Chapter 6
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The gray clouds hung low like lead, and the morning light was torn into a thin thread. Dawn was just breaking. The air was filled with the aroma of boiling rice porridge—a scent that acted like an invisible hook, tugging tightly at the nerves of the refugees. The crowd stood packed closely together, many with vacant stares, their eyes fixed blankly on the minor officials carrying large pots. The sound of swallowing was incessant; the Adam’s apples of many moved up and down in vain, emitting faint “gulp” sounds.
The lead guard’s voice boomed like thunder: “One bowl per person! No cutting in line, no fighting!” The refugees instinctively stepped back two paces, intimidated by the soldier’s authority. Yet the scent of rice still tore at their overly shriveled stomachs. They cast their eyes down to their toes, bodies swaying slightly but still holding firm, staring intently at the steaming pots.
Chu Yingzhao observed everything carefully. She casually summoned a covert guard and added, “Pass this down: if anyone fights or breaks the rules, not only will they be denied food, but the five people before and after them will be expelled from the line as well.” The covert guard bowed and swiftly descended from the city wall, melting into the crowd.
The order spread quickly, and soon the previously noisy crowd quieted down. Some strong refugees with anxious, greedy eyes quickly shifted to a wary and vigilant expression, constantly scanning their surroundings. A young man who had pushed to the front instinctively shrugged his shoulders, unwilling to move forward another step. The woman behind him whispered a warning: “Don’t cause trouble, don’t endanger everyone!”
“Line up properly! Don’t move around!” someone called from within the line.
“Don’t push from behind! There’s enough for everyone!” came an older voice, trembling but clear.
Qi Wangzhu stood silently behind the Empress, overlooking the scene. He noticed the refugees beginning to whisper among themselves; the furtive glances gradually disappeared, replaced by a subtle, spontaneous order.
The line distributing porridge became orderly. The soldiers only needed to stand to the side, occasionally using their gaze to warn, which was enough to maintain the situation.
—Thus, he turned his probing gaze back to the Empress.
The dawn outlined her clear silhouette. Having ascended the throne only three days ago, the Empress now stood atop the high platform like a sharp blade unsheathed yet gleaming with menace.
The Crown Princess had inherited the late Emperor’s military talents, a fact acknowledged throughout the court. Her command over the army, her grasp of the situation, even her keen sense of danger—all revealed this truth.
But—was such precise manipulation of human hearts also part of military skill?
This was completely different from the late Emperor!
The late Emperor was impetuous and fierce, a tempestuous force who relied on absolute power and intimidation to crush all opposition, never on such meticulous rule-making to control the situation.
She acted calmly and swiftly, as if she had a well-formed plan in her heart.
This was not a talent explained by bloodline... nor something learned through ordinary upbringing.
Qi Wangzhu stood still, hands hidden in his sleeves, fingertips unconsciously tightening. The more he recalled, the more he felt that this new ruler harbored too many secrets beyond his understanding.
Just then, Chu Yingzhao seemed to sense something. She suddenly turned her head and casually glanced at him.
In an instant, Qi Wangzhu immediately restrained his emotions, gave a slight nod, and opened his mouth—
“What are you standing there for?” The Empress cut him off bluntly, puzzled. “Have you finished the tasks assigned to you?”
“...” Qi Wangzhu hesitated for half a second, then replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. Most of the officials are in place. So far, the work is progressing smoothly.”
“Oh,” though her expression remained calm, her tone rose slightly, as if her mood had lifted somewhat. “That’s good. You’re more useful than I thought. Since that’s the case, I’ll entrust you with the next project.”
He lowered his head slightly and replied meticulously, “I obey Your Majesty’s orders.”
Yet at the same time, deep within his body—around his upper right abdomen—a faint, fleeting pain flashed. The sensation was so subtle and vague it was almost imperceptible, like an unknown signal.
...Unfortunately, this old-fashioned, orthodox official of the feudal dynasty had yet to realize that showing exceptional competence before this new leader would not only earn him favor but also unending... opportunities to showcase his personal abilities.
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Such as overtime work.
High-quality labor increases the Empress’s favor +1.
But at this moment, none of this had yet occurred.
For now, Chu Yingzhao merely turned slightly, fixing her gaze on a corner of the open space.
There, most of the refugees lay on the ground, bodies curled instinctively, moaning intermittently, an ominous scent already filling the air:
“I need a more complete quarantine zone, dedicated to those with less severe illnesses. Ying has completed the initial work. Next, quarantine, treatment, and management will be your responsibility.”
Before he could respond, she continued:
“First, the location must be far from the granaries and water sources; second, construction speed must be fast—completed by tonight; third, find those who can be saved, whether refugees or soldiers—anyone useful should be kept.”
Qi Wangzhu’s mind raced as he clasped his hands in acknowledgment: “I understand.”
Just as he turned to act, Chu Yingzhao added, “One more thing.”
Qi Wangzhu stopped and cautiously said, “Your Majesty, please command.”
Her gaze turned cold, her tone unwavering: “This quarantine zone must be managed with strict order. If anyone dares to neglect their duties, show favoritism, or attempt to escape, deal with them along with their supervisors—do you understand?”
A chill ran through Qi Wangzhu’s heart; his gaze darkened slightly before bowing his head in response: “I understand.”
Chu Yingzhao nodded: “The former Crown Princess’s retinue is temporarily under your command. If any matters cannot be handled, call on the covert guards for assistance.”
He was slightly taken aback by her instructions and tentatively asked, “Your Majesty means...?”
