TFSRITA Chapter 72

Yan Qing exclaimed, “Wait a minute! I forgot something!”

Damn it, her mood had shifted so quickly; she had thought there would be another uproar or that she would have to suffer a bit, but nothing happened. She completely lost track of what she had just said or was thinking at that moment!

Ji Yecheng allowed Jiang Wende to clean the blood off his forehead carefully. The wound burned painfully, and after hearing her words, his temples throbbed as he muttered, “…You bastard!”

Yan Qing’s mind went blank for a moment, but she remembered what she had forgotten after a while.

Ji Yecheng maintained a cold expression as he waited for her to speak.

Yan Qing said, “Look at this, it’s such a waste! The primary issue is that we can’t afford waste. You need to issue an edict stating that memorials for greetings should only be sent along with other memorials, not as standalone documents. Those who enjoy sending greetings can write an 800-word memorial; that way, we won’t waste paper. Also…”

Once she remembered, Yan Qing began to enthusiastically express her ideas. She slammed her hand on the table and asked, “How about this method?”

It would also reduce the emperor’s time reviewing memorials, greatly increasing efficiency.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Ji Yecheng nodded, “Very good.”

Encouraged, Yan Qing continued, “Moreover, these memorials should be categorized. Come on, let me see the ones on your desk.”

Ji Yecheng hesitated; memorials that weren’t merely for greetings were not something she could freely examine. Besides, as a consort, she should automatically avoid raising suspicions.

He couldn’t understand her. When he glanced at her, he found her sitting there, waiting for his action, her demeanor oddly nonchalant.

Seeing him unresponsive, she frowned and said, “Hurry up! Otherwise, I’ll have someone else come!”

“…” Ji Yecheng’s brow furrowed slightly, but he obediently moved the memorials closer to her. Even when Jiang Wende offered to help, he didn’t let him, maintaining a stern expression as he handed over the memorials. He was about to ask her what she intended to do.

Then he saw the woman wave her delicate, fair hand and say, “Alright, you can sit back down now. First, draft the edict and take care of the requirements I just mentioned.”

Seeing her so eager, a glimmer of intrigue flickered in Ji Yecheng’s eyes, and he complied.

Throughout the scene, Jiang Wende was utterly shocked: “What the hell!”

The consort was now involved in governance!

This could lead to major trouble!

However, Jiang Wende’s face remained expressionless, fearing to reveal anything. Yet, despair flickered in his eyes; he felt his life might soon be in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, the parties involved—one focused on memorials, the other on observing her—seemed completely unfazed, as if nothing was amiss.

The room was quiet except for the sound of Yan Qing’s small hands continuously flipping through the memorials.

Eventually, it turned into Ji Yecheng assisted her, helping to open the documents next to her.

Yan Qing accepted this, having read through many of them. The memorials were organized into several stacks, totaling over a hundred documents. She said, “See? From now on, let’s do it this way: memorials should be categorized. Civil matters go here, political matters go there, and this…”

Having studied science in her previous life, Yan Qing wasn’t top-tier, but she was decent. Her methodical approach made it hard for her to tolerate the disarray of the memorials mixed. After sorting them out, she said, “In the future, let them sort them beforehand. It will make reviewing much easier.”

Ji Yecheng accepted her proposal easily but still pondered, “Implementing this could be challenging.”

“People are driven by profit and birds are driven by food; we just need to offer some incentives and punish those who don’t comply.” Yan Qing felt confident it could be implemented. Human potential is limitless, especially for something as simple as categorization—adults with basic literacy would understand.

She spoke casually, glancing at him afterward.

His forehead, treated with ointment, looked red and swollen, but his expression was much calmer now. It seemed the pain had subsided, and Yan Qing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Noticing her expression, Ji Yecheng felt a warmth in his heart. At least she wasn’t entirely heartless. With this thought, his tone softened a bit as he said, “Alright, I will do as you say.”

Yan Qing nodded in satisfaction but quickly added, “But if you do this, you must say my name! People need to know this idea came from me!”

“The consorts should not interfere in governance.” Ji Yecheng frowned, not wanting to take credit away from her but aware that if a consort were to interfere, the ministers would surely unite against her. That would only bring her trouble, especially since the rumors about Yan Qing being the seductive consort had not yet faded.

Yan Qing, however, didn’t care. Staring at him with determination, she insisted, “No! If it’s my idea, you have to say my name! If you can’t do that, why should I stay in the palace? A useless emperor like you!”

“Shut up!” Ji Yecheng snapped, his entire demeanor radiating coldness. His gaze at Yan Qing was particularly fierce. Who gave her the audacity to offend him like this?

Yet, Yan Qing wasn’t afraid. She coldly retorted, “I won’t shut up!”

Ji Yecheng’s face gradually darkened, his large hand resting on his knee twitched as he briefly entertained the thought of throttling this increasingly brazen woman before him.

But just as the thought crossed his mind, he felt a pang in his heart as images of that person, who had been on the verge of death, flashed through his mind. His anger stifled, caught in his chest, he realized he couldn’t bring himself to harm her. Yet, the thought of the backlash from the ministers once this information got out made his temples throb once again.

Meanwhile, Yan Qing steadfastly stared at him, as if she would not look away until he relented.

Ji Yecheng met her gaze; her large, watery eyes were wide open, brimming with defiance. Ultimately, he relented and said in a low voice, “Fine.”