After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Throughout history, how many have sought to ascend to that supreme position, becoming emperor, apart from a select few who did it for the common people or to fulfill their ambitions, the vast majority pursued it to control their own destiny, for power and wealth.

But is being an emperor truly so easy?

At least since Zhao Hanzhang took control of the court, every day she has been utterly exhausted. Although she felt glad to see the realm becoming more stable under her governance, it indeed was very tiring.

She acknowledges her capabilities as not being lacking, yet she feels worn out; how much more so for the Little Emperor?

Zhao Hanzhang never stopped the Little Emperor from participating in politics, nor prevented Xun Fan and others from explaining court affairs to him. She would even actively invite the emperor to partake in political matters, to ask for his decisions, to seek his opinions, and to have him join her in hardship.

A ten-year-old child, besides having to study and memorize lessons daily, also needs to think with Zhao Hanzhang about the empty treasury, what to do about disaster relief funds;

No money in the treasury, what to do about his brother’s funeral?

No money in the treasury, what about the officials’ salaries?

No money in the treasury, let alone meat, even pickled vegetables are running short; what about changing from white rice to barley rice?

And, the King Langya in Jiangdong refuses to pay taxes to the court, what to do?

King Langya in Jiangdong doesn’t heed the imperial edict, doesn’t come to Chen County to pay respects to the emperor, what to do?

The Little Emperor feels he bears a great burden at such a young age.

Being emperor... is so exhausting!

Zhao Hanzhang especially explained to him, "The world is like a vast ocean, the people are like water, the court is like a boat, and the emperor is its helmsman. The people uplift the boat, providing food and support for the emperor and the court officials. In return, the emperor must lead the officials in repaying the people; otherwise, the boat could capsize in an instant."

The Little Emperor agreed, and the weight on his small shoulders became even heavier.

He suffered from severe sleep deprivation, which led to extreme aversion to court matters, showing irritation and dislike even when Xun Fan merely brought up the topic.

Of course, he only dared to show his displeasure to Xun Fan and others; when called by Zhao Hanzhang to listen to court affairs, his expression was always that of obedience, not daring to show anything else.

The loyal ministers, including Xun Fan, felt a chill in their hearts, and worked even harder to explain the texts on being an emperor, hoping to teach him how to be a good ruler.

Each time Zhao Hanzhang expressed full support, even personally teaching the Little Emperor, always ensuring Xun Fan and others were present.

What she taught was the way of being a ruler, with utmost sincerity.

She was so sincere that Xun Fan and the others completely changed their view of her, "She is neither like Lord Cao who monopolizes the court, nor like the Grand Ancestor Emperor who was domineering, showing ambition."

He softly spoke to his brother, Xun Zu, "I had always worried Zhao Hanzhang would be like Prince East Sea, Xun Xiu, holding thoughts of taking over, but these past couple of months, not only does she not stop the emperor from participating in politics, she actively encourages him to communicate with court officials. From what I have seen during her teaching, she genuinely educates the emperor, proving she is loyal. Previously, it was my mistake."

Xun Zu responded, "This is good news; as long as her intentions remain unchanged, the realm will be stable within ten years, and ten years after..."

He paused, sighed, and said, "We can only hope the emperor shows some promise."

As long as Zhao Hanzhang maintains this intention, ten years later, the emperor will be of age to govern himself.

If he becomes a wise ruler, the chaos in the realm can be entirely quelled, but if he...

Xun Zu began to worry.

Xun Fan also worried, because based on the Little Emperor’s current disposition, it would be hard for him to become a wise ruler.

Zhao Hanzhang provided the Little Emperor with a very relaxed growth environment, this relaxation meant not letting him feel danger, instead, she assured all around that she would not harm the Little Emperor, that he is very safe;

Yet she also added a lot of pressure in terms of study and work.

She confessed to having ill intentions.

In modern society, adults might be crushed by work, students by study, but now the ten-year-old Little Emperor is not only pressured by study but also by work weighing on his shoulders.

Even if ancient children matured early, none were mature enough at such a young age to bear all this.

The Little Emperor is neither of a firm mind nor particularly clever; under such pressure, he wouldn’t become a good emperor, nor would he wish to be.

Who said the only ways to ruin an emperor were to excessively praise and prevent governance?

High expectations and rigorous teaching can achieve the same outcome.

Unfortunately, the Jin Ministers don’t see this.

Even Ji Yuan and Ming Yu began to worry, fearing Zhao Hanzhang might truly decide to act as a loyal minister, thus always subtly hinting to her, advising against excessive contact between the Little Emperor and court officials.

Only Zhao Ming remained steadfast in his belief that Zhao Hanzhang had hidden intentions.

He merely hadn’t figured out her reasons yet.

This insistence led Zhao Song to be quite dissatisfied, displeased saying, "Whether in office or as a person, when evaluating someone’s merit, one should judge by actions, not by intentions."

"Previously, you said Third Lady harbored ill intentions, and she indeed was too domineering, so I believed you, but since the Xiongnu Kingdom was extinguished, Northern Land has had no strong enemies, and she clearly teaches the emperor wholeheartedly, where is the hidden agenda?" In Zhao Song’s view, Zhao Hanzhang’s previous strong authority was to control the overall situation and win the war. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Zhao Song understood her and felt heartbroken, believing this child suffered undue injustice for the realm, feeling truly aggrieved.

Zhao Ming did not wish to quarrel with his father on such matters; this cannot be publicized, winning the argument would only lead to trouble, not benefits;

Losing... oh, how could he possibly lose?

Thus, Zhao Ming simply concluded, "Rest assured, father, I will not have differences with Third Lady over this matter. I guarantee that policies in Yu State will be clear."

Zhao Ming is now the Yu State Governor. This time Zhao Hanzhang leaves, bringing all the ministers along, without setting a small court in Yu State.

But Yu State remains her stronghold, the current policy still favors Yu State, and she doesn’t intend to move the profitable workshops.

Her appointment of Zhao Ming as Yu State Governor shows deep trust and reliance on him.

Zhao Song was annoyed with him changing the topic to fool him, but pulling the topic back made him seem to hold on to Zhao Hanzhang’s character, thus displeased saying, "If you and Third Lady are of one heart, why not help her more? I’ve heard she sold off assets to fund the late emperor’s burial."

Zhao Song began probing Zhao Ming’s private vaults, saying, "Recently during the calculation money assessment, you should know how much remains in the treasury, why not give her some."

"Others enjoy endless wealth as Great Generals, she empathizes with the realm; as subordinates, one should also show some empathy upwards."

Zhao Ming: ...

He turned to his son beside him, "What do you think?"

His son, Zhao Shen, recovering from an injury, listened intently and obediently replied, "I will follow Grandpa’s advice."

Zhao Song looked pleased and comforted, saying to Zhao Shen, "My grandson is indeed generous; these years have been tough on you, look how thin you’ve become. Once you’re healed, Grandpa will gift you fine clothes and a good horse. Or is there anything else you desire?"