Soaring High

At this moment, Pei Rusong suddenly had a strong urge to ask her where she placed herself. Was it to compete for the realm on equal footing with the princes, or to be the final line of defense before the throne—only by defeating her could one aspire to that supreme position.

"I don't know either."

Pei Rusong: "Did I just ask that out loud?"

Wen Chan answered with a straight face: "Because I can read minds."

Pei Rusong: "..."

The deep night was quiet, and people seemed softer and more relaxed under the lamplight. Pei Rusong asked softly, "Your Highness... do you still believe in that prophecy?"

In their previous life, the Emperor's favor and trust for the Princess was one thing, but he never seemed to have entertained the idea of handing the realm over to her. Although the Princess back then was not as tactful and insightful as she was now, she had somehow managed to make the Emperor lower his suspicions of her. Pei Rusong guessed that she might have made some kind of promise to the Emperor, and her bargaining chip was likely the certainty that she would not live past the age of thirty.

When she reached thirty, the current Emperor would still be on the throne. Besides competing with her siblings, she would also have to turn against her own father. Even if she seized the throne, she might not enjoy it for more than a few days. Once she passed away, it would only plunge the court into a new round of turmoil.

But what Wen Chan wanted was a long-lasting, stable, benevolent, and wise monarch who could usher in an era of peace and bring tranquility and hope to the people of the realm—even if that person's final step was to ascend the throne over her dead body.

Where on earth did she get such a strong obsession?

It wasn't that Pei Rusong was prejudiced against the Princess. Rather, after being reborn and looking back at everything from his past life, he realized that Wen Chan's vision and ambition back then had far surpassed others, even exceeding those of the new emperor she eventually chose, Wen Zhuo.

People often mouthed the phrase "be vigilant in times of peace" to advise others and themselves, but it was difficult for those who had long lived in peaceful times to maintain a strong sense of vigilance. For a princess like Wen Chan, born in the depths of the palace and raised amidst wealth and luxury, it was even more remarkable. Moreover, throughout history, there was likely no other princess who would use the three-year mourning period to secretly leave the capital and dare to travel the world with only a few maids and eunuchs.

"Perhaps." When Wen Chan spoke of life and death, her tone remained calm. "After all, it has already come true once."

Pei Rusong said stubbornly, "But Your Highness was reborn too. Perhaps the tribulation has passed, and that prophecy will not come true again in this life."

"That's why I said 'I don't know'." Wen Chan raised her hand and tapped the tip of his nose. "We'll take it one step at a time. It would be best if the prophecy proves false, but if it does come true—"

Pei Rusong gripped her hand tightly. "Then we'll just start over again, no matter how many times..."

Wen Chan laughed lightheartedly, casually tracing a line in his palm as she teased, "Living only thirty years over and over again for a lifetime, won't you find it tiresome?"

She sauntered back to wash up and go to bed. Pei Rusong lingered for a moment and called someone in to clear the dishes. With the person who distracted him gone, he quickly went over the cause and effect in his mind.

The prophecy stated that if she took Buddhist vows, she could escape one calamity, but if she insisted on living a secular life, she would not escape the tribulation at the age of thirty.

Wen Chan's words just now had implied that no matter how many times she relived her life, she would always choose the secular world over becoming a nun. Pei Rusong was not yet confident enough to assume that Wen Chan's refusal to become a nun was because she loved him so much she would give up her life for it. Therefore, besides her attachment to the bustling mortal world, there was only one other possible reason for her unwillingness to make that choice.

She already knew the price of choosing to live a peaceful life, so she would rather die young than repeat the same mistakes.

As the seventh month approached, the weather grew hot and dry. The Capital City suffered a long drought without rain, yet thunderclaps echoed one after another in the imperial court: the heads of The Three Judicial Offices had their salaries docked for a full year due to mishandling a case, and officials high and low were reprimanded. The Crown Prince and the Prince of Yue were also not spared a scolding. The Military Governor of Tangshan, Bai Shiluo, had his salary docked. Xiang Guihai's sentence was reduced on account of past merits, but he was stripped of his military post and demoted to a common soldier.

