The Seven Constellation Bureau had always been part of Hua Zhi's plans. Without this authoritative presence to keep things in check, many arrangements would be impossible to implement.
She elaborated on the matters discussed earlier. Gu Yanxi exchanged a glance with her and immediately understood her meaning—the more the Emperor desired something, the less A Zhi wished to grant it. Since this matter had already been put on the agenda, it could not be shelved. Yet, who could insist it must be completed within a few years? Given the current circumstances, Little Six must ascend to power, as only then could A Zhi be protected. Entrusting this historically significant task to Little Six would be most appropriate.
Though the Emperor was pressuring the Hua family, the initiative in this matter lay entirely in A Zhi's hands. The Wei River spanned nearly two thousand li and had taken twelve years to construct initially. It was only through continuous maintenance and repairs over the years that it reached its current scale. The new project was estimated to be around twelve hundred li—even if it took six or eight years to complete, who could accuse A Zhi of not being diligent?
Zhu Bowen glanced at Gu Yanxi and resumed the previous topic, "There has always been a saying: 'The higher-ups have policies; the lower-ups have countermeasures.' Even the best decrees can become tools for corruption when implemented below. Do you have a strategy to address this?"
"In any situation, there will be those who benefit and those who suffer. In the salt industry, it is the salt workers who sustain that massive interest group, yet they are the ones who struggle with hunger, cold, and insecurity. What I aim to do is not merely collect salt taxes but ensure all revenue from salt sales goes directly to the national treasury. Accounts for income and expenditure must be clearly recorded, with minor audits conducted monthly and major audits quarterly. This would minimize opportunities for officials to manipulate the system. If the Seven Constellation Bureau were to establish oversight and provide salt workers with channels to report grievances, the interconnected measures would keep corruption within tolerable limits."
"Salt workers have been oppressed for generations. They may lack the courage to report injustices."
"What if they witness others successfully doing so?"
Zhu Bowen understood Zhi Er's intention and nodded slightly, "With proper guidance, they would learn how to protect their own interests."
Hua Zhi took a few sips of tea before shifting the conversation, "This is merely a hypothetical direction. The reality will not be so smooth or easy."
"Naturally. But if it succeeds, both the court and the common people will benefit." As the Minister of Revenue, Zhu Bowen would undoubtedly share in the credit. The thought ignited his ambition. In the officialdom, there were many constraints, but everyone aspired to leave a legacy—to be remembered as a capable and virtuous minister.
Gu Yanxi chimed in, "The Seven Constellation Bureau inherently holds supervisory responsibilities. Overseeing this matter would be entirely justified."
The mental exertion of recent days had left Hua Zhi with a persistent headache. She subtly pressed her forehead near the wound under the guise of soothing it. Gu Yanxi immediately asked, "Does the wound hurt?"
"No, it itches." Hua Zhi lied without changing her expression, using the excuse to press a few more times. Afraid Yanxi would probe further, she quickly raised the next issue, "Both water and land transport will inevitably clash with various interests. But if we offer them benefits in another form, we might avoid major conflicts."
Zhu Bowen raised a hand to stop her, "We are moving too quickly. Reforming the salt industry alone will shake the court. If we simultaneously tackle water and land transport, we might push our opponents to desperation."Hua Zhi fell silent for a moment. "But this method generates money quickly. Besides, the funds skimmed off at each checkpoint aren’t necessarily enriching those at the top—more likely, they’re lining the pockets of mid-level officials who live in grand houses and keep concubines. If we only target these local powerholders and share a portion of the profits with their backers, they might not be unwilling to cooperate."
"Easier to deal with the King of Hell than his minions."
"Then replace the minions." Gu Yanxi understood A Zhi almost immediately and grasped her intention.
Hua Zhi smiled. "Sometimes the simplest and most direct methods are the most effective. All that balancing and scheming is no match for a solid punch—hurt them enough, and they won’t dare again."
Zhu Bowen stood up and paced around the room a few times. "Replace them with whom? If the position itself breeds corruption, whoever sits in it will grow fat."
"Then rotate them. We can’t expect them all to be incorruptible, but we can hope they’ll be less greedy."
That seemed feasible. Zhu Bowen paced a few more rounds. "Let’s put this matter aside for now. I’ll first sound out the various factions."
"Yes, thank you for your efforts."
"You..." Zhu Bowen sighed. "Your ideas are clever, but they’re also risky—too aggressive."
Hua Zhi lowered her head. She had no other choice. If she could avoid it, why would she willingly put herself in the line of fire? Even if she operated behind the scenes, those who needed to know would still trace it back to her.
"The Emperor may be anxious, but he should understand this matter cannot be rushed. There’s no need to push yourself to the brink. Take it step by step—only by walking the path will you know whether what lies ahead is a mountain, a river, or a quagmire."
"Yes."
Zhu Bowen wasn’t sure if she had truly taken his words to heart, but he didn’t press further. With a metaphorical sword hanging over Zhi Er’s head, she had to stay constantly vigilant, and anyone in her position would feel the urgency.
Hua Zhi remembered the reason for Yanxi’s visit. She had come today mainly to exchange information, not to discuss every single matter in detail. Once the most critical issues were addressed, she rose to take her leave, asking her grandfather to convey her apologies to her grandmother for not visiting.
After leaving the Zhu Family, Gu Yanxi abandoned his horse and joined her in the carriage. Without waiting for her to ask, he said, "Haoyue has been taken by the Emperor."
Hua Zhi’s mind went blank for a moment. She stared blankly at Yanxi, hoping she had misheard. Before this situation arose, if Haoyue had fallen into the Emperor’s hands, it wouldn’t have mattered much—it had no direct connection to her, and the Emperor would never have betrothed such a person to Yanxi anyway. But that was before.
Now that the Emperor had his eyes on her, if Haoyue said anything unfavorable or if the Emperor decided Haoyue was more valuable than her, the consequences could be dire...
Gu Yanxi moved closer to A Zhi, drawing her into his embrace, using her warmth to melt the chill in his heart. Haoyue’s existence had been kept tightly under wraps—if the Emperor had only conducted a superficial investigation, he wouldn’t have uncovered it. This incident showed that the Emperor had likely scrutinized him thoroughly. Fortunately, aside from matters related to A Zhi, he had no other secrets to hide.
Recalling how the Emperor had hinted, both openly and subtly, that he would forgive him if he apologized, Gu Yanxi felt like laughing. Between uncle and nephew, when had he ever been the one to betray trust?
"Don’t worry. If she’s smart, she’ll know what to say and what not to say." Gu Yanxi held A Zhi’s cold hands, comforting her. "After keeping her captive for so long, I’ve only ever imprisoned her. If she dares to say those things to the Emperor, she’ll realize just how merciful I’ve been."Hua Zhi gradually regained her composure. Upon careful reflection, she realized this was indeed true. If the Emperor learned of her prophetic ability, his first question would inevitably be about how much longer he had to live. No matter how she answered, it would lead to her demise. If she were wise, she should keep this secret.
Though she reasoned this way, an unease still lingered in her heart.
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