As a master craftswoman, she works on a rotating shift system, which means that she has to work in different departments throughout the year, dealing with the "difficult problems" in each department.
No, I misspoke earlier. She's the brick, the one who can be moved wherever needed.
"No wonder these positions, which should have been filled by three people, haven't been filled yet. It turns out they're hiring an all-around handyman who has to manage and do everything?"
She seemed to have been tricked. The position of Grand Master of Craftsmen clearly meant receiving a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain measure) but having to produce value equivalent to eight thousand shi. Unless... she followed the example of other court officials, did some superficial work, went through the motions, and actually did nothing, just loafing around and could live a leisurely life.
Just as she was thinking this, there was a knock on the door: "Lord Zheng, are you busy?"
"No, come in."
A tall, thin young man pushed open the door and walked in. He had a smile on his face, his long neck stretched forward, and his back and neck formed an arc like a bow. In terms of appearance, this was a bit of a downside, but his face was warm, his eyes were bright, and he looked at people frankly and directly, which left a good impression.
"Your subordinate Liang Tian greets Lord Zheng."
"No need for formalities, is there something you need?" Zheng Quchi raised his hand.
Seeing that Lord Zheng was straightforward and disliked formalities, Liang Tian didn't delay and said directly, "It's people from the palace who came to urge us when to start construction. This...this matter needs to be discussed further, so I came here specifically to invite Lord Zheng to come with us."
Zheng Quchi nodded in understanding and said, "Okay, I'll get ready and head over."
——
After putting the books he had previously browsed back in their original positions, Zheng Quchi went to the Hualinyuan office. He found that most of the key personnel had arrived, and the group began their routine pre-construction meeting.
Zheng Quchi participated for the first time and found it very novel. He mainly listened throughout the session, absorbing the experience and learning a lot about contemporary architecture and related content.
For example, houses built of stone are clearly more sturdy and durable, so why did all the palaces in the Ye Kingdom abandon stone and instead prefer wooden buildings?
It turns out this is related to Feng Shui and the Five Elements.
Wood represents the growth of all things, while stone symbolizes lifelessness, which is why rulers throughout history have avoided it.
The layout of the buildings is also very particular, taking into account the majesty of the royal family, the overall harmony of the capital, the feng shui environment, and various taboos. One careless mistake can easily lead to trouble.
"Things are probably getting complicated," the registrar said with a worried expression.
Zheng Quchi asked, "What trouble?"
“If we follow the old ways in order to create the new bedchamber that His Highness desires, I’m afraid we won’t be able to satisfy him. But if we try to innovate, I’m worried that we might make things worse.” He sighed.
Zheng Quchi, however, did not find it too difficult. She offered her opinion: "The bedroom is for people to live in, but everyone's preferences are different, so to avoid making mistakes, it is best to tailor it to their own needs."
Just as some people like blue, so the overall color scheme of a room might be predominantly blue. That's one color. But what if there are other special preferences? Therefore, the person building the house and the person living in it can have a detailed discussion and then reach a final plan that satisfies both parties.
Her opening remarks immediately garnered unanimous praise and approval.
“That’s right, Lord Zheng is right.”
"Lord Zheng's words are insightful, and I wholeheartedly agree."
"Then I would like to ask Lord Zheng to inquire with His Highness the Crown Prince as soon as possible, so that we can improve the drawings of Zichen Palace and start construction at a later date."
They immediately offered her paper and pen, looking at her with expectant and ingratiating expressions.
Zheng Quchi: "..." Don't believe the rumors, don't spread the rumors. She has already been blacklisted by Yuan Xingzhou. She is afraid she will not be able to live up to their heavy expectations and entrustment.
Despite thinking this, Zheng Quchi ultimately couldn't refuse.
They said that the bloodstains in the Yixiu Palace took several days to wash clean. Now the court is in chaos, and the Crown Prince makes all the decisions regarding the transfer, appointment, promotion, and exile of officials. Hearing that many major cases have been uncovered recently, the Crown Prince was furious and ordered the execution of many officials involved on the spot.
The entire capital is now living in fear, working with their hearts pounding, and no one dares to provoke His Highness the Crown Prince.
So they were afraid of dying, and they didn't dare to bother Yuan Xingzhou at this time, so they asked her, who had connections, to go instead.
The scene shifts, and Zheng Quchi is now standing in front of the magnificent hall with a notebook and pen in hand. He is somewhat nervous and unable to fully relax, but not too nervous, because he is confident.
Unexpectedly, several days later, he finally agreed to see her.
Time is such a strange thing. I used to see him often and didn't think much of it, but after experiencing some things, when I saw him again, I felt a strange sense of estrangement, as if we had become strangers.
Yuan Xingzhou was dressed in a dark black robe and wore a golden crown. His face had a pale, ashen color, lacking the color of a normal person. His eyelids were deeply wrinkled, as if he had been up for several sleepless nights. His whole being exuded a sinister and cold aura, even though he was smiling at the moment.
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