Since the court officials had accepted the Emperor’s handling of Chi Yi and Zhang Luo, they would naturally raise no objections to the subsequent arrangements regarding Lu Liangcheng.
Having previously accompanied the Emperor to Dan and Tai territories, Lu Liangcheng had avoided entanglement with any faction throughout the journey. Upon departure, he did not submit any self-recommendation seeking to remain behind. As the head of the Lu family’s main line, he first returned home to settle necessary affairs before submitting a formal request to serve as an official in Tai Province.
Considering that the prefectural governorships within Tai were fully occupied at the time, Lu Liangcheng was appointed as the magistrate of Tai’s provincial capital. Wen Yanran, who at the time still hoped to pacify the Western Tribes, initially had no intention of sending Lu Liangcheng- whom players had criticized as “the Unrealistically Ambitious One” – to such a region. However, with He Tingyun now serving as the Inspector of Tai Province, and given the latter’s stern and uncompromising disposition prior to his reinstatement, he would never allow subordinate officials to act recklessly. Even if Lu Liangcheng’s performance proved unsatisfactory, no major disruption would likely arise. Moreover, it might even reinforce among court officials the perception that “the Emperor lacks skill in selecting personnel.” Thus, the Emperor ultimately granted Lu Liangcheng’s request.
Alongside rewards, there were also punishments. During Wen Yanran’s absence from Jianping, though three senior ministers had maintained stability, there were still those who seized the opportunity to stir up trouble. Wen Yanran directly ordered Zhang Luo to lead the imperial guards in investigating the list of suspects. Since the offense could be considered as “criticizing the imperial authority” – essentially passing judgment on the Emperor’s actions – she did not involve the Grand Court of Revision at all, instead sending the offenders directly to the Oblique Dungeon.
Even an emperor like the late one had managed to exhaust and frustrate the court officials, let alone Wen Yanran. Now, with only a glimpse of her sharpness revealed, both inside and outside the court immediately grew solemn and restrained.
Only after matters in the west and the central regions were settled did Wen Yanran finally find the time to closely examine Shi Zhuhe’s actions.
After Shi Zhuhe occupied the manors of the Jin and Tang families, he uncovered substantial evidence that the two families had disguised themselves as roaming bandits. Instead of releasing all the information at once, he disseminated it gradually, mixing truth with falsehood, which left many prominent families in the north uneasy, fearing their own potential involvement.
He first claimed that a group of roaming bandits had seized a manor belonging to the Jin family, prompting the vanguard troops to rush to their aid. However, by the time they arrived, it was already too late. Although Shi Zhuhe and his men failed to save the Jin family, they successfully cornered the bandits.
After conducting further investigations, Shi Zhuhe and his team confirmed that the bandits were actually members of the Tang family and their retainers in disguise. The root cause was their previous collusion with the Jin family in unlawful activities, which led to the attempt to silence them by murder – a matter that Wen Hong, who happened to be leading troops for training exercises nearby, could corroborate.
By this point, both the Tang and Jin families had been completely eradicated, and the matter of the roaming bandits should have been put to rest. Yet Shi Zhuhe seemed utterly incapable of knowing when to stop. He openly declared that since the battle had taken place at night, some of the “bandits” had managed to flee under cover of darkness and were now hiding in unknown locations. He issued notices to the surrounding counties, urging them to strengthen their defenses and avoid casually taking in unidentified outsiders. Afterward, he led his troops on patrols, openly searching the estates of local powerful clans under the pretext of “hunting down hidden bandits.”
The local magnates, filled with fear, sought to have the county magistrates suppress Shi Zhuhe. However, they had long marginalized officials appointed by the central government. Competent administrators had long since fled, leaving behind only those who were mere figureheads, incapable of opposing Shi Zhuhe. As a result, they chose to do nothing and simply let things take their course.
Some powerful clans sought connections and intermediaries to submit memorials accusing Shi Zhuhe of arrogance and tyranny. Unfortunately, the Emperor was preoccupied with urgently addressing the various issues that had arisen during her absence from the capital. Unless the matter was extremely critical, it would not reach Wen Yanran’s desk for the time being. Meanwhile, due to his bandit-suppression efforts, Shi Zhuhe was able to send continuous reports to Jianping, turning what should have been a two-sided struggle into a one-sided, relentless onslaught by him.
