The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 197
by Little PandaWe Will Not Try It Lightly
Qu Sheng examined the memorials1 submitted this morning in her hand. After scanning a few lines, her brow gradually furrowed.
“The State of Jin says they are sending an envoy. Are those of you responsible for receiving them fully prepared?” Qu Sheng set the memorial in her hand aside.
The Ministry of Rites2 was responsible for receiving foreign envoys, and its leading official was the Minister of Rites. The newly appointed Minister of Rites was someone Qu Sheng had brought back from the State of Jin. He was highly familiar with the various protocols of the former Tiansheng Dynasty and had exerted immense effort in planning Qu Sheng’s coronation.
Although she was a female emperor, the protocols drafted were not in the least inferior to those of a male ruler’s ascension. With the demeanor of a great nation, they prayed for blessings, sacrificed to Heaven, and proclaimed the founding of the Quzhao Dynasty to its lords and subjects, as well as to neighboring allies.
“This humble subject has already ordered the guesthouses to be prepared,” the Minister of Rites replied, lowering his head while holding his ivory tablet3. “Once the envoy from the State of Jin enters the capital, there will be dedicated personnel to receive them, and at that time they will be summoned by Your Majesty.”
Qu Sheng nodded and turned her gaze toward the Minister of Revenue.
Seeing this, the Minister of Revenue took a step forward and reported, “Your Majesty, the State of Jin is plagued by constant war, and our Quzhao Dynasty has already accepted nearly one million of their people. Currently, our arable land is saturated. This humble subject wonders if the people entering subsequent to this can be settled in the various prefectures of the Southern Border?”
The Southern Border was no longer what it once had been. They had conquered the Zongshang Kingdom and divided its territory into various large and small prefectures under the Quzhao map. However, its people were akin to barbarians, subsisting primarily on hunting, and civilizing them would still take a significant amount of time. Qu Sheng sat back, straightening her posture, and pondered for a few moments. Looking at the officials below, she asked, “How do you, my beloved ministers, think we should resettle them?”
The officials below all kept their heads lowered, seemingly deep in thought.
“Your Majesty, this humble subject…”
“Does the Left Chancellor not see that We are discussing state affairs with our ministers? Rise first.” Qu Sheng glanced at Qi Jinfu, who was kneeling on the ground.
Before she ascended the throne, this Qi Jinfu had threatened to take his own life, declaring that a woman could not be emperor; now, here he was again. Earlier, she had ordered that his neighbors would be executed in his stead if he died. For several days after that, there was no shortage of rotten vegetable leaves and smelly eggs thrown at his gate. Within a few days, he had gone to Qu Sheng of his own accord to admit his guilt. Qu Sheng did not hold a grudge against him either; following Qu Jixian’s advice, she appointed him Left Chancellor to handle daily affairs for her.
The man was indeed loyal to the Qu family, and in handling court affairs, he was also diligent and responsible. It was just that he had read too many books of the sages, making it inevitable that he would be bound by them. From the moment she ordered the drafting of the fourth imperial decree, he had not stopped opposing and submitting memorials against it. Now, even after the decree was promulgated, it had already been two consecutive days where he would kneel like this as soon as court began, begging Qu Sheng to rescind the decree.
“Your Majesty, how can the matter of marriage between men and women be treated like child’s play…”
Qu Sheng felt a headache coming on from his incessant muttering. Frowning, she looked at the officials in the hall, who remained silent, so she had no choice but to say to Qi Jinfu, “Left Chancellor, stand up first. Go to the Imperial Study in a moment, and We will discuss this with you in detail.”
Qi Jinfu looked up. Hearing that Qu Sheng wanted to speak with him one-on-one, he felt a vague sense of unease. But just as he was about to speak again, Vice Minister of Revenue Lin Xikuan stepped forward. Holding his ivory tablet, he bowed and said, “Your Majesty, the people are the foundation of the state. It is naturally good to have more people. But with the war in the State of Jin, most of the people we are accepting are displaced refugees, and the cost of resettling them is immense. The commoners of our Quzhao also have many grievances. This humble subject believes we should temporarily halt their entry.”
