While conscripting labor to dredge the river channels, Wen Yanran also found herself busy preparing for her own birthday. Originally, she had no desire to make such a fuss, but considering how a self-indulgent and extravagantly celebratory emperor could serve as an effective contrast to the laborers toiling away in the mud, she decided it would perfectly highlight her image as a tyrannical ruler. Thus, she summoned the Director of the Imperial Household and instructed him to handle the arrangements with care.
Ever since the Emperor had ascended the throne, the Director of the Imperial Household had been constantly on edge, his knees perpetually weak with anxiety.
Hou Suo thought to himself that even if Her Majesty hadn’t specifically warned him this time, he truly wouldn’t dare to indulge in extravagance or waste.
Still, after all, it was the Emperor’s birthday, and the Imperial Household Department could not afford to handle it in a shabby manner. In the original version of Monarch’s Conquest, as long as the player didn’t meet an untimely demise after ascending the throne, they would trigger the “Imperial Birthday” event. The system would offer a few optional approaches, but contrary to the expectations of many players aspiring to become wise rulers, if the new monarch were overly frugal, it would actually lower their own prestige.
Unlike the previous emperor, the current sovereign rarely indulged in leisurely pursuits aside from studying and managing state affairs. This made it difficult for those eager to curry favor to find an appropriate point of entry. Hou Suo dared not pry into the emperor’s daily life, only managing to observe the details of Her Majesty’s living quarters when summoned. From what he saw, the gardens of Western Yong Palace were planted with a considerable amount of wheat. A thought stirred in Hou Suo’s mind, and he felt he understood something.
Naturally, the Emperor’s birthday arrangements fell primarily under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department. However, local officials were also expected to send congratulatory messages and, as a token, present auspicious omens to Jianping – such as albino turtles, crows, or other animals with albinism. The pair of rabbits previously raised by Wen Yuansheng and Wen Zhihua had arrived in just such a manner.
Some court officials, noting how decisively Her Majesty had executed Tian Dongyang, worried that the supreme ruler might dislike discussions of supernatural portents. Concerned that continuing to present various auspicious items might displease the Emperor, they entreated Vice Commissioner Chi to discreetly gauge Her Majesty’s stance. Chi Yi agreed to the ministers’ request to sound out the Emperor, while also promptly reporting their intentions to the sovereign.
At the time, Wen Yanran was leaning on an armrest, engrossed in a book. Upon hearing Chi Yi’s report, she smiled faintly and remarked indifferently, “Let them do as they wish.”
To her, as long as it didn’t affect her personal comfort, the behaviors of a tyrannical ruler inherited from her predecessor could be left intact.
Chi Yi gave a slight bow and relayed the Emperor’s stance to the outer court.
It was a rest day, and many officials had gathered to admire flowers, share drinks, and discuss court affairs. With the Imperial Birthday approaching, their conversations naturally gravitated toward the topic.
One official remarked, “According to the palace’s directive, the birthday celebrations should proceed as usual. While Her Majesty may not personally believe in such things, the common people largely revere discussions of gods and omens. By following tradition, the Emperor demonstrates to the world that she is the one who has received the Mandate of Heaven.”
“That’s a grave misunderstanding,” interjected Zheng Yinchuan. “Such speculation only shows that you fail to grasp Her Majesty’s true intentions.”
The Cui and Zheng clans had been at odds for years, engaged in a long-standing rivalry. For most of that time, the Cui clan held a clear advantage. Now, although the Cui clan had been implicated due to the Marquis of Quanling’s crimes, members like Cui Yi and Cui Xinbai had died in loyal service, earning the clan a measure of prestige among scholars. Despite being partially viewed as surrendered officials, they still commanded more attention than the Zheng clan. To avoid falling behind, Zheng Yinchuan had no choice but to invest more effort in analyzing the court’s political landscape.
The official who had spoken earlier cupped his hands and asked curiously, “What insights might you have?”
Zheng Yinchuan gave a slight bow in return. “I dare not claim any great insight. It’s just that I’ve been thinking – if Her Majesty were to explicitly express disapproval of the old customs, what alternative methods would the local officials use to offer their congratulations?”
“…Of course!”
Several officials immediately showed expressions of sudden understanding.
If Her Majesty did not allow central and local officials to follow the old congratulatory practices, they would have to devise new ways to curry favor with the Emperor. After repeated attempts, the result would likely be even more wasteful and burdensome to the people.
