Chapter Thirteen: The Princess Who Disregards the Code of Honor

In roughly the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, Li Qingyao had absorbed all the content on disaster relief optimization. She was struck dumb with shock and silence.

What an extraordinarily advanced method of disaster relief this was.

If implemented as described, the state would only need to aid sixty percent of the disaster victims.

Moreover, it could extract benefits from the local gentry and prominent families, saving the government at least half of its silver expenditures.

If more influential gentry families were mobilized, even greater savings could be realized.

According to the current treasury, there were 700,000 taels of silver allocated for disaster relief. She could save half of that—350,000 taels—to improve the military equipment of the northern border forces.

At this moment, Li Qingyao’s gaze toward Qin Hao changed completely.

What a remarkable talent he was.

She had truly found a genius capable of governing the realm.

Qin Hao felt uneasy under her gaze, wondering if his proposals were inadequate.

But what he never imagined was that the Great Capital Dynasty was strong in civil affairs but weak in military matters, skilled in political infighting, and its civil officials were filled with incompetents.

No dynasty, including the Great Capital or others, had ever conceived of replacing aid with work.

In all national construction efforts, the common people performed corvée labor freely.

After hesitating briefly, Qin Hao boldly spoke: “Your Highness, this humble servant is dull-witted and could only conceive of such a crude method.”

“If the assessment is unsatisfactory, I humbly request another chance.”

“This servant will study diligently to resolve your Highness’s concerns as swiftly as possible.”

The shock in Li Qingyao’s heart dissipated. She shot Qin Hao a sharp glance, feeling an urge to strike him.

Such a brilliant solution, and he still feigned modesty.

I think you’re doing it on purpose—pretending humility but actually proud.

Immediately, Li Qingyao responded coldly, “Hmm, the method is quite good.”

She carefully tucked away the document.

“Your Highness is too kind. To resolve your concerns is this servant’s utmost duty.”

Qin Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, he had managed to bluff his way through.

It seemed the Grand Princess’s evaluation was merely a formality.

Indeed, it was best to read more books. One never knew when knowledge might come in handy; otherwise, even a formality could not be passed.

Li Qingyao gave a short sound of assent and continued, “There is one more matter I must tell you.”

“Your two couplets were circulated ahead of time. The civil officials might believe I wrote them myself, so…”

This was something she admitted she hadn’t handled properly.

But those pedantic scholars were so insufferable that she couldn’t help but be provoked.

Thus, she had used the two couplets to strike back.

Without hesitation, Qin Hao said, “Your Highness, I never wrote those couplets. Why do you ask?”

“If Your Highness truly wishes, I have some writings I once composed as offerings for you.”

“Also, there is something I must say.”

“To serve in your Highness’s household is thanks to Steward Wu’s recommendation.”

“Before entering the mansion, this servant was ragged and homeless, yet Steward Wu did not judge by appearance and gave me the opportunity.”

“Only then could I devote my modest efforts to your Highness.”

Li Qingyao nodded, clearly pleased with Qin Hao’s tact.

Qin Hao felt assured that his position within the household was secure.

At this stage, he needed the Grand Princess’s protection.

He also needed her recommendation to participate in the imperial examinations the following spring.

If he had to climb from the provinces step by step, it would take over a decade; the shortcut granted by the Grand Princess was invaluable.

Thus, Qin Hao said, “Your Highness, I have heard that after reporting duties, one may reside in the household’s courtyards. I have no place to stay—may Your Highness kindly provide lodging?”

“No,” Li Qingyao replied coldly, cutting him off.

Qin Hao was stunned.

What was going on? How did she flip so suddenly?

Li Qingyao snorted lightly. “I am strict in rewards and punishments. You caused me to lose a wager; you must be punished. Tonight, stand at the gate all night. Tomorrow, I will ask Steward Wu to arrange accommodations for you.”

“Now, you may leave.”

Qin Hao was momentarily speechless, then displeased.