Qu Sheng lowered her eyes and blinked upon hearing this. “We will consider Beloved Minister Lin’s words,” she said. “However, years of continuous warfare have caused a sharp decline in population. The influx of people from the State of Jin undoubtedly fills this void. Although arable land is currently tight, our Quzhao still has vast areas of uncultivated land…” Lowering her eyes again, she thought for a moment before looking at the Minister of Revenue. “How much longer will it take for the Ministry of Revenue to complete the remeasurement of the land?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, Lord Zhai and Lord Liang are still carrying it out. Based on their current progress, it will likely take another half a year,” the Minister of Revenue replied, cupping his hands.
Zhai Zhong was an official Qu Sheng had previously appointed alongside Lin Xikuan to measure the land, and Lord Liang was Lin Xizhao’s maternal uncle, Liang Lianshang.
Liang Lianshang had served as a prefecture governor in Tiansheng. After Qu Sheng brought him over, she appointed him Prefect. He had always been an official who was like a parent to the people, and naturally knew matters of the land like the back of his hand.
Had it not been for Lin Xizhao’s recommendation, she would have nearly missed such an exceptional talent, and it also spared Lin Xikuan—whose legs were not in good condition—from having to go out and take risks.
Qu Sheng nodded. “Direct the incoming refugees to Quanzhou and Jinzhou in the Southern Border first. Distribute land to them according to previous precedents, and have the Ministry of Revenue allocate a portion of funds to subsidize them and temporarily resolve their basic needs for food and warmth. Furthermore, post notices to recruit bricklayers, carpenters, and other skilled craftsmen from among the refugees. Let them work for their relief.”
“Your Majesty is wise; this humble subject obeys your decree.” The Minister of Revenue immediately knelt.
Hearing the words of praise, Qu Sheng unconsciously furrowed her brow again. Being the emperor was merely a matter of making decisions. Yet, when her peripheral vision caught the Left Chancellor still kneeling on the ground, she suddenly felt that the Minister of Revenue’s words in front of her were much more pleasant to the ear.
“Are there any other matters?” Qu Sheng flipped through the memorials in front of her one by one. She had already finished reading the urgent reports; the rest could wait until she returned to her quarters to be slowly reviewed and annotated.
When the ministers below remained silent, Qu Sheng gestured to the eunuch attendant beside her to dismiss the court.
“Court is dismissed!”
The officials knelt and cried, “Long live the Emperor!” as Qu Sheng rose and walked off to the side.
By the time the Left Chancellor, who was kneeling to the side, wanted to say anything more, Qu Sheng had already departed.
Today’s morning court had not lasted long, but the sky was already fully bright. Clutching her slightly growling stomach, Qu Sheng returned to her sleeping quarters.
With an attending eunuch leading the way, Qu Sheng quickened her pace. Soon, the gorgeously renovated palace came into view. Pushing open the doors and stepping inside, Qu Sheng caught the scent of an aromatic fragrance.
“Your Majesty is back.” Hearing the sound, Lin Xizhao turned around with a gentle smile, setting down the dish she held onto the dining table.
Qu Sheng smiled and nodded at Lin Xizhao. She waved her hand to the attending eunuch behind her, and the palace maids in the room also filed out.
“Wife,” Qu Sheng murmured, taking a few steps forward. She wrapped her arms around Lin Xizhao’s slender waist and pressed her lips to Lin Xizhao’s, kissing away the fatigue of her early morning. Smiling, she asked, “What is there to eat today?”
Lin Xizhao naturally draped her arms over Qu Sheng’s shoulders and replied with a smile, “The imperial kitchen prepared some seasonal vegetables, and I simmered the soup you love.”
Qu Sheng glanced sideways upon hearing this. As expected, it was her favorite black-boned chicken soup.
Lin Xizhao stepped back slightly, and the two walked over to the dining table. Lifting the lid off the tureen, Lin Xizhao ladled a bowl for Qu Sheng. “Taste it.”
Qu Sheng took it, blew gently on the surface, and took a sip. The taste was delicious and fresh.
Qu Sheng looked up at Lin Xizhao and smiled. “Delicious.” With that, she sat down.
