The ministers hurriedly assured that they would not make such mistakes again.
Seeing that her intimidation had achieved its purpose, Pei Weiqi naturally wanted to offer them some sweeteners. She promised them promotions and salary increases as long as they did their jobs properly. With this combination of threats and rewards, the ministers were thoroughly won over to Pei Weiqi's side.
At this moment, Pei Weiqi's gaze flicked to the desk, and immediately a quick-witted minister seized the opportunity to say:
"Your Majesty, with so many memorials being submitted, what are those lower officials doing?"
"They can't even make decisions on trivial matters."
"This humble servant suggests that we present these matters during the morning court session."
Pei Weiqi readily agreed, feigning pleasure as she said, "Very well, then I shall observe your performance. Don't disappoint me."
Pei Weiqi had her own plans. This would be a perfect opportunity to see which of these newly loyal ministers were truly willing to work for her.
Not only did she know this, but the ministers also understood that as long as they spoke up for the Empress in court tomorrow, the entire court would know they had pledged allegiance to her.
At that time, they would undoubtedly become targets, with countless memorials aimed at slandering and discrediting them.
But they had no choice. If they didn't side with the Empress today, they wouldn't even make it out of the palace alive.
The Empress could use this evidence to execute them directly.
Since they had already pledged loyalty to the Empress, their only option was to take a gamble.
They were betting that the Empress would have the resolve to suppress the court and protect them.
By choosing to side with the Empress, if they managed to stabilize the court, they would be considered meritorious officials. The Empress would surely not mistreat them in the future.
-
Wen City.
The morning sets the tone for the day.
Mornings in Wen City were lively. Under the Elder Princess's vigorous economic development, it had become a prosperous area rivaling Jiangnan.
After having a bowl of plain noodles with her grandmother, Gu Sang continued eating her way through the city. Although ancient breakfasts weren't as varied as modern ones, they made up for it with generous portions and delicious flavors.
The streets and alleys were bustling with activity, vendors calling out everywhere. Grandmother looked at this item and that, but didn't buy anything.
She knew that ancient objects couldn't be taken back to modern times, so she could only look with her eyes, memorizing this moment to savor later.
"Sang Sang, look at how beautiful this fabric is. In the past, we used to buy fabric to make clothes. I think this fabric would be perfect for a qipao."
"Sang Sang, look at how exquisite this item is. If it were in modern times, it would be considered intangible cultural heritage."
"Sang Sang, doesn't this feel like we're browsing an antique street?"
Along the way, Grandmother was very happy, sharing everything interesting she saw with Gu Sang.
In contrast, Gu Sang seemed somewhat distracted, which Grandmother noticed.
At noon, the two ate spring rolls at a street stall.
Grandmother suddenly asked, "We can go back today?"
Gu Sang nodded, "Yes, we need to return by five o'clock at the latest."
Grandmother turned to look at the street, the happy smiles of children, the bustling Wen City, and the emerging modern-style taverns.
Grandmother proudly said:
"My granddaughter is so capable. Under your and the Elder Princess's management, Wen City already has traces of modernity."
"I've heard that Wen City now has military recruitment subsidies, family allowances, school subsidies, and concepts of freedom and equality are already being implemented."
"These changes are all because of you."
Gu Sang smiled faintly, "It's the result of many people's efforts, including Zhou Qichen, Counselor Fang, and others. Everyone is working hard to maintain it, which is why Wen City is what it is today."
Grandmother seemed to have made up her mind and suddenly said, "So, Sang Sang, you should stay here for now."
"The Elder Princess needs your help, and so does Wen City."
"The Elder Princess has just ascended to the throne, and the world is in chaos. She needs people by her side."
Gu Sang wasn't surprised by her grandmother's thoughts. Her grandmother was always considerate of others, open-minded, and reasonable.
Grandmother must have noticed her hesitation, which is why she took the initiative to let her stay.
The world was at its most dangerous at this time, and Grandmother had spent the whole night mentally preparing herself to part with Gu Sang again.
Gu Sang shook her head with a bitter smile and explained, "Grandmother, the system won't allow it. If we don't go back this time, we won't be able to return in the future."
Grandmother righteously said, "I'll talk to it. What kind of useless system is this, can't even help when needed."
"It's always hindering us. Where was this system with its restrictions when I was abducted?"
"Me being sent to ancient times must have been a major error of the system too."
"I don't believe it doesn't have any compensation to offer."
Gu Sang was about to explain to her grandmother how useless the system was when suddenly, she heard the system talking to her grandmother. Her jaw dropped in shock, nearly dislocating with surprise.
What did she just hear?!
Her grandmother could actually communicate with the system?
The people around them seemed unable to hear the system's voice or her grandmother's haggling.
To their eyes, Gu Sang and her grandmother were just lost in thought.
This state would occur every time she livestreamed. Gu Sang immediately understood, but it was still the first time someone other than herself could communicate with the system.
Gu Sang smiled as she watched her grandmother, her lips twitching slightly.
Well, arguing probably counted as communication too.
Clearly, the system was no match for Grandmother in this verbal battle.
In the confrontation with Grandmother, the system admitted defeat.
「Ding!」
「You can stay in ancient times for an additional half month!」
「Please note, after one month, the compensation package will expire, and the three self-defense items and backpack will be reclaimed!」
「Continuing to stay in ancient times will be dangerous, please confirm if you choose to stay!」
「Please choose carefully!」
Hearing the system's compromising voice, Gu Sang laughed in exasperation.
So the system could negotiate after all.
What's more ridiculous was that it wouldn't respond to polite requests, but would only yield after being scolded.
This system was asking for it.
"Send my grandmother back first, I'll stay for half a month."
Gu Sang had to send her grandmother back first.
Only by returning to modern times would Grandmother be safe.
"Sang Sang, be careful here."
"I'll be waiting for you at home."
Grandmother had seen enough, eaten enough, and played enough this morning.
After giving Gu Sang a word of caution, she prepared to return to modern times.
However, before leaving, Grandmother managed to fleece the system one last time.
Faced with such a grandmother, the system felt quite helpless and had to leave Gu Sang with a solar-powered high-intensity flashlight.
Gu Sang hadn't expected this pleasant surprise. Among the three self-defense items, only this flashlight hadn't found a use yet.
Now, leaving this flashlight was even better for Gu Sang.
"System, send Grandmother back!"
「Ding!」
「Sending Grandmother back to modern times!」
「Do you want to open the space-time channel?」
"Confirm opening!"
After Gu Sang said these words, Grandmother instantly vanished before her eyes.
Gu Sang then went to the temporary person in charge of Wen City, requesting the fastest horse that could take her to the capital to help the Elder Princess.
-
「Ding!」
「Sending Grandmother back to modern times!」
「Do you want to open the space-time channel?」
"Confirm opening!"
After Gu Sang said these words, Grandmother instantly vanished before her eyes.
