Chapter 23: The Test

“Oh? Let’s hear it.”
The Empress spoke at last.
Almost all the ministers in court were united in their opposition to appointing Long Chen as Minister of Works. Though the Empress herself approved, she could not voice her support so openly.
Baili Bing, Minister of Personnel, was responsible for appointing officials; even among other ministers, she held the authority to draft nominations and recommend candidates.
Turning to Princess Bai Qiulian and the others, Baili Bing said, “Her Highness recommends Chief Steward Long because he rendered meritorious service in Linjiang City, and invented a miraculous powder that enabled the rapid reconstruction of the city.”
“The objections of the other ministers stem from the fact that Chief Steward Long is a eunuch; they fear he will bring shame upon the realm.”
“In my view, why don’t we allow Chief Steward Long to serve as acting Minister of Works for a time? If he proves capable, let him remain; if not, we relieve him of the post. What do you think?”
The Empress nodded. “Minister Baili speaks well. I agree.”
Jing Heng, Minister of Revenue, stepped forward. “Minister Baili says he may be removed if found unfit. But how do we determine his competence?”
The other ministers nodded in agreement. “Indeed, by what measure shall we judge whether Long Cheng’en is fit or unfit?”
The Empress looked to Baili Bing.
“That is easily settled. At present, there are two major problems requiring the attention of the Ministry of Works. The first is the firewood crisis in Daughter City—a problem well known to you all.”
“We have over a million people in Daughter City. The daily need for firewood is immense, yet the surrounding forests have been stripped bare. Wood must be brought in from other regions, and even you, esteemed ministers, often cannot secure enough for your own households.”
“If Chief Steward Long can solve this grave problem, that will be the first hurdle passed.”
“The second is the defense of the northern frontier. Several walled cities there are decrepit and badly in need of reconstruction.”
“Her Highness claims Chief Steward Long invented a miraculous powder to swiftly rebuild the devastated Linjiang City. Rebuilding the northern cities should likewise be within his grasp.”
“These are the two greatest challenges facing the Ministry of Works and our dynasty. If Chief Steward Long can solve them, it will prove he is worthy to serve as Minister.”
“In the Eastern Zhou, we appoint by merit alone. If Chief Steward Long is competent, even as a eunuch, we need not fear the world’s censure.”
When Baili Bing finished, the ministers were mostly in agreement.
For they believed Long Chen could not possibly resolve these two problems—especially the firewood crisis.
Di Luoxi, knowing how intractable the matter was, objected: “Mother, the firewood shortage has persisted for decades. How could Long Cheng’en possibly solve it? Isn’t this just making things difficult for him?”
The shortage had existed since before Di Luoxi was born; Daughter City had long lacked firewood, and charcoal was even scarcer.
Di Luoxi adored her baths, but even in the western palace, firewood was rationed, and she could not indulge herself endlessly.
Good charcoal had to be transported from Southern Liang, which had even used this as leverage to threaten Eastern Zhou.
The difficulty of resolving this matter was evident.
“Luoxi, that little eunuch is quite capable. I’m sure he’ll find a way,” Jing Heng, the portly man, replied with a sly smile.
Long Chen stepped forward and bowed. “I am willing to accept this challenge, but I hope the esteemed ministers will not go back on their word.”
Bai Qiulian, Minister of War, mocked him: “Chief Steward Long, what spirit! Let us hope you can work another miracle this time.”

