A few years later
The wind and rain have just stopped, and the lanterns that have been lit for several years are gradually becoming brighter.
The six palaces are in harmony, thunder bursts and clouds part to reveal a soaring dragon.
Spring is in full swing on the branches of dragon and phoenix trees, and the people return to their hometown without any fault.
His hair turns white and his beard becomes thicker, and his love becomes stronger. People from all over the world come to pay homage to him and enter the holy realm.
Several years had passed in a flash, and ten years had allowed Chen Qing, as a disciple of Yuan Tian Sect, to use his skills to optimize the living conditions of the entire Qiankun Kingdom just like creating the world.
For example: the popularization of paper, the replacement of bamboo sticks with soft paper, dental floss for cleaning teeth, and the asphalt roads of major thoroughfares.
In addition, during the ten years, Chen Yun, the new and old concubines all gave birth to several royal heirs with Li Lin.
The current children of Queen Chen Ying are: Crown Prince Li Ziyin, eldest princess Princess Changle Li Xin, fourth prince Prince Kangtai Li Shengxi, fifth princess Princess Yuehai Li Meixian, ninth prince Prince Haowen Li Jinye, sixth princess Princess Yuzhang Li Lan, twelfth prince Prince Jin Li Ye, and twentieth princess Princess Liuying Li Mingda.
Despite this, Chen Yun always drew lessons from the previous emperor's harem and past historical books when governing the harem. She was considerate and caring towards the harem and even the palace maids, and put people first. Therefore, everyone in the harem respected the queen.
In addition, Li Lin was a skilled ruler, open to advice and advice, and during times of peace, he took Shoucheng's advice seriously, minimizing the suffering of the poor and unnecessary conscription. He also governed neighboring states with the principle of avoiding war if possible, and fighting as little as possible.
Emperor Li Lin and Empress Chen Yin truly fulfilled the prophecy of all nations coming to pay tribute.
The two men's devotion to their country and their people has resulted in their hair turning slightly gray. The beard that Li Lin has retained is a symbol of his maturity.
That year, the two of them sailed in a small boat across the lotus pond. A gentle spring breeze blew through the pink and green hues, and faint sounds of praise drifted through. When they reached the shore, they disembarked, their faces still as bright as blossoming peach blossoms.
"Qian'er's spring outing poem is truly beautiful and charming."
Chen Yun turned to face the lake and took pictures of his own appearance proudly.
"Although I have a few wrinkles, I'm still beautiful."
Chen Feng, standing by, was no longer as robust as he had been yesterday, but today he was a well-off and high-ranking official. Seeing his sister living a happy life, he had no regrets.
Ouyang Li, standing by, smiled and said, "The Empress is eternally youthful! The Prince is different, full of blessings, like a fermented steamed bun!"
Chen Feng frowned and responded, "Why are the people under the Crown Prince's watch sergeant hunching their necks and bending their backs like monkeys?"
Ouyang Li patted Chen Feng lightly and said, "Master Changsun, I don't have your high official position, nor do I have your wives and concubines. How can I be as lucky and smooth as you?"
Chen Feng placed his hands behind his back and said, "I only have one wife and one concubine. According to your majesty's will, one wife belongs to one husband, and concubines cannot be wives. A noble woman becomes a mistress, while a lowly woman becomes a concubine. How can there be many wives and concubines?"
Li Lin heard from afar that the two men were arguing with each other again.
Although there was a huge gap in official rank between the Minister of Personnel Chen Feng and the Prince's Chief of Guards Ouyang Li, Ouyang Li was an old minister loyal to the late emperor and naturally was not afraid of Chen Feng.
When the two men saw Li Lin coming, they bowed slightly.
Li Lin: "Aren't you afraid the Queen will hear you talking so loudly at the Lotus Feast? She's very protective of her own people."
Ouyang Li offered an apology and responded: "I made a mistake in my words."
Chen Yun came over: "What's the matter?"
Li Lin smiled and held Chen Yun's hand and said, "We are talking about Ziyin and Xin'er's marriage."
Chen Yun nodded. "Your Majesty and I are both in our forties. Our health is declining day by day. I do have some thoughts about having a royal grandson."
Ouyang Li said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Princess Changle is naturally beautiful, and many noble families and foreign princes have requested her hand in marriage. Why not consider the neighboring country of Louhuang?"
Chen Yun immediately raised his hand to object: "A daughter who marries far away is as worthless as grass. If her husband's family is not human, she will live like pigs and dogs. If she suffers hardship one day, she will be afraid to return home for fear of being laughed at."
