She was also heartbroken by the hardships her eldest son was suffering, and wished she could take his place and bear it all herself.

Unfortunately, the time allotted for the performance review was limited, so he could only hope silently in his heart.

The rest in Beijing these past few days will allow my eldest son to eat well, sleep soundly, and regain some of his former energy.

The Emperor coughed lightly, clearing his throat slightly. The faint sound was exceptionally clear in the silent hall, breaking the oppressive, almost suffocating silence.

He spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful, echoing in the hall: "Upon hearing your statement, my heart is filled with emotion."

I have seen everything you have done and I am delighted.

Upon your arrival in Jing'an, you were able to quickly stabilize the people's livelihood, recruit refugees, provide porridge to the needy, and investigate household registration and land records, enabling the people to live and work in peace and contentment. This is the foundation for governing the country and ensuring its stability.

The people praise my virtue, which is also a testament to your abilities. Your military prowess in protecting the borders and ensuring the people's safety, and your efforts in education to change customs and habits, are all hard-won achievements.

The old customs and evil practices in Jing'an, which harm women and violate natural law and human ethics, griev deeply for me.

Your Excellency has been able to discern the harm caused by these measures and has made great efforts to reform them. You have posted notices, compiled new texts, severely punished vulgarity, and established girls' schools. I am very pleased with these measures.

Although the road ahead is difficult, I will fully support your reforms and order the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant departments to cooperate with you in formulating more detailed laws and regulations.

The practice of foot binding and funerary sacrifice was strictly prohibited. Women's education was promoted to improve the status of women and enable women in Jing'an to break free from their shackles and be reborn as soon as possible.

As for the problems caused by the aristocratic families, I am well aware of their harm.

Your methods of governance are swift and decisive yet fair. You have thoroughly investigated farmland, rectified the market, and severely punished illegal activities, thus protecting the nation's finances and ensuring the well-being of the people. I am very pleased.

I will dispatch imperial censors to conduct secret inspections to ensure the smooth implementation of government orders. If any offense is committed again, the offender will be severely punished without exception.

I hope you will continue your efforts and pay close attention to improving people's livelihood, education, and social customs.

Infrastructure construction such as roads, bridges, and irrigation is fundamental to people's livelihood. I will instruct the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds and materials to fully support your plans.

I am aware of your contributions to agriculture, sericulture, and commerce, and I will continue to encourage and promote them so that Jing'an's economy may prosper.

I trust in your loyalty and wisdom; I am confident that you will create a bright future for Jing'an and protect this land for me.

Once peace and order are restored, you will be the most meritorious minister, and I will certainly reward you handsomely.

"You may proceed with confidence. If you encounter any difficulties, please report them to me at any time. I will stand with you through thick and thin, and together we will build the glory of our dynasty."

After the Emperor's heartfelt and earnest words, Lin Yuze could no longer contain his excitement and emotion, and tears welled up in his eyes.

He felt that all the hardships and difficulties he had experienced in Jing'an, and all the effort and sweat he had put in, had become incomparably valuable and meaningful at this moment.

The exhaustion from working day and night, the grievances of being misunderstood, the helplessness in the face of difficulties.

Faced with the Emperor's words, they all transformed into unwavering faith and boundless strength.

He prostrated himself on the ground again, solemnly kowtowing to express his gratitude. His forehead struck the ground heavily with a dull thud, and he said in a slightly choked voice, "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

Your Majesty's concern and support are like the warm spring sun, dispelling the worries in my heart and injecting boundless strength into the reform of Jing'an.

Your Majesty is well aware that the path to reform is fraught with difficulties, but since Your Majesty has clearly expressed your support, I have the courage and determination to overcome all obstacles.

Your Majesty's decree will be strictly followed, and we will work closely with the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Justice and other relevant departments to refine and implement the regulations prohibiting foot binding and funerary sacrifice, ensuring that they reach every village and hamlet.

We will do our utmost to run girls' schools well, invite talented people to teach, and give more girls the opportunity to be enlightened and freed from ideological constraints.

Regarding the rectification of the aristocratic clans, Your Majesty's warnings and inspection plans will surely deter all sides.

Your humble servant will also remain vigilant at all times, continuously monitoring the behavior of the gentry to ensure that they dare not harbor any further delusions.

Regarding the improvement of people's livelihood, Your Majesty, I will make good use of the funds and materials allocated by Your Majesty, carefully plan road and bridge projects and water conservancy and irrigation projects, personally supervise their completion, and ensure that people's well-being is improved.

In the development of agriculture, sericulture, and commerce, I will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with neighboring counties and districts.

Introduce more superior varieties suitable for Jing'an's soil and climate, and promote advanced planting and breeding techniques.

For commerce, the tax process was simplified, and a special caravan escort was set up to ensure the safe flow of goods, attracting more merchants from other places to trade, making Jing'an a prosperous town.

Your Majesty’s trust will always be remembered. I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty’s trust and the people’s expectations.

From this day forward, I will submit a memorial every month detailing the progress and changes in the peace and stability efforts, for Your Majesty's wise decision.

On the dragon throne, the emperor's expression was solemn and majestic. After listening quietly, he nodded slightly. The gesture was light, but it was full of recognition and praise for Lin Yuze.

The Emperor's gaze lingered on Lin Yuze for a moment, as if scrutinizing this minister who had devoted himself to the Jing'an County.

Then he slowly raised his hand and waved it gently, his wide sleeves fluttering as he gestured for Lin Yuze to stand up.