Previous Dynasty
Life in Kunning Palace seemed routine, but within, the atmosphere was never peaceful. Lu Qinglan knew that the harem's political climate always fluctuated with the ups and downs of the previous dynasty. Though she lived in the inner sanctum, she was intimately aware of the previous dynasty's movements through the reorganization of Yunshang Pavilion into "Lingfeng Pavilion" (ostensibly responsible for purchasing some palace expenses, but actually serving as an information relay station) and Zhao Tieshou's increasingly sophisticated intelligence network.
The new emperor, Xiao Jingche, had been on the throne for nearly three months, and the reign title, "Jinghe," was chosen to symbolize peace. He diligently promoted officials from humble backgrounds and those with proven abilities, rectified the civil service, and addressed the long-standing malpractices in the grain transport and salt administration. These decisive measures truly showcased the spirit of a new dynasty. However, a counterattack from the old forces loomed large.
On this day, Lu Qinglan was looking through the detailed accounts of the latest batch of tribute satin sent by Lingfeng Pavilion from the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau when Fu Yu quietly walked in with a serious expression.
"Your Majesty, news has arrived from the previous court that His Majesty argued with several senior officials at court today over the Ministry of Revenue's deficit and the Northwest Army's pay, and His Majesty was furious."
Lu Qinglan put down the account book, not surprised. "But those people headed by the students and old friends of Old Master Yang (former Minister of Personnel Yang Ting)?"
"Exactly," Fu Yu whispered. "They insist the treasury is empty and that Your Majesty's new policies are too hasty, leading to financial shortages everywhere. They advocate slowing down the grain transport system and... cutting border troops' salaries to replenish the treasury."
Cutting border troops' pay? A cold glint flashed in Lu Qinglan's eyes. This wasn't replenishing the treasury; it was clearly cutting off the source of funds! Xiao Jingche's smooth ascension to the throne depended on the support of the border troops, especially Wei Zheng's former subordinates. Cutting military pay at this time would inevitably lead to discontent among the border troops and undermine Xiao Jingche's position within the military. Advocating for slowing down and rectifying the grain transport system was a direct attack on one of Xiao Jingche's most important achievements since ascending the throne.
"How will Your Majesty respond?"
"Your Majesty refuted this on the spot, stating, 'No matter how hard it is, the soldiers at the border cannot suffer,' and ordered the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War to raise additional funds. However... I heard that when the old ministers left the Palace of Heavenly Purity, their faces were very grim."
Lu Qinglan pondered in silence. Although Yang Ting had retired, his students and friends wielded considerable influence throughout the government and the country, particularly among the censors. Their rebellion, ostensibly a dispute over finances, was in reality a test and counterattack by the old powers against the new emperor's authority. Xiao Jingche maintained a firm stance, but if he failed to properly resolve the tax and grain issue, he would ultimately hand the emperor a leveraging force.
"It seems that some people, seeing they can't win an open fight, are trying to trip up Your Majesty over money and other matters," Lu Qinglan said calmly. She remembered that in her previous life, when Xiao Jingche first ascended the throne, he was also financially strapped, and his old ministers used this as an excuse to hinder him in many ways.
"Your Majesty, should we do something?" Fu Yu asked. She knew that Yunshang Pavilion (Lingfeng Pavilion) was now quite financially strong.
Lu Qinglan shook her head. "Directly helping Your Majesty with money would be too obvious, arousing suspicion and embarrassing Your Majesty." She pondered for a moment and asked, "Has there been any news on Chen Xing recently? How are the overseas trade routes progressing?"
Fu Yu's eyes lit up: "I was just about to report to Her Majesty. Chen Xing sent a message the day before yesterday saying that Shen Chong's fleet had a fruitful voyage to the South Seas this time, exchanging a large amount of spices, pearls and several novel overseas crop seeds. The profit is expected to reach this amount." She gestured quietly.
