concubines and harems, and then there are the illegitimate brothers and sisters. Tsk tsk, it makes me sick just thinking about it. With so many children, intrigue and scheming are inevitable, and they will naturally be more mature than the children of ordinary families."

Rather than the reason why Du Qingtang did this, Guo Qian was more concerned about how His Majesty would punish her, whether she would be demoted, and whether he could find an official position for her, so he asked directly.

Du Qingtang didn't bother to delve into Guo Qian's inner thoughts and said calmly, "Your Majesty has fined me a year's salary."

Guo Qian was stunned: "...Gone?"

Du Qingzhu couldn't stand hearing this, and regardless of Guo Qian's status, he slammed the table and asked fiercely, "Fifth Brother-in-law, how can you talk like that?"

Guo Qian realized he had spoken out of turn and quickly explained, "I just didn't expect Your Majesty to be so magnanimous."

Du Qingtang was so domineering, but she was only fined one year's salary. This made Guo Qian have a deeper understanding of her in the emperor's heart, and he couldn't help but feel fortunate that he rejected Cao Yuan's attempt to win her over.

In terms of closeness, it has to be my wife's younger sister.

Cao Yuan promised him such great benefits because he had something to ask of him. Once he lost his usefulness, he would be discarded like a worn-out shoe.

Du Qingzhu snorted and didn't give a good look to Guo Qian, the fickle man, but the moment she turned to Du Qingtang, a smile broke out on her face.

The speed of his expression changing made everyone present marvel at it.

Du Qingzhu asked eagerly, "Xianyu, how much is your annual salary?"

Du Qingtang made a gesture.

Du Qingzhu counted on his fingers and said carefully, "I'll give you a thousand taels at the end of the year. Just consider it a small token of my appreciation, okay?"

Du Qingtang naturally wouldn't refuse the money that was delivered to his door: "Okay."

Du Qingzhu breathed a sigh of relief, but still felt a little uneasy: "So this matter is over just like that?"

Du Qingtang nodded, put down the teacup and walked out: "I'm hungry, let's go eat."

"Okay, okay, let's eat, let's eat."

"I ate breakfast in the morning. At noon, I was so busy signing the contract with the store that I didn't even have time to eat lunch. After that, I went to the government office to get the official seal. Now my legs are almost not my own."

"Has the shop been booked?"

"Yeah, after searching all over town, I finally found a shop in a good location where the owner doesn't take advantage of us."

The group moved to the dining room and dispersed after eating and drinking their fill.

The two couples, Du Qingmei and Du Qinglan, went back to their respective homes, while the rest of the people returned to their respective residences to wash away the smell of alcohol and fatigue.

In the main courtyard, Du Qingtang had a rare moment of leisure. He sat under the lamp and read a few pages of a book. When he felt sleepy, he turned off the light and went to sleep.

Have a good night's sleep.

-

Two days later, the case of Ning Yucheng's matricide was completely closed with the identification of multiple eyewitnesses.

Ning Yucheng was a fifth-rank official in the imperial court, but he strangled his old mother to death with his own hands. His mother had worked day and night to sew to earn money for his studies, and this had ruined her health.

In order to warn the world, Emperor Qingyuan ordered that he be dismissed from his official position and beheaded.

From then on, no one dared to attack the young lady of the Wen'an Marquis's Mansion.

Every time I was about to make a move or spread rumors, I would think about Ning Yucheng's fate first.

Is their plan perfect? What will happen if it is discovered?

In this case, it is better to settle for the second best and choose a girl from another family who is about to get married.

But with Wen Anbo as tough as him, other families are unwilling to be the scapegoat.

Those officials with ulterior motives were demoted or even dismissed without exception.

At the same time, urgent reports of floods came from the three southern prefectures.

In the Golden Palace, the atmosphere was so solemn that it was almost suffocating.

