“You’re probably hungry, right? Let’s eat first.” After finally calming down the Heir who had been trying to strip himself, Zhou Ye hurriedly had the servants bring the breakfast to distract Duan Yunfeng’s attention.

Duan Yunfeng glanced around and softly asked, “So, where is he?”

He had slept in Xiao Heng’s room last night. Where did the emperor go?

Zhou Ye replied, “He’s still in a court meeting. The temporary court has already been established in Chang’an, and they are discussing state affairs. His Majesty even gave you an official position. If you hadn’t woken up so late today, you would have gone to court already.”

Duan Yunfeng spooned some porridge. “Go to court? Who’s going to work for him? Even if he called me to Chang’an, so what? Who said I have to listen to him? I’ll wait and see what he plans to do with me!”

Zhou Ye asked, “What’s got you so worked up?”

Duan Yunfeng raised an eyebrow suspiciously. “The way you’re talking sounds like you’re trying to persuade me for him. What’s this? Zhou Uncle, did he bribe you too? I’m still here, but you’re siding with him. This emperor must be some fox spirit in disguise. In a few days, I bet you’ll want to sprout wings and fly to his side to serve him…”

“Mm—” Zhou Ye stuffed a steamed bun into his mouth, cutting him off. “Let’s have a serious conversation. Stop changing the subject!”

Zhou Ye continued, “That Yulin Army, after their great defeat of the Qin army, has expanded again. Now it has over 8,000 men, all well-equipped and skilled in combat. His Majesty has appointed them as the imperial guard. The two thousand troops under Luo Shiwei in the Western Capital are also loyal to the emperor. Are you sure you still want to clash head-on with the emperor?”

Duan Yunfeng chewed the bun for a moment, scoffing inwardly. So it was Liu Jun who was the emperor’s confidant. He was the one Duan Yunfeng needed to be wary of. How ridiculous that the emperor had to sleep on the same bed as him. When lying beside him, the emperor was likely scheming all along.

Zhou Ye continued, “Moreover, Young Master, you’ve already issued proclamations to restore the Great Yan. If you continue to resist the emperor, not only will the people of Chang’an be caught in the crossfire, but the North Border Army will no longer be a righteous force. The best course of action now is to pledge loyalty to the emperor. His Majesty still greatly values you…”

Duan Yunfeng laughed. “Values me?”

“Does he value me? He just needs the North Border Army as his hounds. If he turns against me, the people of Hedong will rebel, and the North Border Army will rise up. He’s too calculating to not understand that a conflict between us would harm both sides. Xiao Heng sees all of this.”

“Xiao Heng sees everything.”

“In fact, since the emperor summoned me to Chang’an, I’ve had only one path left: to pledge loyalty to him.”

Compared to Xiao Heng, Duan Yunfeng had lost completely.

Zhou Ye asked, “So, what are you planning to do?”

Duan Yunfeng sighed. “Well, since the emperor values me so much, what can I do? I’m not unreasonable.” He finished his porridge, clapped his hands, and stood up from the table. “If he adjusts his attitude and comes to personally ask me to attend court, maybe one day when I’m in a good mood, I’ll agree to it.”

Zhou Ye: “……………”

Western Capital.

In the hall of discussion, officials of all ranks, dressed in court attire and holding tablets, filed in one by one, each standing solemnly in the hall, awaiting the emperor’s arrival.

At the front of the hall was Wang Muchuan, leading the central officials who had followed Xiao Heng all the way from Luoyang to this point. Behind them were the local officials of Chang’an, arranged according to their ranks.

Due to a shortage of central officials, the Governor of the Western Capital had called upon every available local official, gathering just over fifty people.

At first glance, the officials’ lineup seemed orderly, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that their attire was varied. Most of them were dressed in mismatched clothing, each wearing whatever they had managed to put together.

Some ministers had their possessions looted by bandits during their escape and were unable to wear court robes. They had hastily sewn together bright red robes to cover themselves, trying to blend in. Others had lost their ivory tablets and could only hold crude wooden sticks as substitutes.

After a while, the sound of a bell echoed from outside the hall.

Xiao Heng stepped into the hall.

“Kneel—”

The ministers immediately knelt down.

