Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Faced with the sudden inquiry from Emperor Taixuan, Han Zhang did not answer immediately.

Instead, he put on the look of a young man suddenly favored by a high-ranking figure—startled and delighted, at a loss—to buy time, while his mind raced, figuring out how to deal with this emperor in disguise before him.

Indeed, Han Zhang had already figured out that the person before him was Emperor Taixuan!

As for how he recognized him?

The reason was simple: the man's earlobes and forehead had faint marks left from years of wearing the imperial crown.

As mentioned earlier, the capital was a place where a falling signboard could easily hit a member of the imperial family.

Living in the capital, to avoid accidentally offending nobles and missing the chance to meet dignitaries who liked to travel incognito, Han Zhang had put in considerable effort, studying the dress, manners, and even customs of people from all walks of life in this era.

When he could afford a teacher, he hired one; otherwise, he would climb walls at night to sneak in and learn.

Thanks to the strong body granted by his supernatural ability, in the months since his transmigration, his classmates all thought he was studying diligently until late every night.

But in reality, for these days, he slept less than two hours a day.

Like a sponge, he greedily absorbed knowledge of this new world, adapting to the rules of this era so he could climb to the top of power as fast as possible.

There was no helping it; it wasn't that he was obsessed with power.

Rather, what happened with the Sun and Luo families earlier had been a harsh wake-up call.

In this feudal age, those in power could take your life with a single word, and the common people had no chance to fight back.

Han Zhang didn't want to be the fish on the chopping block, so he had to strive to become the knife that cuts the fish.

But enough digression, back to the topic.

The emperor's crown was unique, so the marks on his forehead and earlobes formed over years were naturally unique too.

Added to that, Emperor Taixuan's imperial demeanor and Zhao Yongchang's reaction earlier, it wasn't difficult for someone with Han Zhang's insight to guess the other party's true identity.

Moreover, Han Zhang also noticed that Emperor Taixuan's voice was exactly the same as the host of the lantern riddle contest at the last temple fair.

So... had the old emperor set his sights on him?

Countless thoughts ran through his mind, but only a dozen or so seconds had passed.

After deliberating, Han Zhang forced himself to suppress the "surprise and fluster" on his face at facing such a high-ranking figure, and his demeanor returned to composure.

Then, neither servile nor arrogant, he clasped his hands and replied respectfully:

"Your Highness flatters me. I am shallow in learning and talent; how dare I compete with the brilliant young talents downstairs? I came today only to broaden my horizons, and truly do not dare to be presumptuous."

Although Han Zhang's tone seemed composed, his voice still betrayed a barely concealed nervousness.

After all, he was only a young man in his twenties; if he acted too composed, it would clearly show that he was scheming.

Of course, such an excuse wouldn't fool Emperor Taixuan.

The latter smiled and pointed out at once, "Master Han, why be so modest? The three riddles you posed at the lantern riddle platform at the last temple fair left a deep impression on me."

"The last temple fair... it was Your Highness?"

Han Zhang was momentarily startled, then showed the pleasant surprise of meeting an acquaintance.

After all, back then when he couldn't compose poems, the other party not only didn't make things difficult but also gifted him a bolt of Moonlight Cloud Brocade and a Glazed Revolving Lantern as prizes, so he should certainly remember it with gratitude.

Seeing that he remembered, Emperor Taixuan smiled and said, "Indeed it was me. That day, weren't you still missing a Blue Phoenix Jade Pendant as a prize for your younger brother? Seeing you here today, I specially prepared another riddle, but who knew you wouldn't take the stage—"

His tone shifted, hinting at teasing: "Could it be that you no longer intend to give your brother a jade pendant?"

Remember, on the day of the temple fair, he had used the excuse of "doting on his younger brother" to get the other party to give him the prize for free.

Han Zhang couldn't help but look embarrassed: "I do wish to give it to him... but today, there are so many brilliant talents downstairs, far more than at the temple fair that day. I truly have no confidence in winning the prize."

Shen Huaizhi and the others nearby listened curiously but dared not interrupt to ask, so they just kept their ears perked up while silently marveling.

Brother Han was truly impressive—he had already gotten to know the 'prince' early on!

And from the looks of it, the 'prince' appreciated him greatly!

Emperor Taixuan was determined to test Han Zhang's depth of learning today, so he soon steered the conversation back to the topic.

"Since Master Han is unwilling to go onstage, why not discuss your views on the 'disaster relief strategy' we just heard, right here? If your answer is brilliant, I will give you another fine jade pendant to take home and cheer up your brother. How about that?"

As he spoke, he unfastened the jade bi from his waist.

It was a yellow jade bi—'yellow' being a homophone for 'imperial,' and rare in production, making it far more valuable than mutton-fat jade, not to mention that as an imperial artifact, its carving was absolutely exquisite and radiant.

Emperor Taixuan said with a teasing smile, "Look at this jade bi—if you give it to your brother, would he be pleased?"

Of course he would be; who wouldn't desire such an expensive and exquisite item?

