The emperor and his concubine were out in the Yangxin Hall, braving wind and rain, and no one knew about their affairs. Meanwhile, the lives of ordinary people outside were getting better and better.
The policy of merging the poll tax into the land tax and requiring officials and gentry to perform the same duties and pay the same taxes was implemented smoothly under Emperor Yinzhen's rule.
Although there are still some die-hards, they cannot resist the general trend.
With military power and new weapons at his disposal, the imperial court organized maritime trade, allowing him to make big money openly and legitimately. Although the tariffs were high, he could earn even more.
The year was the fifth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign.
That year, Yinzhen and Yue Shu had no shortage of money, soldiers, or weapons. The economy was booming, and the people's land problems had been improved. Only then did they begin to consider the issue of industrial reform.
The reason why the two did not launch industrial reforms from the beginning was that they understood that if one era were to be pushed into another, even if that era was the right one and the trend was inevitable, rushing into it would inevitably lead to bloodshed and chaos, even if the outcome remained the same.
This is not what they want to see.
Although Yinzhen was willing to reform, he was also afraid of ruining himself through revolution, so he could not be too cautious.
However, before that, Yinzhen planned to make Yue Shu his empress.
The person arranged by Yinzhen was the first to bring up this matter.
The ministers in the court had an obvious interest in Yinzhen, as clear as day. When someone mentioned it, everyone would feign opposition, and then agree without hesitation.
The reason for such a smooth success was not because Le Shu was particularly charming or virtuous, but simply because she had a good reputation among the people, and because she controlled the maritime trade.
Whoever objects, we'll forgo the shareholding quota for next quarter.
Are you giving up on making money?
Even if someone doesn't see the situation clearly and wants to object, they must be suppressed. If they anger the higher-ups and their quota is reduced, where will the money come from to buy the jewelry promised to the women in the backyard?
corruption?
That was a choice made out of necessity. Now that there are better ways to make money, who would want to embezzle, get themselves tainted, and give their political enemies an opportunity to attack them?
How could someone who can stand in the Golden Palace to attend court be someone who can't see the situation clearly?
In this bright and beautiful season of spring, Le Shu celebrated a grand occasion in her life—her investiture as Empress.
On this day, the sky was a clear, deep blue, and a gentle breeze caressed my face, bringing blessings.
The investiture ceremony was held in the palace. The scene was grand and solemn. Inside the palace, Yue Shu wore a phoenix robe symbolizing the highest rights of women and a dazzling phoenix crown.
Her face was beautiful and charming, and her eyes revealed gentleness and determination. As the music of the ceremony began, Yue Shu slowly walked towards the altar, each step elegant and dignified, as she stepped onto the high platform.
Yinzhen held her hand, and the two followed closely, like shadows, as they sat together on the highest throne to receive the homage.
"The scenery here is truly extraordinary; no wonder everyone can't resist chasing after it."
"This scenery is beautiful, but it's best not to enjoy it alone!"
The two smiled at each other. Their wandering souls, through a chance encounter, came together and were given flesh and blood, becoming a physical entity.
Their interests were too intertwined, and Le Shu couldn't withstand any more turmoil. The same was true for Yinzhen. After ascending the throne, he actually had the opportunity to use ruthless methods to confine Le Shu to the harem, but he didn't do so.
He's a lone wolf; he can live his whole life doing this. He only needs to die from exhaustion for the country once. He can't take it again.
Although she was promoted from a Noble Consort to Empress, the entire process was carried out according to the standards for marrying the original Empress. Since the national treasury was not short of money, the Ministry of Rites was naturally willing to go to such lengths.
It was evening.
The two sat on the bright red bed. They were an old married couple, but today, the feeling was still a little different.
After the nuptial wine was drunk and auspicious words were spoken, everyone in the room left.
The red candle burned quietly, and occasionally a breeze that peeked through the cracks would stir the candlelight, casting it swaying gently on the wall.
"Shushu, after tonight, we will be officially husband and wife."
"Yes, let's continue to weather the storms together from now on."
"It's getting late, let's get settled!"
As the spring tide surged, the emperor and empress slept soundly through the night.
In Jingren Palace, Ulanara, who was already the Noble Consort Xian, stayed up all night, staring blankly at the candlelight.
Chamei came over and said, "Your Majesty, you should rest now."
She murmured, "Today's coronation ceremony is truly lively!"
More grand and solemn than hers.
Cha Mei comforted her, saying, "Back then, when the Emperor ascended the throne, the national treasury was empty. Now that the national treasury is full, it's bound to be a bit lively."
"It's just a matter of whether it was intentional or unintentional. Oh well, why am I thinking about such trivial things again? It's not my place to be thinking about these things!"
Her tone was melancholy, which made Chamei unable to hold back her tears.
"Why are you crying?"
"I don't know either, I just can't help but want to cry."
"Chamei, there's no need to cry for me. I have already given up all resentment..."
It's just a bit of a regret, and a bit unfair and resentful!
That night, Ulanara wondered what would have happened if she hadn't hidden her true nature and had worn that lively dress.
"I can't bear to think about it," she muttered to herself. "If only I didn't know!"
She didn't know; the resentment she felt was more comforting than the regret and resentment she felt now.
That night, the candles in both palaces remained lit, but one palace was filled with human joy, while the other was filled with human desolation.
Two extremes that are worlds apart.
After the Emperor and Empress's happy occasion, there was still a holiday. Yinzhen, unusually willful, secretly took Yue Shu out of the palace without telling anyone, and their whereabouts were uncertain.
However, when he returned, the emperor was full of energy, while the empress was slightly listless, her eyes filled with affection, making people blush just looking at her.
Considering that the two of them usually indulge in all sorts of things, doing whatever makes them happy, their days outside the palace must have been filled with "absurd nonsense"!
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