Chapter 19

Outside the imperial study, a spring rain had just ceased, with lingering droplets falling from the eaves and corners of the roof. Inside the hall, the lamps were lit, and a gentle breeze stirred the pages of the books slightly.

Chu Yingzhao sat behind a long desk, clad in a deep black palace robe, her expression solemn and composed. On the desk lay several recent official documents from the provinces, all concerning matters such as displaced populations, salt and iron administration, and the establishment of charity schools.

In the hall, Qi Zhengheng and Zhang Yanli stood directly before the Empress, with officials from the six ministries—Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works—lined up behind them. Their ranks varied widely, causing some confusion among the attendees.

This was a closed-door meeting.

There were no excessive formalities, yet the atmosphere was even more solemn.

Everyone knew that the Empress, having taken the throne only days ago, had already enacted a series of decisive measures that stirred undercurrents both within and beyond the court. Gathering these key officials now meant a more systematic formulation and deployment of policies.

However, for reasons unknown, the assembled officials’ ranks ranged drastically, with many holding relatively low titles such as assistant secretaries of the sixth or seventh rank.

Considering the previous rank of Governor Zhang, this inevitably made them quite anxious.

—Of course, they were unaware that the Empress had her own unique criteria for selecting personnel.

Admittedly, a talent score of 60 was not particularly high, and among the four hundred officials in the six ministries, fewer than twenty met this standard. Some of those few even had loyalty scores barely in double digits at the outset...

But the implementation of imperial edicts always had to go through the six ministries, and this group represented the best choices available.

Moreover, with Zhang Yanli’s rapid promotion as an enticing carrot dangled before them, they would naturally strive to do their utmost.

"Today, I have summoned you all," Chu Yingzhao said without preamble, reclining slightly in her chair, "to clarify certain regulations and assign responsibilities for implementation. This time, we set aside formalities and rituals; my ministers may speak freely."

Having spoken, she turned her gaze to Qi Zhengheng.

"Your Majesty, recently I have toured the metropolitan area to inspect local salt warehouses and have cleared many hidden channels. Your prior decree has made a wide-reaching impact and shown tangible results," Qi stepped forward, presenting the dossiers he carried with a bow. "These contain records of the rectification efforts in several key salt and iron towns, along with my rough estimates of salt and iron transport and sales across various regions."

The Empress nodded, signaling the attendant to take the documents. She tapped her finger lightly on the desk, frowning slightly. "Some members of the royal clans have also been involved in illicit salt trading. Have you verified this, Lord Qi?"

Qi Zhengheng hesitated briefly, his expression troubled, but replied gravely, "There are indeed traces and clues. While not yet sufficient for direct conviction, evidence suggests that certain princes and merchants have colluded secretly. However, out of respect for the royal family's dignity, local officials have been reluctant to speak out."

A faint cold smile appeared at the corners of Chu Yingzhao’s lips. "Salt and iron are the foundation of the nation. Anyone undermining the state monopoly shall face severe punishment. Lord Qi, expedite your investigation."

An aide from the Ministry of Rites quickly bowed. "Your Majesty’s authority will surely rectify the salt administration. Yet if the matter involves the royal family on a large scale, there may be criticism from the ministers."

The Empress set down the documents, her voice calm. "Salt and iron revenues are tied to military pay and disaster relief. You must act according to the law. Lord Qi, agree on a three-month deadline to uncover and eliminate major private stockpiles as a warning to others."

—Besides, have they not already criticized her enough?

After all, sooner or later they would be dismissed, imprisoned, and have their properties confiscated. A few whispers behind her back were of no consequence.

"I obey," Qi Zhengheng responded solemnly.

Then the Empress turned her attention to an official from the Ministry of Revenue. "What of the land allocation for displaced people? Minister Zhang mentioned that some local tyrants pay lip service while secretly hoarding fields and even obstruct displaced farmers. Do you have a strategy to address this?"

The official wiped his brow, lowering his head. "Your Majesty, the preliminary surveys are complete, but many cases of illegal occupation remain. I have instructed the provincial governors to intensify investigations and coordinate with Minister Zhang, but efforts are still insufficient..."

The Empress lightly tapped the desk. "Confirming land rights and dividing fields is crucial. Without stable homes and farmland, how can the nation prosper? How can taxation or public works be undertaken? The Ministry of Revenue and Minister Zhang must fully enforce this. Any official who abuses power or breaks the law will not be spared."

The official bowed deeply. "I understand and will rectify the situation resolutely."

Standing beside him, Zhang Yanli spoke. "Your Majesty, I will depart again in three days for the southern provinces to begin a second round of land surveys. Within two months, we expect to allocate at least eight thousand acres to displaced farmers. Should local resistance be too great, I fear the court must issue additional deterrent orders."

The Empress nodded slightly. "If lawless tyrants arise, first reason with them, then use force. Houses must be confiscated where necessary, lashes administered where warranted—no mercy."

Zhang bowed deeply. "I swear to fulfill this trust."

With economic affairs thus arranged, Chu Yingzhao tidied the dossiers and turned to the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites. "Next is the establishment of charity schools. After the recent floods, many children in disaster zones are displaced and unable to attend school. I intend to pilot charity schools in areas where displaced people gather. What is the progress on your side?"

The official responded respectfully, a hint of pleasure in his expression. "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has selected a group of diligent students from the prefectural academies to serve as instructors. Several county offices have agreed to convert abandoned temples into classrooms. We only require additional funds to purchase desks, benches, and books before formal classes can begin."

Chu Yingzhao smiled gently. "Encouraging news. But where the funds will come from requires cooperation with the Ministries of Works and Revenue. I will decide on the curriculum and student selection criteria myself and will discuss these details with you later."