Emperor Qingyuan sat on his high throne, a solemn expression on his round, elegant face. "As of now, thousands of civilians are confirmed dead, and over 20,000 have been swept away by the flood, their fate uncertain."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the officials rushed to express their opinions.

"Your Majesty, the most urgent task right now is to dispatch an imperial envoy to control the flood, so as to prevent more people from suffering from this unprovoked disaster."

"After a flood, there will inevitably be a major epidemic, and various epidemic prevention measures must keep up."

"The crops in the fields will undoubtedly be severely damaged by the floods, and there's a high probability that there will be no harvest at all. Sweet potatoes and potatoes were only introduced to those three prefectures last year, so the relief grain and silver must be delivered as soon as possible."

“…”

The Golden Throne Hall was bustling with activity. Du Qingtang pondered for a moment, then stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, once the flood is over, we can use cement to build the riverbank. This will enhance its stability and effectively prevent the river from eroding the riverbank. It's also easy to construct and very durable."

Emperor Qingyuan slowly turned the jade ring, resting it against the base of his finger. The slight sting kept him calm. "Lord Du, who do you think is qualified to serve as the imperial envoy to control the flood and shoulder the heavy responsibility of post-disaster reconstruction?"

The officials were whispering to each other.

"She will definitely recommend herself."

"This is a lucrative job. She can make a lot of money and win the favor of the people. Maybe it will even be published in the newspaper for people to read. It's a good deal for her."

However, this is not the case.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Du Qingtang calmly stated, "I've heard that Grand Secretary Shi served as an official in the south in his early years and was very skilled in flood control. Your Majesty, why don't you send Grand Secretary Shi to Hubei?"

"She actually gave this great opportunity to someone else?"

"This isn't like her style. Could she be possessed by some evil spirit?"

Du Qingtang: “…”

To be honest, Du Qingtang is not good at water control.

In modern times, she was engaged in scientific research, and because of her parents, she lived in a military compound for several years. She was very familiar with small gadgets such as firearms, compasses, and telescopes.

But she had never learned any knowledge about water control, and had no experience in water control in her previous life.

If you don't have the skills, don't take on the job.

Flood is like a ferocious beast, only those who understand it can tame it.

Du Qingtang was not worried about not being able to gain credit from the floods in Hubei. As long as the cement remained, the local people would remember her as they remembered Shi Zishan.

Shi Zishan was also somewhat surprised that Wen Anbo would actually recommend him. He readily accepted the recommendation and said, "Master Du, thank you for your praise. I only have a superficial understanding of flood control."

Emperor Qingyuan said, "My dear Shi, why are you so self-deprecating? In fact, even if my dear Du hadn't said it, I had originally planned to appoint you as the Imperial Commissioner for Water Control, to go to Hubei to control the floods, build river embankments, and maintain peace in the area."

Having said this, Shi Zishan no longer refused: "As long as your majesty commands, I will do my best."

Emperor Qingyuan's expression softened slightly: "My dear Lord Du."

Du Qingtang bowed: "I am here."

Emperor Qingyuan ordered, "Dispatch a construction team of 100 men from the Ministry of Works, and have them accompany Minister Shi to Hubei tomorrow."

Du Qingtang responded respectfully.

Emperor Qingyuan also singled out several officials, including Minister Qi, and gave them instructions one by one.

After the morning court session ended, all departments and agencies quickly began to operate.

In addition to providing a construction team of up to 100 people, Du Qingtang also asked Pan Langzhong, who was in charge of the Du Shui Qingli Si, and several craftsmen to accompany the imperial envoy for water conservancy and others to Hubei.

After the two orders were passed down, Du Qingtang began to handle official business.

There were a lot of official documents today, and Du Qingtang's pen almost flew out of his sight, but he was still busy until the hour of Xu.

At that time, most of the officials in the Ministry of Works had finished their work and returned home. Only three or five people were still working late into the night, muttering to themselves and complaining about the complicated official duties and the incompetent superiors.

Du Qingtang walked slowly past the duty room without disturbing anyone.

