Chapter 1357 - 1286: The Enthronement Ceremony
Not two days after the auspicious signs were unearthed, the southern covert operations had already learned of it, but it was taken as seriously as the fact that Wang Dao had spent a fortune buying a pair of Green Porcelain Lotus Vases to include in a gift list.
They believed this was just one of those things the Jiangnan aristocrats did to celebrate the new emperor’s ascension, so although it was recorded, it wasn’t given much attention.
However, Zhou Qi and Wang Dao sensed the gravity of the matter and would discuss it in secret behind closed doors each time, so much so that the covert operations hadn’t detected the uniqueness of this auspicious sign.
When Luoyang inquired, the southern covert operations began to review last month’s information. Finding little of use, they could only look further back until they reached the records of January, finally discovering the source, "Lu Yuan?"
They hastily reported this, but it was already ten days later, with the new emperor having already ascended to the throne.
By then, after asking Jiangnan’s covert operations, Zhao Hanzhang keenly noticed the difference with Yuan Li absent, and said to Ji Yuan, "It’s not hard to inquire about news, but to be able to quickly extract useful information from a sea of data like Yuan Li, then integrate and summarize it, that’s difficult."
Ji Yuan also praised, "General Yuan indeed has extraordinary talents."
Zhao Hanzhang said, "We really lack people like Yuan Li. I want to set up a course in the Imperial College specifically to teach Intelligence Studies."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan immediately opposed, "The Imperial College is a place for studying the classics. Intelligence is akin to espionage. How can such a subject be taught here?"
"Sir, both you and I have been in charge of covert operations, so we should know how powerful information is. A big reason we can always win is that we know more than others, and we can acquire information faster, isn’t it?"
Ji Yuan said, "Nowadays, the world is already stable..."
"Stay vigilant in peace; this current stability is but temporary. There are still vast territories beyond our control, and war could break out at any moment. Moreover," Zhao Hanzhang paused before continuing, "Even if the students don’t end up in covert operations, they can serve as scouts in the military or as government officials; whether it’s military reconnaissance or case investigation, it’s useful."
Ji Yuan frowned, "These are all minor officials. Selecting people from the Imperial College isn’t appropriate."
Zhao Hanzhang thought about it with her eyes lowered, then nodded, "You’re right. Having only one official school, the Imperial College, is not enough. We should build more schools; Military Studies, Medical Studies ought to be learned by someone, and even Natural Sciences should recruit more students."
Ji Yuan: ...
Zhao Hanzhang ordered someone to bring the city plans, "For schools, they need to be separate yet together. Is there still land near the Imperial College?"
Seeing Zhao Hanzhang about to designate land for schools, Ji Yuan quickly steered the topic back, "Your Majesty, we haven’t yet decided how to handle the matter of the auspicious signs."
Zhao Hanzhang pondered downward for a moment before saying, "Let it sit for now. Since Zhou Qi is willing to take the blame, leave it for now. If we truly can’t find the person behind it, find a reason to punish him lightly."
Ji Yuan said, "After the grand ceremony, I shall immediately release the news."
Zhao Hanzhang nodded in agreement.
Some things need not be spelled out clearly; everyone understanding it is enough.
In this matter, Zhou Qi is rather unfortunate. She also reminded, "No need for excessive punishment; later, when everything has passed, we can reward him instead."
Ji Yuan agreed.
Seeing Zhao Hanzhang in good spirits, seemingly unaffected by the matter, Ji Yuan seized the opportunity to inquire, "After Your Majesty’s ascension, what about the harem?"
Zhao Hanzhang looked at him quizzically, "The harem is managed by Ting He; it’s not a big issue."
Ting He is quite formidable now, skillful in management and accounting; in recent years, Zhao Hanzhang has entrusted her with handling the household affairs.
Ji Yuan instantly said, "The edict for the empress’s investiture..."
Zhao Hanzhang: "Just change it to Imperial Consort. What’s so difficult about that?"
Ji Yuan softly said, "There are voices in the court suggesting that the Imperial Consort should remain in the palace to handle internal court affairs."
Zhao Hanzhang: "Who proposed this? Is the Chief of Staff so talented that he should stay in the palace to manage the inner court, just staring at those petty accounts? Did this proposal come from someone who had their accounts with the Ministry of Revenue rejected?"
Ji Yuan couldn’t help but burst into laughter, cupping his hands, "As long as Your Majesty has no such intent, then it’s fine; I also think it inappropriate."
Zhao Hanzhang squinted, appraising him from head to toe, then asked, "Are these just some officials’ proposals from the court?"
Ji Yuan didn’t tell Zhao Hanzhang who it was, merely said, "Some follow precedent, believing that the previous dynasty’s harem should be separated; others do it for personal gain, as leaving the Minister Fu would leave the position of Chief of Staff vacant; and some are worried Your Majesty might repeat the downfall of the Han Dynasty, with external relatives seizing power, destabilizing the nation."
Zhao Hanzhang joked, "Instead of fearing external relatives gaining power, they should worry about the Imperial Family’s dominance."