Amidst all the "punishments," only two officials were fortunate enough to be spared. One was Investigating Censor Li Huan, who, for his merits in the investigation, was appointed as a Pacification Commissioner to accompany the Third Prince, Wen Zhuo, on an inspection of Tangshan Commandery. The other was Attendant Censor of the Left Censorate Yang Tingying, who was transferred to the position of Magistrate of Xihe County.

Zhaojing administered nine counties, and Xihe County was one of them. The rank of a county magistrate was one grade higher than that of a censor. Because Yang Tingying had offended the Grand Princess, she had ordered her confidants at court to find a pretext to expel him from the Capital City. However, the Palace Secretariat Yuan Shuye, not wanting her to have her way, intervened. He spoke a few words for Yang Tingying before the Emperor and managed to change the transfer of Censor Yang, who was originally to be sent to Xichuan, to the post of Magistrate of Xihe County instead.

The Emperor had been uncharacteristically decisive and swift these days, dealing with a batch of officials and resolving to manage the displaced people at the border. However, after several discussions, the court officials could not come up with a proper method. Some even advised him not to act rashly, lest it incite rebellion among the border generals. After several rounds, the Emperor found that more and more difficulties were being raised, until it almost became him alone debating against a hall of scholars. In a fit of anger, he summoned Wen Chan to the palace to argue for him.

In her previous life, the thing Wen Chan did most was argue back and forth with all sorts of officials, making her well-versed in the art of forming alliances and sowing discord. A group of people argued for two whole days, barely even eating properly. In the end, it was decided that a new law would first be trialed in Gu Prefecture and Tangshan, the two areas with the most severe displaced person problems in the Northern Border. The Prince of Yue was appointed Pacification Commissioner of Gu Prefecture, and the Third Prince, Wen Zhuo, was promoted to Prince of Yan and appointed Pacification Commissioner of Tangshan. Each was to go to their respective administrative areas to gather the displaced people and pacify the populace. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War were to cooperate in reorganizing the local household, land, and military registers. The Ministry of Justice was to draft new laws for the displaced, and additional censors were to be sent along to supervise and impeach any illegal activities.

Princess Chiming made a name for herself in that one battle at Jiayun Palace. The court officials finally understood why this princess alone received the Emperor's favor. She was a person who could both draw her sword and reason with logic. After the incident with the Imperial Guard's mutiny, most people's impression of her was that she was decisive, ruthless, and iron-fisted. But on the issue of handling the displaced people of the Northern Border, her thinking was clearly more flexible and resourceful than the other court officials, by no means seeking only to suppress with brute force for a moment's credit.

Once a matter had a beginning, many things that followed would fall into place. The Princess's appearance in Jiayun Palace became a common sight. At first, it was to handle reports from the Northern Border. Gradually, her opinion was sought on other political affairs as well. Coupled with her ability to handle all sorts of difficult problems tactfully and thoroughly, even some court officials began to develop a faint sense of reliance on her.

Throughout the summer, Zhaojing only received two or three scattered showers. All the counties reported drought conditions. In the sixth month, the Emperor had sent the Crown Prince to the southern suburbs to pray for rain, but to no effect. In mid-seventh month, the Emperor decided to personally leave the capital to pray for rain, with Wen Chan and others accompanying him. Along the way, they saw the Imperial Guard entourage providing protection and the Capital Prefecture clearing the area, much more orderly and organized than before. It was obvious they had learned their lesson from the wedding incident.

The Magistrate of the Capital Prefecture, He You, happened to be not far from Wen Chan, so he came over to pay his respects. Wen Chan quickly stopped him and said gently, "Lord He has worked extremely hard organizing the Son of Heaven's procession. There is no need for such formalities."

He You sighed, "His Majesty prays for rain for the great cause of the people. This humble official is merely doing his duty, how could I dare claim it as hardship? If we can pray for a timely rain for the people, this humble official would be willing to do this several more times."

Wen Chan nodded and said, "While summoning the wind and rain can only be fulfilled by the heavens, I still believe that man's efforts are key. If there is any way I can be of assistance, Lord He, please do not hesitate to ask. Whether it is money or manpower, I am willing to contribute my humble efforts."

He You cupped his hands in salute towards her and bowed slightly. "The Princess is most righteous. This humble official thanks Your Highness on behalf of the people under my jurisdiction."

