In an instant, several members of the imperial family and officials stepped forward, earnestly advising the emperor to select a consort. Their voices rose and fell, as if they had planned it all along.
Emperor Yongzheng listened expressionlessly, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of the dragon throne, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
After everyone had finished speaking, he slowly said, "I understand what you have said."
The courtiers held their breath, awaiting the emperor's response.
However, Yongzheng did not directly respond to the matter of the imperial concubine selection. Instead, he changed the subject and said in a deep voice, "Recently, I have been thinking about the past events of the previous dynasty and I feel that if the Qing Dynasty is to become strong, it cannot be complacent and closed off. Therefore, I have decided to reopen the sea ban and exchange goods with Western countries."
These words caused an uproar in the court. Several senior officials immediately stepped forward to object: "Your Majesty, the maritime ban is an ancestral institution and cannot be lightly abolished!"
Yongzheng sneered: "Another ancestral rule? When our ancestors entered the pass, they also said 'Keep your hair, lose your head,' but what about now? Times are changing, and the Qing Dynasty must also keep up with the times!"
The dissenting voices gradually weakened. The current emperor was no longer the one who was constrained at every turn when he first ascended the throne.
His popularity among the people grew daily, and the two great victories in the Northwest made his prestige soar, that no one dared to challenge his authority easily anymore.
"This matter is settled; there is no need for further discussion," Yongzheng declared decisively. "The Ministry of Works shall begin preparations for shipbuilding immediately, and the Court of Colonial Affairs shall be responsible for liaising with the Western envoys. Court adjourned!"
The officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!" but each had their own thoughts.
The position of Minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs was originally held by the Eighth Prince, Yinzhi. Now that Yinzhi is under house arrest, the position of Minister is vacant, and the Emperor has not yet appointed a new one.
Now that His Majesty is about to lift the maritime ban, there will be many more days of dealing with Westerners in the future. This is a great opportunity! Doing business with foreigners involves real money, not to mention that serving in the Court of Colonial Affairs will ensure one's place in history!
So the ministers went to their colleagues, classmates, and fellow graduates to discuss whether there was an opportunity to be transferred to the Court of Colonial Affairs or to place their own people there.
Immediately, discussions arose both inside and outside the court, and the matter of the imperial concubine selection that had just been mentioned was completely forgotten.
Inside Yanxi Palace, Lin Yun gently stroked her still-flat belly, a tender smile playing on her lips. Gazing at the bright sunlight streaming through the window, she murmured softly, "My child, your father has turned the entire world upside down..."
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