Even when ordered to leave, he grumbled, “What kind of princess is this? No honor or fairness.”

“I even pitied myself, said I was homeless, and gave you the couplets, yet still no lodging. The evils of feudal society.”

“What did you say?” Li Qingyao’s cold voice rang sharply behind him.

Qin Hao nearly slapped himself.

This habit of muttering to himself had developed during his solitary experiments at Harbin Institute of Technology in his previous life.

These were his honest thoughts and must not be uttered at such a moment.

He quickly changed his tone, forcing a smile: “This servant says, Your Highness is wise and mighty, a woman who does not yield to men.”

“Hmph, we’ll see,” Li Qingyao dismissed him again.

Only then did Qin Hao feel a weight lift and hurried away.

He could not wait for the vengeful Grand Princess to come back for more.

After Qin Hao left, Xiao Zhao said indignantly, “Your Highness, he plainly said you were unfair—why didn’t you get angry?”

Holding the papers outlining the three disaster relief optimization strategies heavily, Li Qingyao took a deep breath and said, “Because of this.”

“Xiao Zhao, from now on you must show more respect to Shen Hao. He truly is a great talent.”

“Talented people are often proud and eccentric; many act strangely. He is among the very best.”

“If he dislikes cumbersome formalities, then there is no need to demand too much.”

By the end, Li Qingyao’s concealed joy was unmistakable; her smile was freer than ever before.

She seemed almost unable to keep it to herself.

She spoke again: “Xiao Zhao, make the arrangements. I will speak with Father tonight and stay in the palace.”

Qin Hao returned feeling frustrated.

Steward Wu saw this and laughed, “Young Master Shen, I have orders from the Princess that you must stand at the gate all night. Our entire staff serves Her Highness, please don’t take it personally.”

“As for the lady you brought, I will arrange for her care tonight and have a physician tend to her wounds.”

Qin Hao sighed, “Old Wu is really good to me. Let’s keep in touch more often.”

Steward Wu chuckled, “Then let’s go, Brother Shen. I’ll take you to your punishment.”

The camaraderie between them grew deeper with these brotherly terms.

Following Steward Wu to the back gate, Qin Hao spoke up, “Old Wu, may I ask a favor?”

“Brother Shen, whatever you need within my means, I will not refuse,” Wu replied.

“Could you lend me some silver? I will repay as soon as I receive my monthly salary.”

“You can see my clothes were a gift from you,” Qin Hao said shamefully.

Wu took two taels of silver from his sleeve and handed them over.

He reassured Qin Hao not to worry about repayment; things would improve soon.

Qin Hao thanked him profusely.

After chatting casually for a moment, Wu returned inside, leaving Qin Hao alone to stand at the deserted back gate.

After about a quarter of an hour, seeing no one passing by, Qin Hao lifted his foot and left.

He was a grown man—he wasn’t going to stand guard just like that.

Besides, the back gate was so desolate no one would notice if he didn’t.

Inside the Princess’s mansion, Li Qingyao changed her clothes and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, she asked Steward Wu, “Where is Shen Hao standing guard?”

Wu quickly answered, “I placed Young Master Shen… at the secluded back gate where no one passes, so he will not lose face.”

This was on Li Qingyao’s orders.

Qin Hao was a great talent—rebellious, yes—but punishable, not humiliable.

“Good,” Li Qingyao was satisfied and prepared to visit the Emperor.

Suddenly, she asked, “You said no one passes by the back gate, right?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then let’s exit the mansion through the back gate today. Let’s see if Shen Hao is still there standing guard,” Li Qingyao said calmly.

Steward Wu was startled.

Why did Her Highness say that?

Could it be?

No, no way.

Brother Shen wouldn’t have run off on his own.

But… it was possible!

Given Brother Shen’s impulsive nature, he would dare to do what others wouldn’t.

Remembering that Brother Shen was supposed to be standing guard yet asked him for silver just now, Wu’s forehead broke out in a fine sweat.