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Yi Huawei gently placed the teacup back on the table, his tone softening slightly:

“Chengping, that child… does resemble her mother, yet she doesn’t.”

Shan Wanjing turned her head to look at him: "What do you mean by that?"

Yi Huawei's lips curved into a slight smile, a fleeting moment that added a touch of human warmth to his otherwise handsome face.

"She has that innate cleverness that her mother possesses. Back then, Wanwan was just as intelligent and cunning, her eyes sparkling with ideas. Chengping's eyes are a spitting image of her mother's."

He paused, then looked away at his wife beside him: "Unlike her mother, she has that calmness. Wanwan's liveliness carries a sharp edge, an unstoppable vigor. Chengping, on the other hand, can keep that intelligence under control, quietly reading all day without making a fuss. That tranquility is just like yours."

Upon hearing this, Shan Wanjing smiled and said, "Your Majesty is praising me for my composure?"

"Your composure is known to the whole world."

Yi Huawei rarely joked, but then became serious: "However, Wanwan's concerns are not entirely unfounded. Although the Heavenly Demon Secret Manual is not the orthodox path, it is the foundation of cultivation. If Chengping completely ignores it, in the future... he will ultimately lack support."

Shan Wanjing gently shook her head: "Wanwan may complain, but she may not be really anxious. She herself was fearless when she was young, but she worries about her daughter in every way. In the end, it's because she can't let go of her mother's feelings."

It's only natural to feel unable to let go.

Yi Huawei said calmly, "Back then, didn't we also worry about Junze in every way? It's just that Junze is too sensible, so sensible that it's impossible to know where to start."

Shan Wanjing was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Junze is the Crown Prince. He has known since he was a child that he is not an ordinary child. Ordinary children can be willful, can make mistakes, and can grow up slowly. He doesn't have that right."

Yi Huawei picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and continued, "He was born in a peaceful era, grew up in an imperial family, and was surrounded by the most outstanding people in the world from a young age, receiving the most comprehensive education. He didn't need to use knives and blood to explore the rules of the world like I did back then. This is his fortune... and also his misfortune."

Shan Wanjing said softly, "Is His Majesty worried that his success might cause him to lose his edge?"

Not entirely.

Yi Huawei shook his head: "What I'm worried about is that he's had it too easy, and he doesn't know where this success comes from. Peace doesn't fall from the sky. Thirty years ago, this land was full of starving people and displaced people. The Turks raided the border every year, and powerful local lords carved up their own territories. I was able to sit in this position because I was stronger than everyone else, and also because I killed more people than everyone else."

“When Junze was born, all of these things were already in the past. What he saw was all nations paying tribute, granaries overflowing, and the empire's territory spanning thousands of miles. He would have thought all of this was a matter of course. He didn't know how much blood, how many lives, and how many corpses were crushed by his father's own hands beneath all of this.”

After a long silence, Shan Wanjing slowly said, "So His Majesty made him join the army on the western expedition at the age of fourteen, personally go to Anxi to take charge at the age of fifteen, and independently handle the overall situation in the Western Regions at the age of sixteen?"

Yi Huawei nodded slightly: "Let him see with his own eyes how this peaceful world came about. Let him also get his hands dirty with blood and know that power is not a dinner party."

He looked up at Shan Wanjing, his gaze softening slightly: "Are you heartbroken?"

Shan Wanjing gently shook her head: "He is my son, and also His Majesty's son. I feel sorry for him, but I know even more that if he cannot shoulder this responsibility, many more people will suffer in the future. I... do not want to see that day."

Yi Huawei reached out and gently took her hand.

That hand was fair and delicate. For thirty years, it had been used to manage the harem, raise children, and assist in government affairs, never having a moment of true leisure. Now, as it was covered by his large hand, the warm touch transmitted through her skin warmed Shan Wanjing's heart.

The two sat quietly, watching the snow falling outside the pavilion, neither of them speaking.

After an unknown amount of time, Shan Wanjing suddenly said:
"Your Majesty just mentioned peace and prosperity. That child... does have an idea; he mentioned it to me a few days ago when he came to pay his respects."

Yi Huawei looked up at her: "Oh? What idea?"

Shan Wanjing smiled and said, "She said that the Institute of Gewu Tiangong has acquired a new batch of blueprints for some kind of 'astronomical observation instrument,' and she wants to apply to be an 'apprentice' at the Institute for a year to learn how to use those instruments and observe the stars from the doctoral students."

Yi Huawei was slightly taken aback, then chuckled: "Want to become a student at the Gewu Tiangong Academy? Does she know that the youngest PhD there is forty-two this year, and the youngest student is ten years older than her?"

“I know.” Shan Wanjing smiled. “Age isn’t the problem, brains are. She’s already reading Euclid’s Elements, and even drew some… celestial motion diagrams? I can’t understand them either.”

Yi Huawei pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "That's thoughtful. What did Wanwan say?"

"Wanwan almost fainted from anger."

