Cen Chou had truly not expected that Lu Chao—who had obtained his official position through a woman's influence—would dare to question his arrangements on his very first day of duty.
Suppressing his impatience, Cen Chou forced down his irritation as a thought suddenly flashed through his mind: Chief Clerk Zhang had previously mentioned Lu Chao’s father.
"Though Chief Clerk Zhang hasn’t assigned specific duties yet, Secretary Lu, being new to the Ministry of Works, naturally needs time to familiarize himself with its affairs. Wouldn’t you agree?"
Lu Chao smiled faintly.
"Secretary Cen is right. I noticed these records are thick with dust, likely untouched for some time. I merely wished to avoid any oversight in official matters. Might I peruse the local gazetteers on that shelf?"
Cen Chou followed Lu Chao’s gesture to a row of neatly labeled shelves holding regional gazetteers and frequently referenced case files—materials any discerning eye would recognize as essential for daily operations.
His brow furrowed slightly, his expression reluctant.
"Ahem, you may look if you must. But remember, these books and records are invaluable. Handle them with care, and return them to their proper places afterward."
"Of course. Thank you, Secretary Cen."
Lu Chao’s tone remained calm and composed.
Cen Chou lifted his chin slightly, his voice dismissive.
"Take your time acquainting yourself here. When Chief Clerk Zhang returns, he’ll assign your duties. If you encounter any difficulties, you may seek me out."
With that, he gestured toward his own workspace before striding away with measured steps.
Lu Chao found a sunlit spot, unhurriedly pulled out still-warm steamed buns and a gourd flask filled with soy milk, and leisurely began his breakfast.
Meanwhile, Lu Changfu, Minister of Works, trailed nervously behind Prince Kang, his back slightly bent.
"Your Highness, this way, please!"
He couldn’t fathom what had possessed Prince Kang to suddenly decide on an inspection of the Ministry of Works today.
Lu Changfu’s eyes darted discreetly to a trusted aide beside him, who caught the signal and immediately slipped away to alert the ministry officials to prepare for the prince’s unexpected visit.
"Minister Lu, the Ministry of Works oversees the nation’s labor, land reclamation, and natural resource policies—everything from city walls and palaces to roads, bridges, vehicles, currency, and textiles. A weighty responsibility indeed."
"Your Highness speaks truly. By His Majesty’s grace, I manage this ministry with utmost diligence, striving never to fail the emperor’s trust or the people’s expectations."
Lu Changfu clasped his hands toward the direction of Qianqing Palace, his words earnest.
"I’ve heard reports of drought in Longxi—dry riverbeds leaving farmers without water for spring planting. What is the current situation?"
Lu Changfu wiped his brow, surprised the prince was aware of the matter.
"I’ve dispatched Lord Li of the Water Conservancy Bureau to investigate. Initial reports indicate a section of the riverbed, long neglected, was further blocked by a landslide last year, cutting off downstream flow."
"Annual funds for waterworks are substantial. Whether they’ve been properly used—or if the local magistrate neglected his duty—must be clarified. The people deserve answers."
Lu Changfu stepped forward hastily, bowing deeply.
"I will spare no effort in investigating this matter!"
Outside the ministry, dozens of officials stood rigidly at attention, awaiting Prince Kang’s arrival.
The moment the prince stepped through the gates, the crowd dropped to their knees in unison.
"We greet Your Highness!"
"Rise, all of you!"
Prince Kang scanned the assembly, frowning when Lu Chao was nowhere in sight.
Had he overslept on his first day?!
"Minister Lu, my visit today was impromptu. Gathering everyone here only disrupts official business. Dismiss them to their duties—let no work be delayed on my account."
Lu Changfu’s face brightened with deference as he bowed again.
"Your Highness’s consideration for our duties is a blessing. I shall ensure work resumes without delay."
Once the crowd dispersed, Lu Changfu ventured cautiously,
"Your Highness, the Ministry of Works is burdened with trivial yet demanding tasks. The staff is usually diligent, though Your Highness’s sudden arrival may have flustered them. If you wish, I’d be honored to escort you further."
Prince Kang nodded, and Lu Changfu led him through various offices. Junior officials, rarely in the prince’s presence, eagerly showcased their skills—though the prince passed by with little pause.
"This is the Secretariat Office, responsible for document transfers and archival work."
"Oh? Are all secretaries present here?"
If memory served, Lu Chao had been appointed as a secretary.
"Reporting to Your Highness! The ministry currently has three secretaries. One accompanied Lord Li to Longxi, leaving only myself and Secretary Mo here today."
Cen Chou spoke up eagerly, thrilled at the chance to impress the prince.
"Is the workload heavy?"
"I dare not complain, only strive to fulfill the court’s trust. Secretariat duties are tedious—manageable in ordinary times, but emergencies like floods or structural collapses demand all-night searches through past records for solutions."
Prince Kang acknowledged this with a nod. As the tour concluded, Lu Changfu prepared to escort him back when the prince’s gaze fixed on an open door across the courtyard.
"What place is that?"
"Your Highness, that is the ministry’s archives," Chief Clerk Zhang interjected quickly, seizing the chance after Cen Chou’s earlier interruption.
Prince Kang strode toward it, the others following.
Cen Chou suddenly remembered—he’d left Lu Chao there. A flicker of unease crossed his face.
Chief Clerk Zhang tensed, worried the dust-laden shelves might offend the prince.
Inside, Lu Chao sat cross-legged on the floor, absorbed in a case file, his back to the entrance.
The moment Prince Kang spotted him, relief washed over him, mingled with an almost paternal pride—his protégé had shown up for work!
Lu Changfu’s expression darkened as he glared at Chief Clerk Zhang.
"Who is this, neglecting duties during work hours?"
Cen Chou abruptly called out,
"Lu Chao! Rise at once and pay respects to His Highness Prince Kang!"
Startled by the shout, Lu Chao turned to find dozens of eyes fixed on him—and at the forefront, clad in deep violet robes, none other than Xiao Youcheng himself.
Minister Lu Changfu shot Chief Clerk Zhang a cold glance—how could no one have reminded him that Lu Chao was reporting for duty today?
"Your humble servant pays respects to Prince Kang..."
As Lu Chao rose to bow, Xiao Youcheng swiftly steadied him with a hand.
"This prince has said before—since we share the bond of fellow disciples, from now on, there’s no need for such formalities in my presence."
For appearances’ sake, Lu Chao maintained a veneer of humility, politely demurring, "Your Highness’s favor moves me to tears, but propriety cannot be disregarded."
Cen Chou paled, stunned to learn that Lu Chao was Prince Kang’s martial brother!
