Since that day she had reminded Qi Caishang, Qi Daiyu had kept the matter close to her heart.
Throughout history, the damage caused by natural disasters had always been immense. Not to mention the potential loss of life if a disaster truly occurred, even on a smaller scale, if the dams or bridges in Yuze were to fail, Qi Caishang, the newly appointed Assistant Minister, would also be implicated.
Qi Daiyu did not wait for a reply from Qi Caishang, but instead, she received a visit from the Emperor.
The Emperor entered with a beaming smile, as if he had encountered some great joy. His gaze towards Qi Daiyu was exceedingly tender, making her feel quite uneasy.
After serving tea, Qi Daiyu couldn't help but ask, "Why is Your Majesty so happy today?"
Jiang Yuan didn't hide it, finishing his cup of tea. "Your father has performed a great service!"
Hmm? Qi Daiyu's heart stirred, but she pretended not to know. "My father has performed a service?"
Jiang Yuan laughed. "When I first appointed your father as Assistant Minister of the Waterworks Bureau, it was because I valued his quick thinking and boldness. I didn't expect him to achieve anything significant in such a short time. Who would have thought he was so astute? Upon hearing about the continuous heavy rain in Chengzhou, he immediately went to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to inquire about the celestial signs for the capital and its outskirts, then rushed to Yuze to inspect the river embankments. He organized local laborers overnight to reinforce them."
"It rained heavily in Yuze for seven consecutive days. The Shen River surged violently. If not for that reinforcement, the dam would certainly have been breached, and likely none of the people of Yuze would have survived. Tell me, hasn't your father performed a great service?"
So disaster had nearly struck. Qi Daiyu felt immensely relieved in her heart. Thankfully, she hadn't relied on luck and had reminded Qi Caishang.
She couldn't help but smile too, yet her words remained objective. "Inspecting the river embankments is the inherent duty of the Waterworks Bureau. Father was merely fulfilling his responsibilities. How can that be considered a great service?"
Jiang Yuan was surprised to hear her say this and felt quite satisfied.
"You and your father are quite alike."
"Why does Your Majesty say that?"
"In Qi Caishang's memorial, he said it was upon the reminder of the Minister of Works, Cui Xing, that he thought to go to Yuze."
Jiang Yuan said with a meaningful smile, "Tell me, should I believe that?"
Qi Daiyu blinked. "Your Majesty has his own measure of judgment. This concubine dare not speak recklessly."
Jiang Yuan made a "tsk" sound and flicked her forehead with his finger. "Such a smooth talker."
Naturally, he didn't believe it. That old fox Cui Xing, even if he had thought of it, wouldn't have let Qi Caishang handle it; he would have sent his own trusted man.
Qi Caishang saying this served two purposes: first, to avoid claiming sole credit, and second, to curry favor with his superior, Cui Xing. After all, his promotion was sudden, and many eyes were on him. If Cui Xing would offer some protection, he could establish his footing in the Waterworks Bureau more quickly.
This Qi Caishang certainly knew how to navigate officialdom.
Qi Daiyu covered her forehead, looking at Jiang Yuan with a hint of reproach.
Jiang Yuan pulled her hand away. "It's not even red." He hadn't used any force at all.
"It still hurts!"
Jiang Yuan paused, remembering that she did seem quite sensitive to pain. During their intimate moments, even a little force made her unable to bear it, often leaving red scratches on his back the next day.
He gently massaged her forehead, his calloused thumb moving in circles.
It tickled a little.
Qi Daiyu retreated, somewhat embarrassed. Jiang Yuan took her hand in the moment, about to tease her, when Quan Fuhai's voice came from outside the room.
"Your Majesty, an urgent memorial!" The voice was filled with urgency.
For Quan Fuhai to dare disturb them, it must be important.
All tenderness vanished from Jiang Yuan's eyes in an instant. "I will come to accompany you another day."
What urgent matter was so pressing? There was no hiding it, nor could it be hidden.
A major flood had struck Xin County in the south. Thousands had perished in the deluge, with many more commoners trapped, awaiting rescue.
And this had happened ten days ago. Yet, the news had only just reached the Summer Palace today.
