Seeing that the Emperor did not interrupt her, Yang Mengchen continued to speak.
"Although it is quite normal for men to have three wives and four concubines, if a man truly loves and cherishes his wife, he will consider her feelings and would never take another woman to hurt his wife.
As a wife, who truly wants to be her husband’s only one, she is forced to push her own husband to other women for the so-called reputation of being virtuous and generous, or else she will be labeled as jealous.
What is the result? Not only does she have to endure humiliation, but she also attracts various schemes and plots against her, and even endangers her own children. Is it worth it?
As for the concubines, whether they are compelled or willing, once they become that man’s woman, at first they must do everything in their power to win the man’s affection to survive. Once they secure their position, they want a better life, and when life gets better, they desire children. Once they have children, they seek to secure their children’s prosperity, and ultimately to give them greater wealth, naturally resorting to any means to eliminate all obstacles. At that time, the official wife and her legitimate children become the thorns in the side of the concubines and their offspring, who must be removed for their own satisfaction.
After all, everyone has desires, just to different extents. Of course, not all concubines have such desires, but those are rare exceptions.
The Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress should have the deepest understanding of this.
I come from a simple and warm family background, where my grandfather, two uncles, father, and brothers have always believed in fidelity.
My grandfather repeatedly admonished that a person has only one heart, and if you forcibly divide it, that heart dies. A wife serves the elderly, manages household affairs, and bears and raises children with great labor. If one fails and betrays his wife, it will inevitably lead to unrest in the home and ultimate lifelong regret.
Seeing the elders in my family and my brother and sister-in-law’s affection stronger than gold, naturally I hope my husband can also be faithful and true. There is nothing wrong with that. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?"
"If you were marrying into a commoner’s family, of course there would be nothing wrong with it, but Prince Chen is of royal blood, how could he only have you as a woman?" The Emperor had to admit that Yang Mengchen’s points were valid, and even hit the nail on the head, but the royal family could not be equated with commoners: "If you truly love Prince Chen, you should think of his best interests. Without the support of others, how can Prince Chen establish a stable foundation?"
Long Xuanmo said coldly, "I have said before, I do not need women to stabilize my foundation!"
"You..." The Emperor was so angry that he was at a loss for words.
Gently holding Long Xuanmo’s hand, Yang Mengchen said warmly, "I have read the historical records, the Tong family and the Situ family were both meritorious supporters of the Founding Emperor. The Tong family even produced two Empresses and three Noble Consorts. The royal family has always been indulgent and gracious towards the Tong family. However, the Tong family, spoiled by favor, even caused instability in the state, whereas the Situ family, without a single woman married into the royal family, has been loyal and has thrived continuously."
"What exactly are you trying to say?" the Emperor asked.
Yang Mengchen raised her eyebrows, "I am saying that as a subject, relying on marital ties for temporary glory and wealth is one thing, but it is essential to have competence and to stay within one’s role to be employed effectively. For those in higher positions, relying on women is not just dishonorable, it also leaves intractable problems. Most importantly, Prince does not need women to stabilize his foundation because he is outstanding and has an unwavering mind. Those subjects who try to depend on women are not worthy of being employed."
"Are you suggesting that I am incompetent, ignorant in the use of people?" The Emperor raged with embarrassment and annoyance.
Yang Mengchen did not act arrogantly or humbly, "I dare not, I am simply telling the truth."
"Such a truth-teller!" the Emperor laughed angrily in extreme irritation, "Even if Prince Chen does not need to rely on a woman, what qualification does a mere peasant girl have to be the Official Wife?"
The topic, after all this, seemed to have circled back again. Yang Mengchen sighed inwardly, "May the Emperor allow Sister Jin and my maid to come in?"
"Announce them!" The Emperor waved his hand, eager to see what kind of confidence Yang Mengchen possessed. freёwebnovel-com
Soon, Sun Chuanmao led Sister Jin and four others in, carrying four sealed wooden boxes before kneeling to pay their respects.
Yang Mengchen stood up and went over, with Long Xuanmo following her every step closely, causing the Emperor’s eyes to burn with rage. He took a few deep breaths to calm down.
"Setting aside the Huimin Hospitals that Seventh Brother and I have established across the nation, curing many and earning considerable acclaim, these four items alone..." She instructed Hai Tang and the others to open the lids of the wooden boxes, one by one Yang Mengchen picked up the items inside, "Your Majesty, this is sweet potato, corn, and potato, all are food crops;
These three crops do not need to be planted in fertile fields—the barren land would suffice. They’re drought-resistant, yield up to 1,300 catties per mu for sweet potatoes, over 1,500 catties for potatoes, and 1,200 catties for corn. Over the past five-plus years, we have stockpiled more than one million catties of seeds each. Once promoted nationwide, even in drought years, the people won’t have to suffer hunger;
Furthermore, this cotton--it can be spun into yarn for making cloth as well as used for filling cotton clothes and quilts. Soldiers guarding the borders wearing these cotton clothes won’t freeze during the bitter cold December anymore, thus avoiding untimely deaths due to the cold."
"Is what you’re saying true?" Not only did the Emperor stand up in astonishment, but everyone else also widened their eyes in shock.
Long Xuanmo, even though lost in regret that Yang Mengchen had not revealed a word to him, felt a surge of pride and admiration seeing her so intelligent and capable.
Sister Jin respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the young lady speaks the truth. We previously had only a few seeds and feared that the leak of this information would attract the coveting and plundering by certain people, possibly even leading to fatal dangers, thus we have kept it secret."
It was only before coming to The Capital that the young lady had informed her of this matter. She understood the young lady’s concerns and naturally wanted to protect and support her.
The Emperor, having long since developed the composure to remain unfazed even when mountains fall, regained his calm after the brief shock, "What if I killed you?"
Long Xuanmo gave the Emperor a chilling look, the meaning behind his eyes needing no words.
The Emperor was infuriated, being protected even before marriage. In the future, he was sure to be completely under his wife’s thumb—an utterly spineless fellow.
"Only my family’s Death Contract Servants and I know how to cultivate these four crops. The place where the seeds are stored is protected by White Tiger, White Wolf, and Golden Python. The Emperor must have heard that White Tiger, White Wolf, and Golden Python only obey my orders," said Yang Mengchen indifferently. "Furthermore, my family and the people of Qinghe Prefecture are extremely protective of me, and everyone knows martial arts. If something were to happen to me, the Emperor should be well aware of how my family and villagers might react."
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