The beloved is reborn as a substitute, and the tyrant begs for forgiveness every night.

Xu Leyao looked into his eyes, her gaze filled with tender affection.

However, it's hard to say how much of it is true and how much is false.

Zheng Zhihe looked at her intently, and then reached out to take her hand.

This time, Xu Leyao did not dodge, but obediently followed his wishes.

Zheng Zhihe held her hand in his, feeling as if it were a piece of fine, warm jade.

For a moment, the two didn't exchange many words, remaining silent to each other.

After a moment, Xu Leyao looked up at Zheng Zhihe.

"In a couple of days, it will be time to open the ancestral hall for the ancestral worship ceremony and to have my name, Jiang, written into the family genealogy. I wonder if you have time to come and see?"

Seeing the expectant look in Xu Leyao's eyes, Zheng Zhihe ultimately shook his head and refused.

He himself did these things; how could he not be aware of the consequences?

Zheng Zhihe, however, believed that this incident was unprecedented and that if it attracted the attention of powerful families, he would have a hard time explaining himself.

He didn't want to cause trouble for himself.

"I had some things to take care of that day, so I couldn't come."

After being rejected by him, Xu Leyao lowered her head and looked disappointed.

This made Zheng Zhihe feel somewhat reluctant.

He sighed and said again.

“I know how important this is to you, but there are just some things I can’t get away from. I think you can understand me.”

That's what he said, but his words were full of certainty.

Clearly, before he even said he would refuse, Zheng Zhihe had already foreseen how things would turn out.

What could Xu Leyao say after hearing this?

She could only sigh deeply, then looked at Zheng Zhihe with a bitter smile on her lips.

“I know you’re busy, but this honor was given to me by you, so naturally I want to share it with you.”

Upon hearing Xu Leyao's sincere words, Zheng Zhihe suddenly had a thought.

Then, Xu Leyao spoke.

"You have defied the world by doing this, so it is normal for you to have concerns. However, the honor you have given me is something that millions of women in the world have never received."

At this point, Xu Leyao seemed to have a bit of sincerity in her words.

In the past, noble families did not allow women to be included in their family genealogies.

It is precisely because of their actions that people today do not value their daughters.

Now, Zheng Zhihe's actions have ironically opened up new opportunities.

Perhaps this can improve the status of women throughout the world.

That's why Xu Leyao looked at him with such sincerity at that moment.

"Zheng Zhihe, you have given countless women around the world a glimmer of hope."

Upon hearing these words, Zheng Zhihe felt as if a gust of wind was stirring in his chest.

Was what he did really that important?

And Xu Leyao gave him the most affirmative answer at that moment.

"If it weren't for you setting this precedent for me, I'm afraid women would have been born into their fate, obeying their fathers at home, their husbands after marriage, and their sons after their husbands' deaths. In the end, they wouldn't even have their own names."

Xu Leyao's voice lowered as she spoke.

She had long foreseen the plight of women in the world, and thus repeatedly sought to change it.

However, at that time, she and Zheng Zhihe were already estranged despite their outward appearance of harmony.

As a result, Xu Leyao didn't have much ability left.

Later, although she came up with some methods to change the situation of some women, it was still a drop in the ocean.

Not long after, the entire Xu family, including her, all died.

From then on, no one paid any more attention to the improvement of women's status.

For Zheng Zhihe, all the people in the world are his subjects.

However, women are physically weak and cannot go to the battlefield or enter the court, so they are naturally not as important as men in pursuing literary or martial arts careers.

But now, hearing Xu Leyao talk about the hardships women face in the world, Zheng Zhihe felt a pang of emotion.

He was not unaware of the woman's current situation.

However, making a hasty change would be detrimental to him.

Moreover, Zheng Zhihe has always received the most traditional education.

Looking at the hopeful light in Xu Leyao's eyes, Zheng Zhihe was speechless for a moment, wanting to refute her.

Never mind, Xu Leyao in front of me is just a child.

Thinking of this, Zheng Zhihe softened a bit, and then said...

"You should know that I did this not for all the women in the world, but for you alone."

He said this with deep affection in his eyes.

However, Xu Leyao shook her head.

“I know you mean well, but your actions have also influenced women all over the world. For that reason alone, I must express my gratitude.”

As she spoke, Xu Leyao performed a deep bow.

Although she looked down on Zheng Zhihe's character, he had inadvertently done some good deeds this time.

Moreover, a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions.

There are no gentlemen in terms of heart, and no perfect person in terms of deeds.

Xu Leyao understood this principle.

Moreover, thinking about the elaborate scheme that Jiang Xiuxiu would put on for her later, Xu Leyao felt a growing sense of urgency.

She wasn't afraid; she just hoped that day would come as soon as possible.

Xu Leyao gave Zheng Zhihe a deep look, and then tried to persuade him in every possible way.

Amidst her constant praise, Zheng Zhihe gradually developed some ambition.

Just as Xu Leyao said, a gentleman judges by his actions, not his intentions. Since he has already made such a contribution, he should naturally deserve this reputation.

As the ruler of the land, Zheng Zhihe naturally understood how important reputation was to him.

He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.

This was the first piece of knowledge he learned after becoming emperor.

Although women in the world have a lower status, they are still his subjects.

Moreover, Zheng Zhihe was quite aware of the power of pillow talk.

Thinking about all this, Zheng Zhihe actually felt that this matter was worth promoting.

If this promotion continues, perhaps he will gain even more admirers in the future.

After thinking it over, Zheng Zhihe didn't immediately reject Xu Leyao.

Seeing that he was already somewhat interested, Xu Leyao naturally put in even more effort.

“Zheng Zhihe, you are so amazing, you have long been someone I admire. And the ceremony of being included in the family genealogy is extremely important to me. If you can come, that would be perfect.”

Zheng Zhihe was already tempted by this matter, and now, listening to Xu Leyao's soft and sweet coquettish words, he naturally couldn't resist.

"Fine, fine, since you've said so, then I may go."

After hearing these words, Xu Leyao felt relieved.

If Zheng Zhihe comes, Xu Leyao will definitely put on a good show for him.

Xu Leyao smiled like a smug fox.

"Thank you, Zheng Zhihe."

After thanking each other, the two chatted for a few more minutes before going their separate ways.