They all knew Long Chen had bested Yu Shinan in literary contest, but solving the firewood crisis was another matter entirely.
“Thank you, Minister Bai.”
Long Chen smiled.
“Well then, our army has returned triumphant. Today, let us feast here in the Grand Bright Palace and welcome our heroes,” declared the Empress.
The imperial kitchens had prepared wine and dishes, and a grand banquet was laid in the palace to celebrate the victory.
Long Chen sat behind Di Luoxi during the feast, and afterwards retired to the western palace.
Di Luoxi made her way alone to the Empress’s Phoenix Song Palace.
“Your daughter pays her respects, Mother.”
“Be at ease. You have worked hard this time. I heard Shangguan Wei set an ambush, and you fought with great difficulty.”
Aside from Di Luoxi’s battle reports, the Empress had her own intelligence network regarding the events at Linjiang City.
Emperors never rely solely on their ministers’ words; they have their own means.
“Yes. Fortunately, Long Cheng’en had contingency plans. Otherwise, we would have lost badly.”
The Empress nodded approvingly. “Long Cheng’en has repeatedly performed great deeds and ought to be rewarded. But his special status stirs much opposition in court, as you have seen.”
“I know. But I want to ask—what is Long Cheng’en’s true identity? I suspect he might be... Long Chen.”
A flicker of light passed through the Empress’s eyes, but she quickly composed herself.
“I have investigated Long Cheng’en. He once served as a guard in the Long Family Army under General Long Ye. After the army was destroyed, he wandered to Eastern Zhou.”
“The knife-maker Wu Jian in the eunuch’s quarters was a cavalry captain in the Long Family Army. He and Long Cheng’en are old acquaintances. I am aware of all this.”
The Empress had fabricated a backstory for Long Chen.
Hearing this, Di Luoxi finally felt relieved.
She might suspect Long Chen, but would never doubt the Empress.
“That’s good. He told me the same. I was worried he was hiding something.”
“I investigated long ago. For someone so gifted in both civil and military matters, who would dare employ him without knowing his background?”
“True. Little Long is brilliant—he can debate, he can fight, and he knows about Southern Liang’s affairs. He was the one who set the Jade Shatter Plan in motion this time.”
Di Luoxi’s doubts were dispelled, and she smiled happily.
The Empress laughed. “Six taels of silver for a genius eunuch—quite a bargain, isn’t it?”
Di Luoxi giggled. “Yes, more than worth it.”
The Empress said, “Go and ask Long Cheng’en how he intends to solve the firewood problem. If he wants to keep the Minister’s seat, he must convince everyone.”
Di Luoxi’s cheer vanished at once. She grumbled, “Mother, this is an impossible problem. What do you expect him to do—use magic to conjure up a forest?”
The Empress laughed. “Trust me, Long Cheng’en always has a trick up his sleeve.”

Helpless, Di Luoxi left the Phoenix Song Palace and returned to the western palace.
There, she found Long Chen playing cards with Xuan Yi and Qing Yue.
The three of them each held several slips of paper, marked with strange symbols.
“Pair of twos!”
Qing Yue tossed down two cards.
“Pass!”
Xuan Yi eyed Long Chen slyly.
“Jokers!”
Long Chen threw out two cards, painted with images of the Southern Liang emperor and the Western Xia king.
“What? How do you have the jokers?”
Xuan Yi flung her cards onto the couch in defeat.
“You lost. Now you have to take off...your undergarment.”
Long Chen pointed at Xuan Yi’s green undergarment.
Reluctantly, Xuan Yi pulled off her underclothes and tossed them over Long Chen’s face, filling his nose with the scent of a young maiden.
“What are you three up to?”
Di Luoxi entered just in time to see Xuan Yi undressing, while Long Chen lecherously inhaled the fragrance from the garment.
“Princess, we’re playing ‘Fight the Landlord’,” said Qing Yue, waving her cards. She herself was nearly undressed.
Di Luoxi was speechless. She asked Long Chen, “Little Long, how do you plan to solve the firewood problem? If you can’t, you won’t get to keep the minister’s seat.”
Long Chen grinned. “The mountain hermit always has a plan. No rush.”
“Would Your Highness care to join us? Loser takes off a garment.”
Di Luoxi snorted. “You’re a eunuch. Even if you stripped, there’s nothing worth seeing.”
Qing Yue tugged at Di Luoxi. “Princess, avenge us—strip Little Long of his clothes!”
Xuan Yi added, “Princess, we’ve never won at this game.”
Di Luoxi, fiercely competitive, was irked to hear her two attendants had never won. She kicked off her shoes, climbed onto the couch, rolled up her sleeves, and said, “Deal me in!”