On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Inside the Golden Throne Hall, the atmosphere was so solemn that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out.

Sunlight streamed in through the carved window lattices, but it failed to dispel the oppressive feeling of dark clouds covering the sun. The lingering scent of ambergris drifted slowly, but it couldn't mask the surging undercurrent that was about to erupt.

The censor Bu Chen was wearing a blue official robe, a leather belt around his waist, and a black gauze hat. At this moment, he took a big step forward, and his official boots stepped on the golden bricks, making a dull sound, breaking the dead silence in the hall.

He cleared his throat, and his voice suddenly rose, echoing throughout the palace.

"Your Majesty, you have gone too far. I must speak out today! Your recent actions have been utterly extravagant! Look at the clothes you wear every day. They are made of the finest silks and satins, the embroidery is intricate and exquisite, and there are countless pearls and gems. The train is longer than a city wall! How can this be worn by an emperor? Your Majesty, you are responsible for the country and your every move is a role model for the world. Such behavior is not only a disgrace to the state, but also a disgrace to the people and the world!"

Murong Yan sat on the phoenix chair, her hands subconsciously clenching the corners of her phoenix robe, the exquisite silk slightly deforming at her fingertips.

The pearl curtain hanging from the phoenix crown on her head swayed, making a tiny clattering sound.

She took a deep breath, opened her eyes wide, and stared at Bu Chen intently. She bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth until a shallow white mark was left. After a long time, she squeezed out words from between her teeth.

"As the emperor, I own the entire world. Don't I even have the right to choose the clothes I like? Do you think I would be satisfied only if I were dressed in coarse linen, like an old farmer in the fields?"

"Your Majesty, I did not ask you to wear coarse linen, but your phoenix robe is simply too precious! It is woven with gold and silver threads and inlaid with rare and precious gems. The money spent on it is enough to provide relief to the victims of disasters and save the people from hunger and cold. Your Majesty shoulders the responsibility of the country, and by spending so extravagantly, aren't you forgetting the hardships of the people?"

"I know the hardships of people's lives that you speak of. I review memorials day and night, and every matter concerning the people's well-being and the safety of the country I haven't painstakingly considered. But this phoenix robe is more than just a piece of clothing to me."

Murong Yan took a deep breath, and then slowly stood up from the phoenix chair.

As she stood up, the solemn and gorgeous phoenix crown on her head responded first.

On the phoenix crown, the phoenix shape carefully made of gold threads seems to be instantly injected with life, flapping its wings as if it is about to fly.

The pearl curtains hanging around the phoenix crown are all made of round South China Sea pearls, each one crystal clear. At this moment, they collide with each other, making a series of small and crisp sounds, like a lively music, breaking the solemn silence in the hall.

The shaking of the bead curtain was just like Murong Yan's agitated mood at the moment. Although she looked calm on the outside, she was actually surging inside.

Look at the phoenix robe she is wearing. This phoenix robe was carefully sewn by skilled craftsmen from all over the world and took three years.

The robe is made of bright yellow top-grade silk satin, which is lustrous and warm to the touch. It is embroidered with phoenixes of various shapes with gold and silver threads, some soaring in the sky, some perched on phoenix trees, which are lifelike and ready to come out.

The phoenix is ​​surrounded by colorful gems and round pearls. Under the dim light in the hall, it sparkles with dazzling light, as if it is wearing all the stars in the sky.

The train of the phoenix robe was twenty meters long, with intricate embroidery and fine workmanship. It dragged on the ground like a slowly blooming golden cloud. As Murong Yan stood up, it swayed gently, making a subtle rustling sound.

Murong Yan walked down the platform with light lotus steps, and gently lifted the sides of her skirt with her hands. Her posture was elegant and calm, yet revealed unquestionable majesty.

With every step, the tail of the phoenix robe rose and fell slightly.

She walked slowly and steadily to stand in front of the ministers, her posture as straight as a pine tree, her eyes as cold as lightning, looking down at everyone from above.

