Low, dilapidated houses, dimly lit alleyways, muddy paths, hungry children, a woman with flowers in her hair walking towards the alleyway in the middle of the night, a local bully demanding payment for debts...
The scenes unfolding before his eyes were telling Shen Zhao a bloody reality.
Even under the emperor's nose, there are still extremely unsightly dark aspects.
Recalling his past life, Shen Zhao spent nearly six years transforming Chang'an into a truly authentic and befitting capital of the emperor.
Although there are still dark and unseen corners in the city, Shen Zhao has done his best to transform Chang'an into the city he envisioned.
At least there were no children coming out in the middle of the night to snatch wheat bran, no women having to go out to sell rice for a liter, and no absurdities like local bullies openly forcing women into prostitution.
At the very least, Shen Zhao has done his job of providing the most basic living security for the people living in Chang'an.
Seeing the worry in Gu Ningye's eyes, Shen Zhao could only sigh and comfort her, "Your Majesty, the problems in Chang'an have accumulated over time."
Changing all this won't happen overnight; it requires a gradual, step-by-step approach.
This is nonsense. In the previous life, when Yu Xiyan ascended the throne, the court was controlled by powerful families. Trying to change the class system in Chang'an like boiling a frog in water would only encounter greater resistance. How could you give her any chance to proceed step by step?
Only through sweeping reforms and drastic measures that force the aristocratic families to back down and relinquish their own interests can we truly see tangible results.
To be honest, the situation in Chang'an in the previous life cannot be entirely blamed on Yu Xiyan; in fact, many reasons existed long before.
This was already the case when Yu Guopu was in office.
He also failed to manage the deteriorating state of the nation. After spending most of his life fighting with the aristocratic factions, he was completely defeated and developed heart failure due to overwork, so he simply gave up.
Yu Guopu was a good father and husband, but he was not a qualified emperor. His only strong point was that he passed the throne to Yu Xiyan despite the pressure from the court.
Perhaps because Yu Xiyan has the most assertive personality and the most outstanding talent in cultivation, she might be able to change this situation.
But no one could have predicted that the previous nine emperors would truly change the chaotic situation in Chang'an and even the entire Dayin Dynasty, creating a glorious empire.
It turned out to be Shen Zhao, the son-in-law.
It can only be said that Yu Guopu and Gu Ningye are indeed very discerning when it comes to choosing a son-in-law.
Regardless of the reason, for the Da Yin court and the people, bringing Shen Zhao as their son-in-law was the wisest decision of their lives.
Back to the present, Gu Ningye sighed helplessly upon hearing this.
She didn't know how to change the situation, but she did her best to help these poor families and bring them some comfort.
"Zhao'er, let's go."
"Yes, Queen Mother."
The two left Ankangfang and continued driving towards the palace gate.
As they passed through Pingkang Ward, Gu Ningye suddenly reminded him, "Zhao'er, the villains who kidnapped me from the city yesterday are living in Dingxian Residence in Pingkang Ward."
Shen Zhao glanced in the direction of Pingkangfang and said, "Empress Dowager, let me escort you back to the palace first."
"Aren't you coming back to the palace with me? The Emperor Emeritus also wants to see you."
Shen Zhao remained silent, which was tantamount to an answer to Gu Ningye's question.
Gu Ningye sighed silently and did not try to persuade her further.
"Whoa—"
When the carriage had passed through Zhuque Avenue and was still half a mile from the palace, Shen Zhao pulled on the reins.
A squad of Dragon Guards was galloping toward them.
"Your Majesty, this is the last place I can take you. Please take care."
Leaving behind a message, Shen Zhao leaped off his horse to leave.
"Zhao'er, wait a moment."
Gu Ningye lifted the carriage curtain and called out to Shen Zhao.
She then stepped down from the carriage, walked up to Shen Zhao, raised her hand to tidy his somewhat disheveled hair, and tightened the cloak tie around his neck for him.
Only after everything was tidied up did she say with red eyes, "Zhao'er, no matter what..."
I am your mother. If you have time, please come visit me more often.
Your father and I have always worried about you.
"Yes, Your Majesty, please take care."
Despite his reluctance, Shen Zhao bowed and took his leave, quickly disappearing into the night.
"Zhao'er..."
Watching her departing figure, Gu Ningye quickly covered her mouth, trying her best to hold back the tears that were about to fall.
She really wanted to keep Shen Zhao by her side, and she really wanted him to become her son-in-law.
"This humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
As soon as Shen Zhao left, the Dragon Guards followed Gu Ningye to her side, and the leader, Jiang Wei, immediately bowed to her.
"Your Majesty, you've finally returned! The palace is in complete chaos. The Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty are frantic with worry."
Gu Ningye took a deep breath: "It's alright, escort me back to the palace."
"Your humble servant obeys."
...
After leaving Gu Ningye, Shen Zhao quickly returned to Pingkangfang.
He had a vague premonition that Gu Ningye's kidnapping was definitely related to Jiu You.
For Jiuyou, through ten lifetimes of rebirth, Shen Zhao's original intention has never changed.
One word: Kill!
At the same time, while Shen Zhao was searching for clues in Pingkangfang, on the other side, in Butterfly Ward...
The Nine Netherworld warrior, whose arms and legs had been broken by Liang Hao, finally arrived at the location of his contact after writhing like a maggot for nearly a chapter.
A magnificent and splendid pavilion.
As soon as he showed up, the two gatekeepers, Karami, kicked him in the face without saying a word.
"Where did this stinking beggar come from? Don't you even know where you are? You think you can just walk into Shenshui Pavilion?"
"Damn it, are you trying to scam me? There are plenty of beggars like you pretending to be disabled in Chang'an these days."
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