At the court assembly the next morning, the Emperor furiously reprimanded Yuan Hao, the Commissioner of the Office of Transmission, holding him accountable for the crime of concealing and not reporting.
The Office of Transmission was responsible for handling memorials and communications between the Emperor and various ministries, serving as the central communication hub—the "throat of the administration." Local disaster reports like this, upon reaching the capital, would be handed over to the Office of Transmission, which would then report to the Emperor.
That the Emperor learned of the Xin County disaster only after ten days was undoubtedly the fault of the Office of Transmission! Yuan Hao, as its head, must bear responsibility.
Settling accounts could wait. The most urgent task now was disaster relief, and the Emperor became busy once again.
Anlan Garden.
"His Majesty has suspended Yuan Hao from his post?" The Empress strolled leisurely in the courtyard.
The eunuch Li Lu replied, "Indeed. His Majesty has appointed Ding Jiwu, the Left Assistant Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, as the Pacification Commissioner, and Qi Caishang, Assistant Minister of the Waterworks Bureau, as his deputy, to proceed to Xin County for disaster relief."
"Ding Jiwu?"
The Empress softly repeated the name.
Lanyi said, "This name sounds unfamiliar." Appointments of court officials were known only to a limited extent in the inner palace. They were only familiar with the most prominent figures.
As a Left Assistant Censor-in-Chief, a fourth-rank official, Ding Jiwu had not previously made a name for himself, so Lanyi did not know him, nor what capabilities he possessed for the Emperor to appoint him as Pacification Commissioner.
The Empress said, "He was indeed not prominent before, but if I recall correctly, he is a 'pure minister.'"
"A pure minister?"
A so-called pure minister is one with no factional affiliations, no close ties with other officials, loyal only to the Emperor.
The Empress: "Yes, a pure minister. So even if he lacks great ability, His Majesty can use him with peace of mind."
Disaster relief was no small matter, requiring significant funds and grain. Resettling the affected populace was also not something that could be accomplished quickly. The Emperor needed to send capable people.
These people were best without any conflicting interests with existing factions.
"These are minor matters. What perplexes me is why the Office of Transmission concealed the report of the Xin County disaster?"
Yuan Hao was a seasoned official, deep and cunning. It was impossible for him to make a careless, rookie mistake.
"Perhaps, he didn't fail to report; he didn't dare to report." The Empress's eyes lit up. Something must have happened that, in Yuan Hao's mind, was even more serious than the disaster in Xin County.
"Investigate all officials in Xin County and their connections to Yuan Hao. Also, have someone keep an eye on the Yuan family. Report immediately at the slightest movement!" the Empress declared resolutely.
A flash of urgency passed through her eyes. Perhaps this time was the chance to seize the Yuan family's weakness and topple Concubine Shu in one move!
Lanyi: "Understood. This servant will give the orders immediately."
To investigate people in Xin County, their own people weren't sufficient. They needed to send word to the Jiang Family.
The Empress turned to Li Lu. "With this incident, His Majesty will likely return to the palace early. Instruct all departments to begin preparations."
Furthermore, with Xin County affected by disaster and the commoners suffering, palace expenditures, with the exception of those for the Empress Dowager, the princes, and the princesses, are to be simplified for all others.
Li Lu replied respectfully, "Understood."
The Empress glanced at him. "Remember, although simplified, there must be no neglect."
Li Lu's heart gave a jolt. His ability was quite good, but he had one flaw: greed.
As the chief eunuch by the Empress's side, he was respected wherever he went. He always accepted the occasional small tokens of appreciation offered to him.
Yet even this was not enough. The Empress managed the affairs of the Six Palaces, many of which offered opportunities for personal gain, and Li Lu occasionally dipped his fingers in as well.
She had heard a little about this flaw of his. However, no one is perfect. While Li Lu was greedy for money, he was efficient and quite capable. Moreover, he knew his limits, understanding what he could touch and what he could not. Thus, the Empress had continued to use him.
This current reduction in expenses was to demonstrate the imperial family's sympathy and compassion for the disaster-stricken people; no mistakes could be allowed.
Her fear was that Li Lu might feign compliance while acting contrary, using the excuse of cutting costs to mistreat the less favored concubines and line his own pockets. If any scandal erupted, Li Lu wouldn't have ten heads to spare.
