Wumeng and Dayu have been enemies for generations. Those people don't even treat the women of their own country as human beings, let alone the princess of Dayu.
If I really went there, I'm afraid even "worse than death" wouldn't be enough to describe it.
Just thinking about it makes them tremble with fear and plagued by nightmares.
Qi An paused for a moment, then said gently, "Get up, all of you."
He then said to the princesses, "Just call me Imperial Sister, as before."
Nie Yuwei and Nie Yudie looked at her gratefully and said softly, "Royal Sister."
The Empress Dowager had specifically instructed them that the Princess was no longer the same as before, and that they should address her as "Your Majesty" to prevent the Princess from feeling that they were not respectful enough.
It seems that Mother Consort was overthinking things.
Seeing Qi An's gentle attitude, the little princesses instantly forgot their mother's instructions and surrounded her chattering.
"My royal sister is so beautiful!"
"My elder sister is amazing!"
The youngest, the seventh princess, clutched Qi An's outer robe, her little hands stroking the golden dragon embroidery on it, her big eyes sparkling.
"Wow, my sister's clothes are so beautiful! I want to wear such beautiful clothes too."
"Xiao Qi".
Consort Shu, looking panicked, pulled her daughter over and quickly knelt down to beg for forgiveness.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. Xiao Qi is ignorant and did not mean to offend Your Majesty. Please grant her mercy."
The other concubines also dared not utter a sound as they looked at Qi An.
It's no wonder they were afraid; it was a dragon robe. Yet, the Seventh Princess innocently said she wanted to wear it.
Xiao Qi was confused and was almost in tears from being scolded by her mother, but she held back her tears.
Seeing their alarmed expressions, Qi An sighed inwardly, thinking that this was all the Empress's doing.
She controlled the harem for over a decade, causing the deaths of countless concubines and children, leaving them all living in fear and trembling with anxiety.
Qi An ignored them, only taking the Seventh Princess's small hand and pulling her up, saying gently:
"If Xiao Qi wants to wear the princess's clothes, she has to eat well and grow up. She also has to be brave and not cry all the time."
Xiao Qi stopped crying and smiled, looking at Qi An with admiration: "Don't cry, Xiao Qi, you're brave."
Qi An looked at everyone and said calmly, "Don't worry, from now on, the princess of Dayu will never be sent to a political marriage."
A great weight was lifted from her heart as a group of women from the inner palace bowed deeply to her.
The Empress's reign is a blessing for the women of Da Yu.
After that, Qi An would occasionally receive gifts from Nie Yuwei and Nie Yudie.
Homemade snacks, sweet soups, clothes, shoes, and purses, etc.
The third and fourth princesses took off their elaborate palace attire and jewelry, and went to the martial arts training ground every day.
They preferred military uniforms to feminine attire, and were determined to hone their martial arts skills so they could help their elder sister fight on the battlefield.
The three little princesses, Xiaowu, Xiaoliu, and Xiaoqi, would often sneak out of the palace and wait for Qi An on her way home from court.
The three of them eagerly shared their novel gadgets and sweet treats with her.
All the princesses idolized her and tried their best to repay her.
On the other side of Wumeng, when Huangfu Xiao received the fragrant and delicious-smelling prince for the marriage alliance, his face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
What he wants is a city, a city, a city!!!
It's not this useless crown prince who's crippled in both legs and hasn't even grown any hair yet.
Even if it's a marriage alliance, sending a princess would be better; it would also reward the soldiers of Wumeng. What good is sending a man?
When Huangfu Xiao saw the few old men huddled together and trembling in the carriage behind him, his vision blurred and he almost fainted from anger.
This is outrageous! They even have maids accompanying them as part of their dowry!
The envoy from Dayu coughed lightly and presented Qi An with the official letter written to Huangfu Xiao.
Wumeng sent his prince to marry into Dayu, and in return, I present Dayu's only crown prince, along with a cartload of my finest ministers. I believe the Khan can feel my sincerity.
Furthermore, although our crown prince was rendered useless earlier, he can still be used later. Please, Khan, broaden your horizons.
Real men conquer other men.
Finally, may the friendship between Wumeng and Dayu last forever.
Huangfu Xiao's veins bulged as he roared and tore up the official letter.
"Nie Yuhuang, you just wait and see."
"Guards, strip the Crown Prince of Dayu and these old bastards naked and throw them into the sheepfold."
"yes."
Half a year has passed in the blink of an eye.
During this period, Qi An carried out a major purge of the Dayu court.
The guillotine, which had only been in use for a few days, began to be washed with blood again.
Those who embezzle and pervert the law, disregard human life, and prey on the people will be punished with confiscation of property, imprisonment, and beheading—all in one fell swoop.
Several regents were also exposed for forming cliques and selling official positions, and were sentenced to have their property confiscated and be exiled.
The wealthy gentleman beside the Empress was practically a nightmare for ghosts.
Because she led the raids every time, and they were extremely ruthless, taking every last penny from every house they raided.
They even dug up people's walls and floors, leaving no stone unturned, not even a single copper coin.
With this constant copying and the addition of the private assets of several vassal kings, the treasury of Dayu was practically overflowing.
The atmosphere in the court and among the people was tense and fearful. Every court official felt insecure and felt that going to court every day was like going to a funeral.
I'm afraid that one day I'll be fine when I go out, but suddenly I won't be able to get back.
The ministers felt even more awe towards the Empress. When she swept her eyes over them, they felt that all their thoughts were exposed, which was terrifying.
But once they reach their positions, who hasn't done a few things that go wrong?
How many people dare to say their backside is completely clean?
But offenses vary in degree, and it all depends on the Empress's choice.
Everyone was working hard and strictly disciplining their family members, and the atmosphere in the capital city became exceptionally good for a time.
After three months, half of the seats in the court were empty, and the purge finally came to an end.
The remaining people finally breathed a sigh of relief; their heads were temporarily saved, but they must be careful with their words and actions in the future.
Qi An understood perfectly well that if the water was too clear, there would be no fish; unless someone was extremely wicked, there was no need to exterminate them all.
As for the manpower shortage, Qi An waved his hand and said, "Add Enke, recruit people."
Once the imperial examination was held, a group of bright but foolish young faces quickly appeared in the court, working overtime with great enthusiasm.
The veteran officials were suffering terribly from the entanglement, cursing as they gritted their teeth and kept up.
Qi An and Fu Gui privately remarked that the new oxen and horses were much easier to manage; they didn't even need her to make empty promises, they had already drawn clear lines for themselves.
No wonder capitalists prefer to hire recent graduates.
During the morning court session, Qi An, displaying the demeanor of a capitalist, addressed the court officials:
"Don't think you're irreplaceable. If you don't do a good job, there are plenty of people waiting in line to replace you. What Da Yu has in abundance is talent."
After wielding the big stick, she offered sweet dates.
"Of course, as long as you do your job well, I will definitely reward you handsomely. Gold, silver and jewels, mansions and luxury cars, promotions and titles, you will get them all."
Boss Qi felt that she was much kinder than capital; at least the promises she made would come true, and the rewards she gave were genuinely sweet.
Since the national treasury was overflowing with money, she tripled the salaries of the court officials and built several large mansions outside the palace.
Young officials who have just entered the court and do not yet own a house can apply for housing. Each person can have a small courtyard and live there for free for three years.
High pay, low workload, and close to home—it has two out of three things: high pay and close to home.
Good heavens, the oxen and horses are working even harder now.
Having brought everything to order in Dayu, Qi An played with the tiger tally and looked towards Wumeng.
"It's getting cold; it's time to destroy the Wumeng Kingdom."
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