Vast Fortune Awaits, Chains Follow

"Since it's empty, give the residence to Academician Qiu. It's nearby, so he won't need much time to enter the palace." The Empress Dowager nodded and spoke as though it were only natural.

"Th-this..." Eunuch Wang froze, then lowered his voice. "May Your Majesty see clearly: to move into the innermost residences of the inner city, those closest to the Imperial City, one must at least be a Third Grade official. Though there is no written rule, it has long been an unspoken custom in officialdom. Though Academician Qiu has rendered outstanding service and is unwaveringly loyal, he has entered officialdom too recently, and his rank is still insufficient." He lowered his voice so Qiu Yan would not be embarrassed by this.

"If his rank is insufficient, then give him sufficient rank." For her son's life, the Empress Dowager seemed to have cast even her usual restraint aside. "Whatever vacant court position there is that qualifies as Third Grade, immediately place it upon Academician Qiu."

"This..." The two eunuchs both understood that before the Emperor awakened, such a thing was impossible. Even if the Emperor were present, the Ministry of Personnel stood in the way.

"Very well. Today, I shall make this decision myself and let Academician Qiu have that residence. As for Rectifying Names, once my imperial son awakens, it will not be withheld. Could my son's life be worth less than a residence? Less than a document from the Ministry of Personnel?" As she spoke, the Empress Dowager's mood sank again. "Then again, if my imperial son never awakens, I will be nothing more than an old woman. Who would listen to anything I say?" "Please forgive us, Your Majesty. This old servant will make the arrangements at once!"

The moment those words fell, Qiu Yan immediately sensed