Xiao Chengci led Pei Minxue on a tour of most of the harem, and by the end, Pei Minxue was somewhat numb.

Because Xiao Chengci wanted to tear down almost everything and rebuild it.

Pei Minxue did a rough calculation.

"Your Majesty, after all this trouble, the Ministry of Revenue will probably only be able to provide 30% of the silver."

Pei Minxue knew what kind of people were in the Ministry of Revenue.

On important matters, the Ministry of Revenue would never be ambiguous.

The Ministry of Revenue has never shirked its responsibilities regarding the salaries, provisions, and weapons of the soldiers.

For the rest, if they want to allocate some funds, the people in the Ministry of Revenue will have to roll up their sleeves, have a big argument, and then cut off a percentage of the funds.

This time, Xiao Chengci said he wanted to rebuild the harem.

The Ministry of Revenue was so accommodating only because His Majesty's harem was empty, and for the sake of the nation's foundation.

"It's nothing," Xiao Chengci said nonchalantly. "Just do your best to deal with the Ministry of Revenue."

"See how much they can allocate; the rest can come from my private treasury."

The state has a national treasury. Even if Xiao Chengci is the emperor, he needs a legitimate reason to use the national treasury's money.

Xiao Chengci's private treasury was quite wealthy, accumulated from his childhood, as well as from the late emperor's own private treasury left to him before his death.

For an emperor, it's definitely better to let the national treasury cover the costs; he should save as much of his own money as possible.

Pei Minxue wrote down in his notebook: "Okay."

“And another thing,” Xiao Chengci recalled, “last year, a large number of palace servants were released to become monks.”

"The Clothing Bureau, the Pastry Bureau, and many others—I can't quite remember them all."

Since there was no female master in the harem, Xiao Chengci didn't usually like to eat snacks.

The clothing bureau originally had hundreds of embroiderers who made clothes for the ladies of the imperial harem.

Xiao Chengci had no one in his harem, and he couldn't possibly need so many people by himself.

So last year, they made an exception and released many palace maids from the palace.

"We have to recruit people in advance and teach them the rules."

Pei Minxue responded and wrote it down in his notebook.

"Also, recruit a group of clever-looking palace maids in advance, and let Zhizhi choose them to serve you closely."

“I think the maid in your household is quite dull; Zhizhi doesn’t like to take her with her when she goes out.”

Pei Minxue explained, "That maid was part of my wife's dowry. She was very efficient at working and serving people. Originally, some people were arranged, but she chose her own."

"Find a few smart and quick-witted people who can chat with her and make her happy."

"As for doing chores and serving others, I can do all of that."

Pei Minxue gave His Majesty a thumbs-up, praising His Majesty's competence.

And so, he was able to attend court and preside over government affairs.

In private, she can also work and serve others.

"Alright, I've got it. From now on, His Majesty will receive a maid's salary every month."

Pei Minxue made a joke, and Xiao Chengci glanced at him, but didn't hold it against Pei Minxue.

Xiao Chengci pointed to an open space and said, "Let's move a big tree here so that we can enjoy the shade under it in the summer."

"Have people plant some mosquito repellent around here."

Xiao Chengci then pointed to the center of the palace, "It would be best to dig a small pond here and bring in fresh water."

Upon hearing this, Pei Minxue couldn't help but interrupt.

"Your Majesty, where in the palace can I get fresh water for you?"

Xiao Chengci pondered for a moment, then clapped his hands: "Isn't there a well in the kitchen?"

"If all else fails, we can dig a well here."

"Bring fresh water into the pond, put some melons and fruits in it, and the yard will smell of them. Zhizhi will like that too."

Pei Minxue sighed and nodded with a look of utter misery on his face.

Xiao Chengci spoke his mind freely, while Pei Minxue followed behind, sketching and writing.

"Your Majesty, if we follow your requirements, the construction period will take at least six months."

"How could that be?" Xiao Chengci couldn't wait half a year.

"Making the Ministry of Works work overtime, in two shifts, for half a year is too long."

“You have to dig a well, and we have to move trees. Just one well will take ten days to half a month to complete.”

"Drill a well while carrying out the rest of the project."

Pei Minxue continued to explain: "If Changqiu Palace is to be demolished, it will take us ten days to half a month to demolish it."

"We can speed up the construction period, and it wouldn't be a big problem to pay more to have the workers work at night."

"Then what about Your Majesty's rest time?"

Xiao Chengci said indifferently, "I'm fine. I sleep well, they can't disturb me."

“Alright,” Pei Minxue replied. “Your Majesty may not care, but don’t forget, there are still quite a few concubines in the harem.”

“They are quite old, and it’s a big problem that they don’t get enough rest at night.”

Xiao Chengci had his hands behind his back, which was indeed a problem.

"Have the palace servants ask these concubines tomorrow."

"If any of them have children and wish to go to their children's fiefdoms, I can order someone to send them there."

"If they are willing to go, their monthly salary will still be paid."

"Those who don't want to go, we're afraid they'll be moved to the palace furthest from Changqiu Palace."

Xiao Chengci pondered for a moment and said, "The reason is that the place they are currently living in needs to be renovated."

"I have noted it down."

Pei Minxue glanced at the notebook. "I will go to the Ministry of Works now to find someone to draw the plans. I'll take my leave now."

"Yes, remind the people in the Ministry of Works that if they dare to cut corners, I will exterminate their entire family."

"Your subject obeys."

Xiao Chengci called out to Pei Minxue again, "There's more."

"Tell the people in the Ministry of Works that no matter what materials they use, they must use the best ones. Don't even think about saving me money."

"Your subject understands."

"Wait a moment."

Pei Minxue said helplessly, "Your Majesty, if you have something to say, could you please say it all at once?"

"When assigning people to work, we have to keep a close eye on them. If they dare to cause any deaths, they might as well die with them to avoid bad luck."

Pei Minxue raised an eyebrow, understanding what His Majesty was worried about.

It's simply that it was built for Pei Zhi to live in.

Whether it's materials or anything else, Xiao Chengci wanted Pei Zhi to live in the best possible place.

If blood is spilled or someone dies during the construction process, it becomes an ominous place.

"I will specifically instruct the Ministry of Works that all workers must be strong and healthy, and preferably, we will also inquire whether they are with their families. Would that be acceptable?"

Xiao Chengci nodded in satisfaction and waved for Pei Minxue to get on with it.

Pei Minxue turned around, his shoulders slumping immediately.

This is too much trouble.

How can Your Majesty be so long-winded? He's like an old woman.

Pei Minxue gripped the notebook in his hand, his head throbbing even more at the thought of having to argue with the Ministry of Works later.

Isn't there a saying that when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven?

Why is it that getting here is even more tiring?

Anyway, Pei Minxue didn't see what kind of good fortune he was enjoying.