Chapter 124 (No further information)

The setting sun was like blood, turning the window frames a deep crimson.

Consort Lin's profile was also flushed. She lowered her eyelids slightly and slowly withdrew her hand.

"Consort Hui must have thought this through carefully before asking me to do these things. It's not that I look down on Consort Hui, but your father and brother are both of average talent, and Madam Xue and Madam Tao are only fit to be women in the inner quarters. If Consort Hui hadn't found them a reliable advisor and selected a palace maid who used to serve Consort Gao to help them, Jiang would have been like Zhao, unable to become Consort Hui's help, but instead would have become a burden."

Jiang Ling raised his eyebrows but remained silent.

Consort Lin glanced at the mountain of books piled on the desk and continued, "The situation in the court is unclear. You have to face cunning officials and deal with the Emperor. You can't fight alone; you must find help. Consort Zhao is no good; she's still thinking about her stupid son who should have died long ago, hoping to turn the tables one day."

At this point, Consort Lin's expression dimmed for a moment. Jiang Ling pondered for a moment, then asked, "And you?"

A bitter taste crept onto Consort Lin's lips, but it vanished in an instant. Her expression remained calm as she said frankly, "I'm fine during the day, but I always wake up inexplicably at night, feeling so unwell that I can't fall back asleep. Actually, to this day, I still don't know where things went wrong."

"Do you know?" Consort Lin looked at Jiang Ling and asked blankly.

“I know a little about it, so please listen to me. I believe that raising a child is a gamble. Raising a child is not easy, raising a child well is even more difficult.”

Jiang Ling laughed and shook her head. "It's complicated in some ways, and easy in others. Learning a few of the principles from books is enough. Respect the elderly as you would your own parents, care for the young as you would your own children. Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you. When poor, cultivate your own virtue; when successful, benefit all under heaven. Love your relatives and extend that love to the people; love the people and cherish all things. A wise person, even towards animals, cannot bear to see them die."

Consort Lin stared blankly, her eyes slowly filling with tears. She raised her hand to wipe them away, took a deep breath, and said, "It's my fault for not teaching him well. I've read so many books, but I only read the surface; my words and actions don't match. He kills cats and dogs for amusement; this is not the behavior of a gentleman, and he is no different from a beast."

Jiang Ling said, "Even beasts have a protective instinct for their offspring."

Consort Lin paused, then let out a sigh of relief and said, "Yes. A gentleman loves things but is not benevolent towards them; he is benevolent towards the people but is not close to them. I will take care of the Lin family and also restrain them, so Consort Hui can rest assured."

Jiang Ling smiled again. Consort Lin was extremely intelligent and understood immediately.

"Love your family and then extend that love to the people," the preceding phrase is "The way a gentleman treats all things." "Love has different degrees; extend it to others as you would to yourself," meaning first love your family and then extend that love to others and all things.

Jiang Ling believed that everyone has selfish motives. She was no exception, and would definitely protect the Jiang family first. If Consort Lin disregarded the Lin family, she would care even less about the common people.

This is something Jiang Ling has always insisted on: to be a decent human being. Don't be a boastful person, constantly talking about family, country, and the world while your blood is cold; you're worse than a beast.

Consort Lin responded with this sentence, which was frank and sincere.

Jiang Ling certainly had his concerns. Consort Lin had the Lin family behind her, and given her intelligence, Jiang Ling dared not assume that he could completely control her.

Between bad guys and fools, Jiang Ling prefers to face bad guys. The behavior of bad guys is predictable, but that of fools is unpredictable and makes them hard to guard against.

If Consort Lin could keep her word, Jiang Ling would have no regrets even if she lost.

"This is a report from Wuzhou Prefecture regarding the disaster."

Jiang Ling said no more, took out a memorial and handed it to Consort Lin, explaining her approach.

Consort Lin nodded repeatedly. "I understand. You want the relief efforts to be truly effective, with everything documented and verifiable, to clarify the actual losses and facilitate post-disaster management. The Ministry of State Affairs and the Ministry of Revenue have prepared maps and household registers; I'll check them first."

Jiang Ling smiled broadly. Consort Lin understood immediately; it was so pleasant to deal with intelligent people.

