Chapter 73 "Sister, I'll have Phoenix be the Empress..."
But Bai Xuerou wasn't really comfortable with using these former officials from the previous dynasty.
If it were just her and Ling Xun, she wouldn't care, but Fenghuang'er is still young.
After much deliberation, she discussed it with Ling Xun and they agreed that female households could be established, and the imperial court would provide land and housing. Only then did half of the remaining people go.
But this one thing alone took more than a year.
The idea of women working in households was unprecedented, and with the addition of land, who would normally believe it? Only when someone tried and succeeded would the rest of the people muster the courage.
Bai Xuerou had been paying close attention to this matter, so its implementation went relatively smoothly.
Since this matter has been implemented, it will not only affect the palace. After years of war, there are many lonely women in the common people. Most of them follow the trend and marry to find someone to rely on, but there are also many women who have the courage to live alone.
Thus, things finally began for the women's households.
If they weren't homeless, who would willingly waste their time in this deep palace?
After two rounds of selection, the remaining people were either those who wanted to retire in the palace or those who had ulterior motives.
Most of Bai Xuerou's servants were sent elsewhere, leaving only the old man to serve her in Ganlu Palace.
However, since the palace maids had left, the palace could not be left unattended, so the court submitted another memorial requesting the selection of palace women.
Ling Xun pressed him down, indicating that there were only three masters in the palace and that there was no need for so many people to serve them.
The officials disagreed. Although they had their own selfish motives, the state of the palace was not just the emperor's business. It involved the face of the court, and it was especially important for major celebrations, such as the annual grand court assembly.
With so many small countries coming to pay homage, the palace always needed to have a sufficient number of people available.
Ling Xun said there was no rush. The country had just been established and everything needed to be rebuilt; it was not the time to worry about these things.
He will naturally select if necessary.
The officials were all relieved to see that he listened to their advice.
They were worried that the emperor would be autocratic once he held great power.
The transition from the old to the new is never instantaneous, especially new laws and order, which often take ten or even several decades to truly take root in the hearts of the people.
But there's no need to rush.
Ling Xun is still young, an emperor in his early twenties, he has a long time ahead of him.
In the third year of Ling Xun's reign, palace maids were also selected.
Just as the court officials said, there were indeed enough palace maids for ordinary people, but during major celebrations such as festivals and grand court assemblies, the number of palace maids was indeed somewhat insufficient.
Bai Xuerou not only selected palace maids, but also established female officials and a girls' school. Although the officials had their own opinions, they could only listen to Ling Xun's support.
Over the years, His Majesty's prestige has grown daily. Although he usually seems to have a good temper and rarely gets angry, his inability to show his emotions makes people even more uneasy. They have also noticed that while His Majesty seems easy to talk to, that's mostly because he doesn't care. However, when it comes to the Empress, he will definitely stand firm to the end and will not allow the Empress to suffer the slightest grievance or displeasure.
After thinking it over, I couldn't help but feel fortunate that, apart from favoring women because of her gender, the White Queen didn't usually interfere much in matters of state.
Otherwise, given His Majesty's deep affection for Empress Bai, he might do as she wishes.
With this in mind, the officials didn't have much objection to the White Empress's favoritism towards women.
Moreover—
The White Queen was no ordinary queen.
The White Queen had always had a habit of exploring overseas, and even after His Majesty ascended the throne and she became the most honored woman in the world, she did not change, and would organize a fleet to go to sea every year.
Furthermore, in the first year of His Majesty's reign, he brought back news of mineral deposits such as gold, silver, copper, and iron—
Of course, everyone in the court felt that the White Empress must have known all along, but because of the ongoing war, she had not revealed it until now that the world had been settled.
After the imperial court conducted an exploration, the mineral resources were found to be extremely valuable, and His Majesty immediately organized a naval force to mine them.
In addition, the fleet's harvest over the years has been remarkable. After potatoes at the beginning, it has brought back sweet potatoes and corn, two high-yield crops, as well as other seasonings and fruits.
Putting aside everything else, just the three staple foods of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn were enough to feed all the people in the world and sustain countless lives.
The people of the world are all grateful for the kindness of the White Queen. They have built a shrine for her. There are also rumors that the White Queen was a goddess from heaven who descended to earth to save the world from suffering.
At first, people thought this was absurd, but after hearing it many times, they actually found some truth to it.
If it weren't for Empress Bai taking care of the young emperor, who knows what would have happened later?
But it will never be like this.
She also discovered potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn. Although the White Queen explained that since there was still land overseas, there might be different plants, and it was just an experiment, someone found out that the White Queen had instructed the fleet on the details of these crops before they set sail. Otherwise, they wouldn't have found them so quickly.
No matter how you look at it, the White Queen gives off a sense of prophecy.
The more you think about it, the more awe it inspires.
But even reverence cannot overcome the greed in one's heart.
