"Yan'er, you have made a great contribution in this matter!" the new emperor threw the sword to the guard.
"Father, this son dare not claim credit for others. This cement was told to this son by someone."
"Who?"
"The granddaughter of the former General of Chariots and Cavalry, now Marquis of Anning, the wife of Vice Censor of the Dali Temple, Madam Xu, Wangshi Linlang."
"A woman?" The new emperor was a little surprised, but because Lin Yan and his own empress were by his side, he did not underestimate the talents of women.
"Yes, a woman. Father, cement is used extensively and benefits the country and the people. Should she be rewarded?" Lin Yan asked directly without beating around the bush.
"Is Yan'er pleading for Xu Wangshi?"
"Yes!" Lin Yan looked up at the new emperor, her eyes full of determination.
"Yan'er aims for great things!" the new emperor said and walked towards the palace gate.
"Then, does Father agree with this son's ambition?" Lin Yan walked beside the new emperor, two steps behind him.
The new emperor was not foolish enough to reach the position of emperor. Lin Yan's intentions were clearly laid out, with no concealment.
From the fact that she was still wearing men's clothing and walking in the court, he knew that Yan'er would never be satisfied with just the title of Crown Princess.
Now that she had introduced another woman, her intentions were even more obvious.
"Yan'er, this path is very difficult to walk." It was even more difficult than his path of rebellion, this was going against the entire patriarchal society.
"This son knows. But such a path always needs someone to walk."
"Then why should I agree to this matter?"
"Under the heavens, all land belongs to the king. All shores of the land are the king's subjects, are not all men and women of Great Qi your subjects?"
"This reason is not enough."
"A woman's intelligence is no weaker than a man's. If these women are always confined to the inner chambers, wouldn't many people who could serve Father be lost?
If all these people come out of their inner chambers, and establish female households to pay taxes and work like men, then why worry that Father's empire will not prosper?"
"This reason is good, but Yan'er, I am not young anymore, and the time I can rely on you is not long. The future path must be walked by yourselves.
As an elder, I hope your path will be easier. I know that even if I disagree, you will continue to walk it. But I am truly afraid that all your efforts will be in vain."
Lin Yan was still young, and her journey so far had been relatively smooth. She could not imagine the obstacles she would encounter next.
"This son knows that Father is thinking of me, but this son will not regret it. Moreover, is it not that Father and Your Highness are my backing now?"
Lin Yan meant that even if she failed, she would still be the Crown Princess, and even the Empress, of Great Qi.
"If Hao'er hears you call him Your Highness, he will be unhappy again."
"Then don't let him know."
"Alright, then you go ahead and do it. I also hope to see more women whose talents are not inferior to men." The new emperor thought of his consort, who was now the empress.
Since entering the harem, she seemed to have not been as happy as before for a long time. Recalling memories with her, he felt very sorry for her, and he also wanted her to live more freely.
"By the way, what kind of reward do you want to seek for her?"
"How about the title of County Princess?"
"You go and discuss it with Hao'er. This country will eventually be yours and his. What it will become in the future depends on you. Come, summon the Minister of Works to the palace."
"Yes." A guard at the door responded.
"Then Father, this son will take his leave." Lin Yan said and withdrew from the palace gate.
The title of County Princess shocked the entire Xu family. Not only the Xu family, but also others.
Wang Linlang truly did not expect that Master Lin had actually managed to research the cement. It had only been a short time, were the ancient craftsmen so skilled?
She also did not expect that a partial formula for cement would earn her the title of County Princess. Master Lin was truly a trustworthy person, promising to seek merit for her and doing so.
"Linlang, how did you suddenly achieve merit and get conferred the title of County Princess?" Xu Kang asked nervously.
"You also remember, I have a past with Master Lin." Wang Linlang told him about her meeting with Lin Yan without any concealment.
She had a very good relationship with her husband, and her husband was very supportive of her doing business outside.
"So, Master Lin researched that cement and then pleaded for merit for you."
"Yes, I originally told him that I only offered a suggestion and it was not worth him pleading for merit for me. But I didn't expect him to still plead for merit for me."
"Master Lin is truly a gentleman!" Xu Kang praised.
Although the news of Wang Linlang being conferred the title of County Princess did not cause much stir in the capital, some people with active minds saw it as an opportunity.
However, they had no connections, so they could only plan how to bring fame to their daughters. For a time, many new things emerged in the capital.
Wang Linlang and her husband sent invitations for Lin Yan to attend a banquet. Lin Yan found that she had time, so she attended.
During the feast, besides the couple expressing their gratitude to Lin Yan, there was also an exchange between Lin Yan and Xu Kang.
Through the conversation between Lin Yan and Xu Kang, she discovered that he was a cheerful and generous person. Although he could be said to have relied on Wang Linlang's family all along, he did not feel his self-esteem hurt like some men. Instead, he was very grateful.
He treated Wang Linlang with openness and respect. This was considered quite rare among ancient men.
Compared to Wang Linlang's ending in the original work, Lin Yan felt that she was now more vibrant and much happier.
Although her husband's official position was not high, the two of them working together for this family would surely be happier than being in such a cold and high position.
At the banquet, Lin Yan carefully led Wang Linlang to talk about other things, while also not neglecting Xu Kang. They talked about many things and mentioned many aspects.
Coupled with Wang Linlang being somewhat unable to hold her liquor, she vaguely said many things later, many of which could be utilized.
Lin Yan returned with a full harvest this time, but upon returning to the Eastern Palace, she was met with Zhao Hao's face full of grievance.
"I thought you would come back earlier."
Lin Yan looked at the food placed before him and felt very guilty.
"I'm sorry, I'm back late. You should have eaten earlier. The food is cold. Quickly have it cleared and bring some new dishes."
"I don't want to eat!" Zhao Hao shook his head. He was already past being hungry and had no appetite now.
"You still have to eat. Have someone cook some congee and bring some side dishes. Eat a little." Lin Yan said to him and then instructed the palace maids beside her.
"En, who did you meet today?" Zhao Hao came over and wrapped his arms around Lin Yan's waist.
Since he grew taller than Lin Yan, he liked to use this action to trap Lin Yan in his embrace.
"Future comrades-in-arms."