The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

As Chu Ze stated, Xia Houzhe couldn’t hold on. Aside from that menacing screen on the side, Emperor Chu devised a new form of punishment from somewhere, depriving him of sleep. After enduring this torture for several days, he broke down, confessing everything in relief, just to get some rest.

Emperor Chu then had him moved out of the Heavenly Prison again, but this time to a secret mansion, confined and guarded until the Emperor decided his fate.

And from the information learned from Xia Houzhe, Emperor Chu immediately sent word via carrier pigeon to Huai’an Hong Lake to retrieve all treasures hidden by Crown Prince Xia.

”Not sure if it can be done in time.” Emperor Chu felt delighted, though the so-called treasure may or may not matter to him; yet, who dislikes riches if they indeed exist?

Especially since silver is needed everywhere now; training the navy and building the treasure ship is a money pit, no matter how much money is thrown at it, it’s never enough.

He kept thinking about having the Imperial treasure ship sail overseas to profit; if only he could attack and conquer a couple of small foreign countries, it would be a great triumph.

As an emperor, he certainly desires to expand his territory during his reign as much as possible, establishing himself as a legendary ruler.

So if the treasure truly returns to the capital, it would be an unexpected windfall.

He had already secretly planned to allocate money towards the treasure ship for the navy.

Song Zhiyuan, seeing his gleeful demeanor, couldn’t help but throw cold water on him: ”Even if it’s retrieved, I’m afraid it would be just a drop in the bucket. The Minister of War has submitted a memorial; it’s time to replace the soldiers’ armor and weapons, plus increase the military pay.”

Emperor Chu’s smile faded: ”Replacement year?”

”Yes.” Song Zhiyuan looked into the distance: ”The treaties signed by the late Emperor and the various ministries have mostly expired, and wars might break out anytime, as skirmishes are already occurring. This servant fears they won’t allow Great Qing to rest and build up forces.”

Emperor Chu snorted coldly: ”The barbarians are so untrustworthy.”

Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly; trust or distrust is based on power. When lacking strength, it’s crucial to honor trust; when possessing strength, sorry, it’s time for war!

This is the same everywhere.

Just like Emperor Chu himself, secretly contemplating attacking small countries overseas, only limited by the lack of strength.

Emperor Chu retorted, glaring at Song Zhiyuan: ”You’re the best at spoiling the mood.”

Song Zhiyuan bowed: ”This servant is guilty.”

Emperor Chu waved his hand, eagerly inquiring: ”That method of torture by depriving sleep, how did Aunt come up with that idea? It’s actually effective.”

”It came from her conversations with Doctor Lin at home; they said experiments were conducted.”

Emperor Chu was curious: ”Why conduct such experiments out of the blue?”

Song Zhiyuan explained: ”Doctor Lin wanted to test the limits of a person’s endurance, claiming it was related to mental aspects; this servant doesn’t understand. It’s heard she’s even practicing dissection on rabbits, seemingly opening them up and then stitching them back.”

Emperor Chu clicked his tongue in wonder: ”Can it really be done? So this female doctor Lin is more willing to delve into medical techniques than the doctors in the Imperial Hospital.”

Song Zhiyuan lowered his eyes: ”If it proves viable in the future, it can be applied in the army camps. You know, on the battlefield, casualties are high. If the wounds can be stitched, it would reduce the casualties, a blessing for Great Qing.”

Emperor Chu’s eyes lit up, looking at him: ”This female doctor is indeed promising; fulfill her needs as much as possible. If Prime Minister’s Mansion lacks something, directly seek it from the Imperial Household Department or even the Imperial Hospital. Moreover, assign someone to protect her closely.”

Talent should be utilized, regardless of gender.

Song Zhiyuan bowed again: ”Your Majesty is wise.”

In the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Lin Qing sneezed twice, picked up the sewing needle, and resumed meticulously stitching the rabbit’s wound according to Song Ci’s usual advice.