The officials reflected that while the Emperor was indeed inscrutable and often acted in unexpected ways, if they considered her actions from the perspective of ensuring the people’s peace and prosperity, everything would suddenly become clear.
During the spring and summer seasons, the palace gardens were adorned with clusters of flowers, and flocks of waterfowl settled in the Star-Gazing Pool. The scenery was so delightful that the Emperor specifically held several palace banquets here to foster closer ties with the court officials. Of course, ministers who had served since the reign of Emperor Li knew that, purely in terms of scenery, the Taiqi Palace paled in comparison to the Yao and Gui Palaces. However, the new emperor had little fondness for extravagance, so no court official dared suggest visiting those other palaces for leisure.
Although it was a rest day, various ministries and bureaus still had officials on duty. Due to matters concerning the Liubo Canal, Wen Yanran summoned several high-ranking ministers to Western Yong Palace for discussions.
While the entire project fell under the responsibility of the Ministry of Works -specifically its Water Management Bureau – the tens of thousands of conscripted laborers gathered together inevitably had various daily needs. The court provided a portion of the food supplies, while major clans brought their own share, leaving little cause for external concern. However, as clothing and pottery were subject to wear and tear in daily life, Wen Yanran instructed the City Bureau to regularly transport daily necessities to the site for trade.
Unlike ordinary conscription, since the labor force was mobilized from major southern clans, the workers naturally carried some money with them. In addition to providing food and shelter, the court also paid them regular wages – approximately one-third of the market rate, covering only the officially conscripted population. Many families saw an opportunity to do business with these laborers. When rumors began circulating in Jianping that Vice Commissioner Chi and Zhang of the City Bureau intended to get involved, these families were not alarmed but delighted. Reacting swiftly, they sought connections with the bureau overnight, offering to contribute their existing trade networks in exchange for patronage.
This was just a small reflection of the City Bureau extending its influence in all directions.
Wen Yanran made such arrangements not for profit, but to establish informants in various places to keep her updated on developments outside the palace. For this reason, even before the Ministry of Works submitted its report, she already knew what was happening along the Liubo Canal.
Overall, the construction of the new canal proceeded relatively smoothly, but some issues did arise.
Due to their performance in the assessment, Zhao Qushu and Xin Bian were both appointed to the position of Water Management Bureau Supervisor. Though the rank was not high, it was an official court position that allowed them to participate in ministry affairs. Since Zhao Qushu’s proposal was adopted at the start of the project, he was appointed as the chief supervisor, while the more assertive Xin Bian served as his deputy. After taking office, neither neglected their duties, but conflicts frequently arose between them.
After reviewing the reports from the City Bureau, Wen Yanran felt the issue was not as severe as described. As someone from a technical background herself, her intuition told her that their disputes, though seemingly intense, were likely just heated academic debates.
Unlike Zhao Qushu, who came from an established family, Xin Bian hailed from humble origins and possessed extensive practical experience. At the age of twelve, she began digging irrigation ditches in her village. By eighteen, having gained some reputation for her talents, she was treated as a guest of honor by the local county magistrate for a time. The well-known Dengshi Canal in Qing Province was actually renovated under her supervision.
With such a rich and arduous background, Xin Bian naturally carried an unyielding and indomitable spirit in her work.
Huang Xu’s visit today was also related to the issues between those two individuals.
Huang Xu said, “Supervisor Xin comes from a humble background and may be somewhat lacking in propriety. Perhaps Your Majesty could temporarily reassign her to oversee the transportation and allocation of stone materials, which would also help ease the unease between the two of them.”
Through their interactions so far, Wen Yanran had gained some understanding of Huang Xu’s temperament. She knew that he maintained decent relations with upright officials like Wang Qishi in the court, and although he had a tendency to avoid extra work, his overall stance was not problematic – he could be considered a loyal minister.
As a tyrannical ruler determined early on to suppress influential clans while cautiously navigating the actions of loyal ministers, Wen Yanran smiled slightly after hearing Huang Xu’s suggestion. “I understand your meaning, Minister Huang.” She glanced at Wang Youyin, who was standing attentively at her side, and the latter immediately picked up a brush to draft the decree.
Wen Yanran smiled. “Since Supervisor Xin is so assertive and Supervisor Zhao is unable to rein her in, then let their roles be reversed – the chief and deputy positions switched.”
Huang Xu was startled by her words. “Your Majesty, Supervisor Zhao has done nothing wrong. If he is abruptly removed from his position, would that not dishearten him?”