Wen Chan smiled and waved her hand, saying, "It is nothing worth mentioning." She lowered the bamboo curtain, and their conversation ended there. It was nothing more than a formal, polite exchange.

The next evening, He You paid a visit in plain clothes. Wen Chan received him in the east hall, and when she came out, a small shadow trailed behind her.

This was the first time He You had witnessed such a scene, and he was a little hesitant. Wen Chan didn't explain much, simply letting the Prince Consort sit below her like a decorative vase. She said lightly, "Please excuse the sight."

He You: "...Not at all, not at all. The deep love between the Princess and the Prince Consort is truly the envy of others."

This flattery hit the mark. Pei Rusong's eyes curved as he gave him a demure smile.

The only serious person in this household coughed and asked, "Lord He, what is the purpose of your visit so late at night?"

He You's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "I was deeply moved by Your Highness's words yesterday. To be honest with Your Highness, Zhaojing has suffered from constant droughts and floods in recent years and has been barely sustained by the surplus grain from the official granaries. However, when last autumn's grain was being transported to the capital, it encountered typhoons and floods, and nearly a third was lost in transit. Since the beginning of spring this year, grain prices have soared, with a dou of rice costing fifty coins. The official granaries are now empty. Seeing that this summer is another great drought, if this continues, I'm afraid Zhaojing will face a famine."

Wen Chan nodded but didn't respond immediately. Seeing she didn't answer, He You had to grit his teeth and continue, "This humble official is well aware that collecting taxes and grain is the primary duty of this prefecture and the counties under its jurisdiction. However, Zhaojing is unlike other prefectures and commanderies. It is at the feet of the Son of Heaven, filled with princes and marquises. To be frank, I cannot afford to offend any of them. Even a few household servants from the Grand Princess Manor can place themselves above the law of the land. With just my humble self, I am truly powerless."

"I understand Lord He's meaning," Wen Chan asked. "Gathering grain is a major court policy, and there are limited areas where one can intervene. Looking only at your jurisdiction, where does Lord He wish to start? The canals?"

He You's eyes lit up: "Exactly!"

"What does Lord He plan to do?"

He You thought for a moment and replied, "First, to restore the benefits of canal irrigation, so that the common people have water to farm their fields. Second, to dredge the old channels, excavate new canals, and connect the waterways to facilitate transport. If we can first bring the money and grain from Jiangnan into Dongyuan, and then transport it steadily to Zhaojing by water, the Capital City will no longer be threatened by famine."

"That is the right idea," Wen Chan said. "Let's not even talk about a third step; we're stuck on the first one, aren't we?"

The moment she asked this, He You knew he had come to the right place today.

That Princess Chiming could clearly identify the crux of the problem proved once again that she was not the same kind of person as powerful nobles like Grand Princess Chengyang. He You wanted to be a good official, but good officials often didn't have strong enough fates, so he had to find himself a sufficiently firm backer.

Ever since the day after the wedding assassination, when the Princess ordered someone to send medicinal herbs and silver to the Capital Prefecture, He You had been observing her actions from the sidelines. He had voluntarily helped with Grand Princess Chengyang's affair but received an unexpected blow. At the time, he thought Princess Chiming would probably be disheartened for a while, but he hadn't expected that before long, she would directly enter Jiayun Palace, leaving the likes of the Grand Princess far behind.

He You was not an inflexible person. He was willing to befriend the powerful to get things done, so he didn't care whether this powerful person was a princess or a prince. Besides, the other princes might not have been willing to meddle in his affairs anyway.

He You stood up and bowed to the ground. "I implore Your Highness to teach me!"

Wen Chan shot a look at Pei Rusong. Pei Rusong went over to help him up. Wen Chan sighed, "Lord He holds the common people in his heart, a man of noble character and integrity. How could I dare to accept such a bow from you?"

"I will give Lord He an idea. Wasn't Censor Yang Tingying just transferred to be the Magistrate of Xihe County? Coincidentally, the manor bestowed upon me by my Imperial Father is under the jurisdiction of Xihe County. You should have him write a memorial to the throne, impeaching my manor for privately building a water mill by the river and encroaching upon the people's water source. Request that His Majesty approve the destruction of private water mills on the river's tributaries and return the water to the people."

He You: "Ah?"