Coming to his senses, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and pinned it to his side. Qingchen struggled slightly, then stopped moving.
Despite the freezing weather, fine beads of sweat had appeared on his forehead after this.
In the faint morning light, Song Yue let out a long sigh of relief, his chest heaving. He had been so busy these past few days that he hadn't had a proper rest, and now she had to put him through all this tonight.
He turned to look at her and saw her still leaning on his shoulder, her brows slightly furrowed. He wondered what she was dreaming about.
After watching for a while, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, "You can't do whatever you want right now..."
"It will be when...I marry you."
The snow in the workshop had not yet been cleared away, and some was still hanging on the treetops. There were a few short icicles under the corridor, slowly melting.
Han Yuanshu was eating noodles in the government office.
After Shen Qingchen entered the room, he didn't even look up, just slurped his food. There were many chopped green onions picked out from the scrap paper next to him. He had picked out every single green onion from the bowl of noodles, leaving none behind.
He was extremely picky, and his tastes were just like his personality.
As he picked up the bowl to drink the last mouthful of noodle soup, ink stains were revealed on his wide sleeves, indicating that he hadn't bathed for several days, and stubble had sprouted.
Strangely enough, despite his disheveled appearance and how he ate noodles like a beggar, his looks were not much less striking; his slightly pointed chin still exuded a sense of aloofness.
Qingchen respectfully presented the proposal, "My lord, after inspecting the dikes in Huairou yesterday, I have drafted a plan for dredging using water conservancy. Please take a look."
He looked up at her, then slammed his chopsticks down. "I don't have time to look."
"..." Qingchen was stunned for a moment. He's here again.
Unexpectedly, the next moment, Han Yuanshu summoned the steward, handed him the proposal, and instructed him: "According to the method on this, have someone carry it out immediately."
The clerk agreed and left. Qingchen asked, somewhat puzzled, "Sir, won't you take a look first?"
“No need.” He slightly raised his chin, glancing at her. “You’ve passed my test. I’ll take all of this into account in Guan Zheng’s performance evaluation.”
Upon hearing these words, her eyelashes fluttered slightly.
He stopped calling her a busybody and stopped telling her to get lost. Beneath his indifferent exterior, his simple statement, "You passed," finally acknowledged her abilities.
For some reason, this made Qingchen even happier than if he had received praise from the Emperor.
Just before she left, his voice sounded softly behind her: "I'm very picky. You're the first person I've ever heard say that. Work hard in the future and be a good official."
Qingchen paused for a moment, turned around, and bowed respectfully to him. "Thank you, sir. Qingchen will certainly follow your teachings."
After leaving Han Yuanshu's cell, the snow stopped. Qingchen looked at the winter plum blossoms filling the courtyard and smiled contentedly.
Having gained Han Yuanshu's approval and been able to use his knowledge to help the people of Huairou, after so many hard days, there couldn't be a better outcome.
At this moment, an eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs approached her and said, "Shen Shuchang, His Majesty requests that you come to the Qianqing Palace immediately."
Qianqing Palace, West Warm Pavilion.
Zhu Rui sat on the long couch with a velvet cushion. On the table in front of him was a stack of memorials, many of which were open and had the marks of imperial comments in red ink.
Shen Qingchen had only performed half of her audience with the emperor when Zhu Ruici's round stool with a stove was already placed at her feet.
"Sit down." Zhu Rui put down the memorial he was halfway through reading, rubbed his wrist, and smiled at her. "You're back from inspecting the dike?"
"Your Majesty, yes. Your humble servant has presented the improved plan for silt control to Lord Han Yuanshu, and Lord Han has ordered people to carry it out. Once the river thaws and construction officially begins, your humble servant will continue to monitor the progress of the silt control work and be ready to respond at any time..."
"Stop." Before she could finish speaking, Zhu Rui raised her hand. "You don't need to do these specific things."