This was the Empress's warning to him.
Li Lu bowed his head. "This servant understands."
The Empress, feeling quite weary after a while, turned and entered her chamber.
This pregnancy had been difficult, with constant nausea and drowsiness—likely a mischievous child.
After resting in her room for a bit, the Empress thought back to what Li Lu had said earlier.
"The Vice Director of the Waterworks Bureau, Qi Caishang, is Consort Hui's father?"
"Indeed."
The Emperor had actually appointed him as Deputy Commissioner. The Empress gave a light laugh and instructed Ju Yi, "Go and inform Consort Hui of this matter."
Ju Yi assented, then couldn't help adding, "This Lord Qi was promoted not long ago, and now he's been appointed Deputy Commissioner. It seems he is highly regarded by His Majesty."
Consort Hui truly has good fortune.
"He must possess some ability that caught the Emperor's eye," the Empress said indifferently.
Mei Yi thought of something. "The Master sent a message a few days ago, wishing to purchase an official position for the Third Young Master."
This Third Young Master was not the Empress's own brother. Old Marshal Jiang had only one son, the Marquis Chengen, but he also had two younger brothers from the Jiang Family's second and third branches.
The Third Young Master was the second legitimate son of the second branch, making him the Empress's cousin.
The Third Young Master Jiang had studied for several years and possessed some talent. He had taken the spring examinations this year but unfortunately failed at the metropolitan level, only attaining the status of a Provincial Graduate.
According to the dynasty's regulations, Provincial Graduates could serve in local official posts. However, vacancies were limited, with priority given to Metropolitan Graduates and Tribute Students. If Third Young Master Jiang wished to enter officialdom, he could either wait indefinitely for a vacancy or wait three years to retake the metropolitan exams.
The Marquis Chengen's idea was to spend some silver to purchase an official position. Since Third Young Master Jiang held the status of a Provincial Graduate and was a member of the Empress's maternal family, it wouldn't be difficult if the Empress gave her consent.
Mei Yi said, "The Master's meaning is that the Third Young Master's aptitude is not poor. Even if he only purchases a minor ninth-rank post, with the family's support, he can surely be promoted in the future. This way, it would also add another pillar of support for the Jiang Family in the court."
Currently in the court, the Jiang Family had only Old Marshal Jiang. Although the Old Marshal was worth several men, he was, after all, advanced in years. If anything were to happen to Old Marshal Jiang... the Jiang Family would truly be left with nothing but the reputation of being the Empress's maternal family.
Mei Yi cautiously looked up. Her Majesty most disliked the Marquis Chengen scheming in such underhanded ways. Sure enough, the Empress's expression was not favorable.
"He lacks the drive to succeed on his own merits and can only enter officialdom through such shortcuts. Does he think this will bring glory to the Jiang Family?"
But that wasn't what angered her the most.
"If he can think of this method, it shows he's using his brain. But for such a minor matter, he still needs to ask for my opinion. Even if he acted first and reported later, could I have the appointment revoked? He lacks both character and courage..."
The Empress closed her eyes.
Her grandfather was so illustrious and renowned. How is it that the Jiang Family has not produced a single outstanding descendant?
After a long while, the Empress sighed. "Never mind. Go and relay the message to the mansion. Let the family treasury cover the expense."
At "Upward Sky Light," Qi Daiyu was quite surprised upon hearing the message brought by Ju Yi.
"Deputy Commissioner? To Xin County?"
She had never expected the Emperor to make such an arrangement.
Qi Daiyu felt somewhat worried. Disaster relief was no small matter; this trip would take at least a month or more. An unfamiliar place, recently devastated, promised a harsh environment.
Moreover, "disaster relief and epidemic prevention"... these two were always linked. Many had died in the floods in Xin County; an outbreak was a real possibility. Although imperial physicians would accompany the mission, Qi Daiyu was still uneasy.
After some thought, Qi Daiyu called for Putao. "Go find the imperial physicians and get some pills for repelling insects and stopping diarrhea."
She then summoned Shiliu. "Fetch some clean cotton cloth and cut it into triangular shapes, about this size," she gestured.
"Be quick!"
