Chapter 6: His Majesty Has Truly Changed

Unripe apples and ripe grapes—both are irresistible treasures. Without waiting for the two women to react, he quickly ran to the side of the bath and splashed a ladle of cold water onto his lower body. Physical cooling at last brought him relief. The forthcoming negotiation was crucial; he could not afford to bring any “weapons” into the fray.

Moments later, within the pavilion of the Flower Pool Palace.

“Your Majesty!” Hua Yuntian and Bu Qingyi knelt immediately upon seeing Qin Xiao arrive.

“My dear ministers, please rise!” Qin Xiao warmly stepped forward to help them up, perfectly embodying the humility of a ruler who honors his wise advisors.

Bu Qingyi was anxious; when had the emperor ever shown such humility? It was truly bizarre.

Although Hua Yuntian was surprised, he was not alarmed; his gaze lingered upon Hua Guifei, who stood behind Qin Xiao.

Naturally, Qin Xiao took in every nuance of their expressions. After inviting them to sit, he graciously offered them a moment of privacy. Smiling, he said, “General Hua, it’s rare for you and your sister to meet. Please, take a moment aside to catch up.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Though many doubts weighed on Hua Yuntian’s mind, he did not protest and expressed his gratitude. He wondered why the emperor had changed so much, why his sister appeared alongside him. Wasn’t this foolish ruler always using his sister merely to warm his bed?

After a brief silence, Qin Xiao broke the calm.

“Scholar Bu, do you know why I secretly summoned you to the palace?”

“I am dull and do not know, Your Majesty. I hope you will enlighten me,” replied Bu Qingyi, his half-gray hair shaking as he bowed. He was already past fifty.

“I called you here to investigate the deficit in the national treasury. I do not believe that such a vast treasury could have been squandered solely by me. There must be some trickery. You are to investigate thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned. No matter who is implicated, there will be no mercy!” Qin Xiao’s voice was resolute and powerful.

“Is Your Majesty serious about this?” Bu Qingyi pressed urgently. His mind brimmed with great aspirations, yet at fifty, most of his passion had cooled. His talent had found no outlet; his petitions had either disappeared into the void or been dismissed. Now, hearing the emperor speak thus, how could he not be moved?

“Bu Qingyi, hear my order!” Qin Xiao did not answer, but proved his resolve through action.

Bu Qingyi was stunned for a moment, then quickly rose and knelt, his voice loud and clear.

“Your servant, Bu Qingyi, awaits Your Majesty’s command.”

“I now appoint you as Imperial Inspector, wielding the authority of the Sword of Justice. Whoever sees you, sees me!” Qin Xiao paused, then continued, “But there is some inconvenience; the title must remain secret for now, and you will not have the actual sword. When you need it, I will be your Sword of Justice.”

Bu Qingyi prostrated himself, his hands trembling, tears streaming down his face.

“I accept the command.”

“My dear minister, please rise.”

Bu Qingyi never expected the emperor to have truly changed, to possess such determination.

“Minister Bu, there is another matter. The issue of flooding and displaced people at Shanhai Pass—I must entrust it to you. I do not trust anyone else with this task,” Qin Xiao said gravely, with utmost seriousness.

Bu Qingyi hesitated, remaining silent for a long time.

Qin Xiao was suspicious. Had he misjudged the man?

“Your Majesty, this will be difficult. The Minister of Revenue—”

He was interrupted before he could finish.

“Hmph! I am the ruler of Da Qian, not Tang Sicheng. You need not worry about him. Just do what you must boldly!”

“Good! With Your Majesty’s assurance, I am certain. I will not fail you!” Bu Qingyi declared passionately, seeming twenty years younger.

Their conversation was overheard, word for word, by Hua Yuntian, who had just returned. His face was filled with shock. Was this still the foolish emperor? The one who listened to the slanders of powerful ministers?

“General Hua, you must have heard my conversation with Minister Bu. Please, come in and sit with us,” Qin Xiao had seen Hua Yuntian long ago but had chosen not to address him. This brother-in-law harbored deep resentment toward him.

“My beloved, come here and write a decree for me. Appoint Bu Qingyi as Inspector, second rank, to go to Shanhai Pass and relieve the flood victims!”

Hua Guifei’s eyes sparkled, and she responded excitedly, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

To serve as the emperor’s scribe was a tremendous honor, a clear sign of his favor. The emperor was governing the court, managing the disaster at Shanhai Pass, investigating the treasury deficit—one after another, all proving that the world had changed. The emperor had utterly transformed.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness.” Bu Qingyi’s face was flushed with excitement, already eager for the task, rubbing his hands together.

“Minister Bu, you may go now. Begin handling the auction of Yongle Palace outside the city, or perhaps turn it into a winery—you decide. Additionally, halt construction of the Infinite Palace, reclaim the funds, and present me with a disaster relief plan.” Qin Xiao waved his hand, and Bu Qingyi withdrew.

In the pavilion, only Hua Guifei and her brother Hua Yuntian remained.

From his sister’s words and the scene just now, Hua Yuntian knew the emperor had truly changed, yet his heart remained burdened by past grievances.

The atmosphere was awkward. Qin Xiao rubbed his neck; this brother-in-law was truly difficult.

Hua Guifei, seasoned from years in the harem, was quick-witted and broke the stalemate at once. She glanced at her brother, signaling him not to be so stern and to take the initiative to soften toward the emperor.

Hua Yuntian understood, but could not let go of the past. Could a simple “he’s changed” erase all his previous misdeeds? Impossible.

“Oh, my beloved, the weather is quite nice today. Brother, don’t you agree?” Qin Xiao hardly knew what he was saying, discussing the weather with Hua Guifei, then turning to Hua Yuntian—awkward conversation was truly fatal.

Hua Yuntian was slightly surprised, his tone cold yet not icy: “Your Majesty, I dare not accept the title of ‘brother’ as a criminal. Surely it’s more fitting to throw me in prison.”

Qin Xiao’s mind was full of dark lines. He had to shoulder all the absurdities his predecessor had committed.

Hua Yuntian’s refusal to give face today was something Qin Xiao not only understood but wholeheartedly agreed with.

Hua Guifei was anxious and quickly knelt. “Your Majesty, my brother meant no harm. Please forgive him.”

Qin Xiao knew well, gently helping Hua Guifei to her feet. He spoke softly, “Silly girl, what nonsense is this for a family? It’s normal for Brother to be angry with me. I was a scoundrel before, wasn’t I?”

“But Brother, let’s clear the air today. No more sulking.”

Hua Yuntian’s expression finally changed. The stern face grew softer; Qin Xiao had spoken so plainly, he could no longer keep up his guard.

Seeing this, Qin Xiao drew his sword: “Brother, now the matter of the Marshal is stirring everywhere. You’ve been sidelined for years, your martial skills and strategic mind wasted. Today, I wish to appoint you as Grand Marshal for the suppression of bandits. When you return victorious from the Tea Horse Road, you shall command all three armies. Will you accept?”

Hua Yuntian’s tiger eyes flashed with brilliance. A soldier who doesn’t aspire to be a general isn’t a good soldier; a general who doesn’t aspire to be marshal isn’t a good general.

How could he not yearn to ride into battle and ease the emperor’s burdens?

“Hua Yuntian, answer me! Will you accept?” Qin Xiao’s imperial gaze was soul-piercing, his voice as firm as iron.

“I, your subordinate, am willing to serve Your Majesty, to repay your grace until my hair turns white, and if need be, to return wrapped in my horse’s hide!” Hua Yuntian responded loudly, his back straight, embodying the spirit of a great general.