Chapter 392: Volume 1 Chapter 392 Gentle Country

Because there were so many people, and the grooms were all military officials, Rong Luoge decided to hold a group wedding for them—how lively!

Han Xinglan had never heard of a group wedding before, but it seemed nice, so she waved her brush and agreed.

The Ministry of Rites organized the event.

Minister of Rites: …

Having lived this long, he had never dealt with such an outrageous matter; overseeing the Emperor's concubine remarrying was already absurd, let alone a group ceremony, and he felt sorrowful yet had to pretend to be delighted.

The group wedding was very lively; although the Empress, being pregnant, did not personally preside over the ceremony or see them off, each bride received a generous dowry, and the palace attendants who served them were allowed to accompany them as part of the bridal party, which truly showed great regard.

At this time, the capital had been bustling for half a month, with the story spreading everywhere, emphasizing His Majesty's devotion to the Empress and the Empress's magnanimity.

The noble families: …

Marrying off the Emperor's consort—this is called magnanimity?

They almost no longer understood what magnanimity meant, further proving that the Empress was indeed extraordinary, with remarkable tactics.

Not only capable, but also scheming; now the Hou Gong has been emptied, and from now on…

The Crown Prince's position will never end up in someone else's bowl again.

Rong Luoge paid no mind to others' words, because she was about to arrange Rong Yan's wedding; Madam Chu entered the palace repeatedly because of this, each time in high spirits.

In contrast, the atmosphere at Zhen Guo Gong Fu was truly like a bitterly cold winter.

Rong Heng sat in the study, absentmindedly gazing at the sky; just now he and Di Yue Nu had quarreled again, and their arguments had become a daily occurrence.

Thinking back, every meeting used to be full of affection; they never even blushed, let alone quarrel.

He had done so much for her, yet what did he gain now? Only complaints, endless complaints.

He treated his eldest daughter as a worn‑out shoe, yet she became the Empress; now the Emperor holds her in deep affection and even dissolved the Hou Gong, so the Crown Prince's position can only belong to his grandson, but they will not recognize him as their maternal grandfather.

His eldest son became the Earl of Yong'an, severed ties with him, and now intends to marry Kang Jin Si's daughter; his future prospects will surely improve.

But what about the child Di Yue Nu gave birth to for him?

His most prized, Rong Lang, now spends his days drowning his sorrow in wine, neglecting his duties; his beloved daughter was sent by Empress Dowager Ming to Zhuangzi Upper Pass, and he wants to bring her out, but Empress Dowager Ming gives him no face.

He is also despised by His Majesty, having fallen out with the Empress, so he has no face to ask His Majesty for help.

Unwittingly, his whole life has led to this point, and now he has fallen to such a state.

Now, to live more decently, he must agree to Di Yue Nu's request and secretly collude with people from Qingxuan Nation…

Rong Heng's head throbbed; he didn't want to do this, didn't want to leave his home, but with everyone rebelling and abandoning him, what could he have left if he stayed?

There would be nothing left.

Originally, he should have had a better life, but it was all ruined.

On the day Rong Yan took a wife, the ceremony was grand, giving the Kang family full face; Kang Jin Si and his wife joyfully sent their daughter off, and these years they had been anxious, but now the big stone finally settled, and the daughter can live a stable life.

The scorching sun beat overhead, marking the peak of summer; since His Majesty reclaimed the lands of the noble families, escaped slaves return home each year.

Back then, these people were respectable commoners; displaced by war and disaster, they had to become slaves to the great households to survive.

Escaped slaves returned to their origins; some learned the news late, and the court needed to re‑survey all lands, which couldn't be done overnight. After three years, there is finally a clue.

His Majesty issued a new Peaceful‑People Decree: as long as the people resettle in their original registered lands, they will be granted land again—women receive land too, though only half of what men get. At the same time, taxes to the court are greatly reduced; not only can they survive, but with prudent household management, their modest lives will quickly become prosperous.

When the decree was issued, regions were in a flurry for a while, because many displaced people had stayed where they landed; now they could return home and receive land—such a boon is hard to find.

Some wealthy prefectures even distributed stipends, and countless people bowed toward the capital in gratitude.

Those with nowhere to go could join the military settlement; it is said the settlement was proposed by the Empress, but those who join are highly likely to become soldiers, becoming the court's reserve forces whenever war breaks out—indeed, the term "reserve" was also coined by the Empress.

People can't survive; as long as there's food, they join the settlement.

Joining the settlement has many benefits: grain, seeds, and tools are provided by various prefectures, and the harvest is split six to four with the authorities—such a boon is rare.

Thus the decree shook the entire Owl Nation; people nationwide packed their belongings and returned with families to their registered homes, gaining land and reduced taxes—good days are coming.

At the border between Owl Nation and Qingxuan Nation, Xiao Shen's army was preparing to cross the river; the river surface was crowded with countless masts, and ships of all sizes were ready to set sail.

They had been attacking Qingxuan Nation since last year, and now it finally reached its climax.

Before the troops moved, supplies went first; transport ships of all sizes set out in order, continuously delivering endless provisions to the front, ensuring the campaign against Qingxuan Nation.

Xiao Shen led cavalry as the vanguard, each rider on two horses, bearing long bows; wherever they passed, the enemy's morale shattered.

In the capital, the battle report arrived; the Minister of War wore a joyful expression and hurried to request an audience with His Majesty.

"Official Kang, you wear such a smile—has General Xiao brought good news?" someone stopped Kang Jin Si with a laugh and asked.

Kang Jin Si laughed heartily, "General Xiao has already breached the enemy capital; the Qingxuan Nation's ruler was wounded and fled, and the treasonous Protector Duke and his wife were cast down by the Qingxuan ruler and died on the battlefield."

Everyone cheered at the news, delighted; Rong Heng, though an Owl Nation native, had been swayed by the enemy state and a royal princess to betray his country—an unforgivable crime, now justly punished.

Kang Jin Si ignored the crowd, hurried to request an audience with His Majesty, determined to report this good news.

At this moment, Han Xinglan had just risen from the Gentle Country; with the recent Peaceful‑People Decree and the war against Qingxuan Nation, his nerves were stretched thin, and it was rare to have a chance to cherish time with his Empress.

Unfortunately, before he could enjoy it longer, Kang Jin Si requested an audience.

Han Xinglan: …

Rong Luoge rose, slipped on her clothes, her smile impossible to hide; Official Kang was truly becoming more diligent.