On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

On the third day in Guangling City, Murong Yan got up at dawn.

She still chose a dress that was easy to move in today, but the color was changed to a more elegant moon white.

The skirt is made of top-grade silk, which is light, thin and breathable, and flows like water waves when walking.

The hem and cuffs of the skirt were embroidered with patterns of phoenix tail feathers with wings spread out, ready to take flight, using light gold and silver silk threads. Compared to the phoenix on the scarlet skirt yesterday, this pattern was more reserved and elegant, as if the morning light and moonlight were woven into the skirt.

Her hair was tied up loosely, and she only pinned it with a pair of small pearl phoenix hairpins and a fresh white gardenia, which exuded a refreshing fragrance.

"How about visiting Guangling's book market and embroidery workshop today?" Murong Yan said to Lin Zhen, who was tying the silk sash around her waist. "Guangling has a flourishing literary scene, and its embroiderers are unrivaled in Jiangnan. Perhaps we'll see some new and unique designs, which might even inspire us in government affairs."

She never forgets to connect what she sees and hears with state governance.

Lin Zhen nodded: "It's up to you. Guangling's kesi and embroidery are indeed tribute-grade, it would be nice to go and take a look."

The three of them, still traveling light, first headed to the famous book market in the east of the city. This was not only a place where books and writings were sold, but also a place where scholars and writers exchanged ideas and even discussed current affairs in private.

Murong Yan lingered in front of various book stalls, sometimes picking up an ancient book to read, and sometimes listening to the debates of scholars nearby with a focused look on her face.

However, just as they were about to leave the book market and turn to Xiufang Street, a burst of suppressed crying and fierce quarreling came from a secluded alley, interrupting this leisurely and elegant atmosphere.

Murong Yan paused, her brows furrowed slightly, "What's all the commotion over there?"

Musk Moon was quick-witted and immediately said, "Madam, I'll go take a look first."

She walked quickly to the alley entrance and came back a moment later, her face somewhat indignant.

"Madam, sir, a family seems to be in trouble. A well-dressed man who looks like a steward, accompanied by several wealthy servants, is forcing them to sign some kind of contract, and the woman in the family is begging and crying."

Murong Yan and Lin Zhen looked at each other.

"Go and take a look." Murong Yan's voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable sense of authority. Although she dressed like a commoner, her sense of responsibility as an emperor naturally emerged when she encountered injustice.

In the alley, there were indeed several people gathered in front of the gate of a slightly dilapidated courtyard.

A middle-aged man in a long silk gown and a mustache was speaking arrogantly to an elderly couple in coarse clothes with worried faces while holding a document. Several burly servants were standing beside them.

A young woman was kneeling on the ground crying and begging.

"...It's written in black and white. You signed a pledge when you borrowed the money! Now that you can't pay it back on time, this yard is mortgaged to my master. It's already a great favor! What else do you want?" The man who looked like a manager was shaking the document in his hand, and his tone was arrogant.

"Manager Liu, please be kind and give us a few more days!" the old man begged bitterly, "This yard is our ancestral property, we absolutely cannot lose it! My son is seriously ill, and all the money has been used to buy medicine. It's really..."

"Grace? How long does it last? Can you come up with the money in your family's current situation?" Manager Liu sneered. "Hurry up and sign your name, take this mere ten taels of silver as compensation, and find another place to live! Don't refuse a toast and then drink a forfeit!"

He gestured, and the servant behind him stepped forward aggressively.

The kneeling young woman hugged the servant's legs and cried, "Don't rob our house! Please!"

When Murong Yan saw this, she understood about 70% of it.

This is clearly an evil act of a powerful family taking advantage of people's misfortune and seizing their homes with low-value debts!

She took a deep breath and slowly stepped forward. Lin Zhen followed closely behind, his sharp eyes scanning the steward Liu and the servants. Musk Moon also mustered her courage and followed behind the mistress.

"Everyone, what are you arguing about?" Murong Yan spoke, her voice clear and pleasant, with a sense of majesty that instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Manager Liu saw the sudden arrival of three distinguished individuals, both elegantly dressed and distinguished in appearance. He especially emphasized the woman in the moon-white dress. Although she wore few ornaments, her elegance and grace made him fearless. He softened his tone slightly, "Madam, this matter has nothing to do with you. This family owes a debt, and we are simply collecting the mortgage according to the deed."

"Oh? What kind of contract is it? How much is the debt? How much is the mortgage?" Murong Yan asked three key questions in a row in a calm tone.

Manager Liu was taken aback, thinking the lady's questions were too detailed, but he still shook the contract: "They borrowed twenty taels of silver last winter, and agreed to return thirty taels this spring. Now that they can't pay it back, this courtyard will be exchanged for forty taels to our master. We are being extra kind and are giving them an additional ten taels of silver to help them get by!"

He spoke as if his side had done a great good deed.

Murong Yan's eyes swept over the shabby but still-decently-located courtyard. She had some knowledge of Guangling City's housing prices; a courtyard of this size, even if shabby, would be worth no less than a hundred taels. Forty taels to pay off a debt, and then another ten taels to top it up—clearly, robbery!

The old man hurriedly said, "Madam, please understand! Last winter, my son was seriously ill and needed money to save his life. I had no choice but to borrow money from them at high interest rates. Who knew the interest would be so high? This yard... this yard was passed down from our ancestors. It's worth at least a hundred taels!"

"Nonsense!" Manager Liu interrupted sternly, "It's only natural to pay back debts! It's written in black and white, do you think you can deny it?" The servants wanted to step forward again.

"Wait a minute." Murong Yan spoke again, her voice low, but she succeeded in stopping the other person's movements. She looked at the steward Liu and said, "Steward, can you lend me the contract?"

