The conversation concluded with both parties satisfied, and Lin Yan's plan was approved by the Emperor.
Moreover, Lin Yan had presented numerous initiatives that would benefit the nation and its people. Even if the plans concerning the martial world progressed slowly, these contributions would rapidly improve the living standards of the common folk.
The Emperor confidently entrusted Prince Chu and Lin Yan with matters pertaining to the martial world, a gesture that revealed the Emperor's profound trust in Prince Chu. Though imperial families were often perceived as heartless, this pair of brothers seemed to be an exception.
With such a benevolent and righteous emperor, Lin Yan felt even more at ease, knowing she wouldn't be discarded once her mission was accomplished.
After Lin Yan departed from Zhen Xiu Lou, the Emperor turned to Qin Cong, who had remained silent, and asked, "Is she the one?"
"Yes!" Qin Cong nodded.
Indeed, he had fallen for Yan'er. Initially, he found her merely unique, but gradually, she captured his attention and his heart, becoming the only person he wished to spend the rest of his life with.
"You've looked down on so many noble ladies, yet you fancy someone from the martial world?" Seeing Qin Cong's displeased expression, the Emperor quickly added,
"I'm not saying she's not good, but your upbringings and the circles you move in are different. You truly aren't suited for each other."
"I don't think we're unsuited. I think she's perfect for me!" Qin Cong retorted stubbornly, averting his gaze from the Emperor.
"Huai Jin, you cannot develop special feelings for her just because she saved you. She is a very capable person, and absolutely cannot be your secondary consort. As your primary consort, her status is too low."
The Emperor sighed.
"Imperial Brother, didn't you ascend to this position precisely so we could live more freely?" Qin Cong turned his head to face his brother.
The Emperor was taken aback, unsure how to respond. Qin Cong was right. They had all lived too cautiously back then, which was why they strived for this position.
For his ascension to the throne, his only brother had been poisoned while protecting him, nearly dying. Because of this, both he and their mother wanted to give their youngest brother the best of everything.
"Imperial Brother, I know you have many constraints, but I want to live a more unfettered life. I don't care about status or power! I only want her as my primary consort, to be with her forever!"
"You... forget it. I cannot control you. You speak to Mother yourself! If Mother agrees, then I will issue the imperial decree for your marriage." The Emperor sighed, not wanting his only brother to suffer.
When he was young, his brother had not been favored by their father. Their father preferred the Ninth Prince, born to a favored concubine, while Huai Jin, barely over half a year older than the Ninth Prince, did not earn his father's affection.
At that time, his father was suspicious of him. After all, his father was old, while he, the Crown Prince, was young and vigorous. Therefore, his father disliked him and, by extension, also harbored resentment towards their mother and Huai Jin.
Later, Huai Jin took the poisoned food intended for him. It was from that moment that he resolved to seize the throne and ensure his true kin would never suffer such hardship again.
Because Huai Jin had never enjoyed a day of comfort in his childhood, they all doted on him, especially their mother.
Mother always wanted to find a perfect noble lady for Huai Jin, believing no one was worthy of him. Previously, Huai Jin's health was poor, and he himself had no desire for a wife.
Now that Huai Jin's health was improving and he was preparing to marry, Mother would undoubtedly begin searching for a bride, and would absolutely not agree to Huai Jin marrying a woman from the martial world as his primary consort!
"Mother loves me the most; she will definitely agree. Imperial Brother, you just prepare the imperial decree!" Qin Cong said confidently.
"Alright, I await your good news."
The Emperor could indeed understand Qin Cong's feelings. From their brief interactions, he recognized Lin Yan as a talent. If she were not a woman, she would undoubtedly have a place in the imperial court.
Of course, even as a woman, she was no ordinary individual. Thus, it was natural for his younger brother to be smitten with her.
"The affairs of the martial world will be your responsibility, along with her. You'll have more contact, making it easier for you to pursue your lifelong commitment. Don't think you can hide it from me. She doesn't seem to have any romantic interest in you!" The Emperor gave Qin Cong a knowing look.
His brother was clearly in unrequited love, and the Emperor wondered how he could confidently claim she would marry him.
"It's only a matter of time!"
"Very well, I await the day you bring this talented individual into our royal lineage!
However, the martial world matters are not urgent. You will be interacting with her more, which is a perfect opportunity for her to completely cure your body. Ideally, without any lingering side effects."
"I will! I will certainly live a long and healthy life. I'm not willing to die right now!"
A new type of loom silently proliferated throughout the Jiangnan region, making weaving faster and reducing the cost of cloth.
More weaving workshops were established in Jiangnan, creating more weavers and increasing the income of common households.
Various new agricultural tools also appeared in the market, with the government offering free rentals of tools and oxen to farmers, making this year's farming tasks somewhat easier.
Many families with ample labor even reclaimed wasteland, as government policy exempted newly reclaimed land from taxes for three years. Consequently, after completing the agricultural work early, many people chose to clear and cultivate new land.
The popularity of new spinning and weaving machines made cloth production quicker.
Many also noticed that the price of salt had decreased. Furthermore, several other commodities had become significantly cheaper.
Adding to this, individuals dressed as martial artists not only caused no harm but also began teaching them animal husbandry and simple martial arts.
The enthusiasm for learning intensified, especially after some people escaped from the deep mountains due to their acquired martial arts skills.
The farming of poultry and livestock provided common people with more meat, while innovations in weaving machines lowered cloth prices, enabling more people to afford new clothes.
Combined with the production of red bricks and the use of coal, people's lives became more convenient and prosperous. News from various counties in the north eased the Emperor's worries.
No one froze to death during the heavy snowfalls, and the imperial treasury was well-stocked with relief funds and grain. The changes of this year brought a constant smile to the face of the Emperor, who deeply cared for his nation and people.
He had initially been skeptical that one person could change a country, but now Lin Yan had proven her capabilities in her own way!
Fortunately, this person was on his side. Otherwise, he might have had to abdicate. Now, he could only hope his brother would work harder and quickly welcome Lin Yan into their family's lineage.