As he spoke, he patted the memorials on the table. "See these? I've been counting them these past two days. I have so many ministers, and I can't find two whose talents are comparable to yours in the entire court. The more I read their memorials, the angrier I get. They're all selected through the imperial examinations, so how can there be such a huge difference? Especially some of the people recommended by Xu Yan, they all only know how to praise the emperor and his sages, they're completely ignorant of practical matters, let alone coming up with such good ideas as you... But when I think of you, I feel a little better."
"So, from now on, you can let others do those specific errands; you don't need to do them yourself."
Faced with the emperor's complaints and praise, Qingchen lowered his head slightly and said, "Yes."
"I heard from the Ministry of Revenue that there has been progress in raising the silver. When those aristocratic families heard that it could generate profits and that the court was guarantor, they were tempted to hand over their silver." Zhu Rui swung his legs and said with a rather smug look, "I estimate that in less than two days, the six thousand taels of silver will be raised."
Six thousand taels of silver was nothing to the emperor, but Zhu Rui was very happy. Although it was Shen Qingchen who provided the solution, he still felt a sense of accomplishment in having accomplished something significant. Zhu Rui was the crown prince back then, and his ascension to the throne was smooth. However, after taking the throne, he neglected state affairs due to his indulgence in pleasure, so he had never experienced the sense of accomplishment in governing the country over the years.
Now, thanks to his efforts in flood control, the prestigious title of "renowned ruler" seems to have suddenly fallen on his head, which can be described as an unexpected surprise. So why not take it?
Of course, Zhu Rui's sense of accomplishment also includes the discovery of Shen Qingchen, a hidden gem.
Seeing that Zhu Rui seemed to be in a good mood, Qingchen thought for a moment and seized the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, during my trip to Huairou, I encountered many Japanese. They were unreasonable and harassed the people of Huairou, disrupting their normal lives and order. Many people are even afraid to do business. The weather is getting colder and colder, and without business, they have no income to support their families. If this continues, they will have a hard time getting through this winter..."
Zhu Rui's attention wasn't on the people Qing Chen mentioned, but rather on the growing appreciation he felt for her. "Not only did she repair the dikes and control the floods, but she also remembered the suffering of the people. Very good, very good."
"...Your Majesty," Qingchen continued methodically, "The other day, I presented Your Majesty with a plan to repair the dike. The reason for raising funds is to invoke the Azure Dragon's blessing upon all. The New Year is approaching, and if these Japanese don't leave soon, the people will not be able to celebrate the New Year properly. If, after a whole winter, Huairou is filled with starving corpses and frozen bones on the roads, then that would contradict the claim that the Azure Dragon brings blessings to the people. I am worried that this will cause controversy and will not be conducive to raising funds for the dike repair."
She paused for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, may I ask when these Japanese people will return?"
Using the Japanese to return to the cabinet was the teacher's plan. On the way to the Qianqing Palace, Qingchen had been thinking about it, and she needed to lay the groundwork for the teacher. Zhu Rui cared a lot about this replicable fundraising strategy and would not allow any other factors to interfere. With this inside-outside cooperation, the teacher should be able to return to the cabinet soon.
Zhu Rui frowned upon hearing this. "You're right. You've thought it through very thoroughly. You're very thoughtful and meticulous... Don't worry, before the Lunar New Year, no, this month, I will definitely have them sent back."
Qingchen nodded slightly, "Your Majesty is wise."
Looking at the gentle and clear-headed young man before him, Zhu Rui said, "Shen Qingchen, you are a talent I personally discovered. So remember, I will carefully consider all your words and suggestions. I will not let a pearl go to waste."
"However, I have one requirement for you—you cannot join the Xu faction; you can only be one of my people." He already had a possessive desire for the talent he had personally discovered.
Qingchen looked up and saw that the emperor's expression was extremely serious.
The day before the selection of a commander of the Imperial Guard, Lan Tan was transferred from Yongping Guard to the Eastern Palace.