The atmosphere was silent for a moment.

“Rise.”

The emperor’s dignified voice rang out.

Many of the ministers tentatively raised their heads and saw the young emperor sitting on the throne, wearing a plain dark robe, even less elaborate than theirs. Only then did they relax, quickly standing up and adjusting their mismatched court attire.

Xiao Heng brushed his sleeve and said, “Since we parted in Luoyang, I have not held a court meeting for a long time. Seeing all of you again today fills my heart with many emotions…”

The leading officials lowered their heads, their faces full of sorrow, but in their hearts, they thought, “Your Majesty, you never attended court before either.”

Xiao Heng got straight to the point: “The bandit leader Sun Haohan of Yanzhou has been rampaging. He has repeatedly attacked Chang’an, causing many citizens to flee south in fear. What countermeasures do you propose?”

Immediately, someone stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, now that you have taken control of Chang’an, you should hold a grand ritual to worship the heavens, reaffirm your legitimacy, and pacify the people’s hearts. We should begin by rebuilding the imperial palace and have the Ministry of Rites prepare the necessary ceremonies for the southern sacrifices to the heavens…”

“Pa—”

Before the minister could finish speaking, Xiao Heng threw a book from his sleeve. “This is the yellow register that records the population and household registration.”

“During the previous emperor’s reign, Chang’an had more than 150,000 households. A few days ago, I ordered a new census and learned that the population of Chang’an has now fallen to less than 10,000 households. Once a bustling city, Chang’an is now a desolate place, with wolves howling in the hills. From Jinzhou to here, I have passed through many places where people are scarce, the land barren, and fields untended. Rebuilding the imperial palace and performing southern sacrifices to the heavens… hm.”

He sneered, “If our ancestors in the underworld were aware, they would never rest in peace.”

The man was shocked. He hadn’t expected that the emperor in front of him had changed so drastically, speaking so authoritatively about national affairs and the welfare of the people. It was clear now that the emperor was no longer easy to deceive. He immediately knelt down, repeatedly knocking his head in apology.

Xiao Heng: “There’s no need to mention the rebuilding of the imperial palace, and the southern sacrifices to the heavens are not timely either.”

He spoke more directly, “Now, with the severe loss of population in Chang’an, by next spring, no one will be farming, and food supplies will be insufficient to support the military. What do you all suggest we do?”

Having learned from past mistakes, no one dared to offer easy answers. Most of the suggestions involved measures such as transporting grain from other places or raising taxes. Hearing these, Xiao Heng couldn’t help but laugh.

As the emperor’s expression grew darker, the hall gradually fell silent, and no one dared to speak.

Xiao Heng scanned the room, “Do none of you have other solutions?”

As the ministers remained silent, suddenly one person stepped into the hall, bowing respectfully. Due to his low rank, he kept his head lowered and did not dare to look directly at Xiao Heng. He cupped his hands and said:

“Due to the years of war, the population records in the yellow registers and the land records in the fish scale registers no longer align with the current situation. In my humble opinion, Your Majesty can send people to re-survey the land and redistribute it to the people. Every household that voluntarily reports its population can receive seeds for free to encourage farming and the reporting of household registrations. Secondly, Your Majesty can establish soup kitchens near Chang’an to help the displaced people and attract them to settle.”

Upon hearing this suggestion, many voices immediately rose in the hall, discussing the idea.

Re-surveying the land would be a massive project, and opening granaries to provide disaster relief would require a great deal of money…

The atmosphere grew quiet for a moment, and the emperor on the throne spoke, “What is your name?”

The man was momentarily stunned and then replied, “I am Xu Zhengyan, an official of the Western Capital.”

Xiao Heng: “Lift your head and speak.”

Xu Zhengyan lowered his head even more, saying, “I am merely a low-ranking official, a ninth-rank clerk. I am too insignificant to face Your Majesty.”

Xiao Heng wasn’t bothered by the man’s formality. He simply asked, “Who do you think should handle this matter?”

Xu Zhengyan was taken aback. Though he didn’t understand why the emperor would ask such a question of someone as low-ranking as him, he instinctively lifted his head and began to discreetly observe the officials in the hall.