The local powerful clans suffered greatly. They sought to resolve the matter, but neither intimidation nor bribery yielded any results. If they attempted to bribe him, Shi Zhuhe not only refused but also arrested the bribe-giver, accusing them of colluding with the bandits. If they hired renowned assassins or swordsmen, no matter how skilled, infiltrating the military camp to cause trouble proved nearly impossible.
What made them even more helpless was that Song Nanlou, who had accompanied the Emperor to suppress the Western Tribes rebellion, had now returned with the main army.
The momentum of a victorious army is difficult to withstand. Faced with this reality, the powerful clans with divided loyalties had no choice but to temporarily lower their banners and silence their drums. The Jin and Tang families had already been eradicated, and Shi Zhuhe proved unshakable. With the balance of power so clearly tilted, it seemed wiser to sacrifice pawns to save the king. Although they appeared to choose restraint on the surface, inwardly they refused to relent. Secretly, they wrote letters to Wen Hong, pleading with him to intervene and uphold justice on their behalf.
As for Shi Zhuhe, it was somewhat regrettable, but the area around the vanguard camp had already stabilized. To attempt anything further risked drawing the attention of high-ranking officials at the prefectural level, forcing him to reluctantly halt his actions for the time being.
The northern region returned to its former tranquility. However, during this period, Wuzheng Commandery in Yu Province – Wen Hong’s domain – saw a noticeable influx of unfamiliar envoys coming and going.
Inside the official residence.
Having heard the requests from others and feeling somewhat troubled, Wen Hong summoned his advisor, Zhang Bingshan, to discuss the matter.
Zhang Bingshan, known in the comment section as “the Foreseer,” was not particularly impressive in his work performance, yet he possessed an earnest enthusiasm for advising his lord. After listening to Wen Hong’s problem, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, “What’s so difficult about this? I have a plan that can relieve your concerns.”
Wen Hong gestured for him to rise, saying, “Speak carefully, Bingshan.”
Zhang Bingshan replied, “What those people desire is simply to bring the reckless and tyrannical actions of the young master of the Shi family to the Emperor’s attention. However…” He paused, somewhat fearful, and rephrased his direct criticism of the Emperor into more tactful wording, “However, the one in Jianping is inconsistent in rewards and punishments. Even if made aware of the young master’s actions, there is no guarantee of reprimand.”
Wen Hong narrowed his eyes. “Since it would be useless, there’s naturally no need to make the trip.”
Zhang Bingshan shook his head. “Though the outcome may be futile, such a trivial matter of conveying a message is something you can agree to assist with.”
Wen Hong chuckled. “Could it be that someone in Jianping would speak up for them?”
He himself certainly had old acquaintances and former subordinates in the capital who were on good terms with him. However, speaking up for Wen Hong was one thing; speaking up for those northern magnates was entirely another. Though the Shi family had declined, they remained an established aristocratic clan. Officials in the capital typically prided themselves on their status and were unlikely to advocate on behalf of those outsiders.
Zhang Bingshan continued, “Connecting with court officials is difficult, but establishing ties with those of lesser lineage is not as challenging. By agreeing to lend a hand now, you can secure a favor from those individuals.”
Upon hearing this, Wen Hong fell silent, as if deep in thought.
Although there were no outsiders in the private chamber, Zhang Bingshan still lowered his voice. “It is said that the Emperor frequently stays at Tianfu Palace.”
Many knew that the Daoist officials who chose to enter Tianfu Palace often came from relatively humble backgrounds, making them more susceptible to external influence compared to regular court ministers.
Zhang Bingshan elaborated, “Since they have come to seek your assistance, they naturally should contribute resources and effort. Even if they ultimately fail to sway the emperor, you can take this opportunity to build connections with those at Tianfu Palace.” He added, “If the person we manage to persuade actually finds an opportunity to present their case before the emperor, given the current young emperor’s suspicious nature, it would likely raise doubts about Wen Jingmei’s intentions. If Wen Jingmei detects this move in advance, the person would inevitably face punishment – an outcome that would make them all the more amenable to your influence.”