Several officials nodded repeatedly at this.

The Empress’s tone deepened slightly. "What of post-disaster medical care? Has the Ministry of Works offered any proposals?"

The Deputy Minister of Works stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I am coordinating with the Ministries of Rites and Revenue to set up simple clinics and wells in displaced persons’ settlements. However, there is a shortage of doctors and medicines. I would like to request further allocation of funds from the salt and iron state monopoly, or at least some initial funds diverted from confiscated salt stock profits by Lord Qi."

Chu Yingzhao’s gaze shifted to Qi Zhengheng. "Lord Qi, your opinion?"

Qi nodded. "If Your Majesty agrees, I can liquidate some of the recently confiscated salt stock to create a special fund for clinics and basic facilities to provide immediate relief."

"Very well," Chu Yingzhao approved with a hint of commendation. "Epidemic prevention is urgent. Thank you, Lord Qi."

"Since you all have matters to attend," she paused briefly, scanning the room, "we shall adjourn for now. Within three days, each ministry shall jointly draft detailed plans and present them to me."

The assembly responded in unison with bowed assent and then took their leave.

Zhang Yanli was about to follow when the Empress called out, "Minister Zhang, please stay behind."

He halted in surprise and complied promptly. The others departed quietly, leaving the hall.

With the door gently closed by an attendant, silence returned to the study, broken only by the rustling of scrolls illuminated by flickering candlelight.

*

Once alone, Chu Yingzhao seemed to exhale in relief, her eyes flicking toward a corner of the room. "Shadow."

From behind a folding screen, a figure swiftly emerged—clad in black, with dark hair and a stern expression, unmistakably the leader of the Night Patrol Guards.

He knelt silently on one knee. "At your service."

Following the dam incident, Zhang Yanli had become somewhat acquainted with this cold-faced man. He returned the greeting with a slight bow but said little.

With no outsiders present, the Empress relaxed, leaning back in her chair, the aura of command momentarily fading. "I spoke not a word of military matters just now. Do you know why?"

Zhang Yanli was momentarily taken aback, then bowed. "Your Majesty’s action likely concerns the stubborn factions in court… They would resist any perceived concentration of military authority."

The Empress nodded. "Not only that. I intend a comprehensive military reform. Premature announcements would inevitably provoke vigilance from both local and central powers. The border has long been unsettled; the grasslands watch us like tigers. We cannot be careless."

Pausing briefly, she turned to Shadow and gestured. "Tell Minister Zhang about the current situation at the border."

Shadow’s voice was low and grave. "Recent intelligence indicates that grassland tribes have been raiding the border and may be colluding secretly with northern bandits. The border defense forces are undermanned, poorly equipped, and morale is low. Should the enemy launch a sudden attack, it would be perilous."

Zhang furrowed his brow. "With the situation so tense, how can the border be secured without urgent troop reinforcements?"

Chu Yingzhao yawned, rose, and brushed her hand over the maps on the desk, stopping her finger at a point. "That is why you all must cooperate to accelerate recruitment for the first batch of soldiers."

"Please instruct us, Your Majesty," Zhang and Shadow said together, bowing.

"First, recruit able-bodied men aged eighteen to thirty-five, preferably those with farming skills or military experience. Identity must be thoroughly verified—this army is crucial; only men of good family standing are acceptable."

Her tone was flat, almost weary, yet her words carried undeniable authority.

"Second, the initial force will number five hundred, undergoing a three-month basic training. Those who pass will be sent to the border. Third, clear rewards and punishments: soldiers serving five years will receive an allotment of land; their children will be admitted first to charity schools; their elders will receive special care; families will be prioritized for local registration. However, those who disobey or fail will lose all such benefits."

Zhang was somewhat surprised. "The benefits Your Majesty promises are indeed highly attractive…"

"The most attractive aspect is not necessarily that," Chu Yingzhao sighed softly, as if speaking to herself. "But given the current chaos and disorder, we must first stabilize the economic foundation..."

Shadow bowed again without further comment.

Chu Yingzhao tapped the desk and added, "Confiscations, anti-corruption measures, and state monopolies will keep many officials busy protecting themselves and deter rash actions. If anyone dares rebel, they will be dismissed under the guise of military discipline—no clemency will be shown."

Zhang’s expression grew serious. "Understood, Your Majesty."

The Empress nodded approvingly, her tone softening. She swiped to open the system interface. "Shadow handles internal control and military discipline, Minister Zhang manages logistics and personnel. The salt and iron monopoly will face resistance. The one-and-a-half-month deadline is tight, but time is short. We must work hard..."

Suddenly, she paused.

Then, abruptly sitting upright, the previous relaxation vanished from her face.

She drew a deep breath and blinked rapidly. Her expression turned grave.

On the system’s main screen, a stream of shimmering golden numbers—the countdown—was rapidly shrinking at an accelerated rate, losing dozens of seconds with every breath.

Behind the countdown, a pair of golden beast-like eyes gleamed intensely, their piercing gaze seeming to penetrate the screen, as if confronting her directly.

After several futile attempts to refresh and exit, her brow furrowed deeply. Her fingers flew across the screen, flipping through system modules—tasks, favor, map—the interface opened swiftly. Yet every task description, related information, and progress report proceeded normally, showing no abnormalities.

The numbers decreased not erratically but with a cold, linear precision.

The candle flames flickered, and the once spacious and bright imperial study seemed to shrink with the suddenly speeding countdown.

At this rate—

In just over fifty hours, she and the prince of the grasslands would meet face to face.