Chapter 59 Meeting Empress Cao

Inside the Wenhua Hall of the Imperial Palace, the air was permeated with the crisp and refreshing scent of dragon-saliva incense.

Zhao Han had come here as usual to lecture on the classics and histories for Zhao Zhen. Clad in a dark green official robe and holding a scroll, he stood respectfully beside the imperial desk.

Today, Zhao Zhen wore a light yellow casual tunic, the jade crown in his hair glowing with a warm luster. Compared to ordinary days, his expression carried an even deeper warmth and gratification.

When the lecture concluded, Zhao Zhen did not dismiss Zhao Han.

Gazing at him thoughtfully for a moment, the Emperor suddenly recalled a memorial he had perused the previous night. Pondering in silence for a brief while, he decided to use it to test the young man.

Feigning casual conversation, Zhao Zhen began: "In today's reading from the *Book of Documents*, Chapter on *Against Luxurious Ease*, it is said: 'Only after experiencing the hardships of farming do they know how difficult it is.' This reminded me of a ready example."

"The two Zhe regions have suffered consecutive droughts, and the locust plague is intensifying, with Xiuzhou being the hardest hit. Yesterday, they submitted a special memorial requesting the imperial court to allocate an additional sixty thousand shi of grain."

"If this matter were handed over to you for a decision, how would you handle it?"

Hearing this, Zhao Han felt his heart tighten abruptly.

He knew the Emperor was testing his capabilities. If he gave an improper answer that displeased the sovereign, there were plenty of precedents where officials were demoted and banished to desolate, bitter lands.

Steadily composing his mind and pondering for a moment, Zhao Han spoke with solemn gravity: "Sixty thousand shi of grain may seem like a mere figure, but behind it lie the lives of millions of common folk."

"However, the autumn harvest is imminent. Although the yield cannot compare to previous years, it should at least allow the people to endure through the winter."

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing slightly as a hint of surprise colored his tone.

"By your meaning, My Lord, I should not issue an edict to allocate the grain?"

With a voice both calm and resolute, Zhao Han cupped his hands and replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, indeed, the grain should not be allocated directly."

As these words fell, the hall plunged into a sudden silence.

Nearby, Zhang Maoze felt a shock ripple through his heart, and he could not help but cast a sidelong glance to gauge the Emperor's expression.

This Emperor, who ruled the realm with benevolence, detested nothing more than seeing the common populace suffer.

Yet His Highness actually dared to bluntly refuse the allocation of disaster relief grain... Why on earth was he walking right into the line of fire?

"I shall give you one more chance. Think carefully before you answer," Zhao Zhen said, drawing a deep breath as he stared straight at Zhao Han.

Bowing deeply, Zhao Han replied, "Your subject believes that not only should the grain not be allocated, but grain prices should be driven up at the earliest opportunity."

Zhao Zhen's brows knit even deeper.

"I beseech Your Majesty to listen as I explain in detail."

"The two Zhe regions are struck by severe drought and locust plagues, which will inevitably cause grain prices to soar."

"The local authorities can take the lead by purchasing grain at prices higher than the market rate. Grain merchants, driven by profit and seeing an opportunity, will spare no hardship in transporting grain from Huguang, Jianghuai, and other areas into the two Zhe regions."

"Furthermore, prefectures and counties can be ordered to establish specialized grain-purchasing stations, issuing transit passes to grain-transporting merchants and exempting them from commercial taxes along the way."

"Once grain flows ceaselessly into the two Zhe regions, prices will naturally fall back down. Even if certain merchants intend to hoard goods for speculation, it will matter little."

"By then, the government can open its granaries to release grain and stabilize prices. With a continuous stream of new grain arriving, merchants who hoarded goods will either have to sell at low prices or watch their grain rot in the warehouses."

"In addition, wealthy gentry and merchants in the two Zhe regions can be encouraged to indulge in extravagance—feasting, building expansive gardens, and commissioning pleasure boats."

"This serves a dual purpose: first, it rapidly absorbs their idle capital, preventing them from stirring up trouble in the grain market."

"Second, it will provide some means of livelihood for the disaster-stricken populace."

"These are merely the humble opinions of your subject. I only hope Your Majesty will discern their worth." With that, Zhao Han bowed composedly, not a shred of anxiety visible in his expression.