Lin Xizhao gathered her skirts and sat beside her, and the two began their morning meal.
Ever since Qu Sheng’s ascension, Qu Jinian had been honored as the Retired Emperor, but Jin Yunfei did not wish to live in the palace. The other family members, accustomed to living in Nanting Courtyard, had no desire to relocate either. Only Lin Xizhao had accompanied her here.
Yet while everyone else had been granted newly bestowed titles, Lin Xizhao alone had received nothing, staying by her side day in and day out under the sole identity of her adoptive older sister.
Drinking her soup, Qu Sheng looked up at Lin Xizhao. Seeing no trace of displeasure on her face, she began to mull over the matter of establishing an empress again.
“Wife, Qi Jinfu came again today to urge me to rescind the decree on same-sex marriage registration. He is waiting in the Imperial Study right now. How should I convince him in a moment?”
Hearing Qu Sheng ask for her thoughts on state affairs, Lin Xizhao picked up some food, ate, and chewed thoughtfully for a moment.
Qu Sheng’s decision to issue this decree was mostly related to her. She knew Qu Sheng was stubborn, but as long as Qu Sheng did not establish her as empress right now, it would not stir up any big waves.
After careful consideration, Lin Xizhao replied softly, “This decree of yours is indeed out of the ordinary, but it is not to the point of bringing ruin to the state and misery to the people. I have heard that many high officials and wealthy gentry keep male favorites in their estates, but those affairs are ultimately kept behind closed doors, conducted in the dark. By issuing a formal imperial decree, you have granted them legitimate status—yet this will also become something the world uses to criticize your achievements. For you, whether this is a merit or a fault is something no one can predict.”
“Lord Qi’s advice for you to withdraw the decree stems from a desire for conservatism; following tradition is always the safest path. However, his advice is also to prevent anyone within the country from making a huge fuss about it, attempting to use this point to manipulate people’s minds.”
“Lord Qi is probably also worried about one more point.”
“What is it?” Qu Sheng asked softly.
Lin Xizhao looked at her, holding her gaze. “If those at the top begin to practice it widely, those below will surely follow suit. By then, the realm will be in complete disarray. The tradition of men marrying and women wedding will be disrupted, which will pose a major obstacle to reproduction.”
“Does my wife think so as well?” Listening to Lin Xizhao’s analysis, Qu Sheng set down her bowl and chopsticks and stared straight at her.
Hearing this, Lin Xizhao smiled and placed some food into her bowl. “Most people would think this way.”
“And what about you, Wife?” Qu Sheng asked relentlessly.
Lin Xizhao pondered for a moment, then raised her eyes to meet Qu Sheng’s. “I do not believe such a situation would have too great an impact on the common people. However, hearing of such a thing for the first time, they will inevitably feel panicked. What must be done now is to guide the people and ease their minds, letting them know to a certain extent that such a thing does not violate the laws of Heaven. As for reproduction, I believe the majority of people still won’t blindly follow suit. They have their own thoughts, and whether they love a man or a woman, it is something that springs from the heart.”
Listening to Lin Xizhao’s words, the tension Qu Sheng had felt just now eased slightly.
Qu Sheng nodded, her gaze deepening. “Wife is correct.”
Lin Xizhao smiled and ladled more soup for her. As Qu Sheng drank, her mind drifted back to the matter of establishing an empress.
Once they finished their breakfast, Qu Sheng made her way to the Imperial Study. Lin Xizhao had also thoughtfully had some food prepared for her to bestow upon Qi Jinfu.
When Qu Sheng stepped inside the Imperial Study, Qi Jinfu was standing there, his throat seemingly dry and parched. Qu Sheng’s departure had kept her by Lin Xizhao’s side for a full two hours4, and Qi Jinfu had remained standing there the entire time.
The moment Qi Jinfu saw Qu Sheng enter, he said in a hurry, “Your Majesty, this humble subject begs Your Majesty to reconsider the matter of my petition.”
“There is no rush. Attendants, bring a seat.” Qu Sheng took her place behind the imperial desk and ordered a seat for Qi Jinfu.