After the two of them were busy for a while, Wenjuan quietly stepped forward to remind them, "Your Majesty, it's time for dinner."

Jiang Ling put down the dossier and asked Consort Lin, "Are you going back to the palace, or do you want to continue your work?"

"I'll go back in a while," Consort Lin replied without hesitation, and politely said to Wen Juan, "Please give me some light and delicious food."

Jiang Ling said okay, and instructed Wen Juan: "Go to the imperial kitchen and get some light food. Your parents are afraid of the cold, so add less ice to the room."

Consort Lin gave a self-deprecating laugh and said, "Your job isn't easy either; at least I can't do it."

Jiang Ling smiled without saying a word. Although Emperor Yuanming was detestable, he could be considered merciful towards her. The flaws and evils of Emperor Yuanming were commonplace in men of later generations. Besides, he was the emperor; dealing with him was easier for Jiang Ling than dealing with others.

Consort Lin avoided mentioning Emperor Yuanming further. She seemed to remember something and asked, "How is she?"

Jiang Ling knew she was asking about Consort Liu, so he told her about Emperor Yuanming's treatment of him, "It'll be in the next few days."

Consort Lin responded with an "oh," but it was just a casual question, and she didn't take it to heart. She sat back down at her desk and continued working.

Jiang Ling was surprised for a moment, then smiled.

Their life paths have diverged completely; Consort Liu is now a thing of the past, no longer capable of causing any ripples.

Jiang Ling returned to his bedroom, where Emperor Yuanming was testing Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang's studies. He had a stern face and was nitpicking, scolding the two of them until they hung their heads.

The two breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Jiang Ling enter the room. Xiao Yunzan secretly made a face at Jiang Ling, while Xiao Yunlang started counting on his fingers.

"Let's eat." Jiang Ling glared at Xiao Yunzan inwardly, then stroked Xiao Yunlang's crooked hair. "Go wash your hands and eat by yourself. Don't disturb your father."

Xiao Yunlang grinned; he had only counted to three when he was indeed rescued. Xiao Yunzan was quick and had already turned and run outside. Xiao Yunlang hurriedly chased after him, and the two of them made a hasty escape.

"You spoil them so much." Emperor Yuanming snorted unhappily, slapping the two boys' heads loudly. "The two boys are very naughty. If they are not strictly disciplined, how will they amount to anything in the future? If the Great Yin dynasty is ruined by them, how can I face the ancestors of the Xiao family?"

The two boys' calligraphy was only considered neat. Jiang Ling's requirements for their studies mainly focused on training in arithmetic, general knowledge, and logic.

Jiang Ling offered a perfunctory reply, and Emperor Yuanming, supporting himself, sat down in a chair. Huang Liang led the eunuchs to set out the meal. He took a couple of bites with his chopsticks and asked, "I heard from A-Zan that Consort Lin has come. What brings her here?"

"The Imperial Concubine is capable; I have some matters I'd like her to handle," Jiang Ling said vaguely.

Emperor Yuanming scoffed and said, "She can hardly be considered capable; she can't even raise a son properly!"

After expressing his disdain for Consort Lin, Emperor Yuanming inquired about the disaster relief efforts, asking, "Have you entrusted the matter to the Council of State Affairs?"

Jiang Ling said, "It is possible that the Ministry of Works will also need to work together to repair the river channel and take advantage of the dry season to clear blockages and silt from the river."

Emperor Yuanming laughed heartily, pointed at Jiang Ling, and said condescendingly, "Look at you, you really don't understand. You mention that repairs are easy, but where will the money and grain come from? Go ask Minister Jiang, and I guarantee he'll cry to you for three days and three nights."

River management and construction were originally considered corvée labor, but after the reform of the poll tax, this corvée labor was offset by money. Even though the government collected the money, it still conscripted laborers. The end result was that the people paid money and had to perform hard labor.

Jiang Ling planned to abolish the corvée tax and place this authority in the hands of local gentry. These gentry were far more concerned with waterway engineering, road and bridge construction, and other matters than local officials.

