Chapter 333: Volume 1, Chapter 333 – Prince Qi Plans to Dismiss Rong

Because of this idea, Rong Luoge paid special attention to Grand Consort Liu's actions this time, and the several artisans working under her were also on her watchlist, noted in a little notebook; they were all important talents.

Later that evening, when she met Han Xinglan, she was especially delighted and told him about this matter: "You see, if we can successfully implement it, won't the scholars across the land think that His Majesty values even a single artisan household so highly, and therefore those students from humble families will be even more earnest? If that day comes, not only the artisans nationwide but also the scholars will rush to the capital."

Han Xinglan: …

"I never expected you could come up with such an idea."

"It wasn't just me who thought of it; we owe it to Grand Consort Liu. Sigh, Grand Consort Liu is a talent, being trapped in the inner palace as a consort is such an injustice to her—she should be released to do something for the Owl Kingdom." Rong Luoge said proudly, noting that she had discovered this talent.

Han Xinglan pressed his forehead against Rong Luoge's, "You're right about everything; thank you for your hard work."

Rong Luoge didn't feel any hardship at all; she was full of vigor now, finally understanding why some become workaholics—because work truly is addictive.

"Any news from Suizhou?" Rong Luoge asked, looking at Han Xinglan.

"How could it be that fast?" Han Xinglan laughed, noting that even an eight‑hundred‑li express courier needs time to arrive.

"Do you think the Song family of Suizhou will bow their heads?"

"No," Han Xinglan replied. "If they were willing to bow, it wouldn't have dragged on to now, and they've already received reinforcements; they'll only wear out the imperial army to the end."

"So even if Marquis Ningyuan were to switch sides, it wouldn't mean much," Rong Luoge said with a hint of regret.

Han Xinglan embraced Rong Luoge as they sat down, then said, "Although Marquis Ningyuan isn't crucial on the Suizhou battlefield, he is important in the capital."

Rong Luoge pondered Han Xinglan's words and found them reasonable, "You intend to use Marquis Ningyuan against Prime Minister Su?"

Han Xinglan nodded silently, then sighed, "Prime Minister Su even spoke to me today under the pretense of being my uncle; it's truly laughable."

Rong Luoge was instantly speechless, "That's really thinking too clearly."

Isn't that just an old man exploiting his seniority?

"Don't be angry; I'm not sad at all," Han Xinglan said. He was past the age of feeling sorrow, and with Rong Luoge now filling the deep void in his heart, he truly cared little for those so‑called relatives.

How could Rong Luoge not be angry? These truly are Han Xinglan's closest kin.

"Let's drop that. Once the Suizhou conflict resolves, Prime Minister Su will know to retreat," Rong Luoge said, looking at Han Xinglan. "On a happier note, I'd like to use this time to gradually rebuild the Glazed Tile Workshop street. More and more artisan households are arriving in the capital; they need work to support themselves and their families, and they need a stable assignment to stay peacefully in the capital. Since we have time now, I'll start reconstructing the major workshops, so I need to transfer personnel from the Imperial Construction Bureau."

When the Imperial Construction Bureau was mentioned, Han Xinglan said, "I'll issue an edict to have Shi Lian allocate a portion of the bureau's staff for your assignment."

"Will Shi Lian obey?" Rong Luoge recalled Han Xinglan mentioning that Shi Lian colludes with Marquis Ningyuan, fearing he won't surrender so easily.

"If he doesn't obey, we'll replace him; it's not like before," Han Xinglan said forcefully. As emperor, he now had enough confidence to issue commands in the court.

Even if his orders still encounter obstacles now, within the capital's bounds no court officials dare openly defy his edicts.

Rong Luoge relaxed and said, "Then transfer more bricklayers and similar construction artisans; building houses isn't a trivial matter, especially since there are many intricacies in workshop construction, and a small mistake can cause trouble."

Professional tasks should be handled by professionals; she knew a bit herself but wasn't fully proficient. To master them would require overtime study of new knowledge, which was too time‑tight for her.

It would be better to directly assign professionals to these jobs; she only needed to supervise.

After they agreed, Han Xinglan showed signs of fatigue; the couple hurried to wash, change, and rest.

These days Han Xinglan was truly exhausted, falling asleep as soon as his head touched a pillow. Rong Luoge watched his sleeping face and gently brushed his features with her hand.

Han Xinglan felt a tickle, grabbed her hand, but he didn't wake up.

Rong Luoge closed her eyes and fell asleep with him. The next morning, after waking, she found Han Xinglan had already left. She got up, changed, washed, and first went to see her son. Kang Kang had been awake for a while, arranging blocks on the warm couch; because he was small, the structure collapsed when he placed them poorly.

He didn't get impatient; he would pick them up one by one and start over.

For such a young child to have that patience, Rong Luoge thought it must be thanks to Han Xinglan's good genes; after all, his father was like that.

Without disturbing the child, Rong Luoge returned to have breakfast, then learned that Consort Kang Shufei had gone home to visit relatives, leaving quietly in a carriage without fanfare.

Rong Luoge was both amused and exasperated; Consort Kang Shufei was truly understanding.

She hadn't intended for her to be so low‑key; being a bit more high‑profile wouldn't matter either. At this critical moment, a higher profile might not be a bad thing, but Consort Kang Shufei was sincere, so that would be that.

After handling a few palace affairs, Rong Xin walked in, "Your Highness, the Lady of the Earl of Yong'an has delivered a note requesting an audience with you."

Chu Ke?

Hearing the name, Rong Luoge vaguely recalled that she hadn't seen Chu Ke or Rong Ling Shan for a long time due to her busyness, so she said, "Please, let them in."

Rong Xin went immediately and soon ushered the Lady of the Earl of Yong'an inside.

Chu Ke, upon seeing the Empress, stepped forward and bowed, "Your Majesty, I, your humble wife, pay my respects."

"Please rise, Madam, it's been a while; how is your health?" Rong Luoge asked with a smile.

Chu Ke thanked her, and after sitting, said, "Thanks to Your Majesty's blessings, I am in excellent health."

Rong Luoge observed Chu Ke's complexion, which was indeed fine, and teased with a smile, "You look radiant, Madam; is there some joyous news?"

Chu Ke laughed, "You can tell just by looking? I actually do have happy news to share with Your Majesty."

Rong Xin brought tea for the guests, then bowed and stepped back to guard the doorway.

"Then, Madam, tell us—what is it?" Rong Luoge truly could not imagine any good news, yet she felt a hint of anticipation.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that Prince Qi intends to dismiss Rong's secondary consort."

Hm?

Rong Luoge was startled, "Prince Qi wants to dismiss Rong Dai? What's happening? Weren't they as steadfast as gold? Why dismiss her?"

How could that be possible?