Shan Wanjing's smile deepened: "She said her daughter is trying to be like her father, recklessly venturing into strange and unusual places. Her father was just like that back then, giving up being a proper emperor to tinker with those... 'nonsense things' all day long."

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei actually laughed.

"Let her give it a try. In the pursuit of knowledge, one must avoid prejudice. The doctors at the Heavenly Craft Academy all rose through the ranks from the bottom and they have the most disdain for the behavior of scions of noble families. If Chengping can gain a foothold there, it will prove that she is truly capable. If she cannot... it is not too late for her to come back and continue practicing the Heavenly Demon Secret Manual."

Shan Wanjing nodded: "Then I will tell Wanwan to stop worrying about this matter."

"Ah."

Outside the window, the snow was falling heavier and heavier.

The outline of the sacrificial tower, which could still be vaguely seen before, was now obscured by the swirling snowflakes, leaving only a blurry gray silhouette against the sky. The steam rising from the pond mingled with the snow mist, enveloping the entire Imperial Garden in a hazy white hue.

Yi Huawei suddenly stood up, walked to the pavilion, and pushed open a glass window.

A biting chill swept over him, carrying snowflakes into the pavilion, where they landed on the warm wool carpet, instantly melting into a few water droplets. He, however, was oblivious, simply gazing out at the vast expanse of sky and earth.

Shan Wanjing stood up, took a dark cloak hanging on the coat rack, and gently draped it over his shoulders.

Is Your Majesty worried about something?

Yi Huawei didn't turn around, but merely tilted his head slightly, letting her fasten the cloak, and said calmly:
"The snow is too heavy. The post roads in Shanxi may be blocked."

Shan Wanjing's eyes flickered slightly.

Every winter, tens of millions of people in the north rely on coal transported from the Western Hills for heating. This coal comes from the state-run "Western Hills Mining Bureau," a large state-owned mine that was gradually developed ten years after the establishment of the dynasty.

For thirty years, Yi Huwei has kept strategic resources such as coal, iron ore, salt, and gunpowder firmly in the hands of the imperial court, strictly prohibiting private mining and punishing violators with immediate execution.

The Xishan Coal Mine produces millions of shi (a unit of dry measure) of coal annually. Besides supplying the needs of state-run iron smelting and military workshops, the majority of the remaining coal is sold to the people at a "flat price" for heating. The price is set extremely low, just enough to cover mining and transportation costs, with the rest subsidized by the imperial court.

This can be considered a "benevolent policy"—although Yi Huawei never touts it as a benevolent policy, he has only said lightly: "If people freeze to death in winter, public resentment will inevitably arise. Let them stay warm to avoid trouble."

Simple and straightforward, yet it has genuinely benefited millions of people.

Upon hearing him mention the Shanxi post road, Shan Wanjing immediately understood: with such heavy snow, if the post road were blocked by snow, coal carts wouldn't be able to get through, and within three days, the price of coal in the north would skyrocket. The poor wouldn't be able to afford coal, and people would freeze to death. At that time, even the secret agents of the Imperial City Guard and the patrols of the city defense battalion wouldn't be able to suppress the resentment.

"Your Majesty, I will now issue the order." Shan Wanjing turned around, walked to a hidden compartment by the pavilion, and gently pressed the mechanism.

The hidden compartment opened, revealing a row of exquisitely crafted bronze communication tubes connected to various vital locations throughout the palace. She picked up the one engraved with the words "Inner Palace Secretariat" and whispered:

"Pass on the message to the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Palace: His Majesty's decree is to immediately order the Henan Prefecture and Hedong Circuit to organize laborers from the prefectures and counties along the route to do their utmost to clear the main post roads from Luoyang to Taiyuan and from Luoyang to Zezhou. It is imperative to ensure that coal transport convoys can pass smoothly. In addition, the Ministry of Revenue is to allocate silver to subsidize the laborers' food rations and wages. Any negligence will be severely punished."

She put down the copper pipe, picked up another communication tube engraved with the words "Ministry of Revenue," and gave the following instructions:
"To the Minister of Revenue: The price of coal in Xishan shall be implemented according to the old rules, and no arbitrary increases are permitted. The Censors shall immediately be stationed at all coal mines to strictly prevent unscrupulous merchants from hoarding and speculating. If any are found, they shall be severely punished according to the law, their property confiscated, and they shall be exiled three thousand li away." A series of orders, concise, clear, and well-organized.

Yi Huawei's lips curved slightly. For thirty years, she had never interfered in important state affairs, but she managed the affairs of the harem, the coordination between the palace and the court, and even the trivial matters concerning people's livelihoods with meticulous care. Her methods were not as ruthless as Wanwan's, nor as cunning as Bai Qing'er's, but they possessed a quiet and thorough approach.

"It's done."

Shan Wanjing put down the microphone and walked back to his side: "Your Majesty, please rest assured."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly.

Just then, very light footsteps came from outside the pavilion.

The footsteps were barely audible on the snow. But Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing, with their cultivation levels, instantly sensed the presence of the approaching person.