The beginning of autumn passed yesterday, and the mornings and evenings became increasingly cooler.

At this time, the Golden Crow sets in the west, the Jade Rabbit rises in the east, and the night wind blows, blowing away the fatigue from working hard in the Ministry of Works for six or seven hours.

Du Qingtang strolled along the long and quiet palace road. The palace maids and imperial guards passing by saw that she was wearing a purple official robe and instantly understood her identity. They all stopped and saluted her.

The vermilion palace gate was right in front of him, which reminded Du Qingtang of the day when he first entered the Ministry of Works.

Fortunately, it is still early tonight and there is still half an hour before the palace gates are locked.

"Offering jade?"

A clear female voice came from behind him. Du Qingtang knew the other party's identity without turning around.

Du Qingtang stopped and turned around: "A Rong."

Princess Zhaoyang walked towards her, followed by the gentle and kind Aunt Yuanshuang.

Just like the encounter in front of the palace gate that night, Princess Zhaoyang was still without makeup tonight. She wore a dark dress and her hair was not adorned with hairpins, looking extremely plain.

"Is the Ministry of Works busy today?" Princess Zhaoyang asked.

Du Qingtang replied, "The affairs are complicated and the official documents are more numerous than before."

Princess Zhaoyang sighed softly, "The South is prone to floods. Father originally thought there would be no floods this year, but who would have thought..."

Du Qingtang offered words of comfort: "Once the flood is over, we'll use cement to build the riverbank, and there won't be floods for decades to come."

"With you here, I feel like all problems can be easily solved. It's really reassuring," Princess Zhaoyang said with emotion. "It's just that Hubei is so far away from Xiajing. The urgent report was delayed for a month on the way, and it took the imperial commissioner for more than a month to arrive in Hubei. During this time, countless people died and became homeless due to the flood."

Du Qingtang looked at the tall red wall, thinking, "Arong wants the flood control team to arrive in Hubei as soon as possible?"

Princess Zhaoyang nodded, her tone filled with anticipation: "Is there any way to make Xianyu a success?"

Du Qingtang shook his head. Princess Zhaoyang's eyes dimmed, but she heard the last part of her voice rise: "Not now, but it doesn't mean there won't be in the future."

"Hmm?" Princess Zhaoyang was puzzled. "What do you mean by Xianyu?"

Du Qingtang smiled slightly. "To be honest, Arong, your words just now gave me some brilliant ideas. However, I will definitely not be able to catch up with the flood in Hubei this time. If nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to do it next year."

"That's perfect!"

Princess Zhaoyang didn't ask what the specific idea was. Isn't it more interesting to keep some surprises?

"By the way, Xianyu, have you tried the seafood I sent to your house two days ago?"

Du Qingtang nodded: "Our whole family likes it very much."

Princess Zhaoyang's brows relaxed: "Next time Hangzhou Prefecture sends some sea cucumbers, I'll give you some."

Du Qingtang did not refuse: "Thank you, Arong."

Princess Zhaoyang liked Du Qingtang's straightforwardness the most. She never beat around the bush when speaking, so she didn't have to spend too much time trying to guess the meaning of her every word.

Du Qingtang walked beside Princess Zhaoyang and casually asked, "Your Highness is going to Yufu Palace again?"

Princess Zhaoyang paused, her voice slightly lowered, barely audible, "Today is the anniversary of my mother and brother's death."

Du Qingtang was stunned.

Princess Zhaoyang looked up at the bright stars, her tone vague, "They didn't leave me at the same time, they just happened to leave on the fifteenth day of the eighth month."

Twenty-four years ago on August 15th, her mother passed away.

Twenty-two years ago on August 15th, her brother left her.

They all died before her eyes.

Du Qingtang rubbed his waistband with his fingertips and said softly, "The dead are gone, and the living are like this. I believe you two hope that Arong will take good care of himself and be well every day."

Princess Zhaoyang smiled and said, "I will."