Some of the central officials from Luoyang had previously followed An Youliang, while others had been massacred by Li Jichang. Now, there were only about ten people left by Xiao Heng’s side.

In Xu Zhengyan’s view, such an important task should naturally be assigned to one of the senior officials in the central government.

After a moment of thought, he said, “I believe the task should be given to Minister Wang Muchuan, the Deputy Minister of the Secretariat.”

Xiao Heng smiled, “Minister Wang Muchuan is currently responsible for drafting imperial edicts, overseeing the Ministry of Revenue, and managing personnel matters. In his spare time, he also handles some of the work of the Ministry of Rites. Though he is only fifty-six this year, still in the prime of his service to the court, I wonder, do you all not worry about him getting exhausted?”

At this, everyone laughed.

Wang Muchuan sighed and said, “Your Majesty is truly overestimating this old minister.”

Xu Zhengyan had initially found the emperor’s dignity imposing, but he never expected him to suddenly make a joke. His face turned a little red, “I…”

Xiao Heng then asked, “How old are you?”

Xu Zhengyan was stunned. “I… I am 25 this year.”

Xiao Heng: “25, the perfect age to serve the court… Since this idea came from you, do you think you can handle this task?”

Xu Zhengyan’s pupils trembled slightly, as if he couldn’t believe what the emperor was saying. He quickly regained his composure, knelt heavily, and said, “I am willing to give it my all and not fail Your Majesty’s expectations!”

Xiao Heng: “Good, I appoint you as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and put you in charge of this matter. You are to report to me personally every month on your progress.”

Xu Zhengyan bowed repeatedly. “I thank Your Majesty for your great grace!”

When the emperor promoted a mere ninth-rank clerk to such a significant position, many of the officials in the hall widened their eyes in shock. Some were envious, and others felt a bit sour. They thought to themselves that they should work harder to understand the emperor’s intentions, perhaps one day, if the emperor were pleased, they too might be promoted.

After discussing how to soothe the people, Wang Muchuan stepped forward and asked for permission to speak. “Your Majesty, I have something to report.”

Xiao Heng: “Speak.”

Wang Muchuan: “There are still many regions within the realm where the people do not know that Your Majesty is now ruling in Chang’an. Your Majesty is concerned for the people’s welfare and is not rushing to perform the southern sacrifices or to arrange for the coronation ceremony, but the world should know that the rightful rule still exists. How about issuing an imperial edict in the name of the Great Yan Emperor to invite the regional governors and local leaders to submit to the rightful rule, and at the same time, attract talented individuals and patriots to come and pledge their loyalty?”

Xiao Heng: “I had this intention myself. With the ongoing chaos, it is indeed the right time to use capable people. Minister Wang, you will handle this edict.”

Wang Muchuan cupped his hands. “This old minister will begin drafting the edict immediately for Your Majesty’s review.”

After Wang Muchuan left, another official stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, there is something that has been troubling me, and it weighs heavily on my mind day and night. However, this matter may involve many people… I’m unsure whether I should speak of it.”

Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow. “If you don’t speak, do you expect me to guess?”

The man’s face turned red, and he lowered his head slightly. He looked around to make sure the person he was thinking of wasn’t present, and then slowly spoke, “At present, the King of the North is stationed in Taiyuan and Yunzhou, two important military strongholds. If Your Majesty continues to rely on the King’s son, Duan Yunfeng, will the power of the Duan family become too great? I think it might be better to appoint another capable person to take charge of the Northern Army.”

Xiao Heng’s expression remained unchanged, but he slightly pursed his lips. “Are you questioning my choice of personnel?”

The man was terrified. “I would never dare, Your Majesty.”

Xiao Heng leaned forward slightly, surveying the room. “I’m curious. Who, other than the King of the North’s son, do you think could command the 30,000 Northern Army? Since you are so certain, why don’t you take on the task yourself?”

The man stood frozen in place, stunned.

For him to command these 30,000 fierce soldiers was essentially a death sentence!

Xiao Heng: “Would you prefer to replace the King’s son and lead the 30,000 Northern Army to fight Sun Haohan in Yanzhou, or would you rather go to Hedong and defend Yanmen Pass against the Wusun or Khitan?”