At this moment, she was no longer just a woman, but an emperor who controlled the universe. The majesty emanating from her bones made the ministers subconsciously lower their heads and dared not look at her.

In the entire Golden Palace, the only sounds left were the rustling of her skirt and the suppressed breathing of the crowd. It was as if time had stopped for her, space had shrunk because of her, and everyone was shrouded in her powerful aura.

She gracefully descended the steps, her gaze sweeping over the courtiers. She spoke, "As a woman, I ascended the throne, breaking centuries-old conventions. Do you have any idea how much doubt and abuse I've faced along the way? This phoenix robe is my battle armor! When I wear it and face the entire court, and the people of the world, it gives me strength and reminds me of my identity and responsibility."

As soon as Murong Yan finished speaking, the Minister of Works Song Zhenglin stepped out.

This person used to be neutral, but later became a die-hard fan of Lin Zhen, and now he is also loyal to Murong Yan.

But even so, he felt that Murong Yan's dress was too luxurious and she didn't look like an emperor at all.

He was over fifty years old, with a thin face and a few long wisps of beard under his chin, revealing the elegance and competence of a scholar.

He bowed slightly, clasped his hands together in a salute, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I know that governing the country is not easy, and I understand your difficulties. Your Majesty does have the right to choose clothes, this is beyond doubt. And I also think your phoenix robe is very beautiful and gorgeous."

After Song Zhenglin finished speaking, the other officials all widened their eyes.

When did this damn old man become so sycophantic? Especially Bu Chen, he stood up and accused: "Sir Shangshu! You are misleading His Majesty by saying this! What are your intentions!?"

Song Zhenglin ignored him.

Because he knew that Bu Chen was a censor, and it was his job to give advice. Many times, even if there was nothing wrong with Murong Yan, he would still find fault with her to demonstrate his role as a censor.

But despite Lin Zhen's reforms to the entire Daqian, the role of censors has become increasingly smaller, because Lin Zhen does not like the moral ethics of Confucius and Mencius.

Murong Yan's expression eased slightly, but she saw Song Zhenglin straighten his clothes and said, "However, Your Majesty must also pay attention to the current situation in Daqian. In recent years, wars have been frequent. Although the country has just recovered under Your Majesty's wise leadership, there is still much to be done. The people still have many difficulties in their homes. Farm irrigation needs to be repaired, and the city walls need to be strengthened. Each of these things, each one of them, is a waste of money. Is it... inappropriate to waste financial resources on phoenix robes at this time? I believe that more money should be spent on these things, so as to live up to Your Majesty's trust in me and the expectations of the people."

Murong Yan shook her head slightly, a faint smile curling her lips. "Minister Song is absolutely right. Engineering construction is indeed a top priority. But look, now all the countries have sent envoys to observe secretly in the capital. This phoenix robe is the face of Daqian. I appear in full dress to show the prosperity of Daqian, so that other countries dare not underestimate it. As the emperor, every move I make is political. I wear this phoenix robe to invisibly stabilize the court and intimidate the world."

"Quibbling! Your Majesty, can you say that a piece of clothing can make foreign countries bow down to my Daqian?" Bu Chen stood up again, not giving Murong Yan any face.

But now Murong Yan is no longer angry. Since the ministers have brought up this matter, she might as well solve it once and for all to avoid making trouble in the future.

Minister of War Liu Kaiwei also frowned.

After hesitating for a moment, he finally gritted his teeth, took a big step forward, and bowed.

"Your Majesty, I have something to say. As the head of the Ministry of War, I understand the hardships faced by our soldiers. They guard the frontiers, endure hardships, and fight bloody battles against the enemy, all to ensure the peace and prosperity of our Great Qian nation. However, military pay is meager, and many soldiers' wives, children, and elderly families struggle to find adequate food. This would be fine if it were difficult times, but Your Majesty is so extravagant, spending so much money on clothing. If you could use the money from these clothes to give the soldiers a slight pay raise, it would surely inspire gratitude and boost morale, ultimately benefiting the stability of our Great Qian nation!"

