Chapter 290: Chapter 290
Ancient engineering projects were always the most labor-intensive.
Building bridges, paving roads, constructing water conservancy projects—in short, while the army was undergoing large-scale reorganization and construction.
In just a few short months, nearly five hundred thousand "third-class soldiers" were dispersed to various locations, never causing mutiny again while being properly arranged.
Most of those selected to become third-class soldiers were relatively older. Rather than lingering in the army, waiting to be sent to their deaths or freezing to death, it was better to fight for a chance.
Most importantly, this new official was truly generous, with people from manors frequently coming to deliver grain and vegetables to them.
This kind of life, even if somewhat hard, was still heavenly. Especially with so many useful tools available, it wouldn't kill them with exhaustion...
This dynasty had always looked down upon military men, with military pay being deducted layer by layer until what reached their hands was barely enough to survive.
It was better to take this opportunity to save more silver.
Everyone secretly calculated that after completing these few years of work, the money saved would probably be enough to return home and buy several mu of land, or start some business, ensuring a worry-free life.
This life was truly wonderful!
"Ah, if only this official had ascended earlier!"
A middle-aged man with slightly graying hair and beard in the team suddenly sighed deeply.
Listening to the crowd's discussion, not far away in a somewhat shabby tea house, a man in a blue robe paused briefly while holding his teacup.
Only when his friend's soft call came from beside him did the man before him snap back to attention:
"Guzhi, what do you think of our current official?"
After these words, the man opposite couldn't help but smile, his gaze unconsciously turning toward an old man happily simmering fish soup nearby.
Since the official ascended the throne, he had always emphasized agriculture. Besides improved seeds, he also promoted animal husbandry everywhere.
Not only had rice and various vegetable yields increased, but now every household had both grain and meat, not to mention the elimination of those harsh miscellaneous taxes.
How could life not be better now!
Thinking of this, the man named Guzhi couldn't help but smile:
"How the official is doing can be understood just by looking at how the common people are now. Although he has become much stricter with officials, dismissing many in just a few years.
Putting aside other matters, just talking about Shuzhou—in the past two years, those voluntarily giving up their land to become tenant farmers for nobles cannot be said to be nonexistent, but has decreased by ninety percent. Moreover, with the official's strict orders against farmland encroachment...
After a brief pause, the man continued:
"Besides, Jiefu, decisive in action, with exceptional skill in domestic affairs and economics—isn't this the wise ruler you've always sought?"
After a moment of silence, the middle-aged man named Jiefu finally spoke with a smile:
"Those who know me, Guzhi indeed..."
The morning breeze blew gently, and both their gazes toward Bianjing city unconsciously grew warmer.
Not far away, a new round of morning sun was slowly rising...
In the imperial palace, unaware that another workhorse—no, talent—was desperately rushing their way.
In Zichen Palace, An Ning was currently flipping through memorials with considerable speechlessness.
Indeed, pressure to marry and have children was unavoidable everywhere.
Counting carefully, she had been on the throne for less than four years, not even twenty-five yet!
Was there such urgency?
Especially when even veteran ministers like Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu had to join in.
Were these people perhaps too idle recently?
An Ning rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
Unfortunately, some matters weren't yet the right time...
But considering ancient life expectancy, An Ning understood these people's concerns. After all, the Zhao family's offspring situation was indeed worrying...
An heir, indeed something that should be considered.
By evening, within the bright yellow gauze curtains, occasional ragged breaths could be heard.
After who knows how long, when the passion subsided, An Ning slowly propped herself up, looking sideways through the window's pure white moonlight at the person beside her.
Under the moonlight, this person's already handsome features appeared even more strikingly beautiful, especially now with slight sweat still glistening at his temples.
After appreciating for a while, under his slightly puzzled gaze, An Ning slowly spoke:
"I've been wanting a child recently. What does Minister Zhang think?"
Using "I" (imperial we) rather than the informal "I" indicated this heir was absolutely necessary, while others' opinions weren't important.
At most, it was just a matter of changing the child's biological father.
Zhang Zihou, a true fox of his generation, how perceptive he was—naturally understood the implied meaning in her words.
Knowing that once the person beside him made a decision, few could change it, he still spoke frankly:
"What does Physician He say about this?"
Understanding his meaning, An Ning soon replied with teasing tone:
"How is my health, wouldn't Minister Zhang know best?"
Remembering that no matter how late they played at night, this person would still unfailingly rise early the next day to practice swordplay.
And practice for most of a shichen at that.
Even the usually sharp-tongued Zhang Dun couldn't help but remain silent for a moment before finally taking a deep breath: "Then Your Majesty's meaning?"
As the breeze passed through, within the gauze curtains filled with lingering intimate scents, suddenly came the woman's slightly cool voice:
"My future heir doesn't need a publicly acknowledged father, nor a so-called paternal clan, or even any siblings in any sense..." Then she added:
"Minister Zhang, what do you think?"
After these words, the air suddenly grew much quieter. Just as An Ning thought he would be angry, she saw him nodding in agreement:
"Indeed, Your Majesty's concerns are not without reason."
"The problem of imperial relatives has existed since ancient times, and would only be more dangerous for Your Majesty. If the heir is female, the danger would multiply."
Seeing he was serious, now it was An Ning's turn to be speechless, quickly rolling off him.
What ultimate nation-loving fanatic! No wonder in his previous life as sole chancellor, holding great power for years, he never promoted a single relative, truly a ruthless man who engraved "no nepotism" in his bones.
Even so, some unpleasant truths needed stating upfront:
"This child will never call you father, whether in public or private, and might not even have anyone offering sacrifices after a hundred years..."
After a moment of silence, feeling the person beside her still breathing evenly without disturbance, An Ning suddenly said with a laugh:
"As I said before, I'm not that petty. Whatever you choose later—whether to marry or take concubines—I won't make things difficult..."
In the darkness, she heard someone beside her suddenly snort lightly:
"Not making things difficult, just kicking me away, so Your Majesty can find someone younger and more handsome. If one happens to be sufficiently beautiful plus brainless, perhaps could even be taken into the palace..."
"What, is there something wrong with that?"
Wait, sufficiently beautiful yet not too bright—wasn't this suggestion made by Han Yue and others before? Seems like, two years ago... After a moment's silence, An Ning suddenly realized:
"So this is why Minister Zhang voluntarily offered himself earlier?"