Of course, Wen Yanran understood Huang Xu’s concern. However, she had no intention of being a wise ruler who readily accepted counsel. Instead, she aimed to be a sovereign who made decisions independently and authoritatively.
It had been over half a year since her ascension, and it was time for her to gradually test the limits of her court officials.
If she were unable to accomplish anything whenever upright ministers in the court opposed it, how could anyone believe that the entire realm would ultimately fall into ruin by her own hand?
Wen Yanran looked at Huang Xu, and as their eyes met, he inexplicably felt a chill run down his spine.
“As the chief supervisor, his inability to restrain his deputy is precisely his failing. I don’t necessarily believe Supervisor Zhao has made any mistakes, but it is also the court’s responsibility to place talent in suitable positions.”
Huang Xu sighed. “I fear Supervisor Xin may also find it difficult to gain the respect of others.”
If it were Zhao Qushu, who came from an established family, others might show some deference for the sake of his background, even if they were dissatisfied. With Xin Bian, however, such consideration would be entirely absent.
Wen Yanran glanced at him and replied unhurriedly, “Then I must rely on you, Minister Huang, to handle the matter carefully.”
Huang Xu’s heart skipped a beat, and he promptly bowed in acknowledgment. If Zhao Qushu’s inability to restrain his deputy was considered a failing, then wouldn’t his own inability to ensure harmony and proper conduct among his ministry subordinates also be a failing for him, the Minister of Works?
The construction site of the Liubo Canal was not far from Jianping. Moreover, due to the previous issues in Gaoyi and Xiangqing commanderies, Wen Yanran had stationed fast horses at post stations around Jianping, allowing orders to reach their destination almost by the same day. By the time the decision to swap the positions of Xin and Zhao was finalized at Western Yong Palace in the morning, news of the change had already reached the Liubo Canal site by evening.
Contrary to Huang Xu’s expectations of resentment, Zhao Qushu harbored no discontent. Instead, he felt grateful. In a modern context, Zhao Qushu would likely have become a dedicated researcher, preferring to focus his energy on his own projects rather than team management.
Xin Bian, on the other hand, felt a sense of embarrassment. She was naturally assertive and confrontational, but her frequent disagreements with Zhao Qushu stemmed from professional necessity – she felt compelled to argue her case, not out of any personal grievance toward her superior. Seeing him reassigned because of her, she couldn’t help but feel somewhat remorseful. As a result, in her subsequent work, she made a conscious effort to show greater respect for her colleagues’ perspectives.
After the role reversal, Zhao Qushu felt much more at ease, while Xin Bian came to appreciate the intricate challenges of being in charge. Other officials, witnessing the outcome of the dispute, realized their every move was under Jianping’s watchful eye and felt the pressure from Huang Xu’s side, prompting them to act more cautiously and avoid stirring up trouble.
Half a month later, Huang Xu, who had been closely monitoring the project’s progress, heard that Xin Bian and Zhao Qushu had submitted memorials to Jianping. He arrived early at the ministry, having already prepared several arguments to defend the Emperor’s seemingly arbitrary appointment. However, the two memorials, though submitted separately, conveyed the same core message – they expressed gratitude to the central government for the reassignment, as it had helped them recognize the shortcomings in their previous work.
Compared to disputes, mutual understanding and respect aligned more closely with prevailing moral values and were more effective in advancing one’s official reputation. The internal criticism of the Emperor’s autocratic decision lingered in Huang Xu’s mind only briefly before completely transforming into admiration for Her Majesty’s ability to recognize and assign talent appropriately.
Just as everything was proceeding smoothly along the Liubo Canal, the stone materials from the northern region were also gradually being collected and prepared for shipment to the capital.
As Wen Hong’s most important advisor, Zhang Bingshan was widely known for his comprehensive perspective. Aware that public resentment toward the central government had long been simmering, he planned not only to transport stone materials to the Liubo Canal but also to use this opportunity to let the conscripted laborers witness the harsh conditions in Jianping through comparison.
He knew that the labor force for the Liubo Canal project was primarily drawn from influential clans in the south. In Zhang Bingshan’s view, such labor obligations were naturally the duty of the common people. The Emperor’s arbitrary actions were likely intended as a punishment for these powerful families. Since it was a punishment, there would undoubtedly be widespread discontent, with numerous harsh measures impossible to detail. Those transporting the stone materials would naturally feel that Wen Hong treated people with greater leniency.
