Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Chapter 854: Chapter 859, Chapter 860: Court Diary (Part 2)

Chen Mo has just ascended the throne today, and naturally, Da Wei temporarily continues to use the system of Great Song.

During the early Song Dynasty, the Ministry of the Imperial Secretariat appointed Chamberlains, later the Secretariat appointed Chamberlains, divided into left and right, sitting opposite each other in the hall, managing the Emperor’s daily life. Therefore, they are sometimes called Left and Right Historians, also known as Left and Right Chamberlain Historians, whose written records are submitted to the Historical Office for historical compilation.

The Daily Life Records document not only the Emperor’s various activities and his words and actions in these activities but also personal aspects of his life. For instance, whom the Emperor visits in his harem tonight, even when he leaves, or when he greets the Empress Dowager, and what he rewards the concubines with.

"Then if I go to the harem, you would follow me?" Chen Mo laughed in exasperation.

"Your Majesty, there is the National Historian for the outer court and a Female Historian for the inner court; their duties are essentially the same. The Emperor has no private matters, and what happens in the harem is a national affair." Wang Yu said.

"There’s also a Female Historian?" Chen Mo was taken aback.

Wang Yu said, "She is my third sister."

Chen Mo: "..."

Under Wang Yu’s guidance, Chen Mo met the Female Historian named Wang Xiu, dressed like a female official, and despite her average looks, there was an air of integrity around her. When she met Chen Mo, she was neither humble nor arrogant.

Afterwards, Chen Mo learned that as Female Historians record the Emperor’s personal matters, practically their entire lives revolve around the Imperial Palace, with entry and exit strictly controlled, and even marriage is forbidden. Most Female Historians have a lonely end.

Others either anger the Emperor and get killed, or are taken as private favorites by the Emperor.

...

When Chen Mo brought Wang Xiu to Weiyang Palace, Wu Mi was taken aback, thinking that a newcomer was joining the harem, but looking at Wang Xiu’s ordinary appearance, it clearly wasn’t the case.

Seeing Wu Mi’s confusion, Chen Mo explained, "This is Female Historian Wang Xiu, she records my daily life."

"Oh." Wu Mi, well-informed, soon understood.

"I’ve met the Consort," Wang Xiu greeted.

"No need for formalities."

As Chen Mo entered the bedchamber with Wu Mi, Wang Xiu followed them in.

Of course, she stayed only in the outer chamber and did not enter the inner chamber, as even though she recorded the Emperor’s personal affairs, there needed to be boundaries.

Upon entering the inner chamber, Chen Mo whispered complaints to Wu Mi.

Before becoming Emperor, he hadn’t considered this aspect. Now realizing the presence of chroniclers, he couldn’t help but be displeased, thinking that future records might note: "Emperor indulged with multiple women, exhaustion began."

Wu Mi stifled a laugh, "Your Majesty need not worry; the historian’s writing has restraint."

"No, I must see the previous dynasty’s Daily Life Records."

Chen Mo went to the outer chamber, requesting the previous dynasty’s Daily Life Records from Wang Xiu.

Wang Xiu did not refuse, but she was not a female historian of the previous Great Song dynasty and carried no records; she needed to go to the Historical Office to retrieve them.

Soon, Chen Mo had the Daily Life Records of a few previous Emperors, including Song Taizu, and he took these to the inner chamber to read with Wu Mi.

Unbeknownst to Chen Mo, as soon as he entered the inner chamber, Wang Xiu noted in the Da Wei Emperor’s Daily Life Records: "Emperor at Weiyang Palace reviews several previous emperors’ Daily Life Records."

Chen Mo and Wu Mi sat on the Phoenix Bed, first examining Song Taizu’s Daily Life Records.

To his surprise, the first page read, "Emperor desires to view this dynasty’s Daily Life Records but is denied."

Wu Mi was puzzled, "Unexpected that Song Taizu wanted to see his own Records but was refused."

Chen Mo smiled slightly, "Didn’t you sense another meaning from the historian? Song Taizu has already seen them; this denial is mere concealment."

Wu Mi realized belatedly.

Song Taizu’s Records were earnest, and Chen Mo quickly lost interest after flipping a few pages.

Then he looked at the Records of subsequent Emperors.

It wasn’t until he read Song Yuan Emperor’s Records that he found interest.

This matter was already widespread.

Song Yuan Emperor lost his birth mother at a young age and was raised by one of the predecessor Emperor’s concubines, naturally fostering strong feelings.

