First performance review

Wu Zetian's "probationary period" in the harem began in this delicate balance.

She strictly adhered to her "lying flat" strategy: she would pay her respects to Empress Wang every day on time, with a respectful demeanor and never saying a word.

Upon seeing Consort Xiao from afar, they would give way in advance to avoid conflict.

The rest of the time, she would either stay in Chengxiang Hall reading (mainly historical books and summaries of reports from various places, which Li Zhi had specially allowed her to read), or do some simple stretching exercises in her own courtyard (euphemistically called: a modified version of the Five Animal Frolics).

(Inner monologue: Keep a low profile, solidify your professional skills, and wait for the boss to call on you.)

However, the boss clearly didn't intend for her to be idle.

On his seventh day at the company, Li Zhi arrived.

There was no prior notice; it was like a surprise attack.

When he entered Chengxiang Palace, Wu Meiniang was frowning at a page of "Zhenguan Zhengyao" and her fingers were unconsciously tracing something on the table.

"What is Meiniang looking at so intently?" Li Zhi's voice carried a hint of weariness, but his expression softened when he saw her.

Wu Zetian quickly stood up and bowed, thinking to herself: (The boss is conducting a surprise inspection? Thank goodness I wasn't slacking off!)

"Your Majesty, I am reading the records of Emperor Taizong's discussions with the two ministers, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, and I am deeply impressed by the difficulty of governing."

She showed the pages of the book to Li Zhi; it was a discussion about how to balance the interests of the Shandong gentry and the Guanlong Group.

Li Zhi sat down beside her and casually rubbed his temples: "Yes, it's not easy. Today at court, there was another heated debate about conscripting laborers to repair Luoyang Palace. Changsun Wuji and others said that it would be a waste of manpower and resources and should be postponed."

Wu Zetian (inner monologue: Here it comes! The boss has brought KPIs and challenges! This is the first performance review! I have to do well!)

She poured Li Zhi a cup of calming tea and said in a gentle tone, "Your Majesty, repairing palaces for pleasure is certainly a waste of resources and manpower. But if it is for the sake of national importance, then it is a different matter."

"Oh?" Li Zhi looked at her, gesturing for her to continue.

"Your Majesty, please look," Wu Meiniang said, adopting her "everything can be a PowerPoint presentation" approach, drawing a simple map on the table with her tea. "Chang'an is located in Guanzhong. Although it is the capital, its water transport is inconvenient. If Guanzhong suffers a famine, food supply will be a major problem. Luoyang, on the other hand, is located in the Central Plains, with water transport routes connecting all directions. It is the center of the world. If Luoyang is built as the Eastern Capital, Your Majesty can frequently visit it. This will not only relieve the pressure on Guanzhong, but also strengthen control over Shandong and Jiangnan. This is a strategic layout, not for personal enjoyment."

She paused, observed Li Zhi's expression, and continued, "As for the burden on the people... perhaps we can try a different approach. Instead of a large-scale conscription all at once, we can adopt a 'segmented contracting, work-for-relief' strategy. We can subcontract the project to different teams of artisans in different regions, recruit displaced people or impoverished people, and provide them with wages and food. In this way, we can complete the project, resettle the displaced people, and stabilize the local area. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Li Zhi's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

The problem that had been bothering him for so long suddenly became clear after her analysis! Strategic value + actionable solutions, the logic was clear and the considerations were thorough!

“Segmented contracting…work-for-relief…” Li Zhi murmured, repeating these two novel terms. The more he thought about them, the more wonderful they seemed. “Mei Niang, you always manage to surprise me!”

Wu Zetian (inner monologue: Done! Looks like this performance review result is A+!)

"Your Majesty flatters me." She lowered her head modestly. "I was just thinking from Your Majesty's perspective about how to accomplish great things with little money, while also achieving other KPIs... uh, I mean other goals that benefit the country and its people."

Li Zhi was amused by the strange words she occasionally uttered, which put him in a great mood and swept away the gloom that had been lingering for days.

He took her hand and lingered tenderly for a moment. He then discussed some other trivial matters of the court with her, and Wu Meiniang was able to offer fresh perspectives based on her knowledge that was ahead of her time.

From then on, Li Zhi visited Chengxiang Palace much more frequently.

Sometimes people come to her with questions for "consultation," and sometimes they just come to relax for a while when they're tired.

Wu Zetian's place became his exclusive "strategic advisor's office" and "spiritual massage room".

(Inner monologue: Great, boss dependence +1, job stability +1.)

But this special "favor" naturally attracted more attention.

The gifts from Empress Wang became more frequent, and the words she spoke were more obviously intended to win her over, even implying that she would be richly rewarded in the future if she could help her secure her position as empress.

(Inner monologue: Is Mr. Wang trying to promise me a promotion and a raise? Too bad, my goal is retirement, not becoming a director.)

Consort Xiao's hostility was almost undisguised. On several occasions in public, her words became increasingly sharp and pointed.

"Consort Wu is truly skilled. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also very eloquent, able to keep His Majesty happy every day, and even chime in on important state affairs."

After paying her respects, Consort Xiao spoke with a smile in front of everyone, but her eyes were icy cold.

Wu Zetian (inner monologue: Is President Xiao implying that I rose to power through my words and interfered in politics? His accusations are top-notch.)

She remained as gentle, courteous, and modest as ever, slightly curtsying her knees: "Your Highness, you flatter me. His Majesty makes decisions with his own mind. I merely share some interesting folk tales to amuse His Majesty when he is troubled. How dare I presume to discuss state affairs? Your Highness has worked tirelessly and made great contributions in managing the six palaces; you are the true virtuous helper."

(Inner monologue: Three denials in a row: I didn't, I didn't, don't talk nonsense. And while I'm at it, I'll put that compliment back on her.)

Her strategic retreat not only cleared her name but also subtly implied that Consort Xiao had too much influence (assisting in managing the six palaces), leaving Consort Xiao speechless and pale.

Wu Meiniang returned to Chengxiang Palace and sighed.

(Inner monologue: Sigh, why is it so hard to just lie down and relax! The boss's dependence is both a shield and a death warrant. The struggle between President Wang and President Xiao has reached a fever pitch, and it seems unlikely that I, as a "parachuted executive," can remain unscathed.)

She looked at her face in the mirror, which was becoming more and more accustomed to court life, and her gaze slowly hardened.

Since there's no way to avoid it, then... let's just lie down in a different position.

Outlast your competitors, or turn them into your own? The prerequisite is that you must first have sufficient self-protection capabilities.

(Inner monologue: It seems the initial "Senior Manager's Laying Down Plan" needs some tweaking. Perhaps... I could set a small goal first, like reorganizing the "board of directors" (harem) of this "company"? At least, I need to ensure my "office" is absolutely safe.)

She picked up a charcoal pencil and started scribbling on a piece of paper.

A new project plan seems to be ready to be put on the agenda. The project is tentatively titled: "Harem Workplace Environment Optimization and Risk Control Plan".