His suggestion was straightforward: use the wealth of those powerful clans to expand Wen Hong’s network of connections.
Wen Hong stroked his beard and nodded with a faint smile.
Not long after Wen Yanran returned to the capital, she received recommendation memorials from several senior ministers in one go. The individual jointly recommended by them was none other than Du Daosi, the prized talent of the Du family. A close friend of Cui Xinbai of the Cui family, Du Daosi had previously interacted with Wen Jinming as well. However, due to observing mourning rites, she had been unable to take up an official position under Wen Jinming’s patronage.
Upon learning of her friend’s death, Du Daosi made a special detour to the southern regions to pay her respects, which delayed her journey. By the time she arrived in the capital, the Emperor had long since reached Wu’an. Thus, it was only recently that she finally received an official appointment.
With Cui Xinjing remaining in Tai Province, Wen Yanran assigned Du Daosi to fill the vacant position of assistant secretary, keeping her within the palace to draft imperial edicts on her behalf.
True to her reputation as a scholar of talent and virtue on par with Cui Xinbai, Du Daosi possessed extensive knowledge and a forthright personality. Wen Yanran was more than willing to meet with her frequently. Gazing at the newcomer to the court in plain attire, the young emperor suddenly recalled Gao Shu, the former assistant secretary previously dispatched to the south, and reflected on how such close imperial advisors seemed to have a remarkably high turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, assistant secretaries should hold their positions for longer periods. However, Wen Yanran lacked trusted confidants, and her close advisors, being privy to various confidential matters and constantly appearing before her, easily gained her trust before being sent out to assume official posts elsewhere. Back when Yuan Yanshi recommended Wang Youyin, it was also for the position of assistant secretary.
The sky was overcast with heavy clouds, and the rain outside mixed with pellets of ice. The howling wind and pelting rain caused the iron chimes beneath the eaves to rattle wildly. At fifteen minutes past the hour of Si (around 9:15 a.m.), the ministers who had gathered for the morning court session at the front hall of the Western Yong Palace withdrew and left. Wen Yanran retreated to the side chamber to review memorials. Beside her lay a plate of fruit presented by the palace attendants – a dish of sliced cantaloupe. In this season, cantaloupe was a rather rare fruit, as it had largely disappeared from the markets due to the cooling weather. Only a small amount remained in the heated greenhouses within the Taiqi Palace.
During the reign of Emperor Li, the variety of fruits and pastries offered to the emperor could cover several tables at once. However, after Wen Yanran ascended the throne, this practice changed. The Imperial Household Department assumed that the Emperor favored frugality. Only Wen Yanran herself knew the real reason: in this era, there were hardly any snacks that she actually enjoyed…
At half past the hour of Wu (around 12:30 p.m.), the Emperor, having finished her meal, decided to take a walk to aid digestion. As a former office worker, Wen Yanran had carried her health-conscious habits from the modern world to this one. She had already changed into autumn attire earlier. Before stepping out, Chi Yi fetched a cloak woven from bird feathers for the Emperor and instructed a young palace attendant to hold a large umbrella, accompanying the Emperor at her side.
Halfway along the path, Wen Yanran suddenly remarked softly, “If hailstones have begun to fall in Jianzhou, perhaps the northern regions are already covered in snow?”
Chi Yi and the others, having served by the Emperor’s side for a long time, understood that the Emperor was merely speaking to herself and not actually asking anyone. Sure enough, after a moment of silence, they heard the Emperor chuckle softly, “I wonder how the year’s harvest fares in the east.”
Chi Yi understood in her heart that the Emperor had long held concerns about the affairs in the east. Based on her estimation, some action would likely be taken within the month.
Wen Yanran strolled leisurely through the palace grounds until she caught sight of the outer wall of Tianfu Palace in the distance. She paused abruptly, then smiled and said, “So I’ve walked all the way here. In that case, I might as well go and ask the State Preceptor for a bowl of hot tea.”