How could she die so easily when the people who killed her mother and brother were still alive?

After the words fell, the two of them walked out of the palace side by side in silence.

Princess Zhaoyang stepped onto the carriage on a horse stool and suddenly turned around: "By the way, Xianyu, Manager Tao from the charity hall sent a message this morning that the charity hall can open tomorrow."

Du Qingtang hadn't forgotten about the charity hall this time, and nodded to indicate that he understood. "I've been in the Ministry of Works all day and didn't know about this. I guess the deputy steward has also gone to the Wen'an Earl's Mansion to pass on the message."

"I knew it, so I specifically informed you." Princess Zhaoyang blinked, her heroic features adding a touch of playfulness as she drawled out her words, teasing, "Lord Du was quite impressive the past two days. Even I heard about him."

Du Qingtang felt somewhat helpless and said frankly, "Arong, you know, I have no choice."

Princess Zhaoyang remained silent, her clear voice revealing a subtle indifference: "Some people dream of ascending to the top overnight. If you treat them well, they will become even more aggressive, like flies that are annoying."

After that, she changed the subject: "I heard that the emperor fined you a year's salary?"

Du Qingtang hummed, "Your Majesty must give an explanation to all the officials. Besides, I did break the rules. If everyone follows suit, wouldn't the court be in chaos?"

"I don't care." Princess Zhaoyang muttered, "Tomorrow I'll go to my father's private treasury and make up for the salary that was deducted from Xianyu from somewhere else."

Du Qingtang was about to decline politely when he heard Princess Zhaoyang say in a tone that brooked no argument: "There are many good things in my father's private storehouse. Please don't be polite with me when you present the jade."

Du Qingtang couldn't help but laugh, so he could only thank her, his brows and eyes stained with smiles: "It's getting late, Arong, go back quickly, I'm going home too."

Princess Zhaoyang waved her hand and turned around, saying softly, "Actually, I wasn't in a good mood today. Seeing Xianyu, I felt so much comforted and my heart brightened."

Du Qingtang was slightly stunned: "It's worth it to make Ah Rong smile."

Princess Zhaoyang curved her lips and said, "I present you jade, happy Mid-Autumn Festival."

Du Qingtang smiled back and watched the princess's carriage rumble away.

......

When Du Qingtang returned to the Wen'an Marquis's residence, Meng Fang came to greet him: "Master, the young ladies are enjoying the moon by the lotus pond. Would you like to have dinner first or go straight over?"

Du Qingtang said without hesitation: "Eat first."

In order to handle official business, she didn't even have time to eat lunch, and her stomach was already rumbling.

It’s not too late to fill your stomach before going to enjoy the moon.

Meng Fang responded and asked the maid to serve the food.

Halfway through dinner, Du Qingju came back from outside.

Du Qingtang took a sip of soup: "Have you eaten?"

Du Qingju shook her head, and her maid brought another set of bowls and chopsticks to the table. "There's a flood in Hubei, and to prevent a plague from spreading after the disaster, the imperial physician has to go with them."

"Originally, Dean Lan planned to send me to Hubei, but the Seventh Prince's wife needs me, and the three hundred doctors in the Female Medical Bureau can't do without me."

Du Qingtang placed Du Qingju's favorite dishes in front of her and asked casually, "Why did you come back just now?"

"I've discussed this with Dean Lan and asked Chuxia to bring a few doctors with good medical skills over there." Du Qingju counted on her fingers, listing them like the back of her hand, "Gu Bitong, Su Ahua..."

Du Qingtang didn't recognize them, but listened patiently.

"Chu Xia is only eighteen at most. I was worried, so I went with her to the house in the south of the city and prepared some necessary medicines for her. That's why I came back late."

Du Qingtang understood: "Chu Xia is your only disciple. Sooner or later, she will have to stand on her own. It's good to take this opportunity to train her."

Du Qingju remained noncommittal: "Chuxia is very talented. This time I asked her to take the healer to Hubei for this very reason."

