Chapter 18 – Let me introduce you to His Majesty, Zhaonan.
An elderly official stepped forward and clasped his hands, saying, “Your Majesty, Prime. Lord Hong has served as an official for thirty years, diligently and with integrity, maintaining a simple and frugal lifestyle. Last year, when Lord Hong’s mother celebrated her eightieth birthday, I was invited to the Hong residence for the banquet. Despite being a dignified third-rank official, his home was even simpler and more modest than that of a sixth-rank official from the localities, with only a few dozen tables set for the feast. When Lord Hong learned that his only son had leaked an examination question, he did not hesitate for a moment and took the initiative to have his son imprisoned in the Supreme Court. However, the Hong family has been passing down the line for three generations, and Hong Bin is Lord Hong’s only child, born late in his life. The pain of burying his own child is unbearable for anyone. Now that Lord Hong is advanced in age and ill, if he were to witness his only son being executed and displayed to the public, it might cause him excessive grief and worsen his condition. I beg Your Majesty and the Prime to consider Lord Hong’s feelings and make a fair decision.”
Zhao Qi also felt a bit sorry for Lord Hong. “Prime, could you reconsider?”
Xiao Shiqing said, “Since Lord Wu and Lord Hong have such a close relationship, how about having Lord Wu accompany Lord Hong to witness the execution of Hong Bin as a form of consolation?”
Lord Wu’s face turned pale.
“If Lord Wu’s presence is still not enough, then let all officials of fifth rank and above, who have established families, in the capital accompany him,” Xiao Shiqing said coldly. “This will let them see the consequences of failing to properly educate their children.”
For a moment, the Hall of Taohua was deathly silent, with all the officials afraid to make a sound. Zhao Qi, sitting uncomfortably on the dragon throne, caught sight of He Changzhou’s gaze. He Changzhou subtly shook his head, signaling him not to speak further.
After a long silence, Xiao Shiqing said, “Are there any other matters that the ministers wish to bring up?”
Zhao Qi felt like he was back in class, primarily listening and learning, with little to say. After one morning court session, he witnessed Xiao Shiqing’s decisiveness and ruthless efficiency firsthand. To put it bluntly, it was almost like dictatorship; once Xiao Shiqing made a decision, no matter how many people opposed, he would not change his mind.
Zhao Qi silently rolled his eyes. If that’s the case, why hold morning courts or discuss state affairs? Xiao Shiqing could just issue orders directly.
After the court session, Empress Dowager Wen sent someone to invite Zhao Qi and Xiao Shiqing to have a meal in Ci’an Palace. On the way there, Xiao Shiqing said, “If Your Majesty has anything to say, please feel free.”
Zhao Qi hesitated and then gently said, “Have you ever considered that sometimes you might not be right?”
Seeing Xiao Shiqing raise an eyebrow, Zhao Qi quickly added, “Brother Prime Minister?”
Xiao Shiqing smiled. “Does Your Majesty think that I am too autocratic?”
Zhao Qi held up his hand to show a small gap between his index finger and thumb. “Just a little bit.”
“Whether right or wrong, what does it matter?” Xiao Shiqing said. “The authority of those in power is far more important than being right or wrong. The court officials can engage in verbal sparring, but the person in power must be resolute.”
Zhao Qi was unconvinced. “But shouldn’t those in power be receptive to good advice?”
Xiao Shiqing looked at him. “Who says that?”
“History books say so.”
“So, does Your Majesty trust history books more than you trust me?” Xiao Shiqing asked.
Zhao Qi: ???
Isn’t this obvious? You are the scheming and ruthless minister in the original story—do you want me to learn from you? How arrogant!
Zhao Qi forced a smile. “Of course, I trust Prime Brother more!”
When they arrived at Ci’an Palace, Empress Dowager Wen asked about the morning court session. Zhao Qi said, “I learned a lot from Prime Brother.”
Empress Dowager Wen smiled. “That’s good. Your Majesty, take your time and don’t rush. Shiqing, Your Majesty is still unfamiliar with court matters, so please take more care.”
Xiao Shiqing nodded. “It is my duty.”
“I heard that King Zhaonan has submitted another request for additional military funds, still for three hundred thousand taels?” Empress Dowager Wen said. “As the only non-imperial prince of Dajing, Li Chisu is indeed asking for a lot.”
Xiao Shiqing remained noncommittal.
Empress Dowager Wen spoke in a lively tone. “Li Chisu is quite a flamboyant character. Even before the mourning period for the old King Zhaonan had ended, he had already brought in seven or eight beautiful concubines into the palace. The censors have already reported this to me. It is said that after he ascended to the throne, he neglected official duties and spent all his time indulging in pleasure. Is he asking for thirty thousand taels to fund the military, or is it to support the numerous courtesans inside and outside the palace?”
