On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Imperial Capital, east of the city, Shangguan Mansion.

The vermilion lacquered gate was tightly closed, and two stone lions sat in front of it, their bodies covered with a thin layer of snow, making them look even more majestic and solemn.

Hanging above the door lintel is a plaque inscribed with the imperial calligraphy of Wenyuan Ge Lao. Although he has stepped down as Prime Minister for many years, this mansion still exudes the weight and elegance of a century-old family.

Today, Lin Zhen came with a small entourage, wearing a dark dragon-patterned uniform and a thin cloak of the same color, and only brought two personal guards with him as he walked on the snow.

The concierge had already informed them. The gates opened, and Shangguan Fu, the head steward of the Shangguan Mansion, an elderly man with white hair and beard and a gaunt face, bowed to greet them. "Your Highness, I greet you. The master has been waiting at Songtao Pavilion for a long time."

"No need to be so polite." Lin Zhen nodded in a calm voice.

"Your Highness, please follow me." Shangguan Fu stepped aside to lead the way.

After passing through several courtyards, the snow was cleared away, revealing the bluestone pavement.

The courtyard is deep, with towering ancient trees and verdant pines and cypresses. The branches are covered with snow, making them look even more majestic.

The air was filled with the faint scent of pine resin and ink, isolating it from the hustle and bustle outside the mansion.

Walking to the backyard, a pavilion built by the water comes into view.

The three characters "Song Tao Xuan" are inscribed on the plaque with vigorous and powerful strokes and a rugged style.

Inside the pavilion, the charcoal fire was burning brightly, dispelling the chill of deep winter.

Behind the rosewood desk, an old man dressed in a dark purple brocade robe with dark cloud patterns sat upright.

His hair and beard were all white, his face was gaunt, and his brows showed the majesty of having been in a high position for a long time and the calmness of having seen many vicissitudes of life. He was none other than the former Prime Minister and Lin Zhen's father-in-law - Shangguan Moxuan.

He was holding a yellowed ancient book in his hand. When he saw Lin Zhen come in, he slowly put down the book with a calm look.

"Father-in-law." Lin Zhen bowed.

"Your Highness, there is no need to be so polite. Please sit down." Shangguan Moxuan said in a steady voice, pointing to the rosewood armchair opposite the desk.

Lin Zhen sat down as instructed. Shangguan Fu served him hot tea, then bowed and withdrew, quietly closing the door. Only the father-in-law and his son-in-law remained inside, the charcoal brazier occasionally crackling.

"The roads are slippery due to the snow. Your Highness has come in person, and I am sorry for not welcoming you in person." Shangguan Moxuan picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"Father-in-law, your words are profound," Lin Zhen said. "The snowstorm in the northern border has just subsided, and court affairs have slowed down a bit. I've come to visit you and listen to your teachings."

"Your Highness is now in a high position, in charge of the key government affairs. Why do you need my guidance?" Shangguan Moxuan's eyes were deep. "Your Highness has been the mastermind of the affairs of the northern border. He has broken the ice with his wisdom and wisdom, saving the people from danger and deterring foreign invaders from the country. His contributions have been great for the country, and this old man is very pleased."

"Father-in-law, you are too kind." Lin Zhen said calmly, "This is the result of the officers and soldiers obeying orders, the officials working together, and the power of studying things. It is not the work of one person."

Shangguan Moxuan put down his teacup and gazed at the snow-covered pine branches outside the pavilion. "Iron dragons break ice, and electric waves reach the gods. Such might is unheard of. Your Highness has set a precedent, and your contribution is immense."

"Yes," he said, changing the subject and looking at Lin Zhen, "I have heard that in the Purple Palace, veteran officials like Zhou Zheng and Wang Jian have expressed dissatisfaction with the new policies. Adding the "Gewu" (Investigation of Things) subject and establishing more "Gewu" (Investigation of Things) schools will undermine the foundation of the imperial examination system and may lead to criticism from the literati and unrest among the people."