Apparently, the covert guard leader named Ying was already waiting by the roadside with two horses. As the Empress descended from the city wall, she gave him a strange look and said matter-of-factly, “What do you mean? I’m busy. I have many tasks. I need to rush back for the morning court meeting, and maybe kill a few people on the side.”
Qi Wangzhu looked almost bewildered: “Your Majesty... there is court today?”
“If not?” Chu Yingzhao was beginning to show impatience. “Will you attend for me?”
“Your Majesty, I would never presume!” Qi Wangzhu straightened immediately, even hurriedly bowing, speaking faster than before: “It’s just that—according to the late Emperor’s tradition, court sessions were generally held only one day a week. For five days, the Empress Dowager governed on his behalf, and the last day was a rest day.”
“?” Chu Yingzhao’s eyes nearly shook with disbelief. “What?”
Qi Wangzhu continued at the same speed, with a tone of quiet certainty: “This has been a long-standing custom throughout the court. Your Majesty has been with the army outside and may not be fully aware. The ceremonial officials failed to inform you properly, which is indeed a dereliction of duty...”
Chu Yingzhao was silent for a moment before confirming: “So, that old... father ruled one day and rested six, the Empress Dowager deputized five days, and one day was completely off?”
Qi Wangzhu clearly hadn’t fully understood either. He paused, then continued explaining: “When the late Emperor was alive, he often entrusted state affairs to the Empress Dowager and seldom ruled personally. This system has continued until now, and even the ministers are accustomed to it.”
“...”
Chu Yingzhao originally wanted to complain, but after some thought, she forced herself to hold back. After all, this was a romance game—the focus was on “dates and love,” not “burdensome official business.”
However, understanding didn’t mean acceptance.
One day of work a week! Is this some alternate universe version of the Ming Dynasty?!
Damn it, the people entrusted the empire to the late Emperor, and this is what happened! My heart aches bitterly! The late Emperor is guilty before the state! Ashamed before the ancestors, ashamed before heaven and earth, especially ashamed before me—I wish I could remove him myself!
The Empress had a hundred complaints brewing in her heart, but after some contemplation, they all condensed into a cold, perfunctory phrase: “Father is father, I am I.”
Qi Wangzhu bowed his head and replied, “I understand.”
...You do not understand.
Chu Yingzhao exhaled a breath of stale air, swung herself onto her horse, flicked the reins, and set off toward the capital’s road, though her mind remained unsettled.
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More puzzling than this explosive work schedule was the Empress Dowager.
What kind of figure was she exactly?
Chu Yingzhao knew very little about this... proxy for imperial power. The game’s PV trailer showed five male leads rotating, but the Empress Dowager was completely absent.
Yet to have taken control of the court during the late Emperor’s reign, she could never be a simple character.
This left Chu Yingzhao somewhat perplexed: was she a devoted and loyal partner to the nation, or a power-hungry schemer coveting the throne?
Moreover, based on the information she had so far, the late Emperor was a wild and irritable beast, yet he tolerated the Empress Dowager’s regency for many years—what secrets lay behind this?
The more she thought, the more unresolved mysteries filled her mind.
*
The sound of hooves echoed through the palace gates. Under the gloomy sky, the inner city walls seemed coated with a layer of dark paint, heavy and cold.
Chu Yingzhao adjusted her collar, took a deep breath, and suppressed the faint doubts stirring within—no matter who the Empress Dowager truly was, she was ultimately a figure the Empress had to face.
Just as she stepped toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a familiar voice reached her first from outside the hall. The female voice was gentle and calm, yet clear and almost like a refreshing spring breeze:
“Your Majesty, you must be tired from the journey.”
Chu Yingzhao halted abruptly, eyes widening slightly.
That voice, that tone—
—Wasn’t it the system’s voice?
Beside the hall’s entrance stood an elegant palanquin. A few maids and palace attendants stood solemnly nearby.
In front of them stood a dignified woman.
She wore a purple ceremonial gown with a soft sheen, the hem embroidered with flowing entwined lotus patterns in gold thread. Her posture was upright and graceful, her brows relaxed and kind, her demeanor exuding the aura of a motherly sovereign.
Her hair was neatly pinned up, but near her temples a few strands of silver peeked through, like the gentle marks time had etched upon her.
“...Mother,” she said tentatively, stepping forward.
The Empress Dowager’s gaze fell upon her, and a sincere smile appeared.
“Your Majesty,” her tone carried undisguised joy and warmth. “Are you returning to attend court?”
Chu Yingzhao was uncertain and silent for a moment, then nodded slightly: “Yes.”
“Then hurry along, don’t keep the ministers waiting.” The Empress Dowager’s expression immediately softened, her voice full of pride and satisfaction, as if the Empress’s voluntary attendance at court was a matter of great happiness. “After court, remember to come to the Palace of Benevolence and Peace for breakfast. You and I, mother and daughter, should have a good talk.”
Chu Yingzhao still couldn’t quite grasp her role, but she found it hard to refuse this gentle “mommy.” For a moment, she even felt somewhat awkward: “Ah, okay... then I—I’ll be going now...?”
“Go,” the Empress Dowager said with satisfaction. “My son is diligent.”
Compared to a regent Empress, the system “mommy” seemed more like a capable ninja, Chu Yingzhao thought peacefully.
Moreover, with such company willing to sacrifice alongside her, even if the throne were held by a Liu Chan, perhaps it could still be considered an extraordinarily diligent worker.
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