Chapter 365: Volume One, Chapter 365 – We Are Destined to Be Husband and Wife

Volume One, Chapter 365 – We Are Destined to Be Husband and Wife

Madam Su paused briefly, her heart still racing, and looked at the Empress, trying to appear as calm as usual, "Thank you, Empress, for your concern; I am fine."

Rong Luoge smiled and nodded, "That's good. Today's cannon sound is truly majestic. If any of the ladies feel a little unwell, do not hide it; health is paramount."

The crowd answered in unison, "Yes."

The thirty‑nine‑shot cannon boomed ear‑splittingly; before hearing it oneself, one could only rely on others' tales of its power, which seemed exaggerated.

But now that I have heard it with my own ears, the feeling is entirely different; that awe‑inspiring force makes one truly revere the cannon.

So this thing is already formidable just by its sound; imagine if it actually struck a city wall, or was deployed within a battle formation—what then?

Recalling how a few cannon shots once blew open the walls of Suzhou City, everyone at that moment could gauge just how terrifying that deterrent power truly is.

The thirty‑nine‑shot cannon completely turned the first New Year court banquet upside down; the formerly haughty aristocratic officials were unusually low‑key at today's banquet.

Hou Gong Rong Luoge's banquet for the esteemed ladies went smoothly; such seamlessness was unimaginable in previous years.

The struggle between imperial authority and the noble families can only remain delicate when forces are evenly matched; otherwise it's either the eastern wind overwhelming the western, or vice versa.

Late Emperor, when he first ascended the throne, was diligent and reformist; for several years the noble families feared him, and imperial authority enjoyed a comfortable period. Yet as the Late Emperor grew older and became enamored with women, the families pushed back, and imperial authority gradually weakened.

When Han Xinglan took over, it was the toughest time; the aristocratic families were seizing land en masse, hiding unregistered households, taxes dwindling, and the court's operations became extremely difficult.

Therefore, when war broke out with the Qingxuan Kingdom, he had to dip into his personal treasury.

After the court banquet, Han Xinglan returned to Fengyi Palace without delay; the two spouses met eye to eye and almost simultaneously broke into smiles.

Han Xinglan lifted Rong Luoge into his arms and whispered in her ear, "Luoge, you haven't seen the faces of those people today; it's truly gratifying. Do you know? Today is the happiest day since I ascended the throne."

Rong Luoge smiled, "I know now."

"Your idea for the salute cannon is truly brilliant; it makes me immensely delighted."

Being tightly held in Han Xinglan's embrace, Rong Luoge felt his excitement and whispered, "When military force absolutely crushes, anyone who tries to block it is like a mantis arm trying to stop a chariot."

"You're right. I've decided that all the silver Rong Yan brought back this time will be used to forge cannons and ammunition."

"Sure, do whatever you wish." Rong Luoge rested on his shoulder, "You are a good emperor; go forward boldly, and I will guard the rear for you."

Han Xinglan wished he could carve Rong Luoge into his very bones and blood; he took a deep breath, briefly restrained his overwhelming excitement, and said, "Luoge, I know I will spend my life pursuing my goal, but I never expected that what I once projected would take at most ten years; now, in just over two years, we can achieve it. All of this is thanks to you."

"No, it's not me; it's thanks to us. Xinglan, even if I have brilliant ideas, without your trust none of this would exist. Your absolute trust is the force that drives me to clear thorns for you. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today; we complement each other."

Han Xinglan burst into laughter, "You're right, so you see, we are destined to be husband and wife."

Rong Luoge was instantly amused, sat up straight, and said to Han Xinglan, "You're right; we are destined to be each other's support."

After the excitement, Han Xinglan led Rong Luoge to sit on a plush couch; the two leaned against soft pillows and spoke slowly.

Han Xinglan, holding Rong Luoge's hand, said slowly, "I hope that when I pass the throne to Kang Kang, he will inherit a peaceful and prosperous era."

Rong Luoge smiled at the words, "It will certainly be so. Our glorious dynasty need not wait for Kang Kang to grow up; in a few years I believe the Owl Kingdom under your rule will revive, gradually becoming the nation you envision."

"Luoge, what does the Owl Kingdom look like in your mind?"

"Well, I haven't really thought about it," Rong Luoge said, a bit surprised. Since arriving, she had been pondering how to live well, and after becoming Empress she helped Han Xinglan, gradually easing the people's burdens.

Now Han Xinglan suddenly asks like that, her mind jumps to a future nation, and after a half‑minute of silence she says, "I hope the people have land to farm, clothes to wear, their own houses, without starving. If possible, each household should have surplus grain, children can study. Education enlightens and teaches propriety; only when everyone can read will the Owl Kingdom thrive."

Han Xinglan chuckled, "Your ideal is a bit too lofty; I'm afraid we can't achieve it within ten years."

Too far away.

"We set a grand goal to motivate ourselves to move forward; I believe you can achieve it. Look, who could have imagined two years ago that we'd have today's results? Success depends on effort, and perseverance is key."

"Making you Empress is truly a waste of talent; you should go teach at the Imperial Academy."

This mind‑twisting power even makes the emperor want to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

Rong Luoge laughed, "A teacher, huh? That's a respectable profession, but I lack patience; I'm afraid I couldn't handle it."

The thirty‑nine‑shot salute cannon, not only for the Emperor and Empress, made it a sleepless night for officials throughout the court.

After the New Year banquet, Rong Luoge, not wanting extravagance, canceled all unnecessary palace feasts, keeping only the Lantern Festival banquet; consequently, people noticed that after the sixth day, the Weaving Workshop resumed activity, and the Glazed Tile Workshop street quickly buzzed with work.

The other aristocratic families in the capital were still visiting relatives and friends, while the Emperor and Empress already assumed a post‑New‑Year work stance.

Rong Luoge is a pragmatic person; she cannot be too lenient with the noble families, or they will endlessly cause trouble.

When she had a moment, Rong Luoge summoned Rong Yan into the palace, mainly to ask about two matters: one, marriage; the other, this year's business plan.

Rong Yan still felt a bit uneasy seeing the Empress, but it was much better than the awkwardness when the two siblings first met.

"I have no plans to marry these years," Rong Yan said. Since breaking with his father, he has been resistant to marriage and does not wish to wed.

Rong Luoge understood; she looked at Rong Yan and said slowly, "If you don't marry, Ling Shan will have difficulty finding a husband; in a few years her marriage will become even harder."

Rong Yan's face stiffened; after a pause he said, "We can arrange for Ling Shan to marry first."