As expected, after Owen Reed returned to the residence, he carried out a thorough purge, selling off all the servants who might be the emperor’s spies, and bringing in some new people with clean backgrounds.

Owen Reed and Adam Brooks, the two main characters, were naturally the ones Brian Clark paid the most attention to. There were twelve agents planted in the The Reed Family, seven of whom were cleared out this time, leaving five behind. Perhaps this was an opportunity for them to take root and grow into towering trees.

Brian Clark was quite satisfied with this outcome.

He walked back to the palace through the snowy weather, and by the time he returned, his shoes were already wet. When Samuel Grant helped Brian Clark remove his shoes and socks, he couldn’t help but mutter, “Your Majesty, please take care of your imperial health.”

Brian Clark glanced down at his boots and smiled, “They’re wet.”

Samuel Grant and the eunuchs and maids busied themselves, and only after making sure His Majesty was completely clean and warm did they all breathe a sigh of relief.

The emperor sat at the bedside as the eunuch took away the mugwort footbath. Outside, dusk had already fallen, but the lights in the bedchamber shone as bright as day.

“Consort Dowager Wan’s health is failing,” Brian Clark sighed softly. “The imperial physician told me she might not make it through the summer.”

Samuel Grant massaged His Majesty’s shoulders. “Your Majesty, Consort Dowager Wan wouldn’t want you to be sad.”

“I know,” said Brian Clark. “She worries about me.”

“That’s exactly it, Your Majesty. If Consort Dowager Wan sees you staying strong, she’ll be happy at heart.”

Brian Clark fell silent. Once his shoulders relaxed, he had Samuel Grant lead everyone out—he wanted to be alone for a while.

He was only just getting started, only just gaining control of the court.

There were still many things left undone in the world, many things that would take three, five, or even dozens of years to prove.

Consort Dowager Wan worried about him—worried he would resent his own body.

But in truth, for this extra life he’d gained out of nowhere, Brian Clark was grateful. All the more so because this life had let him see sights he’d never witnessed before.

Before going to sleep, Brian Clark thought of Owen Reed and Adam Brooks.

He had no intention of targeting these two protagonists. Without Owen Reed, there would be a Wang Yuan or a Li Yuan… The only reason for unrest is if the emperor himself does not do well enough.

His own life was limited, but whether it was Owen Reed or Adam Brooks, as the protagonists of the story, they would surely develop Daheng well. Perhaps they could inherit his will and continue what he wanted to do.

But Owen Reed was too unruly. To tame this mad dog, Brian Clark still needed to think of a way.

How could he make him obedient?

Beat him until he’s scared, make him know pain?

Author’s note:

[The gong throwing the wine bottle was a deliberate test; the specific reason will be explained later. The reason for the gong’s wildness will also be revealed later. Don’t worry, everyone—explaining everything at once would be too abrupt.]

Make him fear for the little emperor’s poor health, make him hurt because of the little emperor.

Brian Clark: Very good, you’ve successfully aroused my desire to conquer :)

Fifty red envelopes will be given out to commenters on this chapter, bosses, let’s get hyped!

Chapter 9

Three days later, the examiners appointed by His Majesty received the decree and, with their luggage, were escorted by the imperial guards into the examination hall. Upon hearing the news that the examiners were being locked in, the scholars who had come to the capital for the exams seemed to sense the urgency of the times, and the crowds in the restaurants and teahouses immediately thinned out.

That day, after court, Brian Clark summoned the Minister of Works, the Minister of Revenue, and the Assistant Director of the Ministry of Rites, Jason Brooks, to a side hall of the Xuanzheng Hall for a discussion.

He handed them the essay on Yellow River flood control that he had recited to Adam Brooks the other day, letting the three of them read it at their leisure while he sipped his tea.

The Minister of Revenue finished reading first. He hesitated and said, “Your Majesty, I have never seen such an ingenious method for flood control. If implemented, it might truly have miraculous effects… but the state treasury…”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works and the Assistant Director of the Ministry of Rites were completely absorbed in the essay, their expressions grave yet faintly excited.

“Your Majesty!” The Minister of Works could not hide his delight. “Who came up with this method? This person is a true talent—I would like to meet him!”

Brian Clark smiled and said, “Well, you won’t be able to.”

This method of flood control was not invented by one person, but by countless future generations, developed through endless flood seasons and disasters.

It was the most reliable method in the context of ancient times.

The Minister of Works looked regretful and murmured, “What a pity, what a pity.”

At this moment, Mr. Brooks had just finished reading the essay. He read as he pondered, his expression sometimes grave, sometimes smiling. After finishing, he couldn’t help but say, “Your Majesty, this method is feasible!”

Brian Clark smiled and asked, “Mr. Brooks, you also think it’s feasible?”

Mr. Brooks was always cautious, but this time he boldly nodded. “If everything is carried out as described, I believe it can work.”

The Minister of Revenue grew anxious. “Your Majesty! Spring planting is about to begin, the metropolitan exam will also require funds, and the examination hall is being renovated. The site for Your Majesty’s mausoleum has already been chosen, and construction will begin this year. And that’s not all—maintaining the army costs a great deal every day and cannot be stopped. If we are to repair the river, the treasury simply cannot cover it all!”