From Hoarding to Time-Travel: My Supplies Saved Him

Chapter 479: Chapter 480: A Disorderly Mob

Hua Shunming had little patience to stand here and listen to them quarrel.

He immediately issued several Holy Decrees. In addition to dispatching various generals to the border, he made it clear: if the enemy dared to invade, they must be prepared for a counterattack.

As for Lu City, Hua Shunming gave the court no opportunity for discussion, directly issuing two Holy Decrees of commendation.

Zhou Shixiong was already a high-ranking regional official and held a perpetual hereditary title, so the Emperor simply rewarded him with gold and silver.

Ancient Wen Heng, on the other hand, was promoted directly from Standard Fifth Rank, securing the position of Secondary Fourth-rank Prefect. As his status rose, so did Jin Qianqian’s, and she received an imperial title by decree.

They seemed like two ordinary rewards, but everyone understood. The Emperor was done playing games. He no longer intended to just smooth things over as in the past; he was asserting his authority.

The military generals were champing at the bit. This was their chance to win glory and build their careers, and they all scrambled to volunteer for the border assignment.

The civil servants, however, were crestfallen. The Emperor was clearly preparing to favor the military over the civil administration, which was not good news for them.

But at a time like this, none of them dared to step forward and object. To do so would mean disastrous losses.

"What are we to do?" After the court session ended, the civil servants lingered outside the palace gates.

"Isn’t this for the best? It saves you all the trouble of arguing endlessly in court every day." With that, Gong Zhengping led the members of the Hanlin Academy away.

"That old fool always makes it sound so simple. All that reading in the Hanlin Academy has clearly addled his brain," Xu Zhiwen snorted. "Does he really think he can stay out of this just by keeping his head down?"

"Let’s see if that old coot is still so calm when the official appointments are made this autumn."

Yu Ligao shot him a sideways glance. "I think Scholar Gong is the truly clever one. At least he knows not to overstep his bounds."

At this point, Yu Ligao had no desire to be courteous to them any longer. Official appointments were supposed to be the responsibility of his History Department, but these people always had to meddle. ’As if they’re so high and mighty.’

Xu Zhiwen retorted, "Minister Yu, don’t forget that we civil servants are the ones being targeted now. If we don’t band together, soon there won’t be a place for any of us at court."

"So what?" Yu Ligao shot back. "Don’t forget the old saying: a new emperor brings a new court. If you plan on using the same tricks you played on the late Emperor, I’d advise you to save yourselves the trouble."

Without waiting for a reply, Yu Ligao turned and left with his own faction, not wanting to waste any more time on them.

’The late Emperor was old and soft-hearted, allowing these men to control the court for so many years. It seems they’ve forgotten just who this empire belongs to.’

’It’s a good thing the Emperor is shaking things up. These men need a rude awakening before they end up causing an even greater disaster.’

Cao Xiangqian watched the commotion with his military generals for a moment, muttered, "A disorderly mob," and promptly left.

Others, seeing the major figures depart, figured that those without powerful backing had best not linger, lest they get caught in the crossfire and used as cannon fodder.

Seeing people leave one after another, those who remained lost interest as well, and after a few brief farewells, they all dispersed.

When Hua Shunmin received the report, his lips curled into a sneer. "And these are the pillars of the state the late Emperor left for me?"

Empress Zhou had long grown tired of dealing with the flock of chattering young women day in and day out. "Holy Emperor," she asked, "what about all those noble ladies remaining in the harem?"

’They’re all such a handful, always managing to stir up some new trouble for me.’

Hua Shunming had summoned these noble ladies to the palace for one reason: to make their fathers, the men who constantly preached about benevolence and morality, feel a pain that was personal and acute.

Sometimes, he even wondered if his own elder sister could have been spared her fate in a marriage alliance, had he only ascended the throne sooner.

In his view, using women to pacify one’s enemies was the act of a coward.

He’d never heard of such a twisted logic—getting slapped in the face, only to be expected to offer a gift in return.

He didn’t care what the old rules were. That practice ended with him.

"First, prepare one of the side palaces and have them all move in," Hua Shunming said, then added as a new thought occurred to him, "Also, find a few tutors to give them lessons. And I recall you have several handmaidens who are quite skilled in combat, don’t you?"

Empress Zhou nodded, as she had never hidden this. "I wouldn’t claim they could fight off ten opponents, but they can certainly handle five at once."

"Excellent. Then they can serve as martial arts instructors. Issue my decree: all the young ladies are to learn some basic combat from these instructors. There will be a monthly competition, and I will grant the winner a three-day leave."

A stunned silence fell. The palace maid pouring tea nearby nearly fumbled the teapot; only her quick reflexes saved her from committing a gaffe in front of the Emperor and Empress.

Empress Zhou raised a hand to hide a smile. "Holy Emperor, I fear the ministers will have strong objections to this."

"From the moment they entered the palace, they became my adopted daughters in name," Hua Shunming stated. "As their imperial father, it is my duty to educate them properly."

Empress Zhou was speechless. ’The Emperor is getting more and more out of control...’

The officials: ’...Thank you so much.’

Empress Zhou pitied the young ladies for a fleeting moment before her curiosity got the better of her. "Holy Emperor, are you truly planning to select some of them to be princesses?"

Hua Shunming shot her a look that sent a chill down her spine. "What do you think, Empress?"

"I... already have a legitimate son under my care," Empress Zhou began hesitantly, "but the other sisters in the palace..."

"Are you afraid of the trouble this will cause, Empress?" Hua Shunming cut in.

Empress Zhou fell silent.

"You need not worry, Empress. Just ensure your subordinates train them well. If anyone gives you any trouble, you report it directly to me."

What more could Empress Zhou say? ’At this rate,’ she thought, ’I’ll have a whole army of amazons on my hands.’

Jin Qianqian had yet to find an escort team heading toward Lu City, but she had already received a thick stack of invitations.

They came from the families of officials and merchants alike. Jin Qianqian selected a few to attend and politely declined the rest with excuses.

The young lady who had been causing her trouble hadn’t shown up recently. She had either gotten the worst of their last encounter and lost interest, or her parents had given her a stern lecture.

But none of that concerned her. Right now, she was once again hosting Lady Nan.

’I didn’t expect Mrs. Nan Wang to bring her legitimate daughter for a visit today.’

The two women began by heaping praise on each other’s children and exchanging gifts. Only then did they settle into the private room of the inn, making small talk as they watched the crowds below.

"I truly envy you, Mrs. Gu. To have two legitimate sons at such a young age."

"And they look so exceptionally clever. I’m sure they have the makings of future top scholars."

Jin Qianqian quickly offered a modest reply. "You’re the one who is truly fortunate, Lady Nan. Having both a son and a daughter—that’s the perfect balance."

"Children are such a burden. Raising a son is one thing; at least he’ll add to the family line later on."

"But a daughter is different. From the moment she’s born, I have to start preparing her dowry."

"As she grows up, I have to worry whether she’ll win the affection of her husband and his elders when she one day marries into another family."

"Sigh. To be honest, I’ve come to terms with it. Now, I just hope she can find a man who will treat her well. Her father and I are even willing to provide a little extra support if we have to."