The Fat Dong's Rule 2 - (Supernatural Asia, DongZhuo!SI)
One of the woes I have over governance is the hassle of needing an advisory council. And I don't mean a echo chamber for my thoughts and opinions, but rather a caged field where ambitious politicians could nag at each other rather than plot far away from the capital.
While the notion of a pseudo-parliament held by nobles sounded like a feasible option to detain some of the most worrisome elements in a close enough space to my powerbase and far from their own, the issue was a matter of details. Important details for people of this era: the distribution of seats, and the handling of a specific pest.
Jeez, what's with the bright yellow? Doesn't he know he will stand out in battle and... wait, does he want to die or something?
Yuan Shao was... well, the one of the many historical figures that defined anyone that presieded the region containing modern-day Baoding as a bunch of ambitious and self-destructive pricks. It wasn't even something contained within the notions of ancient history as modern day China had to face some legit issues due to some Baoding-centered coalitions that disrupted efforts of a proper democracy.
Still, Yuan Shao was... well, a worrisome element.
It's been two months since I took over the Empire as it was now, and while most of my overtures were aimed at appeasing those in the South that felt a bit threatened by my coup, I couldn't ignore the sway the bastard had over the Northern Warlords.
He was as loved as loathed, a rival of Cao Cao and... afflicted by Main Character Syndrome.
When he visited, I had him lulled with the expectation that the Emperor would take over once he was of 'proper age'. It was that little line that easily appeased him, mostly because he plotted to influence the emperor and not waste time with the 'brother prince'.
Empress He was also particularly diplomatic around Yuan Shao, but she told me in private on how the man was going to try and have me assassinated. Truly a worrisome figure.
Nonetheless, I left him leave... but I had also some of my troops laid him an ambush at the edges of Luoyang domain and have him killed. It was a bloody encounter that tragically had all fake Yellow Turban bandits killed, but Yuan Shao died due to this.
Without hesitation, I sent two letters. One to Cao Cao to warn him that this accident may trigger renewed wave of aggression north of his domain, and one to the family of Yuan Shao to assure that the perpetrators had been 'caught and executed' and that proper rites would be personally paid by the Imperial coffers.
The first one was replied a month later, with Cao Cao thanking me for the warning but... showing some concerns on the details involving the death of Yuan Shao. I had predicted that potential issue, but it didn't led to an active investigation request.
The second one was... it wasn't replied. I just heard news of what was going on in that region three weeks after Yuan Shao's passing. While I was familiar with general politics of this time, the idea that Yuan Shao had no clear succession direction had caught me off-guard. His death triggered a civil war between his sons, Yuan Tao and Yuan Shang.
None seemed too concerned about the respect paid to their father's body... but I was. After all, once the civil war was over, there was no doubt the victor would be concerned over the conditions of their own father's corpse.
So, I had instructions made for the body to be preserved for the time being and for guards to be stationed to keep it devoid of maggots and other worrisome rotting effects. I am not sure how long that would last, but I figured out that a three month-long preservation would do before I tried to send the body back home.
All while this was happening, I saw that 'my' family had moved in. I had hardly any recollection of Dong Zhuo's family, but I could remember one name in particular that stood out of the rest and... she confirmed something was up with history due to her appearance.
"Greetings, honorable grandfather."
I had just a servant tell me that this individual was to enter my office, and I saw no reason to delay this meeting as she took to bow and then sit by one of the pillows in front of the short table I used to do paperwork.
[spoiler][/spoiler]
White hair, blue eyes... and what's with that dark-purple outfit? That's hardly Chinese in style...
"Bai. You look healthy."
'My' granddaughter beamed at my blunt but kind greeting. "I am, grandfather. And I see you are..."
"Less fat?"
Her lips twitched as she had appeared uneasy to utter something that may be insulting.
"Y-Yeah."
"I have been training a fair bit. I doubt I am going to be as dashing as Lu Bu, but I may as well work on reclaiming my muscles," I hummed, nodding at this thought. "So, I heard your studies have gone well."
"Quite so, grandfather," She affirmed proudly. "I managed to surpass the expectations of my tutors."