Han Zhang again showed embarrassment, but thinking of making his brother happy, he finally clasped his hands:

"Then I shall show my humble skills. Please forgive any shortcomings, Your Highness."

"No matter, there are no outsiders here. Speak freely."

Emperor Taixuan waved his hand graciously.

After gathering his thoughts, Han Zhang slowly said: "If a great disaster strikes, the granaries are empty, refugees are about to rebel, and the court's relief grain and silver are delayed, then if I were the local official... the first thing I would do is raise the grain prices locally."

Raise grain prices during a famine? That's absurd, isn't it?

Everyone there was startled.

Emperor Taixuan, however, remained expressionless, patiently awaiting the rest.

Han Zhang did not pause long; he continued to explain.

"Although raising grain prices during a famine may seem absurd, merchants are driven by profit. If they hear that grain prices have soared, grain merchants from all directions would flock in, transporting grain into the region before official relief arrives."

"Once the grain merchants gather, the authorities can use the bait of 'imperial merchant' status to entice them into competitive donations of money and grain... Thus, without spending a single soldier, a single coin, or a single effort, we can temporarily alleviate the grain shortage."

"Finally, when the court's relief silver arrives, we can implement a work-for-relief program, giving refugees stable occupations, and the civil unrest will naturally dissipate before it even takes shape..."

Suppressing prices rather than raising them—while it seems contrary to benevolent governance, it deeply understands human nature's tendency to chase profit.

Using false prestige for real benefits, then transforming refugees into a labor force—this is the epitome of getting something for nothing, yet making the taken feel willing.

What a brilliant plan!

The Crown Prince beside him couldn't help but exclaim in praise, "Brilliant! Lure them with profit, entice them with fame, and settle them with work..."

Shen Huaizhi and the other three were even more excited, clapping Han Zhang on the shoulder excitedly:

"Brother Han, you are truly shrewd and far-sighted to come up with such a strategy!"

"What a schemer! A real conniver! Good thing Brother Han doesn't go into business, or we'd have no way to survive!"

"Brother Han, as expected of you, you're diabolically clever..."

The four of them thought they'd done a great job praising him—hey, they could even use idioms now!

They were truly geniuses; after just a little guidance from Brother Han, they were enlightened!

Although the wording might not be perfectly appropriate, it would have to do; this was the best they could come up with. They believed Brother Han wouldn't mind.

The four grinned sincerely yet foolishly.

However, only they were happy.

"Shrewd and far-sighted? Full of tricks?" Zhang only wanted to hit them: "..."

"—You are asking for death!"

Such is the friendship of youth, full of laughter and scolding, tirelessly teasing friends, brimming with vigor and vitality.

Emperor Taixuan let out a rare laugh at the sight: "What a brilliant, interlocking disaster-relief plan! With such a brilliant plan, Master Han was just now modestly claiming to be unlearned. You were far too modest."

"Today I am fully pleased. I give this jade bi to Master Han. I hope you'll ace the imperial exams next year and top the list. Then I'll prepare lavish gifts to congratulate you."

"I'm tired. You all carry on. I'll head back now."

With the laughter fading, Emperor Taixuan stroked his beard and nodded, then left in high spirits with the Crown Prince.

Once their private room was free of outsiders,

Han Zhang and the others exchanged glances, then let out a long sigh of relief.

Zhao Yongchang immediately ratted out his imperial uncle, giving Han Zhang a thumbs-up with an adoring face:

"Brother Han, do you know who that was? That wasn't just some uncle—that was the Emperor himself! My father! The emperor praised your brilliance. Brother Han, you're going to be a big shot!"

"His Majesty? That was actually His Majesty?"

Han Zhang and the others were all startled.

Then.

Wu Xuelin immediately hugged Han Zhang's right leg, dramatically: "Brother Han, from now on, I'll be relying on you..."

Pan Taining followed, hugging Han Zhang's left leg, in a booming voice: "Brother Han, from now on, you are my best brother..."

Shen Huaizhi, pushed to the back, was furious and shoved the three away: "Scram, you rascals, this is my Brother Han, my Brother Han..."

How dare they push him into the corner? He was going to unfriend them for a whole day!

The private room was filled with laughter and noise.

After the literary gathering at the tea house ended, everyone dispersed and returned home in their carriages.

Before parting,

Han Zhang handed the yellow jade bi he had just won to Shen Huaizhi, entrusting him in a warm tone.

"Brother, would you mind giving this jade bi to Qinglan for me? At the temple fair last time, he really wanted the Blue Phoenix Jade Pendant from the lantern riddle stage. Unfortunately, my poetry skills weren't up to par and I couldn't win it for him. I only got cloud brocade and a revolving lantern."

"At the time, he said he didn't mind, but I could tell he was disappointed. This jade bi is better quality and more intricately carved. When you give it to him, he'll be thrilled."

When he spoke of Shen Qinglan, there was an unmistakable tenderness in his expression.

Shen Huaizhi could hear the sincerity in his voice. Looking at the jade bi in his hand, he finally nodded and gave a genuine smile.

"Alright, I'll pass it on to Lan Geer for you."