After leaving Ye Zhaoxuan's house, Wen Hemian went to browse her own shop.
There was a shop that mainly sold rouge and face powder. After Wen Hemian returned to Beijing, he combined the techniques of modern cosmetics and improved the rouge and face powder. Not to mention the best-selling soaps, the exclusive customization service alone satisfied the curiosity of many rich young ladies.
The scramble for it has even become a trend.
There were other shops behind, but their procedures were not as well-established as Wen Hemian's, so their business was always the best, not to mention they were constantly innovating.
"The Qixi Festival is just around the corner, and business will definitely be even better then."
Qingyun is the head maid in the mansion, temporarily in charge of the household affairs. She must be particular about her clothing and appearance, and no one knows the ins and outs of the household better than her.
"Great." Wen Hemian estimated that he could make another profit after cooperating with Liu Qiongyue, and was immediately satisfied. "When Qixi Festival comes, we'll strike while the iron is hot and launch a few new products to see how they are received."
Qingyun was already used to the novel words that her master would occasionally utter, and she smiled and replied, "Yes."
This place was mostly frequented by women, so Wen Hemian glanced at it from afar but didn't go over. She then inspected other shops before finally returning home with the newly bought sweet cakes, thinking of bringing them to the young emperor when she went to the palace the next day.
Although the pastries outside the palace couldn't compare to those in the imperial kitchen, one could still occasionally enjoy something new.
...
After the bandits were defeated in Yongzhou, Xie Lang found a way to summon the deputy general who had gone there alone.
Most of the credit for this trip was claimed by Ning Hechu's nephews and nieces, while those below them received little reward. There were many complaints, but they were not as powerful as Ning Hechu, and even their superiors did not dare to inquire easily, so they could only swallow their grievances.
There's simply no hope for such days.
Therefore, when Zhou Ting learned that the emperor had summoned him, he was not even slightly disturbed.
He had seen him at court, and in his opinion, this young emperor was not as good as the Imperial Tutor.
Although many people were dissatisfied with Wen Hemian's position, at least he had honestly passed the imperial examination and become the top scholar, unlike the young emperor who had seized the throne by a stroke of luck.
Before this, many people didn't even know that this young prince existed.
However, since it was the commander of the Imperial Guard who came to invite him, Zhou Ting had to go, no matter how many thoughts he had in mind.
Huo Ping glanced at him, saw through his thoughts, and said nothing. Some things you have to see with your own eyes to believe.
Zhou Ting held a low-ranking official position and had little opportunity to interact with Huo Ping. He couldn't find any reason to get information out of Huo Ping along the way, and besides, the commander seemed cold and unapproachable. So, upon arriving at the Taiji Hall, he actually breathed a sigh of relief.
The young emperor seemed to be sitting behind his desk reading a book. Huo Ping was the first to bow: "Your Majesty, I have brought the person."
Xie Lang responded.
Regardless of the circumstances, even if the young emperor is a puppet, the rules must still be followed. Zhou Ting suppressed his emotions, knelt down, bowed, and clasped his hands in greeting: "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."
The hall was quiet. Huo Ping stood silently to the side with his arms crossed, while Xie Lang stood up and coldly scrutinized Zhou Ting.
Even kneeling on the ground, Zhou Ting could feel the tangible gaze upon him. After a while, cold sweat broke out on his back. Even if he was slow to react, he realized that the young emperor was not someone to be trifled with.
Half an hour later, Xie Lang finally spoke slowly, "Get up." This marked the end of the torment.
Given Zhou Ting's official rank, he could only stand at the very back during court meetings, with the dragon throne and beaded curtain above him, making it impossible for him to see the young emperor's exact appearance from such a distance.
Only now have I had the chance to sneak a peek.
The young emperor, dressed in newly tailored clothes, was full of energy and clearly had been raised with great privilege. His dark, deep eyes held a slow and deliberate scrutiny, completely different from the timid image Zhou Ting had imagined of him being oppressed by powerful ministers.
