On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Guangling City is not only famous for its prosperous water transport, but also a place where the world's cultural heritage is concentrated.

The previous dynasty established the Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall here, and throughout history, many talented people have emerged here, and the literary style has flourished.

Murong Yan was well aware of the importance of civil governance, and attached particular importance to the imperial examination system, hoping to break the monopoly of the aristocratic families and recruit talents from humble backgrounds.

It happened to be Guangling's triennial "Wenhua Hui," a grand event for Jiangnan scholars, where talented scholars gathered to present essays and compose poetry, creating an unprecedented spectacle. Murong Yan decided to attend the event in person, both to demonstrate the court's emphasis on literature and to personally observe the brilliance of Jiangnan's students.

The Wenhua Club was located in Zhanyuan Garden in the south of the city, with pavilions, towers, winding streams and flowing wine cups, which was extremely elegant.

That day, Murong Yan's choice surprised even Lin Zhen. She didn't choose casual clothes that would be easy to move around in, but instead donned her bright yellow brocade court dress with nine dragons and four phoenixes, and the nine dragons and four phoenixes crown.

"Your Majesty, today's literary gathering is not a formal court ceremony. Why..." Lin Zhen was a little puzzled. This clothing was extremely heavy, and it was quite inconvenient for a casual gathering.

Murong Yan, whose maid was arranging the two-meter-long brocade train embroidered with a vast landscape, smiled faintly upon hearing this. She looked at Lin Zhen through the swaying jade tassels and said, "My dear husband, do you know why the first thing I did after pacifying the world was to reopen the imperial examinations?"

Lin Zhen pondered for a moment: "To break the monopoly of the aristocratic families, recruit talents, and consolidate the foundation of the country."

"Indeed." Murong Yan nodded. "But more than that, I want everyone under heaven to know that no matter whether one's background is humble or noble, as long as one possesses true talent and knowledge, one can serve me and fulfill one's duty to this country. Today, the Wenhua Conference is gathering the talented minds of Jiangnan. If I were to travel light and with a small entourage, while appearing to be approachable, it would not be enough to demonstrate the court's utmost importance to this matter, nor would it embody the supreme honor of 'learning the arts of civil and martial arts, and serving the emperor'."

She paused, her tone solemn, "Today, I will personally attend this literary gathering in this imperial attire, this train embroidered with vast landscapes. I will let those diligent students see with their own eyes the pinnacle of achievement they pursue, the recognition and honor I can bestow upon them. This in itself will be the most powerful encouragement and rallying cry."

Lin Zhen's eyes flashed with admiration when he heard this: "Yan'er is very thoughtful and far-sighted. It's me who has not thought it through enough."

So the emperor and empress set out again, their destination being Zhanyuan.

When Murong Yan appeared at the gate of Zhanyuan Garden, dressed in the extremely grand imperial crown and robes, and surrounded by a two-meter-long gorgeous train, all the waiting officials, scholars, and celebrities were shocked by the unprecedented grand scene. They all knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live the emperor!"

Many poor students were so excited that their eyes filled with tears. They had never imagined that they would be able to see the emperor at such a close distance in their lifetime, and that the emperor was wearing the most solemn court robes!

Murong Yan did not go directly into the main venue. Instead, she gestured for everyone to stand up and walked slowly towards the open-air venue beside the largest lake in the garden - the Bi Bo Pond.

The huge tail needed to be carefully held by eight palace maids as it moved slowly on the bluestone road and lawn. The scroll of landscapes sparkled in the sun, forming a strange and awe-inspiring fusion with the surrounding fragrance of books and ink.

The venue had already been set up, with desks and tables laid out, and writing brushes, inkstones, and paper all available. Murong Yan took the main seat, the train spreading out behind her like a peacock's tail, creating a majestic and impressive backdrop. Lin Zhen sat slightly below her.

The literary gathering began with student representatives presenting poems and essays praising the prosperous times and expressing their aspirations. Murong Yan listened attentively, nodding slightly from time to time. When she came across a subtle point, she would even whisper a few words to Lin Zhen beside her through her jade pendant.

Lin Zhen was also a master of writing and could always give precise comments. The emperor and the empress talked in low voices, and the atmosphere was solemn yet harmonious.

This was followed by a free debate session, with topics covering classics, history, and current policies.

The Jiangnan talent is indeed worthy of his reputation. He quotes from classics, engages in sharp debate, and exchanges views, which is wonderful.

Murong Yan listened quietly most of the time, her eyes sweeping over the passionate or thoughtful young faces, as if she was examining the cornerstone of her future dynasty.