Before Xiao Shiqing could speak, Zhao Qi, who had been focused on eating, said, “He’s just putting on a show, making sure the court trusts him and deterring any thoughts of reducing his fief.”
Li Chisu appeared a few times in the original work, and Zhao Qi knew him fairly well. The old King of Zhaonan and Emperor Jing Gaozu were sworn brothers, fighting together to conquer the world. After their success, Emperor Jing Gaozu even declared, “The world belongs to me, and I share it with my brother.” The old King of Zhaonan, overwhelmed, requested to retire and leave the capital that very night. Despite Emperor Jing Gaozu’s numerous attempts to persuade him to stay, he was ultimately made the King of Zhaonan and granted the three southwestern provinces as his fief, inheritable and unchangeable.
Decades later, the Zhao family had long forgotten the war and strife of those years. The Li clan, as the only non-imperial clan in Great Jing, had become a thorn in the side of the late Emperor and Empress Dowager Wen. Fortunately, the old King of Zhaonan remained loyal and dutiful, never mentioning the reduction of his fief during his lifetime. After his death, Li Chisu inherited the throne and, following his father’s wishes, kept a low profile, hiding his talents and pretending to be a man of little ambition. This led the court to believe he was engrossed in pleasures and unfit for great responsibilities, thus relaxing their vigilance over the southwestern provinces.
When Zhao Tong rebelled, the court ordered Li Chisu to suppress the insurgents, but Li Chisu refused to comply. Zhao Tong sent strategists to persuade him, but he remained unmoved. Zhao Tong and the dog emperor fought a fierce battle, and the southwestern provinces remained the only area untouched by war, with its economy and military strength developing far beyond that of other provinces. By the time peace was restored, Zhao Tong no longer had the energy to deal with a passive and profit-seeking King of Zhaonan. Only then did Li Chisu leisurely accept the olive branch offered by the new emperor, continuing his role as the ruler of the southwest.
Empress Dowager Wen was so shocked that she nearly dropped her chopsticks. “What did His Majesty say?”
Zhao Qi, who no longer cared about maintaining his image—having already lost it—noticed that Empress Dowager Wen and others seemed to be gradually accepting his changes. He felt it was necessary to warn them to be cautious of Li Chisu. “What I mean is, a tiger’s son is not a dog. I find it hard to believe that the old King of Zhaonan would have a son as worthless as Hong Ziming. The old King of Zhaonan had quite a few sons; Li Chisu is the youngest. If he were truly as incompetent as rumored, why would the old King have passed the throne to him?”
Empress Dowager Wen looked at Xiao Shiqing, who appeared much more composed than she was. “What His Majesty said is not without reason. It is too early to judge Li Chisu’s character.”
After regaining her composure, Empress Dowager Wen said, “When he arrives in the capital, I will find a way to test him. Also, since Hong Ziming has been dismissed, what do you plan to do about the vacancy for the Deputy Minister of Rites?” She adjusted her hair, “Next month is the Wan Shou Festival, which is the busiest time for the Ministry of Rites.”
Xiao Shiqing understood Empress Dowager Wen’s intention and asked, “Does the Empress Dowager have a suitable candidate to recommend?”
Empress Dowager Wen sipped her tea and replied, “The eldest son of the Duke of Wen, Wen Xiaoyuan, passed the imperial examinations three years ago and has since been working in the Hanlin Academy as an editor. I have watched him grow up. He has good character and is talented. I am thinking of giving him a substantive position. What do you think, Shiqing?”
The Duke of Wen’s residence was Empress Dowager Wen’s family home and one of the few influential families in the capital not beholden to the Xiao family. Empress Dowager Wen’s intention to promote her own people was something Xiao Shiqing had always been aware of. He glanced at the young emperor, who was engrossed in his soup, and said, “If the Empress Dowager says so, then it is fine with me. I have no objections.”
Empress Dowager Wen smiled with satisfaction. “Shiqing, I heard that your mother has been unwell recently. I happen to have a snow lotus tribute from Bei Liang. Take it back to your home and give it to your mother as a supplement.”
Xiao Shiqing replied, “I will thank the Empress Dowager on behalf of my mother.”
The undercurrents between Empress Dowager Wen and Xiao Shiqing were noticeable even to Zhao Qi. In such high-stakes political maneuvering, he thought it best to stay out of the fray.
With the Wan Shou Festival approaching, according to Great Jing’s customs, the vassal kings and princesses who had been living in their fiefs or married far away were gradually returning to the capital. Zhao Qi and Empress Dowager Wen were busy meeting the returning nobles, and the palace grew increasingly lively. Yet, with only half a month left until the festival, Zhao Qi had still not seen the person he was hoping to meet.