Zhao Zhen tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, rapidly turning over the merits of this method in his mind.

A moment later, he cast an intensely appreciative look at Zhao Han. "Splendid! This measure is exceptionally brilliant! It neither harms the foundation of the imperial court nor saves a million lives!"

"Execute it just as you said! If the disaster in the two Zhe regions is successfully alleviated, I shall richly reward you!"

Exhaling a long breath of relief, Zhao Han answered calmly, "Your subject is merely fulfilling his duty. To be able to share Your Majesty's burdens is already the greatest honor and favor."

Glancing at him sideways, Zhao Zhen seemed to recall something suddenly. "I recall that you have not yet taken a style name?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, your subject indeed has not yet taken a style name."

In this dynasty, a man's style name was usually chosen upon reaching adulthood by his elders or his instructing mentors.

Sometimes, for reasons related to imperial examinations or official careers, it might be taken five or six years in advance.

For instance, when Sheng Changbo was thirteen, Sheng Hong had already chosen his style name—Zecheng.

Sheng Hong's own style name, Xiujin, had been chosen for him personally by the Old Madam back in the day.

"Since that is the case, why don't I bestow a style name upon you today?" Zhao Zhen turned his head slightly, his gaze falling warmly on Zhao Han.

In his mind, he kept pondering what kind of style name would truly suit this qilin among men.

Hearing this, Zhao Han was momentarily startled. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Your subject is overwhelmed with trepidation. To receive a bestowed style name from Your Majesty is truly a supreme fortune!"

Silence fell within the hall once more.

A moment after, Zhao Zhen clapped his hands and laughed softly, "I have it!"

"The *Classic of Changes* states: 'Vast is the primal Qian, from which all things derive their beginning.'"

"'Yuan' represents the origin of heaven and earth, the foundation of all things. How about your style name be 'Chengyuan'?"

Zhao Han furrowed his brows slightly and cautiously said, "Your Majesty, these two characters are perhaps somewhat too weighty. Your subject fears..."

Before he could finish, Zhao Zhen smiled and interrupted, "Too weighty? I think it suits you perfectly."

A light of hopeful expectation flashed in his eyes as he thought to himself: *To uphold the righteous path of heaven and earth, and to inherit the past while ushering in the future! I hope you will not live up to this name in the days to come!*

At that moment, a guard bowed and entered the hall. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Empress requests an audience."

Lowering his head slightly, Zhao Han cupped his hands and asked, "Your Majesty, should your subject withdraw first?"

"No need, stay right here. I still have things to discuss with you!"

Before long, Empress Cao entered, wearing a gilded phoenix crown and a dark blue phoenix robe over an orange-red cloud-patterned gauze gown, radiating a dignified and regal majesty, surrounded by a throng of palace maids.

Though Empress Cao was already past forty, thanks to careful preservation, her skin was as lustrous and smooth as jade, and her features still retained the lingering charm of her youth.

Seeing this, Zhao Han quickly straightened his garments and respectfully executed a profound bow. "Your subject pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live for a thousand years."

Empress Cao nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on Zhao Han for a brief moment while a faint, elusive smile played upon her lips.

"Rise. This palace has heard that His Majesty has frequently summoned you for lectures lately. Seeing you today, you truly are an exceptional talent."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." After rising, Zhao Han obediently retreated to the side.

Empress Cao walked up to Zhao Zhen and spoke softly, "Your Majesty mentioned a few days ago a desire to taste the lotus-leaf soup I brewed myself. Today I specially had it brought over. Your Majesty, please taste it while it is hot."

Looking at the bowl of jade-like lotus-leaf soup before him, from which wisps of warm vapor still curled, Zhao Zhen smiled slightly, "It is thoughtful of the Empress to have remembered."

"Lord Zhao, come and taste some as well," Empress Cao suddenly remarked, looking toward Zhao Han.

A flash of surprise crossed Zhao Han's eyes, and he softly declined, "Your Majesty, this... I fear it might not be quite appropriate..."

A poised and proper smile remained fixed on Empress Cao's face.

"It is no matter. Lord Zhao is deeply valued by His Majesty; surely he cannot be denied even a bowl of soup here."