At this moment, Gao Yang and Gao Feng got off the carriage and pushed open the gate to the Duke's residence.
Gao Feng, with a stern face, walked straight toward the inner residence.
Gao Yang, on the other hand, headed toward his own room.
As the head of the six great dukes of the Great Qian, with a prominent status, and Gao Tianlong being like a war god, undefeated throughout his life and receiving many rewards, the Gao residence was massive.
According to his memory, Gao Yang passed by several artificial hills and walked along the corridor from the outer residence to the inner residence, eventually reaching his room.
He immediately threw himself onto his bed. The crisp and fresh bedding made every cell in his body crave it with greed.
"Ah, so comfortable!"
After lying in the most relaxed position, Gao Yang began to make plans in his mind.
Though the Gao family was on the decline, they were still a family of dukes, with a third-rank official and a title that allowed him to walk freely in Chang'an.
Now, all he needed was to latch onto the Empress's powerful favor, and his life in Chang'an would be unimaginable.
That would be pure bliss.
"I wonder what kind of position the Empress will bestow upon me..."
Having crossed over to this ancient world, as a seven-foot man, he was determined to achieve great things and make a name for himself.
Just as Gao Yang was lost in his thoughts, the door to his room was suddenly pushed open.
A little girl, about six or seven years old, with a ponytail, appeared in the doorway.
Her face was round and rosy, her eyes bright and sparkling.
As soon as she saw Gao Yang, the little girl burst into tears.
"Woo... woo...!"
"Brother, how come you're not dead?!"
"..."
Gao Feng arrived at the central room of the inner residence and quickly pushed the door open, then respectfully bowed to Gao Tianlong.
"Greetings, Father."
In the Great Qian, filial piety was fundamental to the governance of the country, so younger generations had to bow respectfully when meeting their elders.
Gao Tianlong, expressionless, was fiddling with a chessboard. "I know about Yang'er's situation."
"This rebellious child has hidden his true nature well, but today's events are not only good for him but also good for the Gao family."
Gao Feng looked worried. "But the Empress has not rewarded him, which means everything is still unresolved!"
Gao Tianlong, still fiddling with the chessboard, said, "Yang'er is mischievous and his reputation has spread far. Originally, the Empress had already considered Cui Xinghe from the Cui family as the best candidate, but unexpectedly, Yang'er stepped in."
"Cui Xinghe is the top scholar of the Great Qian. Not only is he proficient in classical texts, but he also understands the art of governance. The Empress's hesitation is very understandable. Based on what I know about the Empress, she will conduct a detailed assessment of both Cui Xinghe and Yang'er regarding the governance of the country."
"The current Emperor's ambitions are no less than those of the late Emperor."
Gao Feng frowned. "So, if Yang'er cannot surpass Cui Xinghe, won't he still face punishment?"
"Not necessarily."
Gao Feng's eyes lit up. "Father, do you have confidence in Yang'er?"
Gao Tianlong nodded, filled with emotion.
"I've lived nearly seventy years, seen three emperors, and witnessed all kinds of dirty schemes, but I've never seen one as vicious as this."
"Yang'er may just surprise us."
"But he has ruined my reputation."
Gao Feng nodded deeply in agreement.
"Moreover, as long as I'm alive, I'll be able to protect him. While I'm still here, it's not a bad idea to let him cause some more trouble."
Gao Feng spoke in a low voice, "Father, there's one more thing. Today, Song Li's daughter, Song Qingqing, came to break off the engagement in person. There's much discussion about this in Chang'an. What should we do about it?"
"Our marriage in the Duke's residence is not something that can be broken so easily. If the Song family is unkind, they can't blame me for being heartless. All the younger generation in the Song family's army will be kicked out, not a single one left. Such a huge disgrace—if I go mad, even the Empress won't say anything. But let's not discuss this for now. Life is short, let's enjoy it. Let's play some chess," Gao Tianlong said, pointing to the chessboard.
Gao Feng's expression changed, as though facing a great enemy. "Father, you, a chess master of the Great Qian, bullying a poor chess player like me, is that fair?"
Gao Tianlong stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Well said, boy. I wouldn't bully a junior. I'll give you a move to start."
Gao Feng saw that he couldn't avoid it and could only sit down with a stiff expression, but he couldn't help but remind his father, "Father, we should make it clear first—if I lose, no one is allowed to hit anyone with the chessboard."