“This humble subject thanks Your Majesty.” Qi Jinfu bowed with cupped hands.
Once Qi Jinfu was seated, Qu Sheng had an attendant bring over a food container and place it on the small side table that had been brought in with the chair.
“My elder sister prepared this for you.”
Having spoken, Qu Sheng flipped open a memorial on her desk. Smoothing back her sleeves, she raised her hand to take the vermilion brush handed to her by the attending eunuch.
“My thanks to Your Majesty, and to Commandery Princess Xizhao.” Qi Jinfu rose to bow.
Qu Sheng looked up at him, her lips curving slightly.
By right, with her ascension to the throne and Lin Xizhao being the Retired Emperor’s adoptive daughter, it would be entirely natural to bestow upon her the title of Princess. However, Qu Sheng did not want Lin Xizhao to carry a sisterly title that might invite public gossip before she could make her her empress.
She had already ordered that Lin Jianhai’s rank as King Wenze be preserved, though upon Lin Xirui’s inheritance, it had been reduced to Commandery King. Under the laws of the Quzhao Dynasty, Lin Xizhao, as the eldest legitimate daughter, would have inherited the position had she not wed outside the family. But Qu Sheng had deliberately designated it to Lin Xirui; she was absolutely determined to marry Lin Xizhao.
“Sit and eat. Do not let my elder sister’s kind intentions go to waste.” Having spoken, Qu Sheng returned her focus to the memorials, taking up her brush to annotate them.
Standing there, Qi Jinfu looked at Qu Sheng, then at the dishes brought before him. Indeed quite famished by now, he walked over, sat down, and began to eat.
Qu Sheng reviewed the documents for a while longer, stretching her stiff muscles. Presently, the attending eunuch outside came to report that Liu Wuxiang, the physician from Nanting Courtyard, requested an audience.
Hearing this, Qu Sheng looked up. She cast a glance at Qi Jinfu, who was still eating, and told the attending eunuch, “Have him wait for Us in the side hall.”
Seeing Qu Sheng stand up, Qi Jinfu spoke up, “Your Majesty.”
“We shall speak when We return,” Qu Sheng said, walking outside.
The moment Liu Wuxiang saw Qu Sheng, a fawning smile spread across his face as he hastily bowed. “This commoner pays respects to Your Majesty.”
“Has something happened to my Imperial Father?” Qu Sheng asked, anxiety showing on her face.
Liu Wuxiang raised his head upon hearing her words. “Your Majesty need not worry. The Retired Emperor is in excellent health.”
Hearing that Qu Jinian was fine, Qu Sheng let out a breath of relief. She stared at Liu Wuxiang, her brow slowly furrowing as she clicked her tongue. “We have said before, if you do not have absolute certainty, We will not try it lightly.”
She cherished her own life very much now, and she treasured Lin Xizhao’s life ten thousand times more. She wanted both of them to live. She wanted to accompany Lin Xizhao, staying by her side for a long, long time.
Liu Wuxiang also clicked his tongue, replying with a beaming smile, “What is Your Majesty saying? If this commoner did not have certainty, I naturally wouldn’t dare let Your Majesty try.”
Ever since Qu Sheng had inquired back in the Northern Frontier if there was any way to enable two women to conceive a child carrying both of their bloodlines, Liu Wuxiang had devoted himself to research and development once more upon returning.
Liu Wuxiang had previously struggled because he could not find willing test subjects. Now that he had caught hold of Qu Sheng, he had no intention of letting go—even if she was now the supreme ruler.
Even his disciple, Cheng Xi, had also volunteered to join, becoming one of the test subjects he prepared for.
Footnotes
- A memorial (zòuzhé) was an official report or petition submitted by administrative officials to the emperor, written on folded paper.
- The Ministry of Rites (Lǐbù) was one of the six traditional ministries of the imperial bureaucracy, responsible for state ceremonies, rituals, and foreign affairs.
- An ivory tablet (hùbǎn) was a ceremonial tablet held by officials during imperial audiences, used for taking notes or showing respect.
- A shichen (shíchen) is a traditional two-hour unit of time.
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