Chapter 1969: An auspicious snow heralds a year of abundance, but how many must die for it?

Inside the Imperial Study, the floor heating was burning warmly, dispelling the chill of late autumn.

Xiao Yuan hurried in and said respectfully to Wu Zhao, "Your Majesty, news has come from the Duke of Dingguo's residence: Gao Yang... has led a group and already left Changancheng."

The vermilion brush in Wu Zhao's hand did not stop, her gaze remained on the memorial, and her voice held no ripples: "For what reason?"

"It should be to head to his own estate on the outskirts of the capital," Xiao Yuan said, weighing her words. "Firstly, to preside over the autumn harvest ceremony, and secondly, perhaps to avoid the turmoil within Changancheng."

The autumn harvest was a grand state ceremony; even though Wu Zhao was the Emperor of Da Qian, she still needed to personally lead the officials to worship heaven and earth, praying for a bountiful harvest and peace for the nation.

"What about Wan'er? Did she follow as well?"

Wu Zhao asked, seemingly casually.

Xiao Yuan's heart tightened slightly, and she nodded, "Your Majesty is wise. Besides Lady Shangguan, those accompanying them include the Second Princess of the Chu Kingdom and the Second Young Master of the Gao family, Gao Changwen."

As soon as these words were spoken.

The vermilion brush Wu Zhao was using to review the memorial hung in mid-air, and a drop of thick cinnabar slowly dripped down, blooming into a small, jarring patch of red on the bright yellow silk.

She remained silent, not looking up, yet her gaze seemed to pierce through the memorial and land somewhere in the void.

Wan'er had followed him after all, abandoning her illustrious family status, casting aside the power and position that were within her grasp, all for the sake of "love." She was willing to shed her fine robes to become an ordinary person—this purity and courage, this determination to disregard everything for love!

For some reason, a faint yet sharp envy, like an ice needle, quietly pierced Wu Zhao's heart. This was the freedom and willfulness that she, sitting high upon the nine-layered palace, clad in a black dragon robe, could never attain.

Her path was destined to be the cold dragon throne, the heavy burden of the nation, and the endless checks and balances of the imperial court.

She actually felt a bit envious of Shangguan Wan'er.

Wu Zhao slowly raised her head, looking toward the gray, oppressive sky outside the hall. She took a deep breath and then spoke.

"Issue an imperial decree."

"Order the Embroidered Uniform Guard to select capable men to follow from a distance. As long as he does not step outside the borders of Da Qian and does not involve himself in treason, there is no need to approach, and certainly no need to interfere!"

She paused, then said with an absolute tone: "I do not permit him to leave Da Qian, but I also do not permit anything to happen to him!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yuan understood.

This decree, which appeared to be surveillance, was actually a form of protection within the reach of imperial power.

In the end, the Emperor could not let go of Prime Minister Gao.

Xiao Yuan hurried off to give the orders.

Soon, she returned, "Your Majesty, everything has been arranged."

Wu Zhao nodded slightly and rose, walking to the large carved window lattice.

The cold wind drilled in through the gaps, carrying a bone-chilling dampness. She reached out her hand, and a withered yellow leaf swirled and happened to land in her cool palm.

"This year's autumn has come exceptionally early and is exceptionally cold." Wu Zhao held the withered leaf and whispered to herself, "It is much colder than in previous years."

Her gaze seemed to pierce through the palace walls in an instant, seeing the common people across the vast territory of Da Qian shivering in the cold.

"Everyone says an auspicious snow heralds a year of abundance, but if this snow is too sudden, too thick, and too cold, then how many will freeze to death in the wind and snow?"

Wu Zhao's face was full of worry, her tone low.

A heavy sense of responsibility, belonging to the ruler of Da Qian, tightly enveloped her like the chill of late autumn.

She suddenly clenched the withered leaf in her hand.

No! She must not indulge in private feelings anymore. Love, for her, was ultimately a reflection of flowers in a mirror and the moon in the water—a luxury that was poison.

She had her own responsibilities!

Wu Zhao took a deep breath and turned abruptly. Her gaze swept across the corners of the hall, where high-quality silver charcoal burned as warm as spring, and her voice rang out suddenly.

"Transmit my decree: From this day forth, the charcoal allowance for all halls in the palace is to be reduced by thirty percent! For my own sleeping quarters, reduce it by fifty percent! All extravagant expenses are to be cut wherever possible!"

"The Imperial Household Department is to draft a plan immediately; from the top of the palace to the bottom, practice strict frugality!"

Xiao Yuan was startled and hurriedly advised: "Your Majesty, the bitter winter is approaching, the Dragon Body is paramount..."

Wu Zhao raised her hand to interrupt her, her gaze fixed on the firmament, her voice resolute: "I reside in the deep palace, with thick quilts and high walls, yet I still feel the chill. What of the people of Da Qian, who lack clothes to cover their bodies and houses to shield them from the wind?"

Her tone was beyond questioning: "The money saved from the charcoal is to be coordinated by the Ministry of Revenue. Before winter sets in, ensure more affordable firewood and charcoal are purchased and sold at fixed, fair prices at key points in every county and district. If we can save even one more person... then so be it."

Wu Zhao looked again at the gray, heavy sky outside the window, her phoenix eyes filled with unfathomable worry.

This winter, the people will have a hard time!

She thought to herself, "This is my fault!"

"..." ===== CHAPTER 1971 =====