Chapter 51: The Emperor’s Progress

Chapter 51: The Emperor's Inspection Tour

In the sixth year of Jing Rui's reign, in the spring, on the twenty-first day of the first lunar month.

After the Lantern Festival, the days grew warmer, and under the bright spring sunshine, the southern inspection tour set off from the capital. To avoid burdening the people and wasting resources, the procession traveled lightly, and after half a month, they arrived in Yu State.

The emperor commanded that they stay for three days to inspect the river engineering project.

The original itinerary did not include Yu State, but Zhu Yunxuan had specially come here to witness firsthand the river diversion project that had been ongoing for over three years.

Governor Zhou Jian, who had been overseeing the river works, hastily came to greet the emperor. His official robe was still stained with mud, an obvious breach of etiquette in the emperor's presence. A cabinet official started to scold him, but Zhu Yunxuan gently interrupted: "It's alright. It's rare to see Lord Zhou so dedicated, personally supervising the work on the levee every day. I should commend him instead."

Zhou Jian smiled, thick-skinned: "Your Majesty overpraises me. I am unworthy of such praise. It is my duty."

"Let's go. Show me around."

They were inspecting the newly constructed levee for the diverted river. Young and strong men were hard at work all along the dam. Despite it only being early February, with alternating warm and cold spells, the atmosphere was bustling with energy. Zhu Yunxuan glanced around and noticed that, despite their busyness, these workers didn't appear tired or weak. Most of them were tall and robust, full of vigor and enthusiasm.

Zhou Jian explained, "The imperial treasury has allocated ample funds, so I dared not deduct their wages. According to regulations, they earn fifteen coins a day for their labor, with two hearty meals provided daily, occasionally with meat. The spots for working are highly sought after, so naturally, they put in their best effort."

Zhu Yunxuan nodded. "How is the progress on the relocation of the people?"

"The migration of the citizens in Qin Province was completed last year. As for Yu Province, once the final batch of people move away before this summer, it will be finished entirely."

Zhu Yunxuan had long been informed about these matters through reports submitted via the waterways over the past three years. After Zeng Huai was pardoned and returned to his hometown in Qin Province with his family last year, he often wrote private letters detailing what he saw outside. Zhu Yunxuan had a general understanding of the situation.

Now, Zeng Huai could be said to have finally tasted the sweetness after enduring much hardship. Previously, he had been stripped of his official position but remained in the capital for the sake of his wayward offspring. After experiencing the ups and downs, he returned to his hometown and truly embraced a rural life. From the words between the lines in his letters, one could sense his current tranquility and contentment. Even his former strong opposition to the river diversion project had changed, as he realized his overly cautious and conservative mindset almost hindered the emperor's long-term plan.

Seeing that Zhu Yunxuan took great interest in this matter, Zhou Jian continued, "I am aware of the controversies in the court. Their concerns are not without merit. The relocation does indeed have far-reaching consequences. Many would rather risk their lives staying in their original homes than be moved. Previously, when Emperor Zhaoming...

Realizing he had spoken out of turn and mentioned someone he shouldn't have, Zhou Jian awkwardly coughed to cover it up. Zhu Yunxuan's gaze flickered, but he listened attentively as Zhou Jian continued, "In the past, I also devised various strategies, using both incentives and intimidation to help them relocate as a village, rebuild their ancestral hall, and provide generous resettlement fees. For those who stubbornly refused or even incited trouble, I resorted to stern measures as a warning to others. Although there were some disturbances over the years, fortunately, no major incidents occurred."

Zhu Yunxuan's gaze drifted into the distance. After a long silence, he faintly praised, "You've done well."

Zhou Jian chuckled naively, "It's all thanks to Your Majesty's favor, trust, and the opportunities you've given me that I could fulfill my ambitions."

Zhu Yunxuan's eyes darkened, emotions swirling within them before quickly settling back into calm.

Back in the Taiyi Temple Prison, Liang Zhen had specifically mentioned Zhou Jian to him, highlighting his exceptional talent and integrity. He had pleaded with Zhu Yunxuan not to treat Zhou Jian as one of his own associates to be dealt with. Zhu Yunxuan had taken the advice to heart, sparing Zhou Jian instead of targeting him. He had promoted and entrusted him with important responsibilities, elevating him to the position of Chief Hydrological Commissioner, giving him the latitude to act. Zhou Jian had indeed lived up to expectations, and the smooth progress of the river diversion project over the years was largely due to his tireless efforts.

With no further words, Zhu Yunxuan continued his stride forward.

Minzhou.

Zhu Yunjing and He Huailing were away, so Yuan Bao slipped out of school and instructed the servants to take his two younger brothers to their manor outside the city.

Yuan Bao was a playful child; his younger siblings were merely an excuse to avoid punishment later on. Once they reached the manor, he abandoned them to go horse riding, leaving the two youngsters in the care of a group of nurses, maids, and pages who entertained them with kite-flying.

Rong'er had recently acquired a rabbit-shaped kite that he adored. He watched, his head tilted back, as the kite soared higher and higher, his eyes wide with wonder, occasionally emitting exclamations of amazement. And then... he witnessed in horror as the kite string suddenly snapped, sending his beloved rabbit kite drifting away over the hills in the distance, disappearing from sight.