The appointment document had barely been issued when Lan Tan's horse was already at the gates of Daming, leaving Xu's faction no chance whatsoever. Xu's faction was slow to realize what was happening; what was originally a sure-fire trap had unexpectedly turned into a completely different situation overnight.
Finally, the opportunity of Song Yue's withdrawal from the cabinet was seized, but Lan Tan, a promising military general, was not taken down, nor was Zhao Qiran, Song Yue's important vanguard. His son was even beaten up. The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture was both anxious and angry, and did not know how to explain to Xu Yan.
Their scheme was meticulously planned, with each step linked to the next; such a coincidence could not possibly have occurred suddenly. After careful consideration, he guessed that the information had leaked from his own territory, giving the other side room to maneuver. Enraged, he ordered his men to investigate immediately.
"Investigate thoroughly and find out who leaked the information!"
The one who leaked the information was none other than Shen Qian, who happened to overhear his son let it slip.
Shen Qingchen hadn't seen her second uncle for some time. He wasn't there the last two times she visited the Lin family; he had been much busier since being promoted to the position of judge in Shuntian Prefecture.
On this day of rest, the uncle and nephew finally met.
However, when Qingchen arrived at the Lin family, she didn't see Shen Qian first, but Lin Xiaojin.
She arrived early today and met Lin Xiaojin, who was about to leave, at the door.
Lin Xiaojin, dressed in a dark blue winter robe with a fur collar and fox fur earmuffs, was about to board the carriage. Upon seeing Shen Qingchen walking over with an umbrella, he stopped and beckoned her over.
"Greetings, Lord Lin." She went up to him and bowed.
"Qingchen is here. It's raining and snowing today, cold, and the roads are difficult to travel. You still came so early, you're very diligent," Lin Xiaojin said with a smile. "If my grandson is half as diligent as you in the future, I won't have to worry about him anymore. How have you been feeling these days observing the administration of the Six Ministries?"
Lin Xiaojin was only the Left Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, and could not know what was happening in the Qianqing Palace, nor did he know that Qingchen had already offered a plan and caught the emperor's eye.
Shen Qingchen reached the porch and closed his umbrella. "Yes, sir. Teacher Song asked me to wait until I was in charge of the Six Ministries for half a year, and it has been almost two months now."
"Regarding the matter of observing politics, although Lord Song intends to train you and familiarize you with the specific affairs of the court as soon as possible, once you are in the Six Ministries, it means that you will have the opportunity to come into contact with the heads of the Six Ministries. Therefore, how well you do in the observation is not the most important thing. The most important thing is that you must seize the opportunity, cultivate relationships, and strive to gain the favor of the heads of the ministries. In this way, you will have more opportunities after you finish your training."
Different people have different ways of dealing with things. Qingchen knew he meant well, so she didn't argue and just nodded, saying, "Lord Lin is right, Qingchen understands."
"That's good, I understand." Lin Xiaojin smiled, his eyes filled with a kind look.
"Oh, right," he added, "this winter is colder than usual. Look at you, going out in these coarse clothes without a cape or collar. How can your body take it like this?"
"Thank you for your concern, sir. Qingchen... is alright, it's not too cold."
Lin Xiaojin turned to the steward beside him and said, "Go find Madam in a bit and have her make two winter robes for Qingchen, made of silk, along with a collar and earmuffs. Qingchen is Yu-ge'er's teacher, so we can't let him get cold. Tell Madam that I want to see these things next time Qingchen comes."
The steward immediately responded with two "Yes." Qingchen, fearing Lin Shi's displeasure, said, "Sir, I have already received many favors from you over the years. I only wish to do my best to teach Yu-ge'er well and dare not trouble you with any more expenses..."
"Hey, it's nothing. We're family after all, so just take it." With that, he got into the car. "Go on in, I have something to do."
"...Yes, Qingchen thanks you, sir. I respectfully see you off."
