Chapter 367: Volume 1, Chapter 367 – The Queen

Rong Luoge listened to Kang Shufei's words and immediately laughed, "If you marry into another family, I can't say, but if you marry Rong Yan, I can answer you, it's fine."

Kang Shufei, hearing that, also smiled, her gaze at the Empress carrying a hint of gratitude and emotions she herself could not quite discern, and she said slowly, "Your Majesty, when I first entered the palace, I was actually very frightened."

Rong Luoge listened to Kang Shufei speak, smiled, and did not interrupt her.

Kang Shufei fixed her eyes on a point, which was somewhat impolite, but her voice was sincere, "Before entering the palace, my family told me I was coming in as part of an exchange. At that time I was willing to enter, since my family had raised me so much, I ought to repay them. Yet the palace life turned out different from what I expected. Your Majesty, you gave me new hope. I truly love my current life; each morning I open my eyes and can go about my duties, the brilliance of life is not hidden by time, busy yet fulfilling."

Rong Luoge looked at Kang Shufei and said seriously, "You must believe that with people like us leading the way, more and more women will choose to go out onto the streets and use their own abilities to support themselves."

"Your Majesty, will that day ever come?"

"I can't guarantee it, but I will do my best to promote it," Rong Luoge said. How could she guarantee such a result? She only hoped she could lead the way.

After all, in this era it is a woman's duty, propriety, and tradition to stay at home, support her husband and raise children; not every woman is willing to labor to support herself.

And not everyone can break their own barriers and forge a different path.

Kang Shufei's emotions surged with the Empress's words, "Your Majesty, I will also do my best."

Rong Luoge let out a light laugh, "Very well. A human life is only a few dozen years; we must do something meaningful. To live is not merely to exist."

Kang Shufei didn't fully understand the Empress's words, but she knew the Empress was someone who undertook great deeds, cared for all under heaven, and was a good person.

"Your Majesty is right," Kang Shufei replied immediately.

Rong Luoge felt a bit embarrassed; she had been overly idealistic and hadn't expected Kang Shufei to be so unquestioning, which made her cheeks flush.

"I will arrange for Madam Kang to enter the palace tomorrow to meet you; such a marriage must be reported to the family," Rong Luoge returned to business, "Moreover, this marriage must not leak, at least before His Majesty moves you all out of the palace, no one may know, as it could easily cause unnecessary trouble."

The seriousness of the matter made Kang Shufei nod, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I, your concubine, will be cautious."

"Then you may attend to your duties," Rong Luoge said with a smile.

"Your concubine takes her leave," Kang Shufei rose and bowed.

After Kang Shufei left, Rong Luoge first sent someone to the Kang family to deliver a letter to Madam Kang, and then contemplated the relocation of the Weaving Workshop; this matter must accelerate after the first month of the new year.

Even noble families may hold some awe toward His Majesty because of the powerful cannon, but if the couple's subsequent deterrent power does not rise, these people will easily defect again, turning the situation into a tug‑of‑war.

Because Han Xinglan also considered this, she has already begun arranging for Rong Yan to lead a team out of the capital once more.

Rong Luoge also has her own plans; the first task is to expand the Commercial Street and amplify its reputation as much as possible.

Starting a war is easy, but ultimately it hinges on economic strength; if the silver doesn't keep up, weapons cannot be forged—what will we fight the enemy with?

The cost of producing cannons is already huge; the fiscal pressure is great.

Therefore, she decided to commence investment promotion at the start of the new year; selling patented technologies is a quick way to raise money.

The loom machines, jacquard looms, and the new dye formulas for fabric she now possesses can all be sold outright as patented technologies.

In addition, she plans to establish a merchants' guild so she can more easily control commercial affairs.

There are many tasks she must handle; whether the old officials at court or political struggles, these are not her strong points, and she cannot aid Han Xinglan—the only blunt method is to provide money.

Making money has been her biggest goal in recent years.

Only by earning more money can she build civilian infrastructure, such as diverting water and digging canals to aid irrigation for the people, and constructing schools so more children can receive free education.

She grew up in later generations; the belief that one must study is her faith and persistence. No matter how hard life is, she will not let children suffer; it is her innate instinct to protect the nation's seedlings.

She herself was once a cherished seedling.

Although her growth period was relatively short—nothing can be done about that, mainly because she is too clever.

Thinking of this, Rong Luoge couldn't help but feel amused; her skin grew thicker.

"What are you laughing at?"

When Han Xinglan returned, she saw Rong Luoge drawing and laughing to herself.

Hearing the voice, Rong Luoge's eyes brightened; she immediately looked up at Han Xinglan and said, "Your arrival is so timely; I have something to discuss with you."

Han Xinglan walked over and sat beside her, "What matter shall we discuss?"

Rong Luoge said, "I intend to establish a merchants' guild..."

She laid out her ideas completely, and Han Xinglan was again astonished—how could there be such a way to make money?

"Can this work?" Han Xinglan, who had no commercial experience, wasn't sure if it was feasible.

"Of course it can," Rong Luoge said confidently, "The main reason is that we have the technology ourselves; whether it's loom machines or jacquard looms, they are far superior to those used by merchants outside, and the fabric we produce will be far more competitive in the market."

These words left Han Xinglan half understanding, but the general meaning was clear. He looked at Rong Luoge and asked, "If you sell them, aren't you afraid of being subject to others?"

Rong Luoge smiled, "If I'm afraid, I wouldn't sell. I'm not afraid; I can still devise even better things."

Han Xinglan also laughed, "Indeed, she has the confidence and talent."

"Explain to me in detail the intricacies of this," Han Xinglan said, looking at Rong Luoge. He must truly understand to keep up with her pace; otherwise, if she moves too fast, a gap will inevitably form between them.

Rong Luoge earnestly explained the modern business philosophy to him; while it would be extremely difficult for others, she is different—she is the Empress, representing royal authority, naturally able to earn merchants' trust.

Thus, from the start she stood at a winning foothold; her status as Empress enables her to accomplish what others cannot.

Han Xinglan understood the line of thought, pondered it seriously, and found it indeed feasible, then asked with a smile, "Do you need my help?"