The little boy blinked, taking a while to comprehend what had happened. His eyes welled up with tears, and his face flushed red.

When Yuan Bao returned, Rong'er was still sitting on the ground, sobbing. Ming'er crouched nearby, at a loss for what to do. The nurses and maids were helpless, unable to console him no matter how hard they tried.

Approaching Rong'er, Yuan Bao reached out to pat his forehead gently. "Why are you so clumsy? All you know is to cry. It's just a kite. I'll have someone make you a few more later."

Rong'er wiped his tears, looking up at Yuan Bao hopefully. "Really?"

"Of course it's real. Why would I lie to you?"

The child immediately wiped away his tears with a smile: "Thank you, big brother."

In the afternoon, Rong'er and Ming'er lay down for their afternoon nap. Rong'er murmured, "I still want my rabbit kite. I drew it myself, and it was the best one..."

Ming'er, already exhausted, yawned repeatedly. Gently patting Rong'er's belly with his eyes closed, he comforted him, "Ask big brother to draw you another one."

"But I want that one..."

Ming'er had already fallen asleep beside him. Rong'er, lost in thoughts about his kite, tossed and turned without any intention of sleeping. Occasionally, the sound of rustling leaves and wind would seep through the window. Curious, he glanced over, and suddenly, his vision blurred. He blinked twice. Huh? It seemed like he saw his rabbit kite...

Rong'er rubbed his eyes and sat up, carefully climbing down from the bed. The nurses guarding the room were all dozing off, none of them noticing the barefoot child as he made his way to the window.

The window was a bit high, so he looked around and dragged a low stool over. Stepping on it, he climbed onto the windowsill. In the next moment, someone outside reached in and lifted him out.

The child's eyes widened abruptly. The man who held him raised a finger to his lips, gesturing for silence. Staring blankly at him, perhaps because the man was handsome and had a bright smile, the child was momentarily stunned into obedience. He lifted his hands obediently to cover his mouth, stifling the cry that was about to escape his lips.

"Well-behaved," Liang Zhen said, removing his outer robe to wrap the child up. He carried him outside.

Rong'er watched him timidly. Liang Zhen found an empty pavilion and sat down, holding the child on his lap. He lowered his head to examine the child's features closely.

At three years old, the child had delicate features and an endearing softness, resembling Zhu Yunxuan as if he were a miniature version of him. There was, however, a faint trace of the child's own unique resemblance in his eyes. With just one glance, Liang Zhen could confirm that this was his offspring, the child born to him by Zhu Yunxuan.

Seemingly sensing Liang Zhen's complicated emotions, Rong'er grew even more uneasy and timidly asked, "Uncle, who are you?"

Liang Zhen snapped back to reality, chuckling as he gently stroked the child's soft hair with his large hand, "Good boy, what's your name?"

"I'm Rong'er, my name is Rong'er."

"Rong'er..." Liang Zhen savored the name, his smile deepening, "It's a nice name."

"Then who are you, Uncle?" The persistent child continued asking.

Liang Zhen playfully winked at him with a smile, "Guess."

Rong'er's voice was tender and high-pitched, each word spoken carefully, "I can't guess. Papa said not to go with strangers, I don't know you."

Liang Zhen was briefly taken aback before realizing that 'Papa' did not refer to Zhu Yunxuan. He sighed inwardly but maintained his smile, teasing the child, "Yet, you didn't shout when I told you not to, and you still followed me."

The child pouted, probably realizing his mistake, and felt a bit guilty, "Then, can you send me back, Uncle?"

"Why weren't you sleeping when everyone else was?"

"I couldn't sleep. I want my rabbit kite, it's gone."

"What kind of rabbit kite?"

Rong'er demonstrated with his hands, "It's in the shape of a little rabbit, I drew it myself. I love little rabbits the most."

"Is it this one?"

Like a magician, Liang Zhen pulled out the very same kite that had been blown away by the morning wind, and Rong'er's eyes lit up instantly. "This is it! The rabbit kite!"

Liang Zhen handed it over to him with a smile, and Rong'er hugged it back tenderly, his eyes curving into a grin as he looked at Liang Zhen. "Thank you, Uncle."

Liang Zhen continued to tease him, "So, now that I've found your kite for you, how do you plan to repay me?"

Rong'er tilted his head thoughtfully and replied earnestly, "Uncle will take me home, and I'll give Uncle my candy."

Liang Zhen chuckled. "I didn't expect you to be such a cunning little fellow, trying to trick me into sending you home."

"I'm not lying. I really have candy, and it's very tasty. Rong'er never tells lies."

As the two were conversing, hurried footsteps and cries echoed from behind the bushes by the pavilion. "Young Master! Where are you, Young Master?"

Rong'er exclaimed, "Nanny is here."

Liang Zhen glanced back. The footsteps grew closer, and the person would soon arrive. He set the child down, allowing him to sit on his own, then gently tickled his nose. "Uncle is leaving. I'll come find my Rong'er to play in a few days."

In the blink of an eye, Liang Zhen vanished around the corner at the end of the corridor. The nanny and maidservants, drenched in sweat, emerged from behind the shrubs and immediately scooped up Rong'er. The little boy stared blankly in the direction where Liang Zhen had disappeared, blinking his eyes in confusion.