Chapter 378: Volume 1 Chapter 378 – Not Even Flattery Gets Served Warm

"I want the Kang family and the Yun family to do some business here at the workshop," Rong Luoge said with a smile.

"Doing business? You want to make them a model?" Han Xinglan asked, looking at her with puzzlement.

The word "model" was something she had said before, and it fits well here.

Rong Luoge smiled and nodded, "Yes, the Yun family and the Kang family were the first to pledge allegiance to you; the Song family is slightly behind, but not by much. Whether to include them is up to you."

As she spoke, she pulled out a map of the workshop and the two leaned together. Pointing at the houses on both sides of the two main streets at the front of the workshop, she said, "These are the places I plan to use for clothing, food, housing, and transportation businesses—tea houses, taverns, inns, warehouses, and carriage shops. They cater to merchants traveling north and south. Once this workshop thrives, merchants will come nonstop each day, and you'll see how lucrative these industries can be. It's a very substantial venture."

Han Xinglan's expression grew serious as he looked at Rong Luoge, "You want me to use these things to win people's hearts?"

"Kind of. These people returned all their land and slaves to the court. Their legitimate businesses remain, but those are essentially family assets and not much your emperor has to do with. Yet, after they surrender those, if we grant them a share of industry here at the workshop, isn't that a de facto compensation and reward? The families will be pleased, and you'll appear magnanimous, Your Majesty."

"So, once I do this, the other families still hesitating might tilt their attitude after seeing my actions?" Han Xinglan said with a smile.

"Indeed, this amount of industry is trivial, but it's our attitude. It tells them the court and you haven't forgotten their contributions; opportunities will naturally bring some recompense. As long as they aren't greedy and stay content, their future will be fine." Rong Luoge wasn't sure if this was right, but she knew that after people give something up, they always hope for a return—not necessarily a lot, but a gesture of goodwill.

Han Xinglan chuckled lightly, looked at Rong Luoge and said slowly, "You're right, but we can't announce this openly. How about this: you summon Madam Kang, Madam Yun, and also Madam Song to the palace. Let you handle it, since you've always overseen the workshop."

Rong Luoge was startled, turned her head toward Han Xinglan, "Leave it to me?"

Isn't this just leaving the chance to trade favors to her? Such a chance to curry goodwill doesn't come around often.

"Yes, give it to you. You're my empress, my wife, you should share my worries."

Rong Luoge could neither laugh nor cry. She thought that whoever did it, the court officials would ultimately think it was Han Xinglan's intention, and by looping it this way, both of them could benefit.

Han Xinglan always thought about boosting her reputation.

She smiled happily, accepted his goodwill, "Alright, I'll do it tomorrow."

Han Xinglan nodded, looked at Rong Luoge, and after a while said, "The Protector Duke made a mistake in his duties; I've already removed his office, so now he's just a bald duke. Moreover, after Rong Yan conducts the military drill, I plan to grant him a position with real authority. What do you think?"

One falls, one rises; that's a blatant slap in the face.

Rong Luoge felt no pity for Rong Heng; such a selfish man deserved this retribution, so she nodded, "You handle it. I think Di Yue Nu will deeply regret traveling thousands of miles back to marry him—gaining nothing and ending up with a mess."

"That's what she deserves," Han Xinglan sneered, "I've been too busy to attend to the Qingxuan Kingdom these years. Once internal and external affairs stabilize, Qingxuan Kingdom will inevitably be incorporated into the Owl Kingdom's territory, and then she won't be a princess any more."

Rong Luoge: …

That's a bit ruthless.

If that day ever comes, Rong Heng and Di Yue Nu will truly become the capital's laughingstock.

Rong Luoge stared steadily at Han Xinglan; she knew his actions ultimately were to secure justice for her, even if it would take a few more years. He would keep moving forward and eventually achieve his goal.

Rong Luoge let out a light laugh, reached out, gently cupped Han Xinglan's face, and kissed without hesitation.

She realized she now truly loved this man to death.

Han Xinglan pulled her into his arms, quickly turning the tables, bent over and carried her into the sleeping chamber.

Early the next morning, Rong Luoge noticed the person beside her getting up; she opened her eyes and looked at him.

Han Xinglan sensed Rong Luoge stir, turned his head, "Awake? You go back to sleep; I'm going to court."

Rong Luoge was utterly exhausted, unable to move; the man had been like a madman last night, and even with her good stamina she could barely hold on.

"You go, I'll keep sleeping." Rong Luoge immediately closed her eyes, then felt a warm press on her lips, heard a soft laugh, and then the light footsteps of his departure.

Though her eyes remained closed, the corners of Rong Luoge's mouth curled slightly.

Such days were something she never dared imagine when she first crossed over, nor in her past life; she had never believed in love.

But now she believes.

In this world, there's always that one person who stands by you, loves you, dotes on you, indulges you, trusts you, and keeps you in mind in everything they do.

How wonderful.

After a short nap, Rong Luoge got up, dressed, and had breakfast; Kang Kang sat beside her, able to eat a little supplemental food.

Mother and child ate together while listening to his chattering, incomprehensible babble as he was still in the language‑learning stage; his garbled speech was especially funny.

After the meal, she played with the child for a while until Rong Xin came in to announce that several madams had arrived; then she called the wet nurse to take the child away. Kang Kang has now gotten used to the Empress always being busy, and the wet nurse comes to hold him when she's occupied.

Rong Luoge went to the main hall, sat on the throne, and soon several madams entered, bowing to her.

"Your servant wife pays respects to the Empress, may you be well," they said.

"Madams, no need for formalities, please be seated," Rong Luoge said with a smile.

Rong Xin led people to move chairs, invited the madams to sit, then bowed and stepped back behind the Empress.

"Madams, please come into the palace; I have a matter to discuss with you. Though it's a bit forward, I hope you won't mind," Rong Luoge said, trying to soften her expression with a smile.

Before Madam Song could speak, Madam Kang immediately said, "Your Majesty is truly generous; just give the orders directly."

Madam Song: …

Even flattery can't get served warm; Madam Kang is really too quick, huh?