Tome of Troubled Times-Chapter 766: Half for the Kingdom, Half for the Ruler

Zhao Changhe had no real knowledge of firearms, whether it be guns or cannons. Back when he was still in the modern world, he had not even read many of those historical transmigration novels. Hence, he could not propose any meaningful improvements, but that did not matter. The present state of this cannon was already sufficient. Once the world recognized its advantages, further advancements would follow naturally. The only real concern was how the Empress would choose to handle it, and Chichi clearly had no reservations.

At the moment, it was still just a crude piece of artillery. Further developments would likely require a shift toward industrialization, something far beyond the current capabilities of the Han dynasty. Even if they had the resources, who knew how technological progress would unfold in this world where even blades could develop spiritual properties?

Zhao Changhe did not dare make any definitive predictions. More importantly, he did not want to inject his own half-baked modern knowledge into its evolution. Doing so might very well end up leading them down the wrong path. It was better to simply let things take their natural course.

So, after confirming the production plans, he left it at that, content to stroll away from the testing grounds alongside Chichi and Wanzhuang as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Zhao Changhe mused as they walked back toward the city, “I honestly didn’t expect this... When I first made the suggestion, I wasn’t even sure we’d see progress in a few years, let alone so soon.”

Xia Chichi chuckled. “As long as the intention is there, the seed is sown. Besides, someone was very dedicated to following through on your request. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have happened so quickly.”

Tang Wanzhuang shot her a glance, a silent plea for her not to continue on that line.

Xia Chichi, of course, ignored it, her smirk growing wider. “This project wasn’t cheap, you know. At the time, we were so broke we could barely pay official salaries, yet we still allocated funds for this. The court was in an uproar and nearly everyone opposed it. Even the Minister of Revenue, who usually aligns with a certain someone, uncharacteristically objected. To be fair, he was doing it out of genuine concern, so someone couldn’t even get mad about it. But oh, you should’ve seen the way she argued back then. Her face was all flushed, she was practically fighting the entire court alone...”

Zhao Changhe turned to look at Tang Wanzhuang.

Tang Wanzhuang, her face now actually flushed, refused to meet his gaze.

Xia Chichi clasped her hands behind her back as she strolled ahead. “Of course, I knew all along. That was because, in someone’s heart, the ruler’s[1] command has to be fulfilled no matter what. Half her life devoted to the country, the other half devoted to you. Tsk, how touching.”

Tang Wanzhuang finally snapped, her embarrassment turning into indignation. “Nonsense! I did it because it was meaningful! Besides, the decision wasn’t even mine, it was yours!”

“Yes, well, as long as we work together, nothing ever meets resistance.” She shot Tang Wanzhuang a glance, her tone turning more amused as she continued, “There were a lot of documents you never saw. Very interesting ones. Do you know that back when Lu Jianzhang was executed, you were already far beyond the role of bureau chief of the Demon Suppression Bureau? You were practically functioning as prime minister[2]. Many officials actually submitted petitions recommending you be formally appointed as such.”

Tang Wanzhuang raised an eyebrow. “And yet, nothing came of it.”

“It wasn’t because they had objections to you. It was because our relationship had grown too close. Making you prime minister would have removed an important counterbalance to imperial authority.”

Tang Wanzhuang actually laughed. “They really think I’m in your camp?”

“Well, for now, we share the same goals, so it looks that way. But deep down, I’m sure you’d love to strangle me.”

“...” Tang Wanzhuang gazed off into the distance, saying nothing.

Xia Chichi’s smile grew sly. “How about this, then? Tomorrow at court, we’ll make two announcements. First, the venerable taking command of the army. Second, you will be appointed prime minister.”

Zhao Changhe finally interjected. “Why not just make her prime minister back when the other officials first suggested it?”

Being the chief of the Demon Suppression Bureau did not quite have the same weight. Back then when Wanzhuang had been sitting there in her robe, coughing lightly, that had already screamed prime minister.

This time, it was Tang Wanzhuang who explained the situation on Xia Chichi’s behalf. “The Demon Suppression Bureau needs a reliable successor. If I am appointed prime minister, I can temporarily hold both positions, but it wouldn’t be sustainable in the long run.”

“Does that mean you’ve found someone?”

“I lean toward Qin Dingjiang. Even though he once ambushed me, he did so under imperial orders and immediately expressed genuine remorse. The Demon Suppression Bureau is meant to answer solely to the Emperor, and by that measure, he did nothing wrong. Of course, I could never be certain if he was merely following orders or if he harbored his own ambitions, so I put him under observation.” She paused before adding, “If you don’t think he’s suitable, then Wu Weiyang could take the role instead. You once promised him and his people a future, and I’ve already promoted them to deputy positions. However, their cultivation is not as advanced as Qin Dingjiang’s, and they’re younger by several years. A more reasonable plan would be to have them gain experience as deputies before eventually succeeding him.”

Zhao Changhe nodded and said, “You know them best. Make the decision as you see fit.”

Xia Chichi let out a huff. “You guys might as well build your own kingdom now!”

Tang Wanzhuang pretended not to hear anything.

The Demon Suppression Bureau was, after all, her creation. She had been involved in its formation since she was barely more than a young girl, and she regarded it as her own child. In many ways, it truly was an independent power center that belonged to her alone. Even if she stepped down, at least half of its members would still be loyal to her. The fact that she was willing to hand it over to someone like Qin Dingjiang—someone who was explicitly loyal to the Emperor—was already a sign of her impartiality. If she had even a sliver of selfish intent, she could have just appointed one of her sycophants instead.

That being said... Now that Qin Dingjiang owed her a great debt, he might very well turn into one.