"What do you think, father-in-law?" Lin Zhen asked back.

Shangguan Moxuan was silent for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the paperweight on the desk. "The power of the study of things, its might and ability, I have witnessed firsthand, and there is no doubt about it. However, the way to govern a country lies first and foremost in the hearts of the people. Confucianism, for millennia, is the foundation of a nation and the basis of education. While the study of things can strengthen a nation, if it challenges the orthodoxy and undermines its foundations, the consequences may outweigh the benefits."

"I understand my father-in-law's worries." Lin Zhen said in a low voice.

"However, my father-in-law, you must know that during the snowstorm in the northern border, if it weren't for the iron dragons that traveled hundreds of miles a day to break the ice and transport food, how many civilians would have been mobilized, how much time would have been wasted, and how many casualties would have been inflicted. Without the telegraph to instantly communicate military intelligence, the Rouran cavalry would have taken advantage of the situation and invaded, causing countless lives and losses. This is all due to the power of studying things, practicing the benevolence of the holy way, and protecting the people. To hinder studying things is to hinder benevolent governance and righteousness."

"As for the imperial examinations," Lin Zhen continued, "the addition of the Gewu subject wasn't intended to replace Confucianism, but rather to complement it. Confucianism cultivates the body, manages the family, and governs the nation, while Gewu seeks knowledge and strengthens the state. Without a strong state, how can we protect the orthodoxy? Without prosperity, how can we promote rituals and music? They complement each other and can run parallel without conflict."

Shangguan Moxuan listened quietly, his deep eyes unmoved. "Your Highness, there's some truth in what you say. However, the literati and the aristocratic families are deeply intertwined. The implementation of the new policy will affect their interests and face numerous obstacles. Zhou Zheng and Wang Jian are just the tip of the iceberg. Your Highness, you must know that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it."

"I'll keep my father-in-law's teachings in mind," Lin Zhen nodded. "However, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. The snowstorm in the northern border, the Rouran's intrusion, and the undercurrents in the imperial capital are all urgent matters. To study the nature of things and revitalize the nation is the general trend. I am willing to be the first in the world to overcome all obstacles."

"Your Highness is incredibly courageous." Shangguan Moxuan's gaze narrowed slightly. "However, excessive rigidity can easily lead to failure. I have something to say, Your Highness, and I hope you will listen carefully."

"Father-in-law, please speak."

"The new policy should be implemented slowly." Shangguan Moxuan said in a low voice.

"The study of things can first be implemented in practical offices such as the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, and the Post and Telegraph Bureau to demonstrate their capabilities and reassure people. If the imperial examination system were to include a new subject, the Imperial College and the Institute of Gewu could be established as a pilot program. Once results are evident and a large number of talented individuals emerge, it could then be gradually expanded. The widespread establishment of schools for the study of things requires even greater caution. It could begin in prefectures and important cities, selecting talented individuals and teaching them, to avoid a mixed bag of talent that could cause problems. This is the prudent way of governing a country."

"My father-in-law is mature and thoughtful," Lin Zhen said. "However, time is of the essence. The construction of the railway and telegraph lines in the northern border area requires a large number of people who are well versed in the study of things. If we proceed step by step, it may be too slow to meet the urgent needs."

"Your Highness can take a two-pronged approach," Shangguan Moxuan said. "On the one hand, we can set up crash courses at the Imperial College and the Institute of Gewu, specializing in practical subjects like railroads, telegraphs, and mechanics. We can select talented young men from the military, the Ministry of Works, and the government for short-term training to meet urgent needs. On the other hand, we can establish strict regulations for the Gewu section of the imperial examinations, selecting those who truly understand the principles of Gewu and are committed to practical learning. This is a long-term strategy. This way, we can both address the immediate needs and lay a solid foundation for the long term."

Lin Zhen's eyes moved slightly: "Father-in-law, this is a very good plan."

"As for the aristocratic families..." Shangguan Moxuan picked up the teacup and took a sip. "Your Highness can show them the benefits."