She made her way familiarly into Wen Jingmei’s study. The attending palace attendants removed the Emperor’s cloak, shook off the droplets of water, and then hung it near the stove to dry.
On the wooden desk in the study, the set of glazed go stones Wen Jingmei had previously used had been taken by the Emperor. In their place now lay a new set of jade stones recently delivered by the Imperial Household Department.
Upon hearing the news of the emperor’s arrival, the State Preceptor, as the nominal master of the place, naturally came to pay his respects. Wen Jingmei looked at the increasingly dignified and authoritative new monarch and felt a deep sense of relief in his heart. Although Wen Yanran could not compare to her clansman Wen Xun in terms of physical prowess, ever since recovering from her illness, she had consistently paid attention to physical activity, often strolling around the palace grounds and occasionally practicing martial drills with the imperial guards. While her combat skills were still far from being battle-ready on horseback, she had clearly grown much healthier compared to the time of her ascension. Despite being only thirteen or fourteen years old, she already showed signs of a tall stature in her silhouette. Though her appearance still carried a hint of youthfulness, her demeanor alone exuded a steadiness that surpassed even that of Emperor Li.
Reflecting on the past, Wen Jingmei recalled that this candidate for Emperor had indeed been divined following the late emperor’s command. Although he was the State Preceptor, he had never considered his divination skills particularly exceptional. At the time, he had merely performed his duty, never expecting to select such a once-in-a-millennium enlightened ruler. Wen Jingmei pondered this left and right, concluding that the only reasonable explanation was likely that Tianfu Palace was truly blessed by the ancestors of the Wen family…
“Your Majesty seems to have lost some weight. With the state affairs being so demanding, it’s best not to be overly restrictive with your diet.”
Wen Jingmei was not one to speak much, but due to his familiarity with the new emperor, he added this extra remark.
Wen Yanran smiled and replied, “The meals in the palace don’t quite suit my taste.” The imperial chefs’ stir-frying skills were limited, and seasonings were scarce in this era. Lately, while eating, she often found herself deeply nostalgic for the seasoning packets of modern instant noodles.
Regarding the Emperor’s dietary preferences, Wen Jingmei had also heard some rumors. The current emperor showed exceptional restraint in all matters related to indulgence, refusing to use the various rare ingredients favored by the late emperor. Initially, the Imperial Household Department had presented the Five-Colored Medicinal Stones to nourish the Emperor, but they were returned even before reaching the dining table.
The so-called Five-Colored Medicinal Stones consisted of amethyst, sulfur, realgar, ochre, and turquoise. In this era, wealthy families seeking longevity would grind these stones into powder and consume them mixed with dew.
Wen Yanran: “…”
The first time she heard that the Imperial Household wanted her to eat stones, she almost suspected they had been bribed by Wen Hong and others to plot a rebellion.
Recently, Wen Yanran had often summoned Ren Feihong to accompany her. Being sharp-witted, she had noticed the Emperor’s lack of interest in meals and, eager to relieve her lord’s concerns, enthusiastically recommended a Western delicacy: stir-fried small white insects.
Ren Feihong was quite eloquent. After vividly describing the stir-fried small white insects, Du Daosi, Gao Changjian, and others who were also staying in the palace for the meal all silently set down their chopsticks, completely losing their appetite.
As for Wen Yanran, she remained unperturbed. Although she declined Ren Feihong’s recommendation, she continued eating and drinking with perfect composure throughout. Mere description was nothing – even if a plate of insects were actually served, Wen Yanran wouldn’t have minded. As a modern person, what hadn’t she seen…
Since the Emperor herself had no intention of nourishing her health, and Wen Jingmei considered himself lacking in expertise in medicine, he did not press further. Instead, he poured a cup of freshly brewed ginger tea for the Emperor.
Wen Yanran took a sip and suddenly remarked, “What about that young Daoist official who usually accompanies you? Why haven’t I seen him?”
Because the Emperor preferred tranquility, whenever Wen Yanran was at Tianfu Palace, Wen Jingmei avoided bringing his attendants into the hall, typically keeping the young Daoist officials stationed in the corridor. Yet, even so, the Emperor had clearly noted the appearances of those around him. Such attention to detail was truly striking.