Li Lin: "Actually, I've thought it over carefully. I have someone in mind. It's Changsun Congyun. Although he's two years younger than Changle, he's still more mature."
"Yes, my brother's eldest son. So, Your Majesty, what do you think of Ziyin's marriage proposal? My choice is Su Rui, the eldest daughter of Su Zhaishan, the Secretary."
Li Lin: "Oh, her! I've met his eldest daughter once. She's beautiful as a spring breeze, but she has a majestic air. Can Ziyin suppress her?"
"It doesn't matter if he can't control her, as long as she can control the harem. The harem is not something for a little wife. Their Su family has been high-ranking officials for generations. There is no problem with their background. The most important thing is that you and that girl were born in Wugong County."
Li Lin put his hands on his waist and continued walking, thinking. Suddenly, he felt relieved.
"Indeed. That was the first place my father led his troops upon ascending the throne. It's also my birthplace." Li Lin spoke to the old eunuch beside him. "Little Mozhu, tell Su something... Secretary Su and eldest daughter Su Rui to go to the back garden now. Tell them not to eat and have the servants set up the meal outside in the square. Also, bring all the concubines with heirs to the throne to enjoy with the children."
Soon, the sound of footsteps echoed down the asphalt path. Palace maids hurried past, carrying food boxes. The sweet aroma of lotus root powder cakes wafted in on the lotus breeze. The concubines from the harem also arrived, bringing the heir with them.
Wei Ningshuang, dressed in a moon-white palace dress, walked slowly towards them, holding the hand of a palace maid. Behind her came several princes and princesses. She was now the mother of three children. Her brows were less sharp than before, and more gentle. When she saw Chen Yun, she smiled and saluted: "Your Majesty, you look so good today. I guess it's because of the lotus breeze."
Yin Banluo followed beside her, holding the Thirteenth Prince Li Hu's hand. "Your Majesty, the other day Li Hu wrote the words 'Peace and Prosperity for the Country' in pencil, and said he wanted to show them to Your Majesty and Your Majesty."
Yan Ruoxi brought the eighth prince Li Jie and the fifteenth princess Li Taoji with her. She was much calmer than before and no longer as eager for quick success as she was in the past. When she saw Chen Yin, she bowed politely.
Li Taoji was holding a freshly picked lotus flower and tiptoed to hand it to Chen Yun: "Mother, this lotus flower is beautiful. I'll give it to you."
Chen Yun took the lotus and kissed Li Taoji on the forehead. "Taoji, you are so good. I will put this lotus in the vase in Kunning Palace and let you look at it every day."
Yang Ya also arrived, accompanied by the Seventh Prince Li An and the Seventeenth Princess Li Si Mi. Over the years, she had subdued her desire to restore the Yang family, focusing solely on raising her children. However, a complex look occasionally flickered in her eyes as she looked at Chen Yun—a mixture of awe and a hint of resentment.
Li Si Mi timidly hid behind Yang Ya, who gently pushed her and said, "Hurry up and pay your respects to the Empress. She once taught you how to make lotus root starch cake."
Li Si Mi then whispered, "Greetings, Her Majesty the Queen." Chen Yun smiled and patted her head. "Si Mi, have you grown taller recently? Next time, I'll teach you how to make a new snack."
Everyone sat down around the lotus pond, and the palace maids brought out chilled lotus root powder cake, lotus seed soup, and candied fruits wrapped in soft paper - this soft paper is not only used for documents nowadays, but also used by the people to wrap food, it is clean and light.
Li Lin picked up a piece of lotus root starch cake and handed it to Chen Yun: "Yun'er, this is your favorite. Today the imperial chef specially added more osmanthus flowers."
Chen Yun took a bite, and the sweet but not greasy aroma spread in her mouth. She squinted her eyes and smiled: "The imperial chef really understands me. It's much better than the coarse rice cakes I had in Wugong County back then."
Su Zhaishan and Su Rui arrived. After greeting each other, they were specially seated next to Li Ziyin. Meanwhile, Shoucheng was also present.
"Shoucheng, thank you for the trouble of sending you here. Give him Miss Su's horoscope!"
Su Zhaishan gave Shoucheng the birth chart and then asked, "I wonder what the Empress wants from my daughter..."
Chen Yun stroked the rim of the teacup with his fingertips, his eyes falling on Su Rui - this girl's eyes were bright as if there was light, and the calluses on her hands were not like those of ordinary girls from wealthy families who only knew music, chess, calligraphy and painting.
