Chapter 53: What did you say? Who died?
Xiaoshun rarely saw his aunt come in with a smile on her face. This time, she was smiling, with brisk steps, and her whole body exuded a cheerful aura.
"Aunt, is there any good news?"
Yunsheng winked at her and made faces.
Xiao Shun immediately understood and clapped his hands, "Great! Auntie has actually become an official! This is truly a great joyous occasion."
Zhao Changning had already gotten over his excitement, even the boiling blood had calmed down, and his face had regained its usual calmness, but this time, she had to reward him.
"Go find the Imperial Kitchen Supervisor and prepare the best banquet. Invite Anyi and his brothers, Yunhui, and the others to come and enjoy a good meal." She thought about it, and besides food, the next thing was money. "Also, take two thousand taels of silver notes and divide it equally among everyone."
When Xiao Shun heard this, he felt extremely reluctant to part with it. "Auntie, two thousand taels? Is that all you need?"
Zhao Changning glanced at her and said, "Don't worry, the money will only increase in the future, not decrease."
If those treasures were not outside the palace and difficult to bring into the palace, she would have wanted to give them as rewards directly.
She pulled Xiaoshun over and gave him another private instruction, "Give Anyi an extra 500 taels privately. Tell him not to worry, I'll take care of everything."
The cold wind was blowing and the snow had stopped.
Zhao Changning looked at the time and saw that it was almost noon. The emperor should have gotten up by now, so she walked through the snow to the Qinzheng Hall.
On the way, she met a few eunuchs and palace maids playing in the snow. When they saw her coming from afar, they were so scared that they quickly knelt down.
For the first time, Zhao Changning did not scold, but just walked away quietly.
An Zhong winked at her and walked aside and whispered, "Empress Zhaoyi has brought the little princess here. The Emperor is inside playing with the little princess."
Zhao Changning nodded. "Come to my place soon. I've ordered a table of fine wine and delicious food from the Imperial Kitchen. They should all be enjoying it. Remember, you can have a few drinks, but don't drink too much."
An Zhong nodded repeatedly, thanked him, and then slipped away impatiently.
It was the coldest time of the year outside, but it was warm as spring inside. The water in the copper kettle was bubbling, steam was rising, and the side hall was warm.
Zhao Changning was afraid that he would fall asleep in comfort, so he sat on a small stool and waited attentively for instructions from the main hall.
"Someone, take the little princess down to wash her hands." The emperor's smiling voice sounded.
Zhao Changning led the little palace maid in, first bowed to the emperor and Zhaoyi, and then took the little princess to the side hall.
When the emperor saw Zhao Changning coming back, he glanced at her face, and the smile on his face slowly faded away. He said to Shang Mei'er, "Take Xun'er back. I have to deal with state affairs."
Shang Meir was not very happy, but this was the Qinzheng Palace, so she did not dare to be presumptuous and had to leave with her daughter reluctantly.
Zhao Changning first sorted out the messy memorials, added some charcoal to the incense burner, and then served the emperor a cup of hot tea.
The emperor looked at her with some curiosity. She was as calm as usual, with no mistakes in her movements, even the place where she placed the cup was not wrong at all.
He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Did you get it, or not?"
Zhao Changning pursed his lips and chuckled, "The Ministry of Personnel has already issued Changning an official certificate and a waist badge."
She knelt down and kowtowed, her forehead touching the ground. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. From now on, Changning will live up to your grace and remember my responsibilities. It is my great honor to be able to serve Your Majesty diligently."
The emperor laughed, his eyes gleaming darkly. "Your heart is filled with thunder, yet your face is as calm as a lake. Changning, I seem to have underestimated you before."
That's good, he was right.
Zhao Changning heaved a sigh of relief when she heard this. Fortunately, the emperor did not ask about Cen Chun. But she then laughed at herself for being so stupid. Did a small official of the seventh rank need the emperor's attention?
She still hasn't completely gotten rid of her old narrow-mindedness. She treats small things as big things and is afraid of being held accountable.
In this palace, the real affairs of state are handled.
The emperor looked at the imperial desk, which was once again neat and tidy. The memorials were all arranged into categories, even in the order he was used to reviewing them. It was obvious that Zhao Changning was meticulous and intelligent, and he did have his strengths.