Murong Yan turned her gaze towards Liu Kaiwei, her eyes filled with determination.

"What Minister Liu said makes sense. I see the sacrifices of the soldiers and it hurts my heart. But have you ever thought about this: if I, as the empress, were to appear slovenly and plainly dressed in the court, how could I convince the soldiers of my ability to govern the country? How could I convince them to willingly sacrifice their lives for me? The prestige carried by this phoenix robe will let the soldiers know that they are protecting a glorious and brilliant Daqian, and that their sacrifice is worth it!"

Immediately afterwards, Sima Zhong also stepped forward, his face stern, his eyes looking directly at Murong Yan, and spoke loudly.

"Your Majesty, throughout history, rulers have always been expected to set an example for all officials. Honesty and integrity are the foundation of state governance. Your Majesty, having pioneered the rule of a female empress, must be even more cautious in your words and actions than previous emperors. The slightest misstep will give rise to criticism, causing unrest in the court and instability among the people. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider this, abandon your extravagant ways, and return to a simple life."

Murong Yan stopped, stood in the hall, looked around, and her voice suddenly rose.

"Prime Minister, I ask you, if I live in such a simple way, will the people think that Daqian is impoverished? I want the people to see that I am close to them and love them, and I also want them to firmly believe in Daqian's prosperity and strength. My phoenix robe is a symbol, a symbol. I use it to tell the world that women can also support this vast country and lead Daqian to the pinnacle! I wear it not to satisfy my own desires, but for the long-term stability of Daqian!"

After he finished speaking, the court fell into deathly silence.

I have never seen anyone so good at sophistry. Even a censor like Bu Chen was left speechless by Murong Yan.

Does what Murong Yan said make sense?

Thinking from her perspective, it does make sense.

As the first female emperor in history, she naturally needed to use external conditions to consolidate her image in the minds of her ministers.

But this is difficult for the ministers to accept.

What they care about is the country, the people's livelihood, and the country, not your image as the empress.

Seeing that the ministers were silent for a moment, Murong Yan struck while the iron was hot and spoke again.

"My dear ministers, I understand that you care deeply about the people's livelihood and the fate of our nation. I am deeply comforted by your loyalty. However, you only see the outward splendor of this phoenix robe, but fail to discern the deeper meaning behind it. As a woman, I have just ascended the throne. Undercurrents surge among the various powers. How many eyes are watching me from the shadows, waiting to see me, the empress, make a fool of myself. This phoenix robe is my manifesto to the world, declaring to the world that I have the confidence and courage to rule Daqian!"

Bu Chen stiffened his neck and refused to give in.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. The foundation of a nation lies in its people. If the people are starving and underfed, what good is this luxurious phoenix robe? Even if Your Majesty wishes to establish his authority, you should prioritize benevolent governance. Use the money earned from the phoenix robe to build water conservancy projects and reclaim wasteland, ensuring that the people truly benefit. That is the true strength of your nation!"

Murong Yan narrowed her eyes slightly, glanced at Bu Chen, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Lord Bu, I have never slacked off even for a single day in the benevolent government you speak of. I have already ordered officials across the country to reduce or exempt taxes. As of today, the agricultural tax has reached 30% of the tax burden. I ask you, let alone Daqian, even in the entire world, is there any country that can achieve a 30% agricultural tax burden?"

"this......"

There's no way to refute that.

Murong Yan did it, and the landlord class did not rebel.

The public is now calling for her very highly, and even many mountain villages are building statues of Murong Yan to commemorate this great event.

The tax rate is three out of ten.

No country can do it.

Seeing that he remained silent, Murong Yan smiled and said, "Isn't my policy of benevolence? Isn't it for the people's livelihood?"