The wicked man replied, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Changing attitudes certainly takes time, but we can guide them through policy. For example, we can provide appropriate rewards to families who give birth to girls, so that the people will gradually recognize the value of both men and women."
Ying Zheng nodded and said, "You are right, my dear minister. As you say, we will include girls in the 'adding a son' reward program."
The wicked husband then suggested, "Your Majesty, I believe we could also establish girls' schools to teach women to read, write, and observe etiquette and morality, so that they may become virtuous wives and good mothers and better raise the next generation."
Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then said, "The establishment of girls' schools can be piloted in the capital first. If the results are good, it can then be extended to other regions."
Thus, at the suggestion of her wicked husband, the first girls' school was established in Xianyang, enrolling girls from official families and ordinary households, and teaching them to read and write, etiquette, morality, and domestic skills. This girls' school quickly became a beautiful sight in the capital, and many families vied to send their daughters there.
Following the success of girls' schools, similar educational institutions were established in other cities. The increasing number of women receiving education not only improved their overall quality but also gradually changed societal perceptions of women, alleviating the phenomenon of male chauvinism.
Under the ruthless husband's multifaceted approach, the population growth rate of the Qin Empire began to increase significantly. The infant mortality rate decreased, the marriage and childbirth rate increased, and the large-scale immigration policy led to the gradual prosperity of previously sparsely populated areas.
Two years later, while the wicked husband was handling official business at the Grand Commandant's residence, Meng Tian suddenly came to deliver the good news: "Sir, Her Majesty the Empress has given birth to a prince!"
The wicked man was startled: "Really?"
Meng Tian laughed and said, "Absolutely true! His Majesty is overjoyed and has ordered a three-day celebration throughout the country. Grand Commandant, even the imperial family is following your 'addition of a son' policy!"
The wicked man laughed loudly upon hearing this: "This is a great fortune for the country! Come, follow me to the palace to offer our congratulations!"
On that day, Ying Zheng held a banquet in the palace to celebrate the birth of his son with his ministers. During the banquet, Ying Zheng was particularly affectionate towards his wicked husband.
"My dear minister, your 'adding more children' policy has indeed been effective," Ying Zheng said with a smile. "I have heard reports that the number of newborns nationwide has increased by more than 20% compared to previous years."
The wicked man respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is wise. This is entirely due to Your Majesty's support; I have merely done my humble best."
Ying Zheng waved his hand: "No need for such modesty. Your population policy has begun to show results in the past two years. I am very satisfied. However, I have another matter to ask you."
The wicked man hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please speak."
Ying Zheng lowered his voice and asked, "I've heard that the maternity ward you established in Xianyang has special methods that can greatly reduce the mortality rate of mothers and infants. Is this true?"
The wicked husband nodded and said, "That is indeed true. I ordered physicians to carefully study and improve the delivery methods, emphasizing disinfection and hygiene, and using certain medications, which has indeed greatly reduced the mortality rate of both mothers and infants."
Ying Zheng exclaimed with delight, "Excellent! I order the Empress to use this method next time she gives birth. You personally arrange for a reliable person to handle this."
The wicked man respectfully agreed, secretly pleased. He knew that if he could guarantee the safety of the royal offspring, it would further strengthen Ying Zheng's trust in him and also facilitate the continued implementation of the population policy.
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