"That’s good." The Emperor’s face broke into a foolish grin.
And so it was that, to the dissatisfaction of Concubine Xian and Concubine Mei, the Emperor and Empress seemed to have reconciled, and were getting along better and better. The Emperor often went to the Empress’s place for dinner, something that had never happened before.
However, many of the concubines found it strange that despite the Empress’s favor, she had never become pregnant.
Imperial Physician Wu controlled the epidemic, saving the people of Le City; this was the best gift imaginable for the Emperor’s birthday.
After spending over two months at the Summer Palace, the Emperor brought his entourage back to the Capital City.
As the Emperor and Empress became more harmonious, it was apparent to everyone that the Empress’s position was growing more stable. The Emperor even began to heed the Empress’s counsel. For example, when the Emperor whimsically decided to build a Palace in the south to stay in during future tours, the officials deemed it a waste of resources and submitted repeated memorials opposing the idea.
The Emperor was furious, believing that despite working so hard, his enjoyment of a Palace was being blown into an issue, so he decided to do the opposite—’If you tell me not to build, I will do it anyway,’ he thought.
During that period, the morning court resembled a noisy marketplace, filled with heated debates. The Emperor and a group of old ministers were at an impasse in this manner.
At that point, the Empress advised the Emperor, stating that the Emperor worked hard all year and indeed deserved enjoyment. However, the ministers’ argument that it would be a waste of resources had merit. Initially, the Palace would cost only one million silver, but it could end up costing tens of millions.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor understood. When in disguise, he’d pay a few coins for a bowl of wontons outside, while in the palace, it cost nearly an ounce of silver—the same principle applied here.
"What should I do then?" The Emperor asked with disappointment, "Give up on building it? But the southern climate is so mild, and come spring, it’s breathtakingly beautiful; I want to take you there to see it."
"Build it, why not? There are many wealthy merchants in the south; let them build it. Whichever Palace the merchants undertake, they will get the naming rights for that Palace. Merchants are shrewd; they will build the best Palace with the least money and will fight over the honor." Tianmiao obviously supported enjoying life, but reasonably so.
The Emperor: ??? Is that possible?
It was indeed possible.
Upon hearing this, wealthy merchants in the south scrambled for the opportunity. To build a residence for the Emperor and Empress, with naming rights if successful? Such an unprecedented chance! This would be something to boast about for three generations! No, more than three generations!
The Emperor and Empress would be living in the houses they built, leading to more clients seeking their architectural services. Opportunities like this, with both fame and fortune, were rare. If not for the Emperor fearing criticism for exploiting the people and insisting on paying, those merchants would be willing to lose money just for the privilege of building the houses for the Emperor.
The ministers were dumbfounded. Was this maneuver even possible? The Emperor used his private funds to build the Palace and contracted merchants from the south. There was nothing left to argue about—how the Emperor spent his private money on building a Palace was his prerogative.
Thus, the Emperor built a Palace at cost price, satisfying his heart’s desire, and went to enjoy hotpot with Tianmiao.
"Hotpot again? You just had it two days ago. Can we switch up the menu tonight?" Tianmiao couldn’t keep up with such frequent meals; she was craving red-braised pork ribs tonight.
"Alright then. Can we have it again in a couple of days?" The Emperor relented, only to immediately start bargaining again.
"Fine." Tianmiao nodded helplessly, not expecting the Emperor to enjoy hotpot this much, even if it meant getting pimples.
Just as the Emperor sat down, Concubine Xian requested an audience and brought explosive news for the Emperor.
Concubine Xian was pregnant.