A bodyguard dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes appeared like a ghost three zhang outside the pavilion, and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, Commander Bai has sent an urgent report."

Yi Huawei did not turn around, but simply said, "Bring it here."

The guard moved swiftly, arriving at the pavilion and holding a copper tube sealed with sealing wax above his head. Shan Wanjing stepped forward, took it, checked that the sealing wax was intact, and then turned to hand it to Yi Huawei.

Just as the secret guards had arrived, they vanished silently into the wind and snow.

Yi Huawei gently unscrewed the copper tube and took out the secret scroll inside. The scroll was written on specially made moisture-proof paper, with only a few lines of tiny characters on it.

His gaze swept over the words, his expression remained unchanged, only his eyes narrowed slightly.

Shan Wanjing stood quietly to the side, without asking any questions.

After thirty years of marriage, she knew him all too well. If he needed her to know, he would tell her; if not, asking would be pointless.

Yi Huawei carefully put away the secret scroll and slowly placed it into his sleeve. After a moment, he spoke:

"Judging by the time, we should have some news by now."

Shan Wanjing's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at him.

Yi Huawei turned around, walked back to the low couch and sat down, picked up the teacup that had long since gone cold, but did not drink it.

"Wanjing, have you heard anything from your mother lately?"

Shan Wanjing was slightly taken aback, but then she understood what he meant.

Lady Dongming, Shan Meixian, now holds the position of Maritime Governor-General, residing in the Dengzhou and Qingdao area. She is in charge of registering all ships in the empire, surveying shipping routes, and liaising with overseas trading posts. This position may seem leisurely, but it is actually of paramount importance: all information related to the empire's overseas affairs, whether official or unofficial, ultimately ends up on her desk.

"A letter arrived last month."

Shan Wanjing replied, "She only said that the Southeast Asian shipping routes are operating as usual, and the trading posts in Java, Sumatra and other places are running smoothly. The newly opened Ceylon route has already made three round trips this year and is quite profitable. My mother said that she plans to add two more ships next year and try to go further west."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, offering no comment, and simply said:

“Write a letter to your mother and tell her to pay attention to something.”

Shan Wanjing listened intently.

"If any ships return from the direction of Nan Yinzhou, whether official or civilian, and under what banner they are flying... report to Luoyang immediately."

Nanyinzhou.

That was the direction the Li family was exiled to. In the twenty-fourth year of the Dingding era, Li Erlang, leading several hundred clansmen and five thousand prisoners of war and slaves from the Western Regions, the Turks, and Tibet, sailed east aboard five "Pioneer-class" treasure ships, disappearing without a trace. Six years have passed. What happened on that continent? Are those people still alive? What has become of them?
Nobody knows.

The Empire's ships never attempted to reach that continent. Sending them there was a one-time, one-way "exile." It was true "isolation"—not by city walls, but by vast oceans.

But now, His Majesty suddenly wants Mother to keep an eye out for "ships returning from the direction of Nan Yinzhou".

what does this mean?
Shan Wanjing didn't ask. She simply nodded gently, her tone calm:
"I will write it now."

She walked to the low table, took out a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, ground the ink, laid out the paper, and began to write.

After finishing the letter and sealing it with sealing wax, he turned around and said, "Your Majesty, the letter is ready. Should it be sent by express courier, or... perhaps through the secret guard channels?"

Yi Huawei hesitated for a moment: "Use secret guards. This matter should not be publicized."

Shan Wanjing nodded, walked to the hidden compartment by the pavilion, put the letter into a copper tube with a special mark, and gently pulled a copper chain.

The copper cylinder slid silently down the slide inside the hidden compartment and disappeared into the depths of the wall in an instant. That was a special communication channel set up by the secret guards, leading to secret outposts outside the palace, and then through the secret guards' network, it was sent to Dengzhou at the fastest speed.

After taking care of these matters, Shan Wanjing returned to Yi Huawei's side and sat down beside him.

"Does Your Majesty believe...they will return?"

Yi Huawei smiled:

"The vast ocean is not easy to cross. Even if they do build a ship that can cross the sea, six years is far from enough. Even if they return, they won't be able to stir up any waves."

"I just want to know what they have done to Nan Yinzhou in those six years...."

Shan Wanjing gently grasped Yi Huawei's hand.

"If they really gain power..."

Yi Huawei's lips curved into a slight smile, a smile that contained neither mockery nor contempt, but rather a light that seemed to hold anticipation.

"That's settled then."

"I let them go in the first place to see if anyone could find a different path outside this chessboard. If Li Erlang can really do it... then my efforts will not have been in vain."

Shan Wanjing looked at him, this man standing at the top of the world, who had ruled the largest empire in history for thirty years, crushing all his opponents, suppressing all resistance, and bringing the entire known world under his own order.

But he was lonely after all.

The height is not cold.

He needed an opponent who could truly understand this game of chess. Not the old aristocratic clans he had easily crushed, not the subservient vassal states, but—a "new empire" that struggled to survive in dire straits, rose from nothing in the wilderness, and established a new order thousands of miles away. (End of Chapter)