One day, Zhao Qi was in the Zhengzheng Hall, learning statecraft from Xiao Shiqing (or more accurately, Xiao Shiqing was reviewing memorials while Zhao Qi was daydreaming). He asked, “Prime Minister, do you think the Prince of Huai will come to the capital when ordered?”
Xiao Shiqing looked up at him and asked, “Why do you ask?”
Zhao Qi rested his chin on the table and yawned. “I think he probably doesn’t want to come back. He was so harshly humiliated before he left the capital, he might still have lingering trauma.”
Xiao Shiqing smiled slightly. “I didn’t expect you to remember that. However, he will definitely come back. Firstly, not returning would be defying the imperial edict; secondly, there are people he wants to see in the capital.”
Zhao Qi turned his head with difficulty. “Who?”
Xiao Shiqing replied, “Who did he kneel for outside Yonghua Palace and receive thirty lashes for?”
“I can answer that,” Zhao Qi said, “It was for Rong Tang. So, does the Prime Minister mean he will return because of Rong Tang?”
“The Prince of Huai and Rong Tang have an extraordinary bond,” Xiao Shiqing said with a smile. “Doesn’t Your Majesty know?”
Zhao Qi noticed a hint of Schadenfreude in Xiao Shiqing’s smile and asked, “What about you, Prime Minister? Are you and the Prince of Huai completely innocent?”
Xiao Shiqing continued to smile. “Hmm? Please, go on.”
Zhao Qi did not back down. With his eyes lowered, he said, “A few years ago, when Prime Minister brother and the Prince of Huai were accidentally trapped in the palace overnight, didn’t they have a great time chatting? They talked about everything from poetry to life philosophy while watching the snow, stars, and moon. Can you honestly say you don’t admire him even a little?”
Xiao Shiqing fell silent. Zhao Qi thought his words had angered him and peeked up to check, “Prime Minister brother?”
Xiao Shiqing’s expression was hard to read, “How do you know about this?”
“I… I saw it with my own eyes,” Zhao Qi said. “Just tell me, did it happen or not?”
Xiao Shiqing nodded slightly, “It did happen.”
Zhao Qi remarked, “Ah, some people really have the nerve to criticize others. It’s laughable to mock others for their shortcomings when they themselves are no better.”
Xiao Shiqing asked, “It seems you don’t like me getting too close to the Prince of Huai?”
Without any hesitation, Zhao Qi replied, “Yes.” He did not want Xiao Shiqing to repeat the plot of the original story, abandoning him at a critical moment to join the Prince of Huai’s side.
Xiao Shiqing curled the corners of his lips, “Then stay the night in the Palace of Governance.”
Zhao Qi: “??? ”
“I’ll keep you company and we can discuss the moon and stars together—are you satisfied?”
“…” I don’t need that, thanks!
Zhao Qi thought Xiao Shiqing was just saying it casually, but come nighttime, he showed no intention of leaving. Since Xiao Shiqing wasn’t leaving, Zhao Qi had no choice but to stay with him. They had dinner together, and Xiao Shiqing continued to go through a mountain of documents, leaving Zhao Qi bored and yawning constantly.
Xiao Shiqing asked, “You seem quite idle.”
Zhao Qi looked innocent, “I have nothing to do anyway.”
Xiao Shiqing tossed him a document, “Read it.”
Zhao Qi opened the document and began to read with great difficulty, “The official Zhen Yongsi of Liu Prefecture reports that Liu Prefecture Governor Dong ‘Zong’…”
Xiao Shiqing corrected him, “It’s pronounced ‘Cong.’”
Zhao Qi insisted, “I know. I just read it wrong.”
Xiao Shiqing chuckled, “Continue reading.”
“During Dong Cong’s tenure, he repeatedly acted out of self-interest, allowing his subordinates to use their power for personal gain, reversing policies, and ignoring the laws of Great Jing. I am deeply worried and respectfully request that Your Majesty order an investigation into Dong Cong to uphold the national laws and imperial authority.” Zhao Qi finished and added, “After all this, what exactly did Dong Cong do? They didn’t provide any specific examples.”
Xiao Shiqing asked, “What do you want to do?”
Zhao Qi thought for a moment and said, “Send someone from the Supervisory Office to Liu Prefecture for a detailed investigation and report back?”
Xiao Shiqing said, “That works. Write it up.”
“Ah?”
“Take the pen and write what you just said.” Xiao Shiqing said, “You don’t need me to teach you how to write, do you?”
“But my handwriting is terrible.”
“Let me see just how bad it is.”