She suddenly spoke, her voice low but weighted: "If someone ever calls Miss Su a 'witch concubine who brings disaster to the nation' and implicates the people of Qiankun, would you be willing to offer your heads? Think carefully before you answer, for I will take it seriously."
Su Zhaishan looked at Su Rui painfully, not knowing what she was thinking. He felt that one thought was heaven, the other was hell. He hesitated and held Su Rui's hand.
"I don't want to." Su Rui hesitated for a moment, but she followed her heart. Even Su Zhaishan was panicked. "Your Majesty, if I am truly a traitor to the country, I will die to atone for my crime without the Su family's intervention. But if it is just an unfounded slander, I will not admit it. I have read the books of Confucius and Mencius and learned the principle that 'the people are the most important.' I am willing to sacrifice my life for my country, but that doesn't mean I have no reason to sacrifice my life for others. My body and hair are given by my parents. Life cannot be arbitrarily desecrated."
"Does this mean that I will just leave this evil concubine who brought disaster to the country alone?"
Su Rui didn't understand what the Queen meant, but she felt very uncomfortable hearing such words. She clenched her hands and pinched the gauze at the hem of her skirt, hesitant and not daring to respond casually.
After a moment's thought, Su Rui mustered the courage to stand up, knelt, and replied, "I do not wish to accept such a title. However, if Your Majesty insists, I will have no choice but to accept it. If not, I am willing to struggle against fate."
Shoucheng said coldly, "What a pity. A phoenix for a short time. Similar to the queen, but not the same. Miss Su, you must prepare for offspring early. You are destined to have the talent of a phoenix, but not the fate of a phoenix. However, you have good character, and you and your husband can get along well and have a deep relationship."
"I'm sorry, Master. I don't believe in fate."
A hint of approval flashed in Chen Yun's eyes. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Li Ziyin stand up and said in a cold voice: "Mother, I think Miss Su should not enter the palace. There is no need to discuss this matter further." After that, he was about to leave.
"Miss Su, I think you are suitable to accompany the prince. Especially now."
Chen Yun signaled to Su Rui, and Su Zhaishan gently pushed Su Rui, and she finally understood. Then she bowed and caught up with Li Ziyin.
After everyone left, Li Lin continued to say to Su Zhaishan: "I would like to take your daughter Su Rui as the Crown Princess. I wonder if the marriage is suitable?"
Su Zhaishan: "Rui'er is unmarried and has no clear admirer. The Su family is willing to be loyal to His Majesty!"
Meanwhile, Li Ziyin, who was on the road, said coldly, "Miss Su, the Queen Mother's message is very clear. This prince does not like you, nor does he want to get married. You should withdraw on your own initiative."
Su Rui smiled disdainfully, then said, "How can I disobey my parents' orders?"
"Your father doesn't know, but the Queen Mother won't force others' wishes. Besides, this prince only likes boys."
Su Rui stopped in surprise, completely stunned. Su Zhaishan's daughter loved listening to storybooks, and Long Yangzhi also read a wide range of them. This was the first time he had encountered reality.
"Telling the truth will not hurt everyone's mood."
Su Rui wrapped her arms around Li Ziyin's, looking at his handsome figure that was no less handsome than Li Lin's, and felt as excited as if she had caught an interesting toy.
"Hey! Your Highness, can you tell me what that feels like?"
Li Ziyin tapped Su Rui's forehead and said, "Look at you, how can you look like a young lady from a wealthy family?"
Su Rui: "Since we can't disobey our parents' words, we might as well prepare early to avoid being lonely."
"My father and mother, especially my mother, are very open-minded. She doesn't follow those old rules. She even advocates for a women's school and equality for all. She even went to the battlefield to fight against my uncle during the Battle of Haimen."
"If that's the case, I'm even more interested in meeting the Queen."
Li Ziyin smiled slightly, but became interested in the woman.
"You really have no manners."
"I, your humble servant, am very particular about etiquette!"
Back to the present, there is one person who opposes marrying Su Rui.
Wang Huaian, the Minister of Rites, said, "Your Majesty, I am not targeting the Empress. I simply believe that governing a country should follow ancient methods. I am worried that this will lead the Qiankun Kingdom astray. The Empress comes from a humble background and may not understand the etiquette of aristocratic families, but how can we govern a country on a whim? For example, for the selection of the Crown Princess, Your Majesty has chosen Su Rui, the eldest daughter of Su Zhaishan. However, the Su Zhaishan family has been officials for generations, and their thinking has always been focused on power. As a result, the Su family has narrow-minded thinking, and their children, as the Crown Prince's wives, will not be able to support their husbands well."
