The Empire will continue to win

"Grandma, what do you mean by that?" Shen Moqing asked calmly.

"Under the emperor's feet, at the foot of the imperial city, there are many people with important backgrounds, such as royal servants, brothers-in-law of princes, protégés of high-ranking officials, and grand-nephews of noble families."

"Just a minor demon."

"Yes, but the little demon has a god behind him. Grandson, when you go, don't make a big fuss. Just be a paperhanger. You can't take serving the court too seriously. Whoever takes it too seriously will lose." The old lady spoke earnestly.

How did Grandma know all this?

"Before I married, I often listened to my father talk about politics."

"My great-grandfather?"

"Yes, your great-grandfather was appointed as the Censor of Zhili Circuit in the Censorate, ranking fifth in the second class. Because of his upright conduct, he was sent back to his hometown after only three years and died in depression at the age of 35. After the three-year mourning period ended, I married into the Shen family."

Shen Moqing nodded slightly.

If one were not born into an official family, how would one know these things?

"Grandma, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

The old lady changed the subject:

"For years, no one from our Shen family has served in official positions, so there's been no income. Our clan lands were sold off long ago, and your uncle and father are both spendthrifts; the family is just living off their savings. We recently spent some time bribing officials, so it wouldn't have been a big deal; we could manage without money. But there's a crucial matter that can't be taken lightly: the wedding is a major event, and that girl saved your life."

He rambled on and on for a long time.

Got it, I need the money!

The larger the family, the more they rely on money to maintain their image.

"Grandma, it's quite a coincidence. I had some income a couple of days ago. I'll have the accountant come to my room to get it later."

"That's wonderful. With you, our whole family has hope for the future." Old Madam Shen stood up, turned around, and lit three sticks of incense. "May our ancestors bless Mo Qing, may he have a prosperous career and live a long life, and may the Shen family prosper and have many descendants."

.........

The next day.

Shen Moqing got up early and went to his parents to discuss the wedding arrangements.

Lan'er is deeply devoted to me, and I can't be too serious about our marriage.

Madam Wang said with a radiant smile, "Qing'er, don't worry, I guarantee that everything will be done in a grand and beautiful manner from beginning to end. I won't mind spending any amount of money; if it's not enough, I'll borrow some."

Shen Zheng fiddled with the jade thumb ring he had just bought for 120 silver dollars: "Yes, yes, we must not let others look down on our family. If necessary, we can borrow money first."

Shen Moqing's eye twitched; a rotten feudal family.

While speaking~

Just then, someone from the palace arrived, and Shen Moqing, feeling as if granted a pardon, quickly fled this feudal family full of纨绔 (spoiled brats).

Last night~

The accountant, sporting a goatee, tearfully complained to my face that the public accounts were empty and that we owed more than 1200 silver dollars in debt. The implication was clear: Second Young Master, you need to make some money quickly.

This is roughly what a family is.

Rights and obligations are equal.

However, the biggest problem for Shen Moqing at present is the lack of a legitimate title. He has neither inherited the title of Yunqiwei nor is he the oldest.

To be honest, it was quite awkward.

.........

outside the house.

Beneath the bronze plaque of the Imperial Guard Commandery, a squad of Imperial Guards in fiery red uniforms stood solemnly, surrounded by a large crowd of onlookers.

There are no secrets in the capital. Who prospers and who falls on hard times will be known to everyone within three days at most.

"This humble servant, Zhang Xun, greets Lord Shen," a burly Imperial Guard lieutenant said, bowing.

Zhang Xun?

There's no braid on the back of her head, but I wonder if there's a braid in her heart?

The United Empire inherited the political legacy of the Ming and Qing dynasties, much of it flawed. This is typical of established empires; it's difficult for anyone within them to be determined to implement a thorough reform.

"So it's Brother Zhang. Would you like to come in and have a cup of hot tea?" Shen Moqing greeted him.

"Lord Shen, perhaps we should decline the drink. The Empress Dowager is waiting for us in the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

"In that case, let's hurry into the palace."