"I am glad to hear that. However, I assume your visit is not just out of courtesy. I have a feeling your parents had a hand in why you are here," I remarked flatly, causing the smug girl to pause. She may be notable with her clever mind, but she was 11 and my granddaughter. I could pick up that she was being coerced to this visit. "Speak up, I want to hear your request." Or demand.
"I-I wish to be granted a title. We are kin, and my skills are known-"
"To hardly enough people to make your legitimate request 'valid' as a meritocratic pick," I interrupted, causing her to frown. "We are indeed kin, so I know you are not stupid in the matters of family within politics. Nepotism is a sign of corruption, not pride."
"...So?"
"So I will give you a few tasks that will be publicly praised, elevating your position in court before the eyes of others. Yet, understand that I will also limit your chance of rising to a title until you are 14."
"W-Why? I may not be old and all, but-"
"Young Emperors are a reason for concern. There is such a thing as too young or too old as a worry, grandchild," I assured flatly, causing Bai to bow her head. "It is not my personal judgment. I think you are a valuable administrator that is soon to provide a new page in history, but you need to be patient. Patience is indeed a skill you will have to master to survive this battlefield."
...
"I-I see."
...
"So, any boy caught your fancy?"
Her jaw dropped, her cheeks flushed. "G-Grandfather!"
"What?" I whined back with a lower voice. "Can't I be curious if my grandchild is just as ambitious in familial matters as political ones?"
"No- I mean, yes but- but that's not something I am considering."
I nodded, smiling smugly at the girl's embarrassed looks. We may not look alike, but I can't help but feel the kinship between I and this grandkid I suddenly got under my care.
After Dong Bai's visit, I had her escorted to her room as I planned out a list of chores she could entertain. I had a few infrastructural orders that needed a sharp overseer to make these happens, and I was still not in a good shape to be moving around too much beyond the palace walls without risking a heart attack.
Still, I was starting to get more exercises done at a lesser amount of time. I was on the path of self-improvement, but that was going to take ages to fully manifest. And, after a lovely bath with Empress He, I was on my way to my office for more brain-murdering paperworking.
As I arrived, however, I was told I had guests waiting for me within the room and... I was surprised to find two very huge red flags. The former of those being Minister of Writings and Masses Wang Yun and the other being a big-titted maid I may already know the name of. She had a nice pink dress that... it wasn't hiding away her nips. Those boobas were just inhumanly enticing with their size.
"Chancellor Zhongying," The man greeted warmly, perhaps most pleased I wasn't a tyrant and that I had given him zero reason to try and have him plan a coup against me. "We thought you got lost in other matters."
"To some extent that's true, Minister Zishi." The use of Courtesy Names was a display of cordiality and friendliness. If the man was keen to be this warm, I saw no point in denying him the respectful talk he sought in this meeting. "How may I help you? Is something needing my attention?"
"Nothing of worrisome concern, Chancellor," The old man assured, then turning to the woman. "I would like to introduce you to an acquaintance of mine, Diao Chan."
She bowed her head low and I hummed.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Diao Chan."
"It is mine too, Chancellor." Diao Chan, the one that would have Lu Bu sicced against me if I tried to get too cozy about it but... why? I mean, I literally had a good bond with the Minister- any bill he asked for, I would just either pass it or have it revised with his presence and understanding to show some good will. Why would he give Diao Chan to me of all people?!
"Diao Chan has requested if it would be possible to serve as one of your... secretaries."
Ah yes, there is a bit of a 'stain' in the matters of my concubines working as my assistants. But while some may find it distasteful, pragmatic administrators saw it as a valid replacement for the Eunuchs for the time being.
"I suppose that's feasible," I muttered, knowing that more paperwork slaves were good for my sanity, but as I turned to look at Diao Chan, I had a feeling this woman was not looking forward to do paperwork. And I had a genuine worry she may have something else going on with that sultry look. "I hope you will find the workplace pleasant, Diao Chan."
She beamed. "I sure will~"
Dear Diary, I have a strong feeling that Diao Chan is one of those women with a fetish for old fat men NTR. And I may have to play it safe despite those huge mammaries calling for me.
AN
Dong Zhuo moves to consolidate his rule, fortifying Luoyang, stabilizing the loyal warlords and destabilizing the rebellious ones. Also, he may be half-right about Diao Chan and... Lu Bu is going to be so fucking confused about it.