Emperor Mingde clearly shared this concern, which is why he readily agreed when the Imperial Concubine mentioned it.

"My beloved consort has considered this matter thoroughly. I will draft an edict upon my return."

Over three hundred years after its founding, Qingyan has grown from a small country into a powerful dynasty.

Having experienced one emperor after another whose merits outweighed his faults, the country also underwent one reform and renewal after another.

Therefore,

In addition to its strong national power, the country also has a very open-minded culture.

For example, there are no gender restrictions for business or official positions; foreigners can also do business or settle in Qingyan.

Marriage between men and women

It's no longer about arranged marriages or silent betrothals by parents; it also includes divorce and separation of husband and wife.

As long as there is a legitimate reason, the government will handle the matter impartially once you go to the government office to follow the procedures.

Even if you choose not to get married, that's fine too.

The Qingyan Law stipulates that people who are over thirty and still unmarried need to pay an extra 10% tax, and there are no other requirements.

However, this law may change if a dynasty experiences a sharp decline in population due to war.

As for,

The old custom of respecting seniority in marriage has long been regarded as dross and abandoned in the long river of Qingyan's history.

so,

Although Shang Changge and Shang Changze's marriages are not yet settled, there's nothing wrong with Shang Rui arranging his own marriage first.

Shang Rui bowed again and thanked the Emperor and Mother.

His marriage to his cousin was the first and crucial step in his power grab, and he would not refuse it.

And Yue'er

In this life, he will not be as reckless as he was in the previous one, rashly proposing to his father and mother that Yue'er should be given a title, thus angering his father.

This time, he will wait patiently for the right opportunity, and when the time comes, he will naturally give Yue'er a legitimate position.

With her son and niece's marriage finally settled, the Imperial Concubine's gentle and graceful face beamed with even more joy.

Thinking of other things, she took the emperor's arm, her eyebrows furrowed in worry, and said:

"Changge and Changze's marriage is still undecided, but Rui'er has taken the lead."

Your Majesty, I'm a little worried that my sister, the Empress, will be unhappy..."

Emperor Mingde's expression turned slightly cold, clearly indicating his reluctance to bring up the Empress at this moment.

"Changze is the Crown Prince and Changge is the eldest princess. Their marriage is a major event and cannot be decided casually."

The Empress has always been reasonable and understanding; she wouldn't be upset over such a trivial matter.

The imperial concubine was overjoyed and leaned against the emperor in a humble and affectionate manner, saying softly, "Your Majesty is right."

The Imperial Concubine's complete dependence on and reliance on Emperor Mingde, treating her husband as her heaven, pleased him, and the coldness in her expression faded.

He continued chatting with the mother and son, but what he was thinking about was how to dissuade the Empress from trying to match Shang Changge and Xiao Ji.

Then that day, at dusk,

When Xiao Ji returned to his residence from the military camp, he received ten beauties as a reward from the emperor, which was given under the pretext of "meritorious service in escorting the crown prince".

Xiao Ji: ...

The one who came to deliver the beauty was Li Fuhai. After relaying the emperor's edict, Li Fuhai smiled and took his leave:

"General, we've delivered the Emperor's edict to you."

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave and return to the palace to report."

Logically speaking, such a trivial matter shouldn't be something that Li Fuhai, a eunuch serving the emperor, should personally leave the palace for.

If someone arrives when it's not their turn, it means the emperor has ulterior motives, and a subject should carefully consider and understand this.

Xiao Ji's handsome face remained as cold and stern as ever, making it impossible to discern his emotions.

"Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty for this reward. It is getting late, so I will not see you off."

Refusing a gift from the emperor would be tantamount to slapping the emperor in the face, and Xiao Ji would not invite trouble upon himself.

However, as soon as Li Fuhai left, he didn't even glance at the fearful beauties before turning and walking away.

Such incidents have occurred frequently over the years, and the stewards in the mansion know how to handle them.

The manager certainly knew how to handle it, and then the embroidery workshop under the General's Mansion gained another batch of embroiderers.

It doesn't matter if you can't embroider, you can always copy books, paint, or have other talents and skills, right?

The General's Mansion owns many businesses with a wide range of interests, which always provides these beauties with an opportunity to shine.