Shen Moqing got into a luxurious four-wheeled carriage adorned with the royal insignia and drove away amidst envious and jealous glances.

Watching the carriage disappear into the distance.

Shen Zheng, hands behind his back and head held high, said, "See that? That's my son!"

The onlookers showered him with sycophantic praise.

.........

The Hall of Mental Cultivation.

There was still a layer of bright yellow gauze curtain separating them.

Empress Dowager Cixi, with her face smudged with makeup, her lips red and teeth white, radiant with beauty, leaned back on the kang (a heated brick bed) smoking a water pipe. It was far from dignified, but it highlighted the close relationship between the emperor and his subject.

Shen Moqing's heart tightened, and he immediately knelt down on one knee.

"This humble servant greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty eternal beauty and good health."

"No need for formalities, please sit down. I wish to employ you, but considering your young age and lack of experience, directly appointing you as the Assistant Minister of Yanshan Heavy Industry might put you in a difficult position and harm you."

Empress Dowager Cixi exhaled a smoke ring.

"Yanshan Heavy Industry is too big. I'm worried that you won't be able to handle it. You can take on the role of supervisor of the firearms factory first. It won't be too late to promote you after you've achieved some results."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I request permission to act in extraordinary times. If the people below disobey, may I execute them first and report later?" Shen Moqing asked, deliberately probing, recalling the story of Lion Camel Ridge.

"The imperial court has its own laws. Death sentences require review by the Ministry of Justice before execution, and there is absolutely no reason to demote them. You can dismiss them, you can demote them, you can even imprison those who disobey you, but you have no right to execute anyone."

Oh shit.

It really is Lion Camel Ridge!

"Your Majesty, the military factories have many deep-seated problems. If I am not armed, I fear the effect of rectification will be minimal."

"Do your best, but proceed slowly. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; you can't rush it, or chaos will ensue."

"Yes."

The meaning is quite clear now that things have been said to this point.

.........

A gentle breeze blew, and the gauze curtains swayed.

The Empress Dowager lazily straightened up, raised her scarlet fingernails, and said casually, "By the way, the Emperor summoned you to Liuqing Palace. Once you leave this palace, hurry over there."

"Your humble servant's heart will always belong only to the Empress Dowager."

Shen Moqing sensed the jealousy in his words and quickly pledged his loyalty. Although it was a bit cheesy and ambiguous, it worked very well.

As expected~

The Empress Dowager smiled gently, her beauty captivating.

"By the way, I just remembered something. When do you plan to marry Miss Lan'er?"

This statement is actually quite ambiguous.

The Empress Dowager's childhood name was Lan'er, and all the old people in the palace knew it.

"Your Majesty, the wedding date is still under consideration, but it should be next month." Shen Moqing was also taken aback.

"You really should get married soon."

As she spoke, she slowly raised her left arm, and half of her brocade sleeve slipped down, revealing the coral beads on her wrist. Her skin was as white as snow, and the red beads were as red as fire.

"This is something I cherish, and I will give it to that foolish child."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

Shen Moqing quickly took it with both hands. The coral beads were still warm to the touch, so she didn't dare to smell them directly. She carefully stuffed them into her inner pocket.

Empress Dowager Cixi pointed to An Dehai, who was standing respectfully to the side with his hands at his sides, and said, "Little An, get out."

"Yes, sir."

Xiao Anzi kept turning back to look at him, feeling extremely wronged.

Empress Dowager, you've changed. You don't even hide from us when you bathe. What are you planning to do next that requires us to hide it from you? Consequently, her attitude towards Shen Moqing also changed.

Jealousy, resentment, rejection, disgust!

Shen Moqing sat upright, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, and a handsome face, which made him even more pleasing to the eye of the Empress Dowager Cixi. The Records of the Grand Historian states: "A man with thunder in his heart and a calm face is worthy of being appointed a high-ranking general."

Shen Jialiang is a fine horse; he will be of great use in the future.