Chapter 622 - Chapter 622: Chapter 622: The Grand Finale (7): A Lifetime Together_1 (1/2)

Chapter 622: Chapter 622: The Grand Finale (7): A Lifetime Together_1

Upon becoming emperor, Wei Jinyi became busier than ever before. As Empress, Wei Ruo was naturally tasked with managing the affairs of the imperial harem.

Luckily, the palace was not heavily populated, Wei Jinyi had not taken in any concubines, and the previous emperor did not leave behind any imperial concubines. With minimal staff, there was little to preoccupy her time.

Though managing the daily routines and staff of the palace was a more complicated task, Wei Ruo was skilled in handling these affairs. The principles were the same whether within or outside the palace, and the methods were universally applicable.

In addition, Wei Ruo was also involved in relief efforts for various disaster-stricken areas and spring planting initiatives. At times, she would also participate in