She was the Empress's confidante; she could understand the Empress's meaning with just a glance. But she truly didn't understand the matter of medicinal cuisine.
The Empress smiled and said, "It's because they consider me one of their own that they always think of me, and I will naturally treat them as one of my own and give them opportunities to climb the ranks."
The palace maids were even more puzzled: "Your Majesty is the noble mother of the nation, so why would you need to take the initiative to get close to them?"
She knew that the Lu family treated the Emperor and Empress well, but she always felt that it was only based on their respective statuses. As long as they followed the normal relationship between the emperor and his subjects, it would be fine. But the Empress clearly treated them like family.
The palace maid had been by her side since childhood. The Empress knew that she had no ill intentions, but was simply confused, so she patiently explained.
"But I was able to become the mother of this nation without their help. Their relationship with me and the emperor is not that of a typical ruler and subject. People always treat each other with empathy. They are good to me and the emperor, and I and the emperor will be good to them in return. That's why they do their best to help the emperor protect this country, and that's why I can sit firmly in the position of empress."
"Also, don't forget, both my life and the young prince's life were saved by Jiu Niang. Otherwise, how would I have the opportunity to sit here and tell you all this?"
The Empress was very clear-headed. The more time she spent with Jiang Jiuniang, the more she understood that she could not turn against her. Too many people coveted her abilities, and if they did not cherish them, others would naturally rush to take them.
Of all the few friends she had in her life, Jiang Jiuniang was number one.
"Yes, I understand."
The palace maid nodded and went to do her own thing.
The Empress smiled, glanced down at the little prince sleeping soundly beside her, and then took out the letter and read it several times.
When the emperor came over that evening, the empress told him what had happened, and the emperor found it very intriguing.
"The livelihood issues on the border have always been a major concern of mine. Just when I was worrying about it, she brought me a pillow!"
Those places are very close to the Eastern Court, and if they are not careful, they will be bullied by the people of the Eastern Court. The people are not living well, and he, as the emperor, is also worried.
He had thought that Jiang Jiuniang would go to the border to treat people's illnesses and help with the war, but he never expected that she would also do business on the border and drive its development. How could he not be happy?
Seeing that the emperor was so happy, the empress then mentioned that Jiang Jiuniang had invited them to join her business and wanted to take over the business of making coats for the soldiers.
Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression became quite subtle.
After a short while, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"She's really something!"
No wonder she wrote to the Queen instead of directly to him.
This was a plan to bring the Empress along without letting the matter affect his reputation and status as Emperor, while also ensuring the Empress's protection for the deal—a plan that seemed to have no flaws!
What is Your Majesty's opinion on this matter?
After being husband and wife for so many years, the Empress understood immediately when she saw his expression, but she still asked a question.
Sure enough, the emperor immediately said, "Of course we should do it. After all, as she often says, 'It's a fool not to make money when there's money to be made!' Although I am the emperor, my private treasury can't just have spending without income. It's always good to have some revenue."
"But making clothes for the soldiers is a lucrative business, and the court officials will not easily agree to it."
The Empress was somewhat worried. She had just dealt with a group of people in the court, and although those who remained were all good and loyal officials, everyone has their own selfish desires. If all the good things were given to the Lu family, it wouldn't be long before people like the Feng brothers, Feng Cheng and Feng Gong, would reappear.
"So what? This business is under your name, Empress. I want to see who in the court dares to compete with you for it. Is there any problem with me making an exception for my wife?"
The emperor was very calm, showing none of his previous hesitation.
After all those events, he realized that those people in the court were all opportunists. When he always considered their interests, they would escalate the situation. But when he became decisive and strict, they wouldn't dare to utter a word.
Anyway, I'm the emperor, why should I spend my whole life having to put up with those people's opinions?
How frustrating would that be?
The Queen smiled and said, "Yes, no problem."
She genuinely felt that the emperor was in a better state than before. He was busy with various matters every day and had to consider the thoughts of the court officials, making him more tired than anyone else, and his health was deteriorating. But recently, he has been able to be himself, eat well, sleep soundly, and his health has improved.
This was what pleased the Empress the most; this was her husband, and she naturally hoped he would live a long and healthy life.
“In her letter, Jiu Niang said that we don’t need to spend any money, we just need to use my name and receive 40% of the profits every year, but I still feel that we should contribute some, otherwise I will not feel at ease.”
The Empress is kind-hearted and would never do anything to take advantage of others in a situation like this.
The emperor laughed and said, "There's no need to feel uneasy. You've shielded them from all the risks, allowing them to operate with peace of mind. You haven't gained any advantage at all."
That's why Jiang Jiuniang was able to give away 40% of the profits so generously. Otherwise, she's not stupid; why would she give up such a large share of the profits?
Upon hearing this, the Empress felt much relieved and said, "Alright, I'll write a letter to her in a bit."
The Emperor nodded: "I'll mention it in court first thing tomorrow morning, and then send someone to allocate funds to her. In the border regions, we must ensure that the soldiers are well-fed and clothed so they have the strength to fight and win battles!"
The next morning, when the emperor brought up the matter, everyone was stunned for a moment, and then began to oppose it vehemently.
The reason is simple: the Lu family has taken everything and given all the benefits, so there won't be a good outcome.
In short, their words implied that they would rebel in the future.
The emperor had anticipated their response. He listened quietly until they finished speaking, then gave a cold laugh, looked at Mr. Kang, and asked, "What does Minister Kang think?"
Mr. Kang was experienced in arguing, and he stepped forward to launch into a tirade: "Your Majesty, I am very troubled. I don't understand why there are so many sour grapes in the court! When Madam Lu wasn't going to the border, none of them wanted to go, let alone help the people on the border live a better life. Now that Madam Lu has gone and found a good way to develop, solving a big problem for Your Majesty, they can't stand that the Lu family can gain the Emperor's favor and make money."
"This is really strange. If they want something, they should just do it themselves and strive for it. Do you think the Emperor wouldn't give them a chance? They are all people of importance, so why are they thinking of taking other people's things? I really don't know if all the books they've read over the past few decades have gone to waste!"
"To be honest, I really think these people are a disgrace to us scholars. They're shameless and brazen!"
After Mr. Kang's outburst, the Emperor's smile brightened considerably, and he secretly gave Mr. Kang a nickname: Iron-Tongued Kang!
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