Your Majesty has been on the throne for over three years, and Princess Yuanjia is already five years old, yet the Emperor and Empress still only have this one daughter. The court officials have repeatedly advised Your Majesty to select virtuous and talented women to enter the palace for the sake of the imperial line, so as to ensure the continuation of the imperial heir and solidify the foundation of the nation.
Ling Xun resolutely rejected the idea, but the court officials would not give up so easily. The stalemate between the emperor and his ministers lasted for several days. Suddenly, many nobles in Chang'an heard rumors from the imperial physician that His Majesty had been poisoned and could no longer conceive.
The court officials were filled with doubt and suspicion, but dared not urge the emperor any further.
Whether this matter is true or not is unknown, but if it is true, continuing down this path might anger the emperor.
Furthermore, the Emperor and Empress were deeply in love and lived together day and night. There was no news of Empress Bai being unwell, yet she had not conceived for so many years.
If that's the case, then... it makes sense.
Furthermore, even if it weren't true, the fact that the emperor was willing to spread this rumor shows his determination. Under such circumstances, forcing him further would only enrage him.
Since that's the case, why maintain this stalemate and displease the emperor?
In other matters, when the emperor gets angry, the White Empress will come to persuade him, but this is not necessarily the case, and no one wants to take the risk.
No one dared to tell Bai Xuerou this kind of thing easily; even the people of Chang'an only dared to talk about it in private.
As the story progressed, it eventually reached the palace.
Even in the summer, Ganlu Palace was free from the heat and dryness of summer.
The four-cornered ice chest exuded a coolness that made Bai Xue Rou, who was used to disliking summer, feel very comfortable. Ling Xun had previously suggested moving to Qingliang Terrace, but Bai Xue Rou was the type who didn't like to move once she got used to her place. Besides, if she moved to Qingliang Terrace, Ling Xun would definitely have to go with her, and going to court every day would be too much of a hassle.
After going back and forth like this, it still wasn't moved.
Every day after breakfast, Bai Xuerou's first task was to handle palace affairs. Although there were only three masters in the palace, there were many people serving them, so there were naturally many things to do. In addition, there were also matters outside the palace, which kept her very busy for a long time.
Today, merchants from outside the palace also came to report, and in the process of speaking, they inevitably let slip some information.
"What?" Bai Xuerou frowned. She had lived a life of luxury and comfort all these years without any worries. Her appearance was no different from before, but her demeanor had become more and more graceful and composed. She was dressed in gorgeous clothes and jewels, and her brilliance was so outstanding that people almost dared not look directly at her.
The female manager of the business immediately realized that Bai Xue Rou truly did not know about this matter, and she couldn't help but feel uneasy. She got up to apologize, but when she saw Bai Xue Rou slightly raise her hand, she sat down again, just looking at her anxiously.
In a short time, Bai Xuerou calmed down and comforted the female steward with a few words, letting her leave the palace first. Then she immediately sent someone to Zichen Palace.
After the morning court session, Ling Xun went to the Zichen Hall, accompanied by his close advisors, to discuss some matters.
As soon as they entered the hall, a close attendant stepped forward and whispered that the Empress had arrived.
Bai Xuerou rarely interfered in court affairs, and even less so when Ling Xun had just finished court and was clearly busy. Ling Xun quickly realized what Bai Xuerou was up to and became somewhat worried.
He didn't tell Bai Xuerou about this, which inevitably suggests that he was hiding something.
Of course, he did intentionally conceal it.
Whether Bai Xue Rou refused or felt guilty, Ling Xun didn't want it. He just wanted Bai Xue Rou to think that they weren't meant to be, and that was fine with him.
"I have some matters to attend to and need to leave for a while. I will trouble you all to wait a moment," Ling Xun said.
He didn't like to use the terms "孤" (gu) or "寡" (gua), but only referred to himself as "朕" (zhen).
The ministers immediately laughed and said, "It's alright, it's alright."
The imperial city is only so big, and there is only one person who can make His Majesty change his mind.
Bai Xuerou sat in the side hall. It was summer, and she wore a light blue blouse and a light blue skirt. A light blue shawl was draped over her arm, and she wore gold and jade ornaments and a blue silk flower on her head. She was still elegant and noble, but not aggressive. Instead, she was quiet and beautiful.
Just like the ladies in ancient paintings.
She is already thirty years old this year, but time seems to have been particularly kind to her. Or perhaps it is because of her carefree life that she doesn't show much of the weariness that comes with this age. Her eyes are bright and her expression is lively, and she still looks like she is in her twenties.
Bai Xuerou frowned slightly, clearly displeased. Hearing footsteps, she turned to look at the door and saw Ling Xun enter. She stood up to greet him, saying, "Your Majesty."
"Sister is angry." Ling Xun took a few quick steps, reached out to help her up, and smiled.