Manager Liu was a little hesitant, but seeing that Murong Yan had an extraordinary demeanor and passers-by were gradually gathering around her, he didn't want to cause any trouble, so he handed over the contract reluctantly.

Murong Yan took the contract and examined it carefully. Lin Zhen stood beside her, reviewing it with her. Murong Yan was very familiar with the legal provisions and could see the problem at a glance.

She raised her eyes and looked at Manager Liu with a cold gaze. "The contract only states a loan of twenty taels, with repayment due 'this spring,' but it doesn't specify a specific date. It's only mid-spring, and the flowers haven't even finished blooming yet. How can you conclude they're overdue? This is the first point."

Manager Liu's expression changed slightly.

Murong Yan continued, "Secondly, the penalty clause is vague. The phrase 'mortgage of property' doesn't specify a specific amount, nor does it provide a mutually agreed valuation process. What's the basis for your unilateral price of forty taels? Do you have a third-party guarantor or broker to testify?"

"This... this is the price set by our master!" Manager Liu argued.

"The law stipulates that collateral must be negotiated between both parties or appraised by a government-designated pawnbroker. How can the creditor have the final say?" Murong Yan's tone grew increasingly stern. "Thirdly, and most importantly, our dynasty's laws clearly stipulate that for all private loans, the monthly interest rate cannot exceed 3%, and the annual interest rate cannot exceed 36%. You've borrowed money for less than three months, and yet you're asking for 30 taels of silver in principal and interest. The converted monthly interest rate far exceeds the legal limit. The interest portion of this contract itself is illegal! How can an illegal contract be valid?"

Her words were clear and logical, and the legal principles were clear. Not only did she leave Manager Liu speechless and shocked, but even the crowd around her exclaimed in sudden enlightenment.

"This lady is quite right!"

"Yes, usury is illegal!"

"They are bullying honest people!"

The old man and his family felt like they had grasped a lifeline, and they kowtowed to Murong Yan repeatedly: "Madam, you are wise! Madam, please save us!"

Manager Liu's face turned pale. He hadn't expected this seemingly pampered lady to be so well-versed in law, her words hitting the nail on the head. He raged, "Who...who are you? Meddling in other people's business! Debts must be paid, even if you live in the end!"

Lin Zhen stepped forward, standing in front of Murong Yan. His gaze was calm yet oppressive. "My wife is merely speaking the truth according to the law. If you feel it's unfair, you can appeal to the authorities. We also want to ask them to rule on the handling of this illegal loan sharking contract and the seizure of a private residence."

Hearing the word "government," Manager Liu clearly felt guilty. Although his master held some influence in Guangling, if this matter were to go to court, with the other party in the right and several such distinguished witnesses, he would probably face a tough time.

He glared fiercely at Murong Yan and Lin Zhen, then looked at the growing crowd around him. He gritted his teeth and said, "Alright! Alright! You're so cruel! We don't want this debt... anymore! Return the contract to me!"

As he said this, he wanted to snatch the contract back.

Murong Yan retracted her hand and said calmly, "This is an illegal contract. Keeping it will only bring disaster."

In front of everyone, she gently tore the paper contract into two halves, and then tore it again until it became fragments, and threw it on the ground.

"You!" Manager Liu was so angry that he was shaking all over, but he could do nothing.

"Get out." Lin Zhen's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable command.

In the end, Manager Liu could only take his servants and run away in shame, squeezing through the crowd amid everyone's laughter.

The old man and his family couldn't believe it. The disaster that had plagued them for days and almost destroyed their family was resolved with just a few words from this unexpected lady! The whole family was so moved that they burst into tears and knelt on the ground, ready to kowtow.

Murong Yan signaled Sheyue to help them up quickly.

"Old man, please get up quickly. If you have urgent needs in the future, you can go to the Huimin Loan Bureau established by the government to apply for a low-interest loan. Although the procedures are a bit complicated, it is safe and you will never be exploited like this." Murong Yan reminded him gently.

"Thank you, madam! Thank you, young master! Thank you, young lady! You are truly a great benefactor to our entire family!" The old man and his family were filled with gratitude and thanked them again and again.

After handling this incident, Murong Yan's mood didn't ease much. She sighed softly and whispered to Lin Zhen, "My husband, it seems that even though the government has issued orders and the laws are clear, it is still difficult to stop the oppression of the common people by the powerful in these corners of the people. If we hadn't happened to encounter this family today, I'm afraid..."

Lin Zhen understood her feelings and comforted her, "Yan'er has done an excellent job. Not only did you save a family today, but you also preached the law to everyone, intimidating people like Manager Liu. Educating and punishing people is a long-term effort, but it will get better and better."

Murong Yan nodded, her eyes becoming firm again. "After returning to the palace, we must order the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate to strengthen their supervision of local tyrants and private lending. The policies of the Huimin Loan Bureau must also be made known to more people."

After this incident, her interest in visiting the embroidery workshop waned somewhat, but she still went to see it. In the famous "Yunjin Embroidery Workshop," she carefully watched how the embroiderers split the hair-thin silk thread into even finer floss and how they embroidered lifelike flowers, birds and figures on the frame. She was deeply impressed by the skillful hands of the folk artisans and privately instructed Musk Moon to write down several novel stitches and color combinations for reference in future palace clothing making.

At sunset, the three of them set out on their journey home. The pale golden phoenix feathers on Murong Yan's moon-white dress shone softly in the setting sun. She didn't present herself as the Empress today, but she exercised her power through wisdom and law.

"Husband," she said softly, "beneath the prosperity of Guangling City, there are also undercurrents. Only by seeing things with your own eyes can you understand the difficulty of governing a country."

Lin Zhen held her hand and said, "But with you here, the undercurrent will eventually subside, and the people will finally see a prosperous and peaceful era."