"Oh?" Lin Zhen raised his eyebrows.

"The study of things will revitalize the country, and it is not just the court that benefits." Shangguan Moxuan said,

"Track laying requires vast quantities of iron, wood, and stone. Telegraph construction requires copper wire, rubber, and magnets. Steam locomotives, textile machinery, and mining equipment all require vast quantities of raw materials and craftsmen. The business opportunities here are worth billions. Your Highness, why don't you open up some of the monopolies and allow the noble families to invest and share in the profits? Where there is profit, people will flock. Perhaps resistance can be transformed into support."

Lin Zhen was silent for a moment, and a gleam of light flashed in his deep eyes: "Father-in-law knows people's hearts very well."

"I am only a few years older than you, and I know a little about the world." Shangguan Moxuan put down his teacup. "Your Highness is a man of great talent and vision, and keen on innovation. I am pleased. However, as a ruler, one must combine firmness and flexibility, and use both kindness and authority. This is the way to last. I hope Wan'er is well in the mansion."

"Wan'er is good at managing the household, and everything in the mansion is in order." Lin Zhen said.

"Wan'er has been taught by me since she was young. She is well-educated and well-mannered, but she is too cautious." Shangguan Moxuan looked at her with a far-reaching gaze. "Your Highness, please bear with me."

"Wan'er is virtuous and kind, and it is Zhen's fortune." Lin Zhen said.

"That's good." Shangguan Moxuan nodded slightly. "It's getting late, and the snowy road is difficult to travel. Your Highness, please return."

"Father-in-law, take care of yourself." Lin Zhen stood up and bowed.

"Your Highness, please take care of yourself." Shangguan Moxuan watched Lin Zhen leave. The vigorous cedar trees outside the pavilion were reflected in his deep eyes. He remained silent for a long time.

Lin Zhen walked out of "Songtaoxuan" and the cold wind blew up snow foam, hitting his face.

Shangguan Fu had already been waiting in the corridor.

"Your Highness, the master has instructed us to prepare some newly made plum blossom cakes and cloud mist tea. Please bring them back to the palace and let the princess taste them." Shangguan Fu bowed, and the servant behind him held an exquisite food box.

"Thank you." Lin Zhen nodded.

He walked through the snow, exiting the Shangguan residence. The heavy vermilion lacquer door slowly closed behind him, isolating the noble and tranquil interior. The hustle and bustle and chill of the imperial capital once again filled him.

Inside the carriage, Lin Zhen closed his eyes and rested. Shangguan Moxuan's words, like a stone dropped into a deep pond, sent ripples through his heart.

This former Prime Minister of the Qin State, who had experienced three dynasties and the ups and downs of officialdom, was far away from the center of power, but his vision, far-sightedness, and insight into the court and people's hearts were far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

He did not directly oppose the new policy, but instead took a step back to advance and proposed a safer and more practical path.

It not only affirmed the value of the power of studying things, but also took into account the interests of the literati and the aristocratic families, and laid a buffer zone for the implementation of the new policy.

Lin Zhen's lips curled up in a cold arc.

This is indeed a brilliant move. It turns resistance into strength, binds people with interests, and divides and disintegrates them.

Those entrenched aristocratic families might bow to the enormous commercial interests. This is a more prudent approach than simply forcing things through force.

Lin Zhen remembered Shangguan Moxuan’s last words.

This father-in-law seems to be chatting casually, but in fact his words are very meaningful.

Wan'er is prudent and needs to bear more. This is both an advice from the elders and an implicit reminder.

The road to the new policy is full of thorns. Lin Zhen can forge ahead with determination, but the backyard of the Zhenbei Palace needs Wan'er's prudent and cautious defense to ensure its stability.

The carriage made a squeaking sound as it rolled over the snow.

The dusk in the imperial capital is deep, and the lights in thousands of houses are gradually lighting up.

Lin Zhen opened his eyes, and the flowing lights outside the window were reflected in his deep pupils, as quiet as the abyss.