Having been together for many years, Bai Xuerou had long since become less polite under Ling Xun's deliberate and subtle influence. In the past, when she saw him, she would only nod slightly and greet him. Today, her greeting clearly indicated that she was in a bad mood.
The palace servants inside the room all lowered their eyes, not daring to look any longer, when they saw the Emperor and Empress naturally holding hands and leaning against each other.
The Emperor and Empress had been married for many years and remained as loving as ever. When the Emperor reviewed memorials, he would often ask those around him how the Empress was doing. Although the Zichen Palace was the Emperor's sleeping quarters, he had been residing in the Ganlu Palace for many years since his ascension to the throne, without any incidents.
The Empress is graceful and the Emperor is handsome. Although there is a difference in age, it is not noticeable at all. Standing together, they are a perfect match, like a pair of beautiful people.
The palace servants couldn't help but admire it whenever they saw it.
Bai Xuerou looked at him. Ling Xun was twenty-five years old this year. His handsome appearance was more mature and steady than before. He wore a black round-necked robe with dragon patterns, and the gold and jade belt at his waist was decorated with dragon patterns that only emperors could use.
In his youth, he loved to wear black, which always made him look older. But now, wearing black makes him appear even more dashing, profound, and composed, making him simply captivating. Throughout the year, countless palace women are enamored with him, trying every means to win the emperor's favor.
Unfortunately, the emperor they encountered was a master of Gu poison, and no one could harm him unless he himself chose to. Moreover, Ling Xun would punish those who were caught using Gu poison severely each time.
But even so, it cannot be prohibited.
This was even with only eunuchs around Ling Xun; the palace maids were all from the inner palace. The fact is, no matter how strict the guards are, as long as one is determined, there's always an opportunity, given over 300 days a year, every day, during breakfast and lunch, eating and drinking.
Bai Xuerou was initially helpless, but after a few times, she got used to it.
And this was only in the palace; there were also many noble ladies in Chang'an.
Only Bai Xuerou is kind-hearted; otherwise, she would probably be suspicious and restless all day long.
"How did you get poisoned? When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me about something so serious? I was the last to find out!" Bai Xuerou asked, both worried and annoyed.
Ling Xun helped her up and said, "Sister, don't rush, sit down first, I'll tell you slowly."
As they spoke, a single glance swept across the room, and all the servants attending to them in the hall withdrew.
This place is not far from the main hall where Ling Xun usually holds meetings, separated only by a few layers of curtains. It was originally set up as a place for Bai Xue Rou to pass the time. It is filled with her usual things, and even the soft pillows have her favorite patterns and phoenix patterns. There are also various ornaments with dragon patterns. Anyone can see the intimacy between the emperor and empress at a glance.
The maidservant withdrew and the door was gently closed.
Bai Xuerou's anger had subsided, and she frowned as she asked, "What exactly happened? Are you alright?"
Ling Xun was overjoyed to see that she was most concerned about his health.
"I'm fine. I took the medicine myself; it just means I won't be able to have children."
Bai Xuerou was startled, turned her head to look at him steadily, and quickly realized what was happening.
"You yourself? You—"
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Ling Xun simply smiled at her and gently smoothed her furrowed brows.
“It’s alright, sister, we have Phoenix, that’s enough,” he whispered.
"Is it because of the difficult childbirth?" Bai Xuerou asked after a moment of silence.
Having been married for many years, they knew each other too well, and she knew that as soon as Ling Xun opened his mouth, she guessed the reason.
Ling Xun hummed in agreement.
"Sister, I don't want you to take any more risks." He took the opportunity to say, pulling Bai Xue Rou's hand to her cheek. The two were already very close, but he always felt it wasn't enough. He always wanted to get closer, even closer, and he could never be satisfied.
“I regretted it the moment you had that difficult childbirth. I kept thinking that the baby wasn’t important, but if it would put you in danger, it would be better not to have it,” Ling Xun said.
"Don't say that," Bai Xuerou retorted instinctively, whispering, "Phoenix will be sad if she knows."
Ling Xun ignored those words and simply said, "For a long time afterward, I had nightmares about not being able to find you."
Bai Xuerou was stunned. In the period right after giving birth, Ling Xun was indeed unusually clingy to her. She knew it had frightened him, but she didn't expect that the shock would last for so long and he still hadn't forgotten it.
"Abao..." she murmured, seeing the vulnerability on Ling Xun's face, she subconsciously called out this intimate nickname that only the two of them knew. She gently reached out and hugged Ling Xun.
"I'm fine, don't worry, I'm okay," Bai Xuerou said.
From a very early age, Bai Xuerou stopped worrying about whether Ling Xun would change his mind. Because he had given her so much love, enough for her to forget those things.
Ling Xun wrapped his arms around Bai Xuerou's waist, enjoying this moment of intimacy. "Sister, how about I make Fenghuang'er the crown prince?"
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