He sat down contentedly, his mood inexplicably improved. Looking at Zhao Changning grinding ink with his head down, without a trace of loss of composure as a sign of official status, he could not help but nod secretly.
As the New Year approaches, the palace begins to prepare for the New Year after making Laba porridge.
Zhao Changning clearly felt these days that the emperor had a little more trust in her. This feeling was not obvious, and only by spending time together every day could she notice the subtle difference.
She gladly accepted this.
It was an honor to be trusted by the emperor, not to mention that the emperor was unconventional in employing a woman like her and was even willing to let her be an official. This was rare in history books, and she was willing to repay him loyally.
The snow disaster in Yujing was not serious, and with the timely handling by the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Households, no casualties were caused.
However, the expenses reported this year and the empty treasury still made the emperor somewhat shocked and angry.
Zhao Changning picked up the booklet on the ground, on which was written in regular script "The Ministry of Revenue Account Book of the First Year of Cheng'an".
She said cautiously, "Your Majesty, not to mention the numerous costly rituals, and the money the late Emperor approved at the beginning of the year for Zhejiang's fight against the Japanese invaders and suppression of rebels, this year's locust control alone has cost a full one million taels. The elders are right. If we want to raise funds, we can't ask the people for money anymore. We have to increase revenue and reduce expenditure."
The emperor frowned and said coldly, "I know."
He closed his eyes uncontrollably, exhaled heavily, and leaned back in his chair, looking extremely tired.
"I just didn't expect that I would be manipulated by them everywhere. Just the word money can hold me in check."
The emperor sneered. He never expected that in his first year on the throne, he would be plagued by disasters and short of money.
Zhao Changning thought of the quarrel in the hall just now and could only remain silent. It was impossible for the emperor to eliminate the accumulated problems that had existed since the previous emperor was in power so quickly.
It can be seen from the previous emperor that, except for the emperor who founded the country and held full power, the subsequent emperors could not do whatever they wanted.
These old gentlemen, who had served as subjects of the late emperor for many years, had already developed a tacit understanding in private. Even their quarrels were often roundabout and back-and-forth, but they were still in the process of getting used to the young and ambitious new emperor.
Obviously, neither side was very satisfied.
The former allies have become a hindrance, but if there were no hindrance, the imperial power would be too strong and the emperor would be too young. The late emperor must have thought of this a long time ago.
When Zhao Changning thought of this, he felt that the old men in the cabinet might not be deliberately making things difficult for the emperor, but were just doing their duty.
The emperor also knew that there was no solution to this problem for the time being. If he wanted to find a way out and stop these old guys from shouting nonsense, he could only find a way himself.
He said with a headache, "I only hope that the weather will be good and everything will go smoothly in the coming year. The palace also needs to save money. Let's just get through it for now."
[Taxue Exclusive] Upon hearing this, Zhao Changning spared no effort to speak for the Queen.
"Your Majesty, the Queen had previously told me that she wanted to dismiss some of the palace servants who performed redundant and redundant duties. However, since you haven't been to Kunning Palace recently, she was reluctant to bring it up."
The emperor nodded when he heard such sensible words, "She is very thoughtful."
The queen was sewing small clothes for the baby in her belly at this time, and the eldest princess was playing with a cloth tiger obediently. When she heard that the emperor was coming, she couldn't help but feel very happy.
"Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you."
The eldest princess also stood up and saluted politely, "My daughter greets my father."
The emperor helped his wife and daughter up and said gently, "Queen, please don't be so polite. Yao'er seems to have grown taller."
Zhao Changning watched the happy family of three and just stood by to serve. He waited until the queen's gaze swept over him before he blinked gently.
The queen was delighted and felt even more grateful to Zhao Changning. If it weren't for her, the emperor would probably not have even thought of Kunning Palace.
Zhao Changning took the teacup from Chunyun's hand, presented it to the emperor, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I remember you once told me that you wanted to lay off some of the palace servants and reduce the palace expenses, so as to relieve the emperor's worries and difficulties."
The Queen was stunned for a moment, but quickly reacted, "Yes, I did say that, but the idea is not yet mature."