Xia Chichi fumed, “Listen to this absurdity. A minister running an independent faction, and here I am voluntarily offering to make her prime minister! Once she’s prime minister, she’ll be a treacherous prime minister!”

Tang Wanzhuang still gazed off into the distance in silence. If we’re talking about treachery in that sense, then technically, it’s your man who’s the traitor...

Meanwhile, the blind woman, had she been present, would have had a different interpretation: If the term is used as a verb, then the one “treacherizing” the prime minister is Zhao Changhe.

Zhao Changhe, however, had no time for these petty word games. His mind was still on practical matters. “Wanzhuang has already been doing the job of a prime minister. It’s about time she got the actual title. Besides, she’s been just as buried in state affairs as you have, Chichi. It’s affected her cultivation. I need to figure out a way to help her advance.”

Xia Chichi gave him a sidelong glance. “And just how exactly do you plan to help her? Oh, let me guess... Hmph.”

Zhao Changhe shook his head. “That’s actually not it. Dual cultivation alone won’t be enough to help her break through to the Profound Control Realm. If it were that easy, people would have done it long ago. Even your own breakthrough to the third layer of the Profound Mysteries was not because of that; you were already on the verge of breaking through. It’s just that your previous insights into the Azure Dragon’s laws and the Extreme East Dao Fruit were still unprocessed. All I did was use my own mastery of the Azure Dragon’s laws to trigger their effects. Also, you actually have another advantage. Understanding a law is one thing, but accumulation of cultivation is another. Thanks to your connection to dragon qi and the faith of the people, your power has been passively growing even without deliberate practice. Wanzhuang doesn’t have that, so I need to find a different method.”

“Fine.” Xia Chichi did not press the issue. Instead, she changed the topic. “Tonight’s banquet is a court-wide gathering. Unlike before, we can’t just have a cozy little family meal. I have to preside over it, and Wanzhuang has always claimed illness to avoid these events. The officials are used to it by now. If you don’t want to deal with all the socializing, you two can just head back and rest. Take your time figuring out how to make her a treacherous prime minister.”

Xia Chichi huffed, puffing up her cheeks as she glared at them one last time before vanishing over the palace walls in a graceful leap.

The man and woman left behind stood just outside the city gates, watching their empress disappear into the night. The sky had fully darkened, and the evening breeze swept through, carrying an unspoken awkwardness between them.

Tang Wanzhuang stiffly turned her head, hesitating for a moment before muttering, “Tomorrow, I should talk to her about this. An empress isn’t just a former jianghu witch. She needs proper processions and guards when she travels. Carrying on like this... it’s neither dignified nor safe.”

We were her procession and guards. And now we’re not. Do you really not see why? Zhao Changhe could not help but chuckle to himself. Without a word, he reached out and took her hand.

Tang Wanzhuang instinctively tensed, but after a moment, she slowly relaxed.

Since that night by the hot spring, nearly three months had passed. Not once had they crossed that line again. Even moments of intimacy had been rare, often just a fleeting embrace and a stolen kiss in the Demon Suppression Bureau. Every time they met, it had been about state affairs.

Let alone strolling under the moonlight, wandering the countryside together.

Zhao Changhe’s voice was gentle as he asked, “Shall we take a walk?”

Tang Wanzhuang lowered her gaze. “There’s no time for idle strolls.”

Zhao Changhe did not take no for an answer, tugging her along toward the city. “Come on, it’s New Year’s. Even horses and oxen have holidays. And speaking of that, all those people who’ve been working overtime these past few days... We should give them a bonus. Otherwise, they’ll be cursing us behind our backs.”

Tang Wanzhuang staggered slightly as he pulled her forward, grumbling, “The city’s closed for the holiday. There’s nothing to see.”

“Oh?” Zhao Changhe turned to her with a teasing grin. “So you’re saying we should wander the countryside instead?”

Tang Wanzhuang averted her gaze. “I meant we shouldn’t go anywhere.”

“Then should we just head back to the room and do what lovers do?”

She stopped in her tracks and glared at him. “What kind of brain do you have?!”

Zhao Changhe simply laughed, leading her away from the city, along the outer walls, and toward the distant village fields.

As they walked in silence, Tang Wanzhuang gradually stopped resisting. She lowered her head, quietly following his lead. Her hand had always been soft and cold. Once, he had thought that chill was due to her illness, but even now that she had fully recovered, her touch remained as cool and delicate as jade. It was clear that it was not from some external cause; rather, it was just her own natural constitution. She was a woman of celestial grace.

Zhao Changhe held her hand gently, without the usual teasing or lingering heat. His heart was simply at peace. They walked without speaking, the rhythm of their steps falling in sync, and Tang Wanzhuang’s racing heart gradually settled. A soft smile touched her lips. She had said she was willing to be his concubine, willing to yield to him. But no woman truly wished to be just a vessel for desire, only to be called upon and discarded at a man’s convenience. She was relieved that he had never treated her that way. In fact, he was even better than before. Once, he had been rough around the edges, sometimes failing to notice the deeper emotions of those around him. But now, within that iron-willed exterior, there was a newfound gentleness. He understood what she needed.

And all she wanted was this fleeting moment of peace. A chance to steal some time away from the weight of the world and walk beneath the moonlit trees, to drift upon a serene lake, to play a soft melody, to read a passage from Romance of the West Chamber.

This was what she wished for in the days to come.

And all her struggles, all her burdens, were for the hope that someday, every soul in the empire could have the same.

1. Note that the term in Chinese is also gender-neutral, and Xia Chichi is clearly hinting at someone other than herself. ☜

2. This is pretty much just the lead minister in ancient China. This position also may be referred to as chief minister, grand chancellor, counselor-in-chief, and several other terms. ☜