"..."
The Imperial Palace.
Fengluan Hall.
Wu Zhao, wearing a golden dragon robe, her expression icy, sat there with a cold demeanor.
"Your Majesty, are you still thinking about the son of the High Minister?"
Beside her, Shangguan Wan'er, dressed in a dark green robe, asked.
Wu Zhao nodded. "The rumors in Chang'an mislead people. Such a vicious scheme couldn't have been made by an ordinary young noble."
"Even I, as the Empress, have never seen such a ruthless scheme!"
Shangguan Wan'er nodded in agreement.
When she first heard about these two wicked plans, she too was startled.
"Gao Yang's understanding of human nature, especially the darker side, is terrifying!"
"If Your Majesty uses him well, Gao Yang could be one of the greatest talents in the Great Qian."
Wu Zhao, somewhat surprised, understood Shangguan Wan'er's pride. She knew that not many in the Great Qian could earn such high praise from her.
"So, who do you think is stronger, Gao Yang or Cui Xinghe? Who could assist me in creating an unparalleled empire, one that has never been seen before and will never come again?" Wu Zhao suddenly asked, her eyes filled with an overwhelming, masculine dominance.
Shangguan Wan'er answered without hesitation, "The Cui family, Cui Xinghe."
Surprised, Wu Zhao spoke, "You have so much faith in Cui Xinghe?"
Shangguan Wan'er replied calmly.
"Cui Xinghe is not only the top scholar of the current dynasty, but also a pillar of the nation. His theories on governance have critically exposed the flaws in the Great Qian!"
"If Your Majesty wishes to establish an everlasting foundation, Cui Xinghe should be the first choice!"
Wu Zhao's face remained impassive as she gazed out of the window.
"But I'm more inclined to Gao Yang. I have a feeling that he is the person I'm looking for."
Shangguan Wan'er's face, full of spirit, was filled with confusion. "Your Majesty, Gao Yang has a notorious reputation. Though he excels at manipulating people's hearts, how could he compare to the top scholar in governance?"
Wu Zhao picked up a memorial and said lightly, "We'll know who is stronger once we test them."
"This year, many regions in the Great Qian have been hit by disasters, and the people's discontent is boiling over. The magistrate of Linjiang City, Du Jiang, has reported that grain merchants in the city are hoarding grain, causing the price of grain to soar and become uncontrollable."
"Coincidentally, nearby Qing Shui City has also suffered from a disaster. The price of grain has risen, and the common people can't afford it."
Shangguan Wan'er's eyes flickered, and she immediately understood Wu Zhao's intent.
Wu Zhao coldly stated.
"Draft the imperial edict. Bestow upon Gao Yang the position of Supervisor of the Imperial Censors for the Duke's residence, and entrust him with the full responsibility of managing all matters in Linjiang City. Also, bestow upon Cui Xinghe of the Cui family the position of Supervisor of the Imperial Censors for Qing Shui City, and entrust him with managing all matters there!"
"I want them to stabilize the grain prices as quickly as possible and bring peace back to the people."
Shangguan Wan'er, upon hearing this, was shocked, but she quickly lowered her head and began to draft the edict.
"Your Majesty..." Shangguan Wan'er handed the drafted imperial edict to Wu Zhao.
"Cui Xinghe knows his limits and has methods. With him in charge, there will be no trouble in Qing Shui City. But Gao Yang, you should accompany him."
"If I have misjudged him, you should act swiftly to prevent the situation from worsening, but this child is unlike others. Do not intervene unless it's absolutely necessary."
"Go and deliver the edict. The disaster doesn't wait. Tell them to depart immediately."
After Wu Zhao finished speaking, Shangguan Wan'er hurriedly left the palace.
Once everything had calmed down.
Wu Zhao stood with her hands behind her back in the Jinluan Hall. Her eyes, through the window, gazed out over the entire Great Qian.
At that moment, it seemed as though time and space had no boundaries. Wu Zhao saw the mountains and rivers of the Great Qian, and the people of the world.
She muttered to herself, "Father, I will prove to the world that a woman can be an emperor. A woman can lead the Great Qian to greatness!"
"I will not only make the Great Qian strong, but I will conquer the seven kingdoms and bring an end to this chaotic era that has lasted for six hundred years!"
Wu Zhao's voice was cold, filled with an unprecedented determination.