Chapter 16
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At dawn’s first light, the steps outside the palace gate still bore the traces of last night’s rain. A gentle breeze swept by, carrying a hint of chill.
Inside the hall, Chu Yingzhao walked slowly into the Golden Dragon Hall, her court robe fluttering slightly in the cool air.
She cast a casual glance down the steps but noticed that the atmosphere in the court today was even more solemn. The ministers bowed respectfully and took their seats on either side, exchanging looks tinged with complex emotions.
Clearly, news of her personally overseeing the flood control embankment repairs had spread throughout the court and the realm.
The Minister of Rites stepped forward with a tone of great reverence: “Congratulations, Your Majesty! We have heard that Your Majesty tirelessly went to the embankments yourself to resolve the flood crisis. This is truly the mark of a great sovereign!”
Chu Yingzhao nodded slightly, showing no further reaction, calmly waiting for the second half of his sentence.
“However,” the old minister hesitated a bit, “most of the farmland flooded by the floodwaters belongs to the Liu family. Lord Liu is ill at home and may not be able to attend court to discuss this matter with Your Majesty. Would Your Majesty like to send someone to offer consolation?”
A hush fell over the court.
Liu Qianzheng was a powerful figure, the tutor to the former crown prince, and there was always some tension between him and the newly enthroned empress who had seemingly ascended by chance. Moreover, since her ascension, he had feigned illness and stayed away from court, which naturally raised eyebrows.
Now, with his family’s lands damaged, the situation was delicate. Many court officials silently speculated on how the Liu family might respond.
Yet a representative from a branch of the Liu family immediately stepped out, feigning alarm, and said, “The Liu family is honored to share the burden for the country; how could we overstep our bounds?”
Chu Yingzhao nodded calmly: “Flood diversion was a temporary measure. Afterward, I will personally discuss compensation with Lord Liu and do my utmost to make amends.”
The ministers exchanged glances, but since the Liu family themselves had no objections, no one dared to press further on the topic. The success in flood control was a great achievement, and even those who wished to find fault felt constrained.
But since the flood disaster was mentioned, Chu Yingzhao suddenly shifted her tone, raising her voice a few degrees: “The successful completion of the embankment repairs was thanks to the diligent assistance of a minister who helped me manage logistics and coordinate the laborers—”
She did not hesitate to raise her hand toward the entrance: “Summon Zhang Yanli to the hall.”
This seamless maneuver silenced the ministers briefly, then whispers grew even more intense.
Two days ago, during a court session, the empress had mentioned the name “Zhang Yanli.” After the session dispersed, everyone had thoroughly investigated this person.
—Just a humble scholar from an ordinary family, with no powerful connections. He was clever and somewhat literary, having navigated the officialdom for ten years, finally securing a position as a warehouse officer in the capital region.
Given his family background, an unremarkable life like his would, at best, have allowed him to reach the seventh rank officialdom.
As they murmured and speculated, Zhang Yanli appeared at the hall’s entrance. He wore simple official robes, his face showing some reserve, but his brows revealed a resolute and patient spirit. His steps were steady, neither humble nor arrogant, though a faint weariness could not be concealed.
The hall buzzed with commentary:
“I heard he governs with integrity and some skill, but he comes from a humble background…”
“His presence in court today is probably about promotion. To me, granting him even the sixth rank is already a great favor.”
“Sixth rank? If the empress truly wants to promote him exceptionally, a fifth rank isn’t impossible…”
Whispers rose and fell, with suspicion and faint hostility shining in many officials’ eyes.
Listening to the murmurs, Zhang Yanli straightened his back and bowed to the empress: “Your humble servant Zhang Yanli pays respects to Your Majesty.”
The ministers’ gazes shifted to the young civil official who quickly entered.
Zhang bowed deeply and spoke with steady voice: “Minister Zhang Yanli humbly greets Your Majesty.”
Chu Yingzhao lowered her eyes slightly, sitting upright on the throne, and slowly said, “Minister Zhang, you have worked hard. Today I have summoned you because of your merits, and I have a special appointment for you.”
As expected, before her words fell, whispers resumed beneath the steps—the court's discipline was never strict, partly due to the peculiar nature of the Big Empire.
“Sixth rank? He did contribute to the flood control, but even so, this promotion is very exceptional!”
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“A top scholar’s achievement is no better than this, right?” Someone covered their mouth and chuckled softly. “Besides, he’s neither a standout in the imperial examinations nor from a noble family.”
“He’s probably being made a sixth rank official, partly to silence critics and partly to win hearts,” an elder official frowned. “Truly… a meteoric rise.”
“A rising star…” Several officials watching with amusement whispered enviously.
Further back, many ministers’ eyes revealed faint jealousy. For those familiar with court politics, a humble official climbing to the sixth rank was already an extraordinary feat.
Yet Chu Yingzhao’s next words struck like thunder, shattering everyone’s hearts—
“Zhang Yanli, you have worked diligently with me these past few days. Your contributions to the embankment repairs are undeniable.” She smiled and looked around:
“I have decided to appoint you as the Third Rank Provincial Governor of the capital region, concurrently overseeing local inspections.”
The air in the hall froze instantly.
Third rank?
Third rank!
What did that mean?! Just below the second rank and the top tier—Grand Chancellor and imperial relatives!
Noble families and prominent clans often spent thirty or forty years battling the bureaucracy, pouring resources and energy into their careers, barely reaching such a prestigious position. One misstep, and their hopes would collapse, leaving regrets for life.
And now?
