There is a happy inn in the capital.

"Shh! Keep your voice down!"

Princess Changning glared at her, "It's just a rumor, nothing's confirmed yet. However, the Tenth Prince has indeed done a remarkable job these past few years. Last year, he dealt with corruption in the canal transport with swift and decisive action; this spring, his proposal for the 'Agricultural Implements Improvement Bureau' led to bumper harvests in several prefectures and counties; and he also presided over the disaster relief efforts in the southwest recently, handling them in an orderly manner and winning the hearts of the people. The Emperor has praised him several times in the Imperial Study in front of the Grand Secretaries, saying he's 'just like me back then.'"

Li Shuchen walked back and sat down, stroking his chin.

"The Tenth Prince... Xiao Jingyan? It's been a long time. He's done quite a few good deeds. Is this change in his usual style just because he was sent as an envoy to the Boyu Kingdom?"

"Hmm," Princess Changning nodded, "Although His Majesty's health has been fine these past few years, he has been overworked. It seems he wants to take advantage of his remaining energy to help the new emperor get on his feet and get a smooth transition, so he can familiarize himself with state affairs as soon as possible. I reckon... at the latest next year, the edict to establish the crown prince should be issued. If the tenth prince ascends the throne smoothly, our seventh prince, as one of the few uncles who is both capable and unambitious, will probably be even busier."

Li Shuchen smacked her lips

"Important matters of the court are far removed from our lives. As long as the world is at peace, our businesses are thriving, and the people have enough to eat, what difference does it make who's the emperor? However..."

Her eyes darted around. "If the Tenth Prince really takes office, maybe we can persuade him to introduce some new policies to encourage commerce? Or perhaps we can promote the 'Friendly Trade City' model to a few more places?"

Princess Changning looked at her speechlessly: "Is there anything else in your mind besides business?"

"Yes, you can!"

Li Shuchen said confidently, "It can also impersonate my friends, my Thousand Flower Manor, my innkeepers, my godson and goddaughter, my Wanbai, my Laifu,..." She counted on her fingers.

"Alright, alright!"

Princess Changning waved her hand, unable to bear it any longer, and stood up. "I'm leaving. I'm going to see Ziying."

Before leaving, I couldn't resist glancing at the direction of the wine cellar in the corner.

Li Shuchen called out from behind her with a grin, "The grape wine will have to wait another month! I'll save two of the best jars for you then!"

Princess Changning didn't turn her head, but simply waved her hand, her steps seeming lighter.

In the courtyard, the sun was shining brightly. Laifu, panting, stuck out his tongue as he chased after the small cloth ball that Ping An had thrown.

Happiness took a small bunch of freshly picked daisies and braided them into a wreath for Li Wanbai, who put it on her nose and tilted her head back to show off.

Spring of the sixteenth year of the Purple Star Dynasty

Just after the Awakening of Insects

When the news of his ascension to the throne arrived, Li Shuchen was at Thousand Flower Manor overseeing the cultivation of a new batch of rose seedlings.

Grape came running, panting, carrying the urgent official report she had just brought back from the city.

"Miss! Miss! The palace bells are ringing! It's...it's the bells of the new emperor's ascension to the throne! The tenth prince, oh no, the emperor, officially ascended the throne today at dawn!"

Li Shuchen straightened up, patted the dirt off his hands, and raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"So soon? I thought it would be at least until autumn."

She took the gazette and glanced at it. "Tsk, they're really efficient. The country's name remains the same, still Purple Star... That's good, saves everyone the trouble of remembering the era name again."

From the direction of the capital, a continuous, deep chime could be heard, striking one hundred and eight times, symbolizing the transition between the old and new dynasties and the divine right of kings.

The sound of the bell seemed to carry a solemn power, piercing through the fresh spring air and traveling very, very far.

The laborers working in the village stopped what they were doing and stood listening intently in the direction of the capital, their faces filled with awe and curiosity.

