Chapter Sixteen: Recruitment for the Silver Mine

Huang Bai straightened his back and waved his sleeve dismissively. “Lord Zhang, do not make baseless accusations. Today, I have brought with me the testimonies of the miners, the princess’s guards, and the officials from the Xijing magistrate’s office. If there is still doubt, we may petition His Majesty to have the Court of Justice send investigators to uncover the truth.”

The Emperor Wenchang dismissed the matter with a single phrase: “You think the Court of Justice has too much free time?”

Huang Bai stepped forward. “I have more to say.”

“Feng Da’s death is regrettable but not pitiable. The mining site is only ten miles from nearby villages; if they escaped, the local people would suffer first. The guards and officials at the mine have already minimized the damage to the greatest extent possible. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency and not punish them harshly.”

Unconsciously, Huang Bai had shifted the blame from Shen Jifeng to the guards and officials.

Emperor Wenchang cast him a glance but let him continue.

At that moment, a young eunuch came running in through a side door and handed Lin Ping’an a letter.

“Your Majesty, Princess Chaoyang has sent a memorial.”

“Oh?” Emperor Wenchang’s interest was piqued. “Read it.”

Lin Ping’an opened the letter and was about to read, but then hesitated. “Your Majesty, perhaps it’s better not to read it aloud?”

The emperor glanced at him. “It matters little; read it.”

Lin Ping’an quickly scanned the letter to ensure nothing inappropriate, then read aloud.

“Grandfather Emperor, the miners’ unrest has been suppressed by your granddaughter’s men, but seventeen miners died unjustly. Although they were offenders, their crimes do not merit death. Your granddaughter will find their families and offer compensation. After this incident, your granddaughter believes using prisoners for mining is more harmful than beneficial and respectfully requests permission to recruit miners herself.”

Lin Ping’an paused, noticing Emperor Wenchang listening with great interest, and continued.

“As the weather warms, Grandfather Emperor, do not indulge too much in cold drinks or icy treats. It has been seven days since I left the capital; I miss you greatly. There is a local snack in Xijing called Gourd Chicken, fragrant and delicious, very different from Bianjing’s style. When I return, I will bring some for you to try. Wishing you good health and longevity without bounds. Respectfully, Your granddaughter Yanru.”

Emperor Wenchang’s lips curved in a faint smile as he listened. When Lin Ping’an finished, the court fell into complete silence.

None of the ministers could have imagined such a relationship between Princess Chaoyang and Emperor Wenchang.

Was she not favored?

Was she truly not favored? If she were, could she have taken over the silver mine?

Zhao Jian, the King of Chu, clenched his fist tightly beneath his crimson court robe. His father’s treatment of the royal siblings had always been unequal.

Emperor Wenchang took the letter from Lin Ping’an and slipped Shen Jifeng’s letter into his sleeve. The sequence of gestures was noted by the courtiers as undeniable proof of the princess’s favor.

“Let it be as she says. As for the riot, let Huang Bai, Prefect of Xijing, handle it fully. The silver mine is in Xijing; Huang Qing must cooperate closely with the princess.”

Hearing his name, Huang Bai was so moved he broke out in goosebumps.

“I will do my utmost.”

Within half a day, recruitment notices for the silver mine covered every street and alley in Xijing.

“Miners wanted! Daily wage fifty wen, three meals and lodging provided!” a literate old scholar read aloud. “Disability compensation five taels, accidental death compensation twenty taels!”

The crowd erupted in excitement. Fifty wen! That was thirty wen more than carrying heavy loads in the city! Not to mention the unheard-of compensation—soldiers killed in battle didn’t even get that much.

“Could it be a scam?” a lean man asked suspiciously. “My cousin works at the neighboring copper mine, and they only pay thirty wen a day, often withholding wages.”

“Let’s go see the silver mine for ourselves, it’s not far—just a short walk.”

At the mine, Shen Jifeng’s expression was grave as he spoke to Master Zhang. “Zhang, the safety of the mine tunnels is your responsibility. I don’t want to lose money.”

“When selecting workers, choose those who are diligent, obedient, and honest. Also, make sure they’re healthy. Avoid the elderly if possible.”

Master Zhang nodded solemnly. “Princess, I’ve been in this business half my life. I can tell at a glance who is fit for mining.”

“Good,” Shen Jifeng nodded. “Two more supervisors will arrive in a few days. You’ll have to work hard these days.”

“By the way, are the tunnels sturdy now? Is it safe to go down?”

Master Zhang smiled. “Princess, you truly have a compassionate heart, always concerned for our safety.”

Shen Jifeng frowned. “No, I just fear losing money. I set the compensation high both to attract workers and to remind myself to ensure safety.”

Nearly a hundred people came seeking work, one after another.

The sight of a woman at the mine surprised many, but upon learning the princess had taken over, they were delighted. A proper princess wouldn’t deceive them.

Among the crowd, no one uttered superstitions about women and mining. Indeed, the simple folk were the most endearing.

Master Zhang, like a measuring stick, rigorously evaluated each candidate. Many were rejected. By evening, seventy were chosen. All signed contracts, with wages usually paid monthly but available daily for those in urgent need—a flexible payment scheme that amazed and pleased everyone.

Among the rejected was a boy of fifteen or sixteen who drew special attention. Thin as a bamboo pole, with bright, sharp eyes, he seemed clever.

“Sir, please take me,” the boy pleaded. “My father is a miner, and I grew up around the mine. I can do any job.”

Master Zhang studied him and asked, “What’s the most common accident in the mine?”

“Flooding,” the boy replied succinctly.

Master Zhang’s expression brightened. “You’re young; we require at least seventeen. How old are you?”

“I’m almost seventeen, but we’re poor and can’t afford enough food, so I look younger. My mother is ill, and I have a younger sister to care for. Please, take me.”

“I promise I’ll work harder than anyone. I have a good memory—once I go into the tunnels, I can remember the way!”

Master Zhang was moved. The tunnels had countless branches and twists; many got lost.

“Take him,” Shen Jifeng said upon hearing their exchange.

“Thank you, Princess. My name’s Thin Monkey, and I’ll work hard.”

Thin Monkey kowtowed three times to Shen Jifeng.

At the end of the line, a tall figure caught Shen Jifeng’s attention. He seemed familiar.

As the man approached, Shen Jifeng’s heart jolted—it was the hunter who had helped him escape Tianmeng Mountain that night, the only one who knew he had killed someone.

Why was he here? Wearing a mask that night, he shouldn’t have recognized him.

No, for safety’s sake, he must be sent away.

Before Shen Jifeng could call Dong Yang, Wei Xiao approached him with a smirk. “Didn’t expect you to be the princess. Had I known, I’d have asked you for more silver.”

Shen Jifeng strode forward and dragged him to a secluded spot.

“What are you doing here?”

Wei Xiao crossed his arms casually. “Hunting’s tough, so I came to try my luck at this recruitment.”

“Did I give you thirty taels? Already spent it all?”