"Very good." Lu Qinglan's lips curled slightly. "Have Chen Xing transfer 30% of this profit, under the name of 'overseas merchants expressing gratitude for the Celestial Empire's benevolence and making voluntary donations,' to the national treasury through the Maritime Customs Office. This will be used to pay for border troops and repair the canals. Remember, the procedures must be clean, so that the publicity can be greater."
This move not only solved Xiao Jingche's urgent need and saved his reputation, but also allowed her to publicize the new emperor's benevolence and influence foreign powers, and silence those who criticized the new policies on the grounds of "an empty treasury." The remaining 70% of the profits would allow her to continue to strengthen her economic power.
"I understand!" Fu Yu understood and went down to make arrangements immediately.
After handling this matter, Lu Qinglan turned his attention back to the harem. The turmoil in the previous dynasty was bound to affect the hearts of the harem. Sure enough, when the virtuous concubine came to pay her respects the next day, her words contained a hint of tentativeness.
"I heard that Your Majesty was very angry in the previous court yesterday. Is it because you are worried about state affairs? I am waiting in the harem and cannot share your worries. I am really uneasy." The virtuous concubine held the teacup, her tone worried, but her eyes were secretly observing Lu Qinglan's expression.
Lu Qinglan sat upright, her expression calm: "Your Majesty is working hard to govern the country, and it is normal to have different political views occasionally. The virtuous concubine is thoughtful. You just need to take good care of the harem and let Your Majesty have no worries. I have fulfilled my duty." She turned the topic back to the affairs of the harem without revealing a word.
When Concubine Xian saw that she could not find out anything, and saw that Lu Qinglan was calm and composed, as if the turmoil of the previous dynasty had nothing to do with her, she had to leave in disappointment.
Lu Qinglan watched her retreating figure with a cold sneer in his heart. Though Consort Xian and her brother, Marquis Jingnan, had fallen from power, they still held sway among the old military officers. Those veteran officials of the previous dynasty who advocated for military pay cuts might have been pushed behind the scenes by Marquis Jingnan's former subordinates.
"Fu Yu," she called, "Have Zhao Tieshou take note of which generals have had close contact with Old Master Yang's residence or with Marquis Jingnan's former subordinates recently."
"yes."
A few days later, news arrived from Lingfeng Pavilion again. Chen Xing's "donations from overseas merchants" initiative had been completed. Officials from the Maritime Customs Office reported this as a political achievement, causing quite a stir within the court. Xiao Jingche seized upon this opportunity, not only commending the Maritime Customs Office but also using it as an example to refute the argument that the treasury was empty and the new policies were hasty, thus stabilizing the court.
That night, Xiao Jingche arrived at Kunning Palace. Although he didn't say it explicitly, the gloom between his brows dissipated a lot, and his eyes looking at Lu Qinglan also softened a lot.
"The Queen has been working hard on palace affairs these days. Thank you." He spoke in a rare gentle tone.
"It's my job, so I dare not complain about the hardship." Lu Qinglan lowered her eyes and replied with a respectful attitude.
Xiao Jingche watched her submissive expression, but a strange feeling welled up in his heart. He always felt that this queen was different from any other woman he had ever known. She seemed to be content in the harem, but every time there was a turmoil in the previous dynasty, it seemed that she always managed to resolve it in an unexpected way, and her shadow was always there.
Is it a coincidence? Or...
He suppressed his doubts and turned to talk to her about the princes' lessons. Regardless, for now, it seemed that she shared his goals and was exceptionally capable, and that was enough.
After seeing Xiao Jingche off, Lu Qinglan stood alone in the corridor outside the palace. The cool night breeze blew, swaying the palace lanterns.
The previous dynasty's turmoil had subsided temporarily, but she knew this was only the beginning. The old forces were deeply entrenched and would never give in easily. And Xiao Jingche's suspicions were like seeds buried in the dark, ready to burst forth at the slightest sign of carelessness.
She had to be faster and more stable.
Not only must he stabilize the harem, but he must also extend his tentacles deeper into the former dynasty, and possess his own unshakable power in that turbulent court.
The court and the harem had always been one and the same. Now that she had entered the game, she had to be the chess player, not just a pawn on the board.
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