Within a single day, five major events were decreed, and all the women in the country rejoiced and bowed towards the capital in thanks.
Women finally had a chance to turn their lives around. Wealthy wives no longer had to worry about their husbands casually taking concubines.
For those who were not well-off, or even those in relatively comfortable circumstances, a dowry of one hundred thousand taels for taking a concubine was out of the question; even ten thousand or one thousand taels would make them reconsider.
Consequently, the business of the pleasure houses improved, and the taxes collected also increased, indirectly boosting the national treasury.
Those out shopping heard the news of Emperor Yun's sudden imperial edicts and were all incredulous.
The Wei and Tian Han kingdoms were two major powers, and their crown princes often inspected together.
Yu Xiaoshuang and Ji Yinghao sat in a private room at the Tianxiang Tower, discussing, "Brother Ji, what do you think Emperor Yun means by issuing such a series of decrees?"
Ji Yinghao frowned, swirling his wine cup, and said gravely, "Isn't it for the benefit of the country and its people? From these matters, there's no problem. However... the matter of men being conscripted into the army at sixteen to train for two years, I think we could learn from this!"
Yu Xiaoshuang was naturally aware of this, but he wasn't referring to that.
"The previous few points are understandable, but for Emperor Yun to even interfere with taking concubines, isn't that going too far?"
Ji Yinghao glanced at him. A crown prince of a great nation, and he was still gossiping. He couldn't even manage his own country's affairs, so why bother with others?
However, not replying might seem dismissive. Ji Yinghao said, "I guess Emperor Yun simply dislikes the goings-on in the inner courts and disdains them. Since ancient times, there's been no family affection in royal households. Moreover, Emperor Yun himself comes from a rural background, so issuing such an edict is understandable!"
Yu Xiaoshuang pouted, thinking to himself that a country bumpkin simply wouldn't know how to enjoy the pleasures of multiple women.
However, Emperor Yun's fear of Empress Yun was well-known. How would he dare enjoy such pleasures! Thinking of this, Yu Xiaoshuang felt Emperor Yun was truly pitiable.
Yu Xiaoshuang: "But speaking of it, the decline of patriarchal authority is a complete disgrace to men!"
Ji Yinghao drank his wine, saying nothing.
In this capital city, who knew who was a spy for Fan Zehao? Therefore, to maintain good relations with the Yun Kingdom, it was best to listen more and speak less.
Their conversation was overheard by the owner of Tianxiang Tower, Song Mingliang, who soon after conveyed the dialogue to the palace. Within a short time, it reached the Empress's ears.
Zhao Jiaqi, after hearing it, smiled and poked Fan Zehao's strong waist with her finger. With a false smile, she asked, "Being henpecked, do you find it shameful?"
Fan Zehao put down his brush and pulled her into his arms, laughing, "This is the spice of our marital life. What do they understand? A bunch of pathetic, uncontrolled wretches. The women in their inner courts play them like a fiddle, yet they think they're clever. In reality, in women's eyes, they are merely studs used for their own purposes!"
Zhao Jiaqi was satisfied with her husband's words, but for some reason, she couldn't figure out when her reputation as a "shrew" had spread.
She had forbidden her husband from taking concubines when they got married, not after he became a general.
Oh well, a shrew was a shrew. It didn't cost her anything, so it didn't matter.
The next day, Song Fei received a small notebook sent by the Empress. It was detailed. He sat in his study and remained there all day, carefully studying the contents of the notebook.
In the following days, Song Fei went directly to the Imperial Study after the morning court. The Emperor was on one side perusing memorials, while the Empress and Song Fei discussed farming. After several days of this peaceful routine, Song Fei finally understood.
However, he was unsure where to begin with developing agriculture. Song Fei asked doubtfully, "Your Majesty, I have thoroughly understood the contents of this notebook, but where should I start?"
Zhao Jiaqi touched her chin, pondering for a long time. "Developing an agricultural chain is no simple task. For now, we should create industrial chains based on the specialties of each region and sell them to various countries. If there are surpluses, they can be sold domestically. However, the Emperor and I will help you with this matter."
Upon hearing that the Emperor and Empress would help him, Song Fei was reassured. The man who hadn't smiled in days finally beamed.
"Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty and Your Majesty for your love!"
Zhao Jiaqi smiled without speaking. Thank them for their love? Why didn't he say they led him astray!
"Your first task is to collect the specialties from each region. I will develop corresponding agricultural and sideline products based on these specialties. Remember, every region, do not miss a single county or even a village."
Song Fei took the Empress's words to heart and solemnly bowed, "Your humble servant will do his utmost to collect information and will not miss a single place."
With his promise, Zhao Jiaqi felt somewhat relieved.
However, her heart still lingered on a small village in Mingyuan Prefecture, said to be in the mountains, difficult to reach, and where the entire village relied on hunting.
If it weren't for the Jin Kingdom, they wouldn't have left such a village unattended and returned to the capital.
Now, she had to figure out what could be done for a mountain village.
Soon, the couple discussed when to pass the buck and leave.
Fan Zehao: "These envoys have been here for half a month. I estimate they'll be leaving in the next few days. Once they're gone, we'll depart!"
Zhao Jiaqi's opinion was completely different. According to reports from spies, the envoys had visited villages outside the capital, as well as nearby towns and prefectures. They had asked everything they shouldn't have.
Their lingering now, she suspected, was not so simple!
"I think we should pass all these matters to Huangfu Xian. I'm truly fed up with being confined in this palace. The weather is beautiful, and we should go out. Besides, I miss our son!"
Months had passed since the New Year, and she hadn't seen him. She missed him dearly and wondered how their two children were doing.
Yu Meng was in the army, with her master watching over her. She was quite independent now.
Furthermore, children should pursue what they love. For Yu Meng, there were no regrets now.
Fan Zehao was very obedient to his wife's words. He decided the next day to announce in court his decision to abdicate the throne to Huangfu Xian, and then he would take his wife on a tour of the empire.
That evening, Zhao Jiaqi had Chunfen begin packing their belongings and make all preparations, waiting only for Fan Zehao's announcement to leave after the court session.
The next day, Fan Zehao went to the morning court with excitement. He hummed a little tune as he walked along the palace path, hands behind his back, looking very leisurely. This sight astonished the eunuchs by his side.
In the imperial court.
The two princes, leading the ministers, stood on either side, watching the Emperor. Huangfu Xu and Huangfu Xian could see with their own eyes that the Emperor was very happy today. Was there some good news to announce?
The two couldn't help but eagerly anticipate, wondering if it was about dividing silver with them.