The two chatted casually, and after eating and drinking, they went to the lotus pond.

"Hey, Xiao Ba and Xian Yu are back! Come over here quickly, I saved a seat for you!"

"Come and try the mooncakes! They're a new flavor and are selling really well at Shixiang Pavilion. Everyone loves them."

"I'm here." Du Qingju pulled Du Qingtang to sit down and responded with a smile.

Everyone drank, admired the moon, and talked and laughed until midnight.

-

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the charity hall officially opened.

Du Qingtang and Princess Zhaoyang had no intention of concealing the identity of the founder of the charity hall. As soon as the news spread, several newborn baby girls were thrown at the door of the charity hall that day.

Both Wen Anbo and Princess Zhaoyang were prominent figures in the city of Xiajing, and they would certainly not do such a wicked thing as refusing to admit an abandoned baby.

The vast majority of abandoned babies are girls, with one or two boys, all of whom are born with defects.

The manager had no choice but to take the child to the charity house, arrange for female workers to take care of him, and report the matter to the princess's mansion.

Princess Zhaoyang reviewed memorials for Emperor Qingyuan last night. She did not return from the secret passage until the second half of the night and fell asleep near dawn.

Although he was awake at this moment, he was still sleepy and felt as if he had no bones. He leaned on the chaise longue and read the Art of War.

Yuan Shuang entered and said softly, "Your Highness, over at the charity hall..."

Princess Zhaoyang lifted her eyes and gently touched her forehead with her fingertips: "It's okay, stay."

They are all poor children. If they have nowhere to go, they will most likely die soon.

She has enough money to raise a child, so she just needs to send someone to guide her, and it may be useful to her in the future.

"Yes, I will pass the message on."

Yuan Shuang retreated, but soon returned, washed her hands first, walked behind Princess Zhaoyang, and massaged her front joints.

Princess Zhaoyang often suffered from headaches.

This was the disease she contracted in Da Qi.

I vaguely remember that year, it snowed heavily and the entire palace road was covered with white snow.

Princess Zhaoyang was captured by people from Concubine Mei's palace and used as a footstool.

She was only sixteen years old at that time, how could she support the weight of an adult woman?

Princess Zhaoyang fell down the moment Concubine Mei stepped on her back, and almost caused Concubine Mei to fall down with her.

The maidservant beside Concubine Mei was furious and pushed her hard.

Princess Zhaoyang's forehead hit the sharp edge of the sedan chair and she bled a lot.

She had no money for medical treatment and no one to take care of her. Lying in the palace that was like an ice cave, she thought she was going to die countless times.

Fortunately, God blessed her and she survived, but she was left with a lifelong incurable disease.

"Is Your Highness feeling better?"

Princess Zhaoyang let out a light moan.

Who can tell whether it is better or I have become accustomed to the pain?

.......

The registration deadline for the institute is August 31st.

On the first day of September, the court officially implemented the official registration system.

The Ministry of Personnel issued a notice that all officials in Xiajing City, whether they were of the first or ninth rank, had to go to the Ministry of Personnel to collect their official registration books.

Local officials have their own special personnel to distribute it and deliver it to the local government office. It is considered a successful distribution only after the local officials confirm that it is correct.

Du Qingtang received his official register and when he opened it, the first thing that caught his eye was a long list of achievements.

Minister Ma also saw his own achievements in the official register and smiled so hard that his teeth were exposed: "Sir, look at my..."

When he turned his head, he was almost blinded by the countless achievements that he could not count at a glance.

Minister Ma: “…”

Sorry to bother you, goodbye!

......

On the fifth day of September, 8,900 craftsmen gathered in Huangzhuang to undergo a unified assessment by the research institute.

There are no fixed requirements for this assessment, only four words -

Each one shows his or her strengths.

Deputy Director of the Institute, Doctor Wan, said this, leaving many craftsmen confused.

"What does this mean?"

“Do what you do best.”