This petty clerk, how old was he? Thirty? Thirty-five? He’d only served a few years! What experience had he gained? He, he…
He was just an eighth rank warehouse clerk!!!
“Th-third rank?” A minister murmured incredulously.
Most present were dumbfounded, almost thinking they had misheard.
Several senior ministers looked shocked, their breathing heavy.
With a single sentence from the empress, he skipped seventh, sixth, fifth, and fourth ranks to leap straight to the third! What was this? A genuine, unexaggerated one-step ascent to the top!
All eyes in the hall turned toward Zhang Yanli. Some shifted from disdain to terror, others showed clear envy and fear.
Moreover, the provincial governor title was not just ceremonial; it wielded real power over the capital region…
From now on, this man could stand on equal footing with many veteran high officials, with the authority to mobilize local inspections and audit taxes at a word. Even noble scions would have to flatter and curry favor.
Finally, someone could no longer hold back and stepped forward with a forced voice: “Your Majesty, though this man has merits, his experience is shallow. Sudden promotion to the third rank might be excessive. Forgive my frankness, but this may cause unrest in the bureaucracy!”
His voice was soft, even timid, but it echoed somewhat in the hall. Several ministers secretly agreed: Yes, this promotion was just too outrageous!
Chu Yingzhao cast him a cold glance: “In times of national crisis, I appoint only on merit. If you reject achievements because of birth, how many would be fit to serve? If anyone thinks they are more qualified than Zhang Yanli, they may step forward and petition.”
The man’s face changed. He opened his mouth to argue but saw the empress’s gaze grow icy.
Although jealousy burned in his heart, seeing the sword-bearing guards waiting outside for assignments reminded him survival was paramount, so he hastily fell silent and withdrew.
After a moment, no one dared to question further.
The hall sank into a deathly silence.
Seeing the ministers quiet, the empress shifted topics: “Since that is settled, I will take this opportunity to raise another matter: the treasury is empty, and the border troops’ pay is in jeopardy. Refugees and disaster victims also require substantial funds.”
As usual, she gave no chance for debate and decreed: “Effective immediately, all extravagant and unnecessary expenditures will be frozen. The imperial clan and nobility must restrain themselves to show loyalty to the late sovereign's mourning.”
This statement lifted the already low atmosphere sharply, and whispers resumed.
Yet the mourning edict was nearly unassailable; anyone daring to oppose would be deemed disrespectful to the late emperor.
Several noble elders looked uneasy but forced polite smiles: “...Your Majesty is wise!”
Chu Yingzhao surveyed the ministers: “Furthermore, the salt and iron monopoly is still being implemented. I shall send Minister Qi Zhengheng to conduct inspections and verify data. If any collusion between officials and merchants or misappropriation of state resources is found, severe punishment will follow without mercy.”
Qi Zhengheng stepped forward slowly, bowed his head, and accepted the order.
She gazed at the ministers and continued: “If anyone believes the salt and iron policies are too harsh, they may submit their grievances to Minister Qi. Any local corruption or hoarding uncovered shall be punished severely.”
Her words silenced the hall once more. Even the usually cautious Ministry of Revenue officials remained silent.
The appointment to third rank was simply too staggering; everyone needed time to digest the empress’s intentions.
Some even secretly thought: If I side with the empress, perhaps I too...
Faced with such a powerful temptation, those who had planned protests began to reconsider. Some quietly withdrew petitions; some lowered their heads in doubt, pondering whether to switch allegiances; others began reevaluating Zhang Yanli.
With matters temporarily settled, Chu Yingzhao seized the moment and said: “That concludes today’s session. Each department will act according to orders.”
The ministers shouted, “Your Majesty is wise!” After the elaborate ceremonies, the empress was the first to leave.
Zhang Yanli still felt dazed but, accustomed to following the empress’s lead, was the first among the ministers to rise and depart. His expression carried a hint of excitement but more of bewilderment, clearly not yet fully comprehending this astonishing promotion.
He had thought the empress was magnanimous and this promotion might lift him to the seventh rank, but now…
Third rank… what did that even mean?
Before he could collect his thoughts, several officials who had previously looked down on him approached, faces full of smiles.
“Minister Zhang, congratulations!” An official from the Ministry of Personnel cupped his hands warmly. “I have long admired your talent. We must get together sometime to exchange ideas on governance.”
“Yes, yes, the Provincial Governor of the capital region is no small matter. Please look after us old fellows going forward,” said another, with long eyebrows and a white beard, exuding an aura of transcendence but squinting with flattery.
Someone even produced a calling card: “Please do visit my humble home sometime, Minister Zhang. What do you say?”
Many around, though silent, sent friendly smiles his way.
—This is power.
Times have changed. Once shunned and coldly regarded, now he commanded respect.
He took a deep breath, replying humbly: “Thank you all for your kindness. I am merely carrying out the orders of Your Majesty.”
—All the differences he had experienced, all hinged on a single word from the empress.
This day’s court session left countless hearts unsettled.
As twilight deepened, officials hurried along the long streets, some clutching ambitions, others trembling with anxiety.
Yet no matter their fear or speculation, the real transformation had quietly begun. The empress wielded strong authority to support Zhang Yanli, resolutely reformed the treasury, and pushed the salt and iron monopoly with great momentum; beneath the surface, the recruitment of refugee soldiers also proceeded silently.
The court battles were merely the prelude. When external enemies invade or internal chaos arises, the only force that can truly change the tides is the army—only those who command violence and military power.
And what she needed was a… different kind of army.