After the Battle of Jiankang, the Jin army was defeated, and their offensive in the east noticeably weakened. Both sides returned to a state of standoff.

The Jin army retreated to Kaifeng, and Cao Guo did not issue any orders for the generals to seize the lost territories. Instead, he advanced the front line to the line of Guidu Prefecture, creating a large vacuum zone in the middle.

Under the influence of the situation in the east, the Jin army in the west also slowed down. Cao Guo appointed Li Gang and Liu Guangshi to oversee military and political affairs in the west, and soon they too entered a stalemate.

In the face of generals actively volunteering for battle, Cao Guo said, "First, let the country stabilize, let the people settle down, and then we can proceed with the northern expedition."

But his first measure shocked the ministers beyond measure.

Xuanfeng Physician Zhu Shengfei held his books and asked again, "Your Majesty, do you mean that the government should act as a matchmaker and support widows in remarriage?"

Cao Guo said, "That's right. To restore the national strength, we must first restore production. And to restore production, we cannot do without manpower. Our dynasty has been conservative in marriage, which is understandable. But now it's an extraordinary period, and I believe corresponding adjustments should be made. For newly married families, the local government will reward them with a pig, a dog, ten guan of money, and five shi of grain. For families that remarry, they will be rewarded with a dog, a chicken, five guan of money, and three shi of grain."

Zhu Shengfei trembled a bit and said, "Your Majesty... this will increase the burden on the government..."

"I haven't finished yet. For every son born, they will receive an additional reward of a chicken, three guan of money, and two shi of grain. For families facing financial difficulties, the government will provide monthly rations to help take care of their children. As for the burden on the government that you mentioned, I also have some ideas..."

"The Ministry of Works and government projects will give priority to the poor commoners, and the government will use money and grain to settle their wages. As for the details of these measures, discuss them with Minister Lü and come up with a detailed strategy for me in the next few days. What do you think, Minister Lü?"

Lü Yihao quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and I am in awe!"

Zhu Shengfei glanced at him and thought, "You old lecher, with widows being allowed to remarry, you must be the happiest person. Well, now I don't know how many people will be pleased or worried about this!"

Wait a minute, could it be that His Majesty has taken a liking to some widow...