After Lin Xiaojin left, Shen Qingchen went to find Shen Qian, and the person in charge immediately went to Lin's house to report and ask for instructions.
Upon hearing that even her own father was so concerned about Shen Qingchen, Lin was furious. She thought to herself, "They've all gone mad. From her husband to her cousin to her father, they've all gone mad."
Is this family surnamed Lin or Chen? He's just a lowly commoner, yet they're treating him like a revered Buddha.
Displeased, Lin immediately put on her cloak and went to Shen Qian's room.
...
"Second Uncle, I'm here. It's been many days since I last saw you." After entering the house, Shen Qingchen smiled at Shen Qian.
"You're here. Why are you here so early again? Your second uncle was thinking of going outside to meet you." Shen Qian looked at Shen Qingchen, who was dressed in a thick coarse cloth robe, feeling a mix of longing and heartache.
He raised her single-handedly. When she was little, she loved to cling to him, and even when it snowed and she was freezing, she wouldn't let go of his hand. Now that she's grown up, in the prime of her life, she's no longer so dependent on him. She has her own life and things to do, so their opportunities to see each other will inevitably decrease.
Over the years, he has become accustomed to taking care of her and protecting her. Her growth has unknowingly become the most important thing in his life and a deeply ingrained habit.
"It's getting late, perfect timing."
Shen Qian stood up and gently brushed a snowflake off her shoulder. "It must be very cold outside. It seemed to have warmed up a bit yesterday, but it's gotten cold again today, with rain and snow. It was my oversight, Uncle. In this kind of weather, we should have sent a carriage to pick you up. When we go back, we'll have the carriage from the manor take you."
Shen Qian was a son-in-law who had married into the family. For many years, he had lived under someone else's roof, and his life was far from ideal. Time had worn him down in many ways, but deep down, everyone has their own bottom line, which can never be eroded. Over the years, he had tried his best not to take advantage of the Lin family's expenses, such as the carriage. Even when he went to work at Shuntian Prefecture, he mostly walked. But whatever his bottom line was, it was nothing compared to Qing Chen.
"Second Uncle, it's not very cold today. Walking around will help me get some exercise. Sitting all day isn't good for my health. There's no need for the carriage to take me."
Shen Qian handed her a cup of hot tea, shook his head and said, "You've never been very healthy since you were little, especially in winter. If you don't take good care of yourself, what will happen in the future... Listen to your second uncle."
His voice was soft and gentle, his peach blossom eyes shimmered with tenderness, and the fine lines at the corners of his eyes were barely visible. His appearance remained as beautiful as a magnolia flower.
Qingchen wanted to say something more, but then the door was suddenly pushed open.
Lin entered, dressed in a light blue silk robe with auspicious patterns and a thick fur cloak, accompanied by a servant.
Shen Qian looked at her and said calmly, "What's wrong?"
Madam Lin used to be a spoiled and willful young lady, and now she is a spoiled and willful wife. In this mansion, she has long been used to going wherever she wants, and she can come and go as she pleases in Shen Qian's little world.
"Why are you talking like that? I'm here in a hurry to make clothes for your nephew."
Shen Qian looked at her with some confusion, "Making clothes?"
“Yes.” Madam Lin pointed at Shen Qingchen with her chin. “Your nephew is lucky. He runs into my father at the gate so early in the morning. He asked me to make him two sets of winter clothes and told me to make them before he comes next time. That’s why I came here so eagerly.”
Lin's rush over wasn't actually for Qingchen's sake; she wasn't stupid enough to be so eager to please Qingchen. She was just looking for an excuse to eavesdrop and see what Shen Qian and Qingchen were saying. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong outside, and she couldn't hear clearly, so in her haste, she pushed the door open.
As she spoke, she looked at Qingchen and said, "What are you standing there for? Take off your outer garment and have the servant take your measurements."
Qingchen was suddenly startled. Taking measurements?!
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