In the following days, the court affairs almost overwhelmed me.

Natural disasters were frequent, and civil unrest continued.

In a few months, it would be time for him to visit the imperial court for pilgrimage.

As the ruler of the prosperous nation of Nanxiang, I could not allow these vassal states to mock us.

Under my close scrutiny, Qinghe submitted reports, and the disaster was well controlled.

There was high praise from the people for An Ran, praising her kindness and calling her a celestial maiden.

Seizing the opportunity, I appointed her as a female official of the first rank and promoted agricultural techniques nationwide.

However, the national treasury was indeed empty, and most of the disaster relief funds were raised by wealthy merchants.

As I immersed myself in contemplating how to stimulate the economy: "Your Majesty, Concubine Li requests an audience."

I irritably replied, "Do not see her."

Unexpectedly, she pushed open the door and rushed in, looking urgent.

I glanced at her with a dark expression, feeling that she was becoming more and more disrespectful.

"Your Majesty, this humble servant has a plan to boost the domestic economy."

I glanced at the familiar jade pendant on her chest... Ning Consort, you are quite something.

[Oh no, he knows about the jade pendant.]

[Dog, no, esteemed Emperor...]

I looked at her impatiently, "Speak."

"Elevate the status of women, allowing them to study, take examinations, and engage in commerce."

Nanxiang has always been male-dominated, this move is inappropriate.

Frowning, I thought she was just joking.

"If Your Majesty doubts it, I can personally bring some ladies from the inner chambers to show you!" She spoke earnestly, "Moreover, isn't Sister Ran the best example?"

She has the space, what do you have?

[I am a student of history, a mere reform...]

I rubbed my temples in pain, "Qing, stop fooling around."

"In that case, this humble servant will go to seek the Empress Dowager."

With that, she looked defiant, swirled her sleeves, and was about to leave.

"Stop."

The Empress Dowager now favored her even more, and if she let her act recklessly, it could lead to serious trouble.

I took up the brush, "Tell me who you need, what they will do, and explain it all to me."

She happily bounced in front of me, enthusiastically explaining her plan.

Listening carefully, although somewhat absurd, if implemented, it could greatly boost the currently stagnant economy.

Perhaps deep down, I also wanted to achieve something significant, to create a different prosperous era.

After several hours of discussion and revisions, I gave the order to proceed.

Watching her leave with the imperial decree in hand, perhaps my actions could bring me a bit closer to the world she described.