The man immediately collapsed to his knees. “Your Majesty, please forgive me!”

Xiao Heng looked at him expressionlessly. “Get up.”

He then turned to the rest of the officials, “In the past, An Youliang controlled the court, elevating sycophants while pushing aside the capable. Now, the state is in decline, and both internal and external matters are worrying. I must rely on able individuals to restore the state. As for who I use and how I use them, I have a clear plan. Of course… anyone who harbors ulterior motives will not be tolerated.”

The officials in unison replied, “Your Majesty is wise!”

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment before Xiao Heng waved his hand. “If no one has other matters to present, we shall end the court session.”

After the court session ended, Li Jinxi accompanied Xiao Heng back to the palace where he was staying. Li Jinxi cautiously spoke, “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has been on leave for the past few days.”

Xiao Heng nodded, signaling that he was already aware of this.

Li Jinxi then asked, “Shall we send someone to visit him?”

“Visit him?” Xiao Heng turned around and sneered. “Last time, we had to invite him repeatedly. What a great service! I think it would be better to build a golden statue of him in a temple.”

Duan Yunfeng had been temporarily staying at the residence of the Governor of Xijing these past few days. He slept until late in the morning, and when he had nothing to do, he would ride his horse or play with birds. His days were quite carefree.

One day, just like usual, he went to Zhou Ye’s place to scrounge for food. As he walked down the street, a large and spacious carriage passed by. From a distance, he saw a beautiful woman step down from the carriage, surrounded by a group of servants, maids, and bodyguards.

Duan Yunfeng exclaimed, “Hey, from a distance, that looks a bit like my mother. But if it really were her, she would have already rushed over to beat me up, hahaha!”

Zhou Ye: “…………”

As they spoke, the woman seemed to be asking her servants about something.

Zhou Ye quickly grabbed Duan Yunfeng by the shoulder. “I think that’s the Princess. Maybe you should take another careful look?”

The moment their eyes met, the woman, now walking toward them with a fierce expression, caused Duan Yunfeng to mutter, “Uh-oh…”

“Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, let’s go!”

Duan Yunfeng shoved Zhou Ye, quickly darting into the residence.

“Duan Yunfeng, stop right there!” The Princess Consort of the King of the North, Wang Yunyin, came from the Wang family of Taiyuan. She had been raised with the virtues of “manners” and “cultivation” deeply ingrained in her. Now, as she swiftly chased after her son, she raised her hand to adjust her hair. She threw a hand fan with great precision, hitting Duan Yunfeng squarely, “If you try to dodge again, see what happens!”

“Ah—” Duan Yunfeng ducked behind Zhou Ye, “Uncle Zhou, save me!”

“You don’t even say a word when such big things happen in the capital!” Wang Yunyin grabbed him from behind Zhou Ye and gave him two sharp slaps on the back. “I told you to come back, but you never listen! Have you grown wings now? Do you know that when Li Jichang’s edict reached Taiyuan, your father and I were nearly scared to death?”

Duan Yunfeng cried out, “Ah, I… I wrote a letter, didn’t I? I’m fine, see?”

Wang Yunyin: “I told you to come back, why didn’t you listen?”

Duan Yunfeng: “I’m already an adult, I know what I’m doing!”

Wang Yunyin gave a cold snort, “You not only know what you’re doing, you’re practically trying to control your father and me!”

“Mother, did you bring me something to eat?” Duan Yunfeng tried to change the subject, reaching for something one of the servants was holding. “What’s all this? Let me see…”

He sniffed a ceramic jar that he had picked up, then wrinkled his nose. “Don’t bring me vinegar. I don’t like vinegar…”

“These aren’t for you,” Wang Yunyin swatted his hand away, looking at him disdainfully. “Stop messing with it, you’ve made a mess of everything.”

She then turned to the large pile of items in the carriage and motioned with her chin. “These are for the Princess.”

As soon as the Princess was mentioned, Wang Yunyin’s anger faded a little, and her tone softened. “Ah, where is the Princess?”

She had always been curious about her daughter-in-law, who was as beautiful as a goddess. “Stop hiding her. Quickly take me to meet her.”