Su Zhaishan stood up and said in great displeasure, "My wife, there has never been any quarrel in our Su family. As officials, we put the people first. It is you who are limited to the officialdom."
This remark directly touched upon the issue of "origin," and Chen Yun's expression finally darkened. She stood up and walked over to Wang Huaian, her gaze calm yet commanding. "Minister Wang said I came from a humble background and didn't understand etiquette. So, I want to ask you, what is etiquette? Is it about making it so the common people can't afford to study or walk, or is it about allowing the children of aristocratic families to monopolize official positions and oppress the common people? It's because I've seen the suffering of the common people that I know how to ensure their lives are better!"
She pulled an account book from her sleeve and handed it to Li Lin. "Your Majesty, these are the accounts of people's livelihoods reported by various regions last year. Soft paper has greatly increased the number of people going to the capital for the imperial examinations and the business of academies. Asphalt roads have reduced transportation costs and delivery times by 40%. The promotion of dental floss has reduced the number of people suffering from illness by 30%. Minister Wang, you call these unorthodox methods. Then please find me an 'orthodox' method to ensure a better life for the people!"
Li Lin put down the account book and opened it for everyone to see. He pointed at the directory and said angrily, "Wang Huaian! You are the Minister of Rites, but instead of thinking about how to promote education, you question the Queen's achievements at every turn. Is etiquette in your eyes just watching the people suffer? Your so-called 'origin' and 'orthodoxy' are just excuses for you to look down on the people and protect the interests of the aristocratic families!"
Wang Huaian's face turned pale, but he was still about to argue when Wei Ningshuang suddenly spoke up, "Minister Wang, I was also an abandoned concubine of the Yanyou Kingdom. My family background is not as noble as yours, but yours has never looked down on me. Instead, you have always helped me. Now my loyal prince is serving in a frontier vassal state, and thanks to the asphalt road built by yours, he can go home to visit his family once a year. If there were no asphalt road, he wouldn't be able to come back for five years. You say yours truly doesn't understand etiquette, but yours truly understands benevolence more towards the concubines and the people in the harem than you, a 'son of an aristocratic family'!"
Yin Banluo nodded as well. "Yes, the Queen also had disciples from the Yuantian faction teach the women new weaving methods. My Yin family's business in Tufan is based on the methods the Queen taught us. It's because of this that the cloth is of better quality and sells for a higher price. You say these are extraordinary arts, but how many women have these arts enabled to make a living from their crafts?"
Wang Huaian looked at everyone standing on Chen Yun's side, and finally he was speechless. His legs softened and he knelt down: "Your Majesty and Your Majesty, please forgive me for my words!"
Li Lin snorted coldly, "I'll spare you today because you're a veteran minister of the previous dynasty. But if you dare to question the Empress or look down on the people again, I will never forgive you!"
Wang Huaian kowtowed in thanks, his face pale as he stood up, not daring to look at Chen Yun again. Chen Yun watched him from behind and sighed softly, "Your Majesty, it's not that I want to argue with Minister Wang, but in this prosperous era, there are always some who consider 'origin' more important than 'merit'. If we don't wake them up, I'm afraid even more people will hinder reform in the future."
The Lotus Banquet continued, but the atmosphere wasn't as lively as before. Chen Yan looked at the lotus in the pond and suddenly remembered how she'd been when she first entered the palace. Back then, she'd been looked down upon for her background. Now, despite her achievements, some still refused to acknowledge her. Just as she was thinking, Princess Changle, Li Xin, ran over, her skirt in hand, followed by a group of officials' sons.
Li Xin's face is similar to Chen Yun's, but she is more beautiful, and her charm has caused controversy among people around her.
"Mother, I despise these young men. Let them leave immediately!"
Seeing Li Xin pursing her lips, Chen Yan said helplessly, "All of you, step back!"
Li Xin saw Li Ziyin and Su Rui returning from one place, smiling brightly, and said enviously, "It seems that my royal brother has found true love. What about me?"
Li Lin mocked her: "You are so picky that you say no. I have already arranged a prince consort for you. Come meet him tomorrow."
"ha?"
It seems that Li Xin cannot escape the constraints of marriage.
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