Seemingly noticing his gaze, the young emperor chuckled: "I originally thought that Lord Zhou would be different, but I didn't expect that he is no different from those short-sighted people."
Zhou Ting was startled, realizing he had misjudged the person: "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I was impolite just now!"
Xie Lang ignored his apology and continued leisurely, "It is true that I am weak, but temporary weakness does not mean permanent weakness. I know that there are many people in the court who are dissatisfied with Chief Minister Ning. I believe that as a member of the royal family, I am the most qualified to stand against him."
Zhou Ting replied bitterly, "...Yes."
Everyone understands the logic, but how many people are truly willing to wait for the young emperor to grow up?
Ultimately, an emperor who has not received a proper imperial education and is confined to the palace is not enough to win the hearts of the people.
A deep smile appeared between Xie Lang's brows. He stepped forward and helped Zhou Ting up, saying, "I understand Lord Zhou's concerns. Just wait and see what happens to that person before making a decision."
Xie Lang is indeed short of people, but he needs loyalty even more. If Zhou Ting is not sincere, he will never put anyone into the center of power.
When it comes to employing people, quality is more important than quantity.
Zhou Ting let out a soft breath and solemnly replied, "Yes."
Before they could exchange more than a few words, the young emperor's gaze was truly intimidating. Zhou Ting rubbed his stiff knees and walked out of the hall.
Huo Ping found the young emperor increasingly interesting, and seeing this, he asked in bewilderment, "Your Majesty just let him go like that?"
"Hmm." Xie Lang turned his gaze to him, his eyes sharp. "Commander Huo, I have a task for you."
The Grand Tutor protected him, but he couldn't live under the Grand Tutor's protection forever. Even a wolf cub growing up needs to sharpen its claws and teeth.
Huo Ping: "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."
...
A few days later, Ning Zhang, an assistant minister of the Ministry of Works, was punished with fifteen strokes of the cane for his disgraceful behavior due to his philandering. After the censors learned of this incident, they seized the opportunity to submit memorials criticizing him. Memorials flew to the cabinet one after another, openly and secretly accusing Ning Hechu of failing to discipline his younger relatives and bringing shame upon him.
Visiting prostitutes has always been considered shameful among civil officials. While it might be acceptable for them to do so in private, it was considered a dereliction of duty and moral failing when done openly, to the point that anyone caught doing so would become a laughingstock.
Ning Hechu's face darkened, and he had no choice but to temporarily suspend Ning Zhang from his post.
Upon returning to his residence, he saw Ning Zhang approaching with a face covered in snot and tears. He felt a surge of anger and kicked Ning Zhang, sending him sprawling to his knees.
Ning Zhang knew he had gotten into trouble this time. Ignoring the pain, he quickly grabbed Ning Hechu's leg and cried out, "Uncle, I really didn't mean to! Please, please help me!"
"Not on purpose?" Ning Hechu laughed in anger. "Can't you control your lower body or your brain? Why do you have to do something like that and give those old censors something to use against you!"
Ning Zhang lowered his head, a fleeting look of guilt in his eyes.
Ning Hechu said with exasperation, "You idiot, you didn't even realize you were being schemed against!"
There are no coincidences in the world. Ning Hechu was smart all his life, but he never expected that the people around him would be so stupid!
"What should I do, Uncle? I... I really can't lose this job, or my mother will beat me to death!"
Ning Zhang's face turned deathly pale. He realized that he had gotten himself into trouble and that his only support was Ning Hechu.
Ning Hechu scoffed coldly: "You made a foolish mistake and now I have to help you? Go home and reflect on your actions. Don't cause any trouble for the time being!"
Ning Hechu was having a headache dealing with powerful families lately, and he didn't want to get into any more trouble at this time.
Ning Zhang looked dejected, knowing that seeking help from Ning Hechu was useless, so he could only stand up and limp away in a desolate manner.
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