These were not Jiang Ling's wild ideas, but rather inspirations drawn from the Changping Granary.

The grain stored in the Ever-Normal Granary was used to stabilize grain prices and provide disaster relief. The intention was good, but the results were not as satisfactory as hoped.

The biggest rat was the emperor. His wealth was repeatedly misappropriated and squandered by him.

Later, in the Jiangnan region, local gentry were used for taxation, and they mutually guaranteed each other's rights. Although there were many problems with this system, at least when needed, there was grain available from the granaries.

Taxation is a major issue, and Jiang Ling cannot attend to it at the moment. When she mentioned the Ministry of Works, it was for the same reason as mentioning that Consort Lin was on official business; she just wanted Emperor Yuanming to hear about the Ministry of Works so that he wouldn't go crazy and accuse her of acting first and reporting later.

After the meal, Huang Liang accompanied Emperor Yuanming for tea and conversation. Huang Liang and the eunuchs helped him walk around the room, but after only a few steps, his clothes were soaked with sweat, and he refused to walk any further. "I'm tired. Bring me water to help me wash up."

After a flurry of activity, Emperor Yuanming finally lay down on his dragon bed. Jiang Ling was able to catch his breath and hurried to his study.

Consort Lin leaned over her desk, her expression focused, flipping through the household register with one hand and writing furiously with the other. She turned her head to look at Jiang Ling, nodded in greeting, and moved her left arm, saying, "This arm can't take much weight; it will ache in a while."

Consort Lin was seriously injured last time, and she probably has a lingering ailment. Jiang Ling thought of Emperor Yuanming crying and wailing, and couldn't help but laugh and say, "Your Majesty should rest more and learn from the Emperor not to overwork yourself."

Consort Lin said with a mocking expression, "Consort Hui, don't curse people. If you're going to learn, at least learn it well."

Jiang Ling was overjoyed to hear this, and Consort Lin also smiled, picking up the completed document and handing it to her, "Consort Huishu, please take a look and see if it's correct?"

Jiang Ling took the document and examined it carefully. Consort Lin's handwriting was neat, and the data records were detailed. She sincerely praised, "Your Majesty is amazing. You do a better job than even the Ministry of Revenue and the State Council."

"From a young age, I learned to manage the household affairs, from firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea to the smallest detail, such as a needle. I also learned about interpersonal relationships, birthdays and death anniversaries, etiquette, rules, customs, and taboos. The affairs of the inner quarters are complicated, but even without lifting a finger, I have a thorough understanding of them."

Consort Lin looked wistful and said, "When my mother taught me back then, I was impatient. I never expected it would come in so handy in the end."

Jiang Ling said, "Reading and writing are nothing more than this."

Consort Lin raised her chin, looking completely at ease: "That's not true."

The two laughed together again, working until late at night. Jiang Ling stretched his arms and said, "Let's stop here for tonight. I'll get up at the end of the morning, come after you've had breakfast, no rush."

Consort Lin originally wanted to stay a little longer, but thinking that Jiang Ling had gotten up early and still had to serve Emperor Yuanming, she got up to take her leave.

Jiang Ling instructed Wen Juan and A Ruo to tidy up, then went out with Consort Lin. After seeing her off a few steps, he smiled and said, "I hope you can get a peaceful sleep tonight."

Consort Lin's eyes welled up with tears. She smiled and nodded slightly, "You too." With that, she straightened her back and walked forward with firm steps.

Summer is almost over; the nights are still, stuffy, and hot.

Consort Lin and Jiang Ling both slept soundly through the night without a dream until dawn, while others were unable to sleep at all.

Consort Liu sat listlessly in the study, watching the window frame gradually change from black to light gray, and then to grayish-white.

At this time of day, Granny Shang and Shan Ying would usually be busy serving her water and tea, and helping her get up.

Now, the palace maids and eunuchs who served me are all gone, replaced by unfamiliar faces.

Consort Liu did not inquire where they had gone, and a faint smell of blood still seemed to linger in her nostrils.

She knew perfectly well that it was her turn. She had known all along, and she wasn't afraid.

Consort Liu cleared her throat and called out, "Go tell Jiang Ling that I want to see her!"