Except for a very few, such as Bai Shalu and Qiao Dongzi, who had only one principal wife, all the others had both wives and concubines.
Seeing them talking all at once, Mu Run said, "Those who already have wives and concubines will not be punished. However, if anyone breaks the law after its official promulgation, they will be dealt with severely."
Yan Zhengkun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, having multiple wives and concubines has been a fundamental ethical principle. How can it be changed at will?"
Mu Run replied, "There has never been a female emperor before, yet I have still ascended to the throne."
Yan Zhengkun broke out in a cold sweat and knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I had no other intention. It's just that this matter is indeed of great importance."
"Therefore, I did not issue an imperial edict directly, but instead listened to everyone's opinions and thoughts in court first." Mu Run looked at the other officials and finally asked Bai Shalu, "What is the Minister of Revenue's opinion?"
Bai Shalu stepped forward, first glancing discreetly at Fu Yunchen, signaling him to give her a hint.
However, Fu Yunchen did not respond to him, and just stood there with his eyes downcast.
Bai Shalu thought that since Fu Yunchen had proposed this, he must have agreed, otherwise he wouldn't have brought it up in court. "Yes, Your Majesty, I also strongly agree. This law benefits the country and the people, and its benefits will last for generations!"
Qiao Dongzi secretly gave him a thumbs up.
Mu Run nodded, "What Minister Bai said is absolutely right."
...
After the court session, Hongmi accompanied Murun back to the palace, her face beaming with excitement.
Mu Run glanced at her. "Look at you, is there something you want to say?"
Redmi replied, "This is very interesting."
"Interesting?" Mu Run looked at her.
"Yes, those who keep a bunch of concubines at home must be crying their eyes out. Yan Zhengkun alone has to dismiss at least ten of his favorites."
"...He is still vigorous despite his age."
"I heard that he has recently taken a fancy to the most beautiful courtesan in Danhong Garden and is about to take her as his concubine."
"Brothels will also be banned."
"Huh? Really!" Redmi exclaimed in shock.
Fu Yunchen didn't reveal all the details, but the mere mention of monogamy caused quite a stir among the crowd.
Mu Run said, "Yes."
Hongmi was even more delighted, but then asked, "In that case, what should be done with those prostitutes?"
"If there is no criminal record, the government will step in to change the household registration, and the person can return home to find a husband on their own or be introduced to a matchmaker by the government. Since the corpse disaster, the population on the mainland has been reduced by half, and many towns are deserted. If people continue to have multiple wives and concubines, when will my Chongming Kingdom ever become prosperous and wealthy?"
"Hmm." Hongmi nodded. "By the way, what will Sister-in-law do with Sun Sijin from Nian County?"
"Dispose of them? Of course, let her choose one, and release the other husbands back to their own families."
"In fact, she was the one who started this whole thing."
"Not really. I've always wanted to enact this law, but I was delayed because I had to give birth to Zhuangzhuang and lay in bed for a few years."
"Sister-in-law, the eldest brother doesn't seem very happy." Hongmi thought about how Fu Yunchen's expression was clearly displeased when they were in court.
Mu Run thought for a moment, "It must be something else. I'll ask him about it later."
However, before Mu Run could ask, Fu Yunchen suddenly asked for leave and left the palace.
"Half a month!" Mu Run looked at the fake letter in Fu Yunchen's hand and asked Steward Yang, "What is he going to do?"
Steward Yang replied, "This old servant doesn't know either."
Mu Run suddenly remembered that Yang Yang had gone to the palace in the middle of the night to look for Fu Yunchen.
Where is Yang Yang?
"Him? He's at the inn."
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