During this time, an interesting thing happened.

A poor student from Huizhou, named Han Che and with the courtesy name Mingzhi, had novel views and sharp words in the debate, which made several children from aristocratic families blush.

But he was a straightforward person. When he got excited, he couldn't help but stand up and take a few steps forward, trying to explain his point more clearly.

This movement of his happened to bring him close to the huge train that stretched out in front of Murong Yan's throne.

The eunuch standing by the side had a slightly changed expression, and was about to shout out a warning - being disrespectful in front of the emperor and almost touching his property was a crime of great disrespect!

Murong Yan raised her hand slightly to stop the eunuch.

She looked through the jade tassel at the young student who was so immersed in the world of thought that he forgot himself, and a barely perceptible admiration flashed in her eyes.

Han Che was completely unaware that he had almost stepped on the edge of the embroidered scroll that symbolized the country. He continued to talk incessantly, expounding his views on the reform of the civil service system. Many of his views coincided with some of Murong Yan's thoughts.

Murong Yan listened to him patiently and was not at all displeased by his "improper behavior".

After he finished speaking, she slowly spoke, her voice calm yet commanding through the pearl tassels: "Han Che, your insights are quite original. Do you know that the way to govern, besides being relentless in innovation, also requires knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and knowing when to hold back? Just like you just now, while passionately moving forward is commendable, you also need to be mindful of your steps, lest you make the wrong move and end up with the opposite of what you intended."

Her words were a double entendre, commenting on his political views while also reminding him of his misconduct.

Han Che suddenly woke up at this moment and found that he had almost stepped on the Empress's train. He was immediately frightened and his face turned pale. Cold sweat broke out. He knelt down and apologized: "Student...student was arrogant and disrespectful. I offended Your Majesty's majesty. I deserve death!"

The whole place was silent, and everyone was worried about this poor student.

Murong Yan said calmly, "Since you care deeply about the country and your words are worth learning from, I will forgive you this time. Get up. I hope that in the future, you can maintain your inner sharpness and hone your words and deeds, so that you can become a great man."

Han Che felt as if he had been pardoned. He kowtowed again and again, his awe and gratitude for the Empress reaching a peak. The surrounding students also breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time, they were even more impressed by the Empress's magnanimity and appreciation for her talent.

Lin Zhen watched from the sidelines, understanding the situation. Murong Yan's move not only upheld the imperial dignity, but also quietly won the heart of a talented man who could become a future pillar of society. Furthermore, it showcased the emperor's generosity and wisdom to all the students.

The literary meeting lasted a whole afternoon.

Murong Yan always maintained a dignified sitting posture, and the heavy phoenix crown and court robes did not seem to cause her too much trouble.

Only Lin Zhen, who was closest to her, could occasionally see her small movements hidden under her wide sleeves, gently moving her fingers to relieve her fatigue.

In the end, Murong Yan personally reviewed several of the best poems and announced that several outstanding students from disadvantaged backgrounds would be included in a list of key candidates for selection, allowing them to travel directly to Beijing for the next round of selection. This move further excited the crowd.

The literary gathering ended at sunset.

When Murong Yan stood up to leave, the two-meter-long tail was once again steadily lifted up by the palace maids and slowly slid across the grass, trees, pavilions and terraces of Zhanyuan Garden.

Countless students knelt on both sides of the road, following the bright yellow figure and the magnificent scroll of mountains and rivers with burning eyes, their hearts filled with desire for fame and admiration for the wise ruler.

On the way back to the palace, Murong Yan leaned slightly in the phoenix chariot, showing a little fatigue.

Lin Zhen rode his horse closer to the chariot window and whispered, "Did you have a good harvest today?"

Murong Ye sighed softly, a smile on his lips: "Jiangnan's literary talent is indeed well-deserved. What's even more rare is that there are indeed many ambitious and insightful people from humble backgrounds. That Han Che, although a little immature, is a diamond in the rough."

"It's just that this dress is really tiring." She moved her shoulders slightly, "It's more exhausting than fighting with someone."

Lin Zhen said distressedly: "I will take it off immediately when I get home. In such occasions in the future, perhaps..."

"No," Murong Yan interrupted him, her tone firm, "It's worth it. Only when the world's talented people see the ultimate glory this dress represents will they strive to come here with all their might. It doesn't matter if I get a little tired."

The phoenix chariot drove into the palace, and the train embroidered with vast mountains and rivers shone for the last time under the setting sun of Guangling.