Putting other things aside, just considering Empress Dowager He’s private treasury—

Wow, piles and piles of gold and silver jewelry;

Antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and precious herbs, filling box after box;

And some noble families destroyed in the chaos of war, or large families rescued by the "Righteous Army," their collections, ancient books, nearly all ended up in Empress Dowager He’s hands.

Rows of bamboo slips, rolls of embroidered books, many solitary and rare editions said to have been burned in the flames of war are actually treasured by Empress Dowager He.

When Wang Liulang agreed to Empress Dowager He’s invitation, as a renowned scholar to take the role of Director of Bowen Academy, there was an amusing story circulating—

The Pre-Qin Treasure that Wang Liulang yearned for most, he had traveled far and wide for years but never found it.

Empress Dowager He ordered a box of bamboo slips sent to Wang Liulang’s study, and after he read them, he immediately accepted Empress Dowager He’s appointment!

He wasn’t just after the Pre-Qin Treasure, but wanted to see even more ancient books in Empress Dowager He’s possession.

And those noble sons, flocking to Bowen Academy to compete for positions, were attracted not only by the official "post" that Bowen Academy offered, but also for those books!

Even the noble families were so covetous, proving the richness of Empress Dowager He’s collection and the high value of those ancient books.

Therefore, discovering a Salt Making New Method among so many ancient books, Emperor Yongcheng felt it wasn’t strange at all!

Zheng Nianer:...Dear, the ancient books were just a casual excuse I made up.

On Empress Dowager He’s side, there’s indeed something rather unusual.

"Host, you don’t need to worry too much!"

The Palace Fighting System sensed Zheng Nianer’s dilemma and concern, and proactively emerged without issuing a task.

It spoke in a standard mechanical tone, word by word, saying, "Don’t underestimate the wisdom of the ancients, the salt drying method itself was derived from the ancients’ accumulated work experience."

"Perhaps, even before historical records, such a salt drying method existed among the populace. However, the ancients valued secret recipes, adept at ’treasuring what’s theirs.’"

And in this era of frequent warfare, some new technologies might not even spread before they’re "lost" in the flames of war.

Perhaps they were merely recorded in someone’s handwritten notes or logs, which may have been privately stored or burned in the war.

"Oh? That seems to make sense!"

Zheng Nianer carefully savored the words of the Palace Fighting System, suddenly feeling that this rogue system wasn’t just being unreasonable, but was quite adept at analyzing things.

Palace Fighting System:...This system can hear your inner voice, surely you know that, right?!

So, are you purposely insulting this system?

"No, I didn’t mean to insult you, really, I think you’re quite impressive!"

Zheng Nianer sensed the "discontent" of the Palace Fighting System, hurriedly trying to placate it, explaining kindly and soothingly.

Sob, she really didn’t want to irritate the Palace Fighting System and then be given a difficult task to discipline herself.

"No way! I can’t give in! I absolutely won’t become her puppet, forever under her control!"

While Zheng Nianer was inwardly arguing with the Palace Fighting System, Emperor Yongcheng suddenly thought of something, his youthful face showing a decisive expression!

Zheng Nianer felt a sinking feeling inside, she genuinely worried that Emperor Yongcheng, in distress, would act recklessly again!

The matter of salt reform was not yet over, he better not stir up any more trouble.

"Erlang, perhaps you’ve misunderstood Empress Dowager—"

Zheng Nianer’s words were not entirely to comfort Emperor Yongcheng, but truly believing that Empress Dowager He was not as calculating and cold as Emperor Yongcheng imagined!

But Emperor Yongcheng’s prejudice against his mother was too deep, not something that could be resolved with a few words.

"Nianer, I know you’re kind-hearted, soft-hearted, but there’s never been any misunderstanding between me and my mother!"

Although Emperor Yongcheng felt somewhat dissatisfied that his beloved was speaking favorably of Empress Dowager He, he nonetheless sensed her concern and good-heartedness.

Sigh, his dear Nianer, so kind, so beautiful.

In her world, there simply aren’t so many schemes, sinister elements.

How could she know what kind of planning and ruthlessness a strong-willed mother might resort to for power.

Zheng Nianer:...Dear, you’ve gone too far, demonizing your own mother like this, doesn’t your conscience hurt?!

Of course Emperor Yongcheng’s conscience wouldn’t hurt; when facing his mother, Empress Dowager He, he seemed devoid of any "conscience."

"Look at her actions these days, she clearly is unwilling to relinquish power!"

"With the Female Assistant, female Minister, establishing Bowen Academy, now even wanting to meddle with salt policy..."