"When a new emperor ascends the throne, shouldn't a general amnesty be granted?" Li Shuchen asked.

"It's in the official gazette!"

Grape nodded vigorously, “His Majesty, upon ascending the throne, in order to demonstrate his benevolence and comfort the people, has issued a special decree: except for those guilty of the ten heinous crimes, all other prisoners will have their sentences reduced or be released, depending on the severity of their crimes. Those who owe money and taxes will be exempted at the discretion of the authorities. The whole country will rejoice and share in the Emperor's grace!”

Sure enough, within two days, the notice board in front of the government office was crowded with people.

There were stories of prisoners' families weeping with joy, and poor people kowtowing towards the imperial city because they were exempted from taxes. In teahouses and taverns, everyone was discussing the young emperor's first benevolent act after his ascension to the throne.

"I heard that Scholar Zhang from the West Market, who was exiled for taking the blame for his father, is on the pardon list and will be able to return home soon!"

"That's right! The county suffered a disaster last year, and they even waived a third of the overdue grain tax this time. It was a lifesaver!"

"The new emperor has shown kindness to the people since his ascension to the throne; he is a benevolent ruler!"

Listening to the conversations of the guests in the inn, Li Shuchen took a bite of a freshly baked flower cake, gazed at the sprouting willow branches outside the window, and said leisurely...

"A general amnesty... Spring is indeed a wonderful time for everything to be renewed. I wonder what this Emperor, who brings about this renewal, will do next?"

Emperor Xiao Jingyan has been on the throne for a month, and the court has begun to stabilize.

The young emperor had a handsome face and a calm gaze. He sat upright on the dragon throne, and although he was beginning to display his majesty, he still carried a youthful vigor and a desire for innovation.

This morning at court, after discussing several matters concerning people's livelihood, Prime Minister Cheng Zhi'an, holding his jade tablet, stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, I have a suggestion, which I have pondered for a long time. It concerns the foundation of the nation and the talent of its people. I humbly request Your Majesty's wise decision."

Xiao Jingyan nodded: "Prime Minister Cheng, please speak freely."

Cheng Zhi'an's clear voice echoed throughout the hall: "I propose that the 'Order for Selecting Officials' be amended to allow qualified women, after examination, to enter the court as officials, serving in the Six Ministries, the Imperial Household Departments, and even local prefectures and counties."

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall!

Many veteran officials immediately began whispering among themselves, their faces showing surprise or even disapproval.

"A woman serving as an official? Unheard of since ancient times!"

"A hen crowing at dawn is a sign of a family's ruin! How can the imperial court be a place for women to tread?"

"Could Prime Minister Cheng be joking?"

Xiao Jingyan raised his hand to silence the murmurs, then looked at Cheng Zhian with a probing gaze.

"What is the basis for Prime Minister Cheng's proposal? It should be known that there is no precedent for this in the established laws of our ancestors."

Cheng Zhian remained calm and composed, handling the situation with ease.

"Your Majesty, the laws established by our ancestors also change with the times. What I rely on are, firstly, actual talent, and secondly, the needs of the times."

He paused slightly, then said in a loud voice, "Does Your Majesty still remember the mission to the Kingdom of Boyu several years ago?"

Xiao Jingyan's eyes flickered slightly: "Of course I remember."

At that time, the political situation in the Kingdom of Boyu was unstable. The old king indulged in pleasure and neglected state affairs. Royal relatives fought for power and profit, exploiting the people, who suffered greatly.

Cheng Zhian said, "However, Princess Zuoya, being a woman, could not bear to see the people suffer. She stepped forward to build the Star Camp and save the people from fire and water. In the court of Boyu Kingdom, she analyzed the advantages and disadvantages, appeased the important officials, reorganized the military, and promoted trade to stabilize the people. In less than half a year, she turned the political situation of Boyu Kingdom from danger to safety and even established a friendly relationship with our dynasty and opened up trade. Her wisdom, courage and skill are no less than any male crown prince."