Time flies, and twelve years have passed since Zhen Wanwan came into this world.
Both Guabao and Tianbao have grown up, but she still maintains a youthful appearance.
After all, the spiritual spring water in this space isn't something you can drink for free!
That day, Zhen Wanwan was in the Sizheng Hall, processing the grain production data submitted by various localities.
For the past twelve years, Yongjing Kingdom's treasury has been full, with more grain than it can eat, and the people have lived in peace and prosperity.
Moreover, in order to purchase grain from Yongjing Kingdom, the neighboring country voluntarily signed a century-long peace agreement, which enabled trade between the two sides and led to economic development.
In just over a decade, Yongjing Kingdom has become a strong and prosperous nation, and the entire country has achieved three years of compulsory education and universal legal education.
Moreover, there were many more female officials in the imperial court, and women were able to hold their heads high.
They can be seen in every industry, and some female officials have made achievements that surpass those of their male counterparts.
As a result, civil and military officials competed with each other, each refusing to yield, thus creating a healthy competitive environment and resulting in very few cases of corruption or bribery.
"Your Majesty! Zhang Xuezheng requests an audience!"
Rou'er, dressed in palace attire, stepped forward respectfully and said.
She is no longer just a palace maid, but holds an official position, similar to a secretary.
Zhen Wanwan put down the memorial and looked up to wait for Zhang Congrong to come in.
Zhang Congrong, dressed in her official robes, walked in with her head held high and a smile in her eyes.
"May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace. Your Majesty, the new imperial examination is approaching, and I have come to request Your Majesty to arrange the chief examiners for this year's examination."
Zhen Wanwan's eyes glazed over, and she almost forgot that it was indeed time for the triennial imperial examinations.
"Isn't this the Emperor's responsibility?"
Zhen Wanwan disliked dealing with these miscellaneous items; she preferred agriculture and economic development.
Therefore, important matters in the court are usually handled by Zhu Yuan, unless he is too busy, in which case Zhu Yuan will help.
Zhang Xuezheng paused, realizing that he had indeed come to see the emperor, but the emperor was busy arguing with his court officials about attacking countries that did not submit.
As soon as she entered and expressed her intentions, he brushed her off and told her to find the Empress.
Zhen Wanwan's face darkened. She really disliked war because it cost money very quickly, and it also required a lot of effort to settle newly conquered territories.
She once asked Zhu Yuan why he was so obsessed with fighting. Zhu Yuan remained silent for a long time before finally whispering that his idol, Qin Shi Huang, was so powerful that he did not want to lose to him!
Then Zhu Yuan didn't want to admit that he was jealous!
He was particularly uncomfortable with Zhen Wanwan's infatuated look when she talked about her idol.
Instead of steaming buns, he felt he needed to use his charm to win back Zhen Wanwan's heart.
Zhen Wanwan just thought this person was being unreasonable, so she ignored him and just wanted him to stay out of trouble!
And it's even better not to ask her for a lot of money!
What gave her some comfort was that her son did have some talent in governing the country, especially in winning over the hearts and minds of the people.
The people's affection for Guaibao far surpassed that for Zhuyuan; everyone liked him very much as the crown prince.
Zhou'er became Guai Bao's right-hand man and the only candidate for future prime minister!
Changshun also surprised her; she hadn't expected this boy to be so quiet and composed.
I never expected that he would be such a great general!
Whether in terms of martial prowess or strategy, he is among the top in the military.
Lu Yunshen wished he could hold him in high esteem and take him everywhere he went.
Zhu Yuan was also happy to see this happen, as these were his son's future right-hand men, and by cultivating them, his future would be much easier.
Zhen Wanwan's nephews are rather mediocre. Xiao Huzi has a similar personality to her older brother, holding a leisurely job and living the life of a wealthy young master.
Gou Dan and Er Niu were notorious playboys in Kyoto, idle and carefree, wandering around with a bunch of followers.
Fortunately, the two of them had established correct values from a young age and were able to distinguish right from wrong, but they preferred to enjoy life.
Unfortunately, her second brother secretly adores his son, and their laid-back lifestyle is exactly what her second brother dreams of!
When Zhen Wanwan saw that she couldn't persuade them, she gave up and decided to let them be as idle as they wanted, as long as they didn't bully men or women or do bad things!
In short, the family has money, so let them spend it as they please!
Dani also made good use of her strengths and built her own business, achieving economic independence and becoming a role model for independent women among girls.
Erni, on the other hand, is determined to pursue a career in education and is currently the youngest female teacher at the girls' college founded by Zhang Congrong.
Because of her outstanding literary talent and gentle personality, she was loved by the female students and became the most popular female teacher in the academy.
The children all have their own lives, but they are all doing well.
After Zhang Congrong left with the list of examiners, Zhen Wanwan breathed a sigh of relief and stood up to stretch.
Suddenly, she asked, "Rou'er, is Yue still busy at the Ministry of Justice lately? There shouldn't be as many cases recently, right?"
Rou'er smiled and explained, "Your Highness, Lord Yue is indeed free of trouble recently, but Madam Chen likes to play matchmaker, so she has been avoiding Madam Chen!"
Zhen Wanwan couldn't help but shake her head and laugh. The Madam Chen that Rou'er mentioned was Chen Shuang'er.
She released all the former concubines who had no children from the palace and found them stable jobs. Several of them have even remarried.
Chen Shuang'er was an exception. She was unwilling to marry and lived alone as a woman. Because she had a wealthy private treasury, she was never short of money.
She then followed Zhen Wanwan's example and started doing charity work, adopting homeless orphans.
For some reason, she suddenly developed a liking for matchmaking over the past year, and started connecting people with each other. This time, she approached A-Yue.
Ah Yue is a staunch advocate of not getting married or having children, and is most afraid of being pressured to get married, so it's no wonder she avoids Chen Shuang'er.
"How is your grandmother? Is she alright? Should we send the imperial physician out to take a look?"
Rou'er choked back tears as she replied, "Grandmother, she..."
Zhen Wanwan thought about how Zhang Mama was in poor health, which was also a pity.
Ever since they arrived in Kyoto, Rou'er, being a person of principle, directly presented the evidence to the emperor, and Master Fang was imprisoned.
Rou'er personally interrogated and tortured the victim. Granny Zhang insisted on going to witness the torture, and afterwards, she became unwell.
If it weren't for Zhen Wanwan buying medicine to keep her going, she probably would have passed away.
Perhaps because she had no strong convictions, Granny Zhang had a very weak will to survive.
Having lived for more than a decade, she felt she had gained something, and had also watched Rou'er grow up. She felt that her mission was complete, and had no desire to live any longer.
During this time, Zhang Mama kept thinking about the scene of her son and daughter-in-law being burned to death in the fire.
Rou'er remained silent, her eyes moist, but she couldn't hold back her tears. She knew that her grandmother had been forcing herself to live until now for her sake.
However, Rou'er knew very well that her grandmother now truly did not want to live anymore.
She didn't want to be so selfish, so she had to suppress her reluctance and fulfill her wish.
Zhen Wanwan sighed knowingly, patted Rou'er's shoulder and sighed again: "Everyone has different ideas. As long as it's what she wants, fulfilling her wishes might be the best thing for her."
Rou'er nodded, and her obsession gradually faded. Zhen Wanwan gave her a half-month leave to go home and keep Zhang Mama company.
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