"That's all right." The emperor smiled and said, "Queen, tell me what you want to say."
The Empress remembered what Zhao Changning had reported and said cautiously, "The number of mistresses in the palace has decreased significantly, especially the late Emperor's concubines. They have all been sent out of the palace for retirement one after another. Only those without children remain in the palace. However, the Emperor's six palaces are still empty, so there are still quite a few extra. Even if they are old enough to leave the palace, they really don't need so many. So I thought it would be better to let some of them leave."
The emperor listened and nodded gently, "It's such a small matter, let the queen make the decision."
The queen's face lit up with joy and she glanced at Zhao Changning.
Zhao Changning waved to Chunyun and asked everyone to slowly leave, leaving the emperor and empress to talk.
That night, Chunyun went to Zhao Changning's residence and delivered a lot of rewards.
"The Emperor was overjoyed to learn that the Empress was pregnant. He had originally wanted to treat her lavishly, but the Empress dissuaded him, saying it was not appropriate to be extravagant at this time... The Emperor will be staying in Kunning Palace tonight..."
Zhao Changning thanked him for the grace and offered a few words of congratulations.
"This is a great occasion for the palace. Your Majesty, please take good care of yourself. Changning thanks you for your reward. I will go to thank you tomorrow."
Soon, it was the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the day when the ladies of honor went to the palace to pay homage to the empress.
In front of Kunning Palace, an incense table, ceremonial guards, and female musicians were set up, standing on the east and west sides of the Danbi and Danchi respectively. The empress stood in full attire, and the ladies of state paid their respects.
Fortunately, although the weather was cold, the queen was considerate and the process was quick. When the music and ceremony ended and the queen returned to the palace, the ceremony was over.
Zhao Changning did not serve in the front, but came to the inner garden of Kunning Palace, which was the guest specially invited by the queen.
Because the Inner Book Hall was doing well, the reputation of the female officials had spread, and the number of female bookkeepers was unprecedented, so a subtle wave began to form from inside to outside. In addition, Song Huan and Chen Qi, two female teachers who were praised by the emperor himself, made many women from officials' families in Yujing interested in them.
Many people have already greeted him, and some have even come to the Queen. It seems that Lord Song has a long-term vision.
Therefore, the queen wanted to find a few more good tutors among them. After all, this matter had already started, so she might as well do it better. After all, the women who came to be tutors were not here for such a small amount of money.
When Zhao Changning thought of this, he couldn't help but think of Mingxuan. He was just doing it for this little money.
"Hmph, I've broken off our friendship. Don't talk to me anymore." Song Huan and a woman were standing under a osmanthus tree, looking extremely angry.
"Sister Huan, are you really so heartless?" the woman cried.
Song Huan's voice was rather cold. "Ever since you gave the poetry collection to your so-called talented husband, there has been no possibility for reconciliation between us."
She snorted coldly, "I was wondering how that idiot could suddenly become so powerful. Sure enough, you used your own poems to make him famous. Humph, I even revised a lot of them for you. How dare he show off in front of me?"
Tears welled up in the woman's eyes. "Well, you don't have to insult him. He went home and cried bitterly. He's been seriously ill for several days and now he doesn't dare to go out and see anyone."
Song Huan sneered, his face full of disdain. "I'm a woman, how harsh can I be? He just shed a few drops of cat urine. It's useless, but you hold him like a treasure, humph..."
The woman was finally hurt by these words, and ran away with her face covered in pain.
Song Huan turned around and saw Zhao Changning standing in the corridor. She was stunned, "Aunt? You, you..."
Zhao Changning chuckled, "You were so eloquent just now, but why are you speechless when you see me?"
Song Huan knew that she had watched the whole process, and when she saw that she could no longer pretend, she simply gave up.
"Aunt, don't laugh. I'm really furious. My sister was very talented when she was young, but after getting married, she became a completely different person. Her husband is like a pig reincarnated..."
She paused, a little embarrassed, "Well, it's not nice for me to talk about people behind their backs, but I just can't stand people using women's things to show off."
Zhao Changning was also a little curious. The guests who were invited were all selected by the empress. They either had good family backgrounds or were very talented. It seemed that her sister had not married well.
"Whose family is her husband from?"