Zhao Qi had no choice but to pick up the pen. Just as he was about to start writing, Xiao Shiqing added, “The blue comments are not for you—come, present the imperial brush for the red comments.”
The eunuch presented the imperial brush, and Zhao Qi held it in his hand, feeling as if it weighed a ton. With one hand holding the brush and the other lifting his sleeve, he carefully wrote down what he had said.
Xiao Shiqing frowned, “Your handwriting… even if you scatter some rice on the paper and put a chicken on it, it would look better than your writing.”
Zhao Qi put on a brave face, “I appreciate Prime Minister brother’s compliment.”
Xiao Shiqing chuckled softly and threw him another document, “Continue.”
The two stayed in the Palace of Governance until dawn, and only then did Xiao Shiqing allow Zhao Qi to return to his quarters. Zhao Qi felt deeply frustrated, thinking that while Xiao Shiqing and Zhao Tong spent the night watching snow, stars, and the moon, his night had been spent going through documents. Different people, different fates.
Xiao Shiqing gave Zhao Qi two days off, but soon after, someone delivered a calligraphy book. “Prime Minister Xiao requests that His Majesty practice the calligraphy book ten times a day and submit it to the Prime Minister after a month.”
At that moment, Zhao Qi was once again overwhelmed by the terror of homework and was on the verge of tears. Why… why must he endure this suffering even though he had transmigrated?
For the first two days, Zhao Qi could barely manage the task. By the third day, he was on the brink of a breakdown, banging his head on the desk. Jiang Dehai watched in horror and suggested, “Would you like to find a few skilled scribes to help His Majesty?”
Jiang Dehai’s words were a wake-up call. “Right, let others imitate my handwriting. After all, it’s just copying. Xiao Shiqing might not even notice.”
Jiang Dehai said, “I’ll find someone right away.”
“No need. Aren’t there plenty of idle people in the palace?” Zhao Qi said. “Let them write for me!”
Jiang Dehai asked, “What about Master Rong?”
“Of course, let him write!” Zhao Qi said without hesitation. “They are all my beauties. I must treat them equally and share the benefits!”
When the beauties of the harem received the task, they all complained: “We entered the palace to enjoy a life of ease without working! Now, not only are we expected to exercise, but we also have to practice calligraphy. What exactly did we do wrong?”
After Zhao Qi’s decree was issued, Rong Tang took the initiative to visit Yonghua Palace for the first time. Zhao Qi was shocked and asked, “Are you here to see me or Jiang Dehai?”
Rong Tang: “…”
Jiang Dehai chuckled, “Your Majesty, please don’t joke with this old servant. Master Rong must be here to see you.”
Zhao Qi was skeptical, “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Rong Tang frowned slightly, “Your Majesty’s handwriting is quite unsightly. I’m not keen on imitating it.”
Zhao Qi’s ears turned red. It was one thing for others to say so, but Rong Tang was a renowned talent, a celebrated scholar. Hearing this from him made Zhao Qi feel somewhat embarrassed. “I think my handwriting is fine. Maybe your standards are too high.”
“Didn’t Your Majesty study in the Nanshufang when you were young? How could you produce such handwriting?”
Zhao Qi felt like he was going to cough up blood. “It’s been too long since I last practiced.”
Rong Tang spread out a piece of paper, dipped a brush in ink, and handed it to Zhao Qi. “Please write a character.”
Zhao Qi scratched his head with the brush. After writing a little, Rong Tang said, “Your grip on the brush is incorrect.” His cool hand grasped Zhao Qi’s right hand. “It should be like this.”
Zhao Qi could smell a faint scent of medicine. Rong Tang stood behind him, his chest pressed against Zhao Qi’s back, and Zhao Qi could even feel the beat of his heart.
“What do you want to write, Your Majesty?” Rong Tang asked near his ear.
“‘Rong,’” Zhao Qi said, “the ‘Rong’ in Rong Tang.”
Rong Tang paused for a moment, then tightened his grip on Zhao Qi’s hand and wrote his surname smoothly on the paper. After finishing the last stroke, Rong Tang released Zhao Qi’s hand and asked, “Have you got it, Your Majesty?”
“Uh… I think I’m getting a feel for it. Can we try again?”
A young eunuch came in and whispered something in Jiang Dehai’s ear. Jiang Dehai’s face immediately lit up, and he stepped forward to report, “Your Majesty, the person you have been waiting for has recently arrived in the capital and will likely come to the palace to see you soon.”
“Someone I’ve been waiting for?” Zhao Qi said. “You mean the Prince of Huai?”
Rong Tang subtly straightened his posture.
T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~
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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!
If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield
If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’
How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection
What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love
How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep
