Zhu Ci did not quite understand either, could only say, "Although Censor Huang is not young, his considerations are ultimately somewhat lacking."
In fact, what he said was quite subtle; to put it bluntly, Huang Chunyao lacked experience serving in the imperial court, so his thinking was rather simplistic when he wanted to seek benefits.
Zhu Ci clicked his tongue. "I took an interest in him back then because he dared to speak truth to power without fear of authority. I didn't expect so many troubles to follow; he'll have to be replaced sooner or later."
It was just that the position of Left Censor was quite important, if one wanted to replace him, there had to be a suitable candidate.
It was a pity that even those selected through the current imperial examinations were all just greenhorns.
Zhu Ci said hesitantly, "There must be someone by Censor Huang's side providing him with strategies. They must be certain of success to dare to do such a thing. Could it be.. that the Marquis of Huating and the Miss Huang have an involvement?"
Zhu Ci was extremely puzzled. When high-ranking officials in the imperial court arranged marriages, they would typically give each other a heads-up first. Only after both sides agreed would they send a matchmaker to perform the formal formalities. This way, even if one side was unwilling, they wouldn't lose too much face.
Now, Huang Chunyao's enthusiasm gave him the feeling that both parties were interested.
After Zhu Ci finished speaking, he keenly sensed that the atmosphere inside the Dongnuan Pavilion seemed to change. He looked up and saw that the Emperor's cousin no longer had any expression on his face, appearing extremely inscrutable.
Zhu Ci blinked, suddenly realizing that in just one year, his cousin had actually changed a great deal.
The baby fat on his face had diminished slightly, making his facial features even more distinct. He looked somewhat more aggressive, his overall aura had reached a whole new level.
Zhu Ci noticed his gaze, his facial expression softening slightly, changed the subject, saying, "The Marquis of Huating has so many people watching him; what about you?"
Zhu Ci sighed and said, "Indeed, many matchmakers have been visiting my manor these past two days."
Zhu Ci was a Prince after all, judging by the situation, his relationship with the Emperor was quite good. The positions he was assigned were the kind that were hard to mess up; it was obvious that the Emperor wanted to preserve this legitimate pedigree. As long as he didn't lose his mind and attempt to rebel, a lifetime of wealth and honor was clearly within his reach.
Naturally, there were people eyeing the position of Princess Consort.
Zhu Ci asked with a smile, "Is there a lady you like? If so, I shall act as a matchmaker for my cousin."
Don't even dream about arranged marriages; that's the kind of thing that only happens in a dynasty like the Queue, where ministers are treated like slaves.
Although Zhu Ci was family, he was of the same generation as him, so at most, he could only act as a matchmaker.
Zhu Ci hurriedly waved his hands and said, "No need, no need, there is no rush right now."
Zhu Ci appeared quite gossipy: "Really, nothing?"
Zhu Ci shook his head; his life had only recently become stable, he did not yet have the energy for such things.
Moreover, even if he were to marry a Princess Consort, he would never choose from the families of officials of the fourth rank or above, nor would he choose from the families of military officers of any rank; the safest option would be to choose a daughter from a merchant family.
Zhu Ci said regretfully, "Very well then, if you find someone you love, you must tell me."
Zhu Ci smiled and gave an affirmative response before withdrawing.
He had come this time to show Zhu Ci the schedule for the New Year's Grand Banquet. These were all tasks that the Ministry of Rites needed to handle; it wasn't just the schedule, but even the dishes for the grand banquet were now the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites. A State Banquet Department had been specially established to handle these matters.
Since Zhu Ci intended to separate royal assets from the state, he would certainly have to clarify the responsibilities.
After Zhu Ci left, the smile on Zhu Ci's face gradually faded.
He looked at the Green Jade Wurtz Tree placed beside him.
Fu's best not to have any intention of marrying into the Huang Chunyao family, otherwise, he would be forcing himself to take action against them.
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Author's Note: Zhu Ci: Find an opportunity to marry off my cousin first, then give Grand Secretary Fu a warning. *Cat-like cold sneer. jpg*
Next update tomorrow morning at six o'clock~
Chapter 139
Regarding the news of the marriage alliance between the Left Censor and the Marquis of Huating, although it didn't cause a massive sensation, many people had heard rumors and were discussing it in private.
Zhu Ci had been waiting all along, but as time passed, he found it increasingly difficult to remain patient.
Based on his understanding of Fu, he would certainly be able to figure out the pros and cons and would not easily agree to this marriage.
But what if those scholars tried every possible way to persuade him?
The mouths of scholars are nothing but deceitful spirits; they can make the living sound dead.
Not to mention, the incident of burning books and burying scholars caused the First Emperor to bear the reputation of a tyrant for many years.
Fu was surrounded only by members of the military meritocracy, all of whom were rough men; they were simply no match for those scholars.
He felt that he might need to give the other party a warning, or at the very least, a hint, that if Fu persisted in his course of action, he would truly have to strike first against Huang Chunyao.
There was no helping it; Huang Chunyao was not irreplaceable, but Fu was absolutely irreplaceable.
Setting aside how much money he has, the imperial treasury's finances have already begun to return to normal; it's just that a portion still relies on the other party, so without that portion, things would just be a bit tight.
Taking his period of campaigning as an example, even with such a makeshift court, there were no issues whatsoever in the logistics and supply statistics, there weren't even many incidents in the imperial court, which was enough to demonstrate his ability.
Zhu Ci decided that he would try to salvage the precarious bond between the monarch and his ministers.
After thinking it over several times, Zhu Ci decided to find an opportunity to ask him directly.
However, because of the holiday, he found that it was actually somewhat difficult to see Fu.
Without an excuse of official business, it would be inappropriate to simply summon someone into the palace for no reason.
The other party's health was poor, the winter was cold, so Zhu Ci could only hold back for now, planning to wait until the New Year Grand Banquet to speak of it.
If the marriage were to be settled during this period, he would accept it.
That was how he thought, but Zhu Ci was still somewhat melancholy, he didn't even know what he was being melancholy about.
After feeling melancholy for two days, he felt it might be because he had too little work, was simply idling away his time.
So he began to focus on tinkering with his own business; he couldn't tinker with political affairs even if he wanted to, for without the Grand Secretariat and the Censorate, his political orders could never leave the Imperial Palace.
Winter has arrived, so the Beehive coal factory can be expanded.
In truth, it was indeed a bit late to expand now, but who could blame him for having so little time before?
While Zhu Ci was looking at the maps to select locations, Jiang Xueyan entered and said, "Your Majesty, the Grand Secretary requests an audience."
Oh? Summon him quickly!
Zhu Ci had already begun brainstorming by the time he finished saying those three words.
But as he looked out the window, seeing a figure in crimson slowly approaching through the heavy snow, he felt that the other's unhurried manner suggested that nothing serious had happened.
After he entered, Zhu Ci immediately felt the biting chill of ice and snow clinging to him.
No need for such formalities. Has something happened?
Fu bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, please do not worry. Everything is stable; all is well."
Zhu Ci breathed a sigh of relief instantly and asked somewhat strangely, "Then why did you come all this way through such heavy snow?"
Fu cupped his hands and said, "Some oranges were harvested from the Orange Orchard, so I have brought some for Your Majesty to enjoy."
Zhu Ci was greatly surprised. "Oranges? Is this a new cold-resistant variety?"
Although oranges had always been cultivated in the south, the Little Ice Age had a significant impact on their yield.
South of the Yangtze River, large areas of orange trees near the north were frozen to death. Even in places like Guangdong and Fujian, orange yields decreased significantly; the fruit commonly seen in winters in later generations had almost vanished during this period.
Fu said nonchalantly while having someone bring over a basket of oranges, "There are no new varieties; I simply installed geothermal heating in the orange orchard."
Zhu Ci looked at that basket of brightly colored oranges and felt a sudden pang of envy: "If only I possessed your talent for business."
Does Fu live a luxurious life? He does indeed, but he hasn't neglected to make his contributions to the country.
Zhu Ci casually peeled an orange, took a bite, immediately felt completely refreshed.
He looked at the orange in his hand; if it hadn't been for the fact that the orange looked truly beautiful, he would have suspected that Fu was doing this out of spite.
Fu asked, "Does Your Majesty like it?"
Zhu Ci swallowed the orange, which was so sour it nearly brought tears to his eyes, without changing his expression. He stood up and said, "It's not bad. Eating something like this in the dead of winter really can make a person feel refreshed. You should try some."
He spoke while peeling a segment of orange and holding it to Fu's lips.
Fu was momentarily stunned, feeling that this gesture was far too intimate.
Zhu Ci, however, was worried that he would realize what was happening, so he hurriedly said, "What are you dazing for? Open your mouth."
If it had been the usual Fu, he certainly would have realized that the Little Emperor was up to something mischievous, but at this moment, he looked down slightly at that beautiful face so close to him, met those slightly watery black eyes, opened his mouth as if possessed.
After Zhu Ci stuffed the orange into his mouth, he immediately covered Fu's mouth.
Fu felt a temperature that did not belong to him on his lips and cheeks, causing his heart to skip a few beats, then he closed his eyes the very next second.
The orange was very sour, but one had to maintain decorum before the Emperor.
Only after he had managed to swallow it did he open his eyes.
Well, he knew why the Little Emperor's eyes were so watery.
Zhu Ci observed his Adam's apple move slightly, clearly after swallowing the orange, before letting go and laughing heartily as he asked, "How is it?"
The warmth from the Little Emperor's palm still lingered on Fu Chunsheng's face. He looked at the rare sight of the mischievous Little Emperor and sighed helplessly, saying, "It seems the oranges I selected are not very good."
He had clearly tasted several of them at home, they were all very sweet, so why were the ones delivered to the Emperor so sour?
These oranges are good for looks but useless!
Zhu Ci waved his hand. "It's fine, they'll still taste good if they're made into canned goods."
As he spoke, he had someone bring up two cups of honey water to wash away the sour taste in his mouth.
After taking a sip of the honey water, Fu asked, "Canned food? What is that?"
"Canned food is.. oh.." Zhu Ci suddenly realized that canned food might not exist at this time.
He rubbed his chin. "It seems like a business opportunity as well."
The winters of the Little Ice Age were long, with the south unable to supply food, food storage became particularly important. Meat was somewhat better, but the most critical issue was actually vegetables.
Zhu Ci waved his hand, Jiang Xueyan and Wu Xia immediately understood his meaning, leading the others to all withdraw.
His Majesty and the Grand Secretary frequently have private matters to discuss; they are already used to it.
Only after everyone had withdrawn did Zhu Ci explain, "Canning simply means placing things in sealed jars. These jars can be made of metal or glass, after being sterilized at high temperatures, they are sealed, allowing them to be preserved for a long time. The key is that the production method is not difficult."
Fu immediately grasped the key point and asked, "Can they only preserve oranges?"
Zhu Ci thought for a moment and said, "Most fruits will work, some vegetables as well."