Song Huan snorted and frowned.
"He's just that poor fellow from the Pingchang Marquis's mansion. He's been clinging to a title all day long, and he doesn't even study hard. Now his title is gone, and he can only donate to become a small official. When his title is really gone, I wonder how he can still be so arrogant. It's a pity for my sister, alas..."
Zhao Changning: “…”
She now finally understood Lord Song's concerns.
However, she felt that Song Huan was upright and talented, so it would be more reliable for Song Huan to recommend and select the instructors than for her to do it herself.
When Song Huan heard that there was another task, he agreed very solemnly, "Don't worry, aunt, I will definitely choose carefully."
She suddenly became shy and said, "Aunt, I want to congratulate you. Congratulations on becoming the first female official in Dayong, a real official."
Zhao Changning could hear her sincerity, so he thanked her sincerely, "Thank you very much."
Song Huan looked at her excitedly, "Aunt, can I make a request?"
"you say."
"I've been forming a poetry club for years, but I've never been able to elect a president."
Zhao Changning was very surprised. With Song Huan's mouth and temper, if he couldn't become the president, could the poetry club still exist?
"If you don't become the president, who else would dare to do it?"
Song Huan was choked and glared, "None of us is willing to give in to the other. It's true that none of them is better than me, but all of them just don't agree with me being the president. I can't be a general without any troops. There's nothing I can do."
Zhao Changning couldn't help laughing.
Song Huan was helpless. She could no longer hide her true nature today. She hoped her father would not scold her when she got home.
"Aunt, I'm just a bit bad-mouthed, but I'm actually quite a bad person."
Zhao Changning finally burst into laughter.
It was the first time she met a woman as outspoken and unrestrained as Song Huan. She was different from many other girls, which was novel and she liked it very much.
"So what do you want to do by looking for me?"
Song Huan quickly said, "Aunt, we want to invite you to be the president of the poetry club."
Zhao Changning immediately shook his head. "I can only read and recite articles, but I don't understand calligraphy. Asking me to compose poetry is really asking too much."
"You don't need to know how to write poetry." Song Huan hurriedly explained, "Aunt, my poetry club was indeed a poetry club at first, but I later discovered that not everyone likes poetry. Many people like needlework, weaving and dyeing, astronomy, geomancy, divination, feng shui, etc. Women are just as good at studying these things as men. This poetry club has always been very difficult, but with you here, the future will definitely be much smoother."
Zhao Changning was very surprised, but when he thought about how free and confident Song Huan was, and that Lord Song was a father who was willing to dote on him, it was understandable.
"But I know nothing about what you're talking about. I can't even do the simplest needlework."
Not to mention astronomy and geography.
Song Huan pursed her lips and smiled, "Aunt, you are now a role model for all the women in our society. It is such a great honor to be able to be an official. We don't even dare to think about what you have been through to get to where you are today. They don't respect me, but they respect you."
She added, "I admire you too."
Zhao Changning fell into deep silence. After all, he had never thought of such a situation.
She did not agree to Song Huan immediately, but just said that she needed to think about it.
As New Year's Eve approaches, Zhao Changning becomes busy again. There are more and more frictions between the palace maids and eunuchs, and only she can calm them down completely.
The pie is so small, and whoever feels they have suffered a loss will resist more fiercely. But in fact, the number of management positions occupied by palace maids is still only a minority.
On the night before New Year's Eve, Zhao Changning stayed up late to complete his inspection before walking back to his residence with Yunsheng.
"Auntie, Auntie?" An He walked through the dark night at a rapid speed, the lantern in his hand flickering. "Oh no, something happened, Auntie."
Zhao Changning stopped and shouted, "What kind of day is this? You are so disrespectful and talking nonsense. What if the noble hears and offends us?"
An He closed her mouth, not daring to shout. She lowered her voice and called out, "Aunt, it's bad. Cai Huan is dead. Brother Yi said I can run fast, so he asked me to come and call you."
Cai Huan was one of the only two female officials selected from the Inner Study Hall.
Zhao Changning's face turned cold when he heard this, and he squeezed out a few words from between his teeth, "What did you say? Who died?"
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The author has something to say: Changning: sharpening the knife [anger][anger][anger][anger]
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