"I see, then I know what to do!"

As a result, more than 8,000 craftsmen showed off their skills and demonstrated their abilities to the best of their ability to the vice-president.

Because some of the things that the craftsmen are good at require meticulous carving, the assessment time is as long as five days.

During this period, Doctor Wan and the craftsmen stayed in the research institute without leaving.

After the assessment, Doctor Wan led the craftsmen from the Ministry of Works to review the craftsmen's "answer sheets" intensively.

It took me three full days to read through more than 8,000 answer sheets.

On September 14th, Doctor Wan presented a list to the Minister of the Chancellery: "I have carefully selected these 200 craftsmen, and they are the best among all the craftsmen. Please review them."

Du Qingtang opened the roster and found that behind each name were the corresponding skills and "answer sheet" content.

Doctor Wan is a good person. He is down-to-earth and will not play tricks. Therefore, the authenticity of this list is very high and there is no water in it.

Du Qingtang scanned the list and read out a few names: "Let these people come over, and the rest of you move into the research institute as soon as possible. Let them use their respective strengths to develop things that benefit the country and the people."

Wan Lang couldn't hide his excitement. He had a premonition that the establishment of the research institute would bring about more earth-shaking changes in Daxia!

The craftsmen named by Du Qingtang soon arrived at the research room that belonged exclusively to the director of the institute.

They knew that the head of the academy was the current Minister of Works, Wen Anbo, who had created many miracles, and they all looked excited.

"I am here to see you, sir!"

Du Qingtang sat upright behind the desk and got straight to the point: "I've seen what you've all made. You're all very skilled at mechanical engineering, aren't you?"

"Indeed, I have been apprenticed to a mechanical engineer in my hometown since I was young. It has been twenty-eight years now."

"I have never had a teacher, I am self-taught."

"So do the common people."

The craftsmen talked incessantly about where they learned the art of making mechanical devices. Du Qingtang listened to them patiently and tapped the table with his fingers.

"Whether you studied under a master or are self-taught, in my opinion, you all have profound attainments in the art of machinery."

Du Qingtang smiled faintly. "I wonder if you are interested in working with me to build a locomotive that can travel hundreds of miles a day and carry thousands or even tens of thousands of passengers at a time?"

Can you travel hundreds of miles a day?

Carrying tens of thousands of passengers at the same time?

If we can build the locomotive that the dean mentioned, wouldn’t we be able to travel all over the country within a few days?

If there is a disaster in a certain place, even if it is three thousand miles away, it will only take ten days to arrive.

If the enemy attacks, the court can use this locomotive to urgently dispatch soldiers and supplies, making the Xia army invincible.

All of the above made the craftsmen breathe rapidly and their eyes flashed with burning light.

"interested in!"

"I'm willing to give it a try!"

......

On the first day of October, Xia Sheng Newspaper Office published the sixth issue of Xia Sheng Daily.

There are strange stories about a little fox and a scholar that pique people's curiosity, as well as various court anecdotes and legal science stories, which the people are very willing to buy into.

Just a penny to buy happiness and joy.

As of October 10th, the sixth issue of the newspaper had sold a total of 80,000 copies, and 30,000 of them were reprinted.

No one expected that the people would accept Xia Sheng Daily so highly.

As soon as the 50,000 copies of the newspaper were released, they were sold out within two days.

The people who didn't buy newspapers cursed and urged Xia Sheng Newspaper Office to restock the stock quickly.

Minister Qi's mouth was almost crooked with smiles, and he quickly notified Lord Du from the Ministry of Works, asking her to arrange for craftsmen to print more.

The craftsmen printed more copies overnight, and Du Qingtang promised to pay them double the wages.

The saying that money makes the world go round is no mere talk. The craftsmen were both happy and sad, yawning as they printed newspapers at a rapid pace.

Fight for double wages!

-

Autumn goes and winter comes, and the end of the year is approaching.