Upon ascending the throne, this concubine naturally became Empress Dowager.

Yet, the beautiful young Empress Dowager was lonely in spring’s chambers for years and chose not to foster male consorts, instead drawing upon her foster son, the Emperor.

Over time, whispers spread inside and outside the palace, even prompting Ministers to petition for the Empress Dowager to move out. Song Yuan Emperor lamented, issuing a decree: "My Holy Mother died early, and I was lonely in childhood. Blessedly nurtured by the Empress Dowager’s kindness, aided during hardship. Nowadays, occupied with endless affairs, I cannot be fully filial, thus wish to personally accompany her day and night, freely enjoy intimate palace delights."

Ministers were dumbfounded by this explanation.

Faced with such a scandalous affair, the historian had but one head and had to balance adherence to professional ethics, indeed difficult.

Thus, the Daily Life Records stated: "Emperor’s respect in chambers sparse, some moments of fortunate companionship, lengthy stay in Empress Dowager’s quarters, hence widely rumored scandal."

Meaning the Emperor entered the Empress Dowager’s bedroom, lingered long, objectively describing facts, but about their activities, we are uninformed, haven’t witnessed, dare not inquire.

Moreover, Imperial Consort Liu presented eight dancing girls to Song Yuan Emperor.

After that night, the Records stated, "Upon the throne, Consort presented beauties to serve Emperor. Not yet ten days, Emperor fell ill."

Also "That night, indulged with several, Imperial visage diminished."

Indeed, such gossip is more engrossing.

Wu Mi’s glamorous face turned crimson.

Knowing Chen Mo’s previous playful demeanors in the Prince’s Mansion, beyond Song Yuan Emperor’s initial point, others surpassed in the absurdity.

If those were chronicled, it would be notorious.

"Your Majesty, you must be mindful in the future." Wu Mi whispered, blushing.

"No worry, I have ways to handle it. If it comes to this, I’ll revise it."

"Your Majesty, that’s improper, damaging your reputation."

"I don’t care for such things."

As they spoke, Chen Mo embraced Wu Mi, inhaling the orchid-like scent of her fair neck, bending down for a nibble, softly saying, "Mi’Er, I have a matter to consult with you."

Wu Mi shivered slightly, nervously responding, "Your Majesty, please share."

"It’s about granting titles."

Chen Mo began to explain slowly.

Back when advancing into Luonan, Chen Mo bestowed titles upon some, elevated Geng Songfu only in office, with titles yet to be granted.

Now as Emperor, these noble titles should no longer be delayed, and official positions ought to advance further.

"Your Majesty, women should not govern." Wu Mi remarked.

"Not asking you to govern, merely seeking reference."

Holding Wu Mi, Chen Mo said, "Chancellor Geng is from Gaozhou, historically part of Zheng Kingdom, thus I’m considering granting him the title of Duke Zheng. Promoting to Special Promotion Imperial Doctor, Left Pillar of the Country..."

"Chancellor Geng followed Your Majesty since you were the Chief of Pingting County before Xuanhe Year, around seven or eight years now, overseeing logistics and affairs, deserving of Duke Zheng." Wu Mi, even having married Chen Mo later, recognized Geng Songfu’s contributions and merits.

Chen Mo said, "Besides promotions and titles, I plan to forge a Red Book Iron Certificate granting him one chance to mitigate death penalty."

Wu Mi listened quietly.

"As for Zuo Lianglun, his tenure with me is shorter than Chancellor Geng’s by two years, yet his meritorious accomplishment is significant, thus granting him Dong Wu Duke, other things spared." Chen Mo said.

Then there’s Wu Yanqing.

In personal matters, he is Wu Mi’s father.

In professional matters, he greatly assisted Chen Mo.

Even brought Jiangdong under allegiance.

Chen Mo conferred him Duke Wu.

Xiao Jing, with lesser merit compared to Wu Yanqing.

However, his accomplishments are notable, aiding Chen Mo in mastering Jiangnan as one.

Mobilizing forces aiding resistance against King Lu Shengchong and others as another.

Also, along with Wu Yanqing, defending Yi County and more.

He deserved a dukedom as well.

Chen Mo named him Duke Jiang.

In addition to some long-serving ministers with Chen Mo.

Such as Sun Meng, Zhang River, Shao Jinneng, Cui Shuang, Han Wu, Su Wen, Su Wu, Hu Qiang, Li Yunzhang, etc.

Of course, they did not quite reach dukedom.

But Marquis, Earl levels could be managed.