The six ministries were extremely busy. Du Qingtang had to deal with hundreds of documents every day when he opened his eyes. If he couldn't finish them at the Ministry of Works, he had to bring the remaining documents back before the palace gates were locked and continue working late into the night.

From the 24th to the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, Du Qingtang only slept for one or two hours every day, and the other officials were no less sleepy. The resentment over the six ministries was enough to support a hundred evil sword immortals.

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, all the affairs of the Ministry of Works were coordinated and checked, and the officials could finally take a break.

Without exception, all sixty-two officials fell into a deep sleep as soon as their faces touched the table.

Du Qingtang didn't disturb them, considering that they were indeed very tired recently, until the gong sounded, signaling the end of their shift, which woke them up from their sleep.

"Ah, I seem to have slept for a long time?"

"It feels so good, I feel like my head has opened up."

"My neck hurts so much, I think I have a stiff neck."

Du Qingtang put on a cloak, walked along the corridor against the cold wind, and took a carriage home.

Because there will be a New Year's Eve palace banquet tomorrow night, all officials above the fourth rank must bring their families into the palace, so the New Year's Eve banquet at the Wen'an Marquis' Mansion will be moved forward one day and scheduled for tonight.

Du Qingtang walked in and went straight to the dining room.

A heavy curtain hung on the dining room door, keeping the howling cold wind out.

I lifted the curtain and walked in. There was a charcoal brazier burning in the dining room. The inside and outside of the room were like two different worlds.

A maid came forward to take the cloak. Du Qingtang stamped his feet and went to warm himself in front of the charcoal brazier.

The three large round tables were full of people, chatting and laughing, looking very happy.

Du Qingtang heard her second sister Du Qingqi nagging, "Cheng'er's private school teacher passed away two days ago. We have to find a new private school next year. We finally got familiar with the environment, but now we have to move to a new place. I don't know if it will affect the children's studies."

"There's no need to go to private school next year. I'll invite a scholar back, and then all the girls can study directly at home." Du Qingtang warmed his hands and sat down next to Du Qingju. "Serve the food."

The maid answered, and soon the sumptuous dishes and fragrant wine were served.

Just smelling it makes one salivate.

Before she started eating, Du Qingmei suddenly coughed lightly and raised her hand to cover her belly: "Um... I'm pregnant."

This sentence was like a bolt of thunder, each word weighing a thousand pounds, hitting everyone's head one after another.

Du Qingtang held the chopsticks, narrowed his eyes, and said nothing.

Du Qingqin's face lit up with joy: "When was the diagnosis made? How many months has it been? How do you feel now? Are you feeling unwell? Xiao Ba, please take Xiao Wu's pulse and see how he is doing."

Regardless of the fact that Guo Qian is worse than pigs and dogs, it is always a good thing for Du Qingmei to have her own child.

Du Qingmei was determined not to divorce, thinking that she couldn't rely on the illegitimate child when she got older.

Du Qingmei answered them one by one, her beautiful face gleaming with a gentle halo: "Guo Qian's mother said that it's not appropriate to publicize it three months ago. As soon as it's been three months, I will tell you."

Du Qingju stepped forward to check her pulse and said after a moment, "You're fine. Fifth sister, you've always been in good health. Even after you got pregnant, you're still the same as before. There's no change."

"The doctor said I'm fine." Du Qingmei gently stroked her flat abdomen and looked at Du Qingtang. "Xianyu, I want to ask you for a favor."

Du Qingtang was silent, his black and white eyes staring at her silently.

Du Qingmei breathed hard, lowered her eyes and smiled, "My brothers-in-law all have their own livelihoods. Sixth brother-in-law is also an official in the Dali Temple. I think now that we have a child, Guo Qian's right hand is much more nimble than it was in the past two years. Can you find him an official position? It doesn't have to be too high..."

Du Qingtang slammed his chopsticks onto the table, making a crisp sound: "Enough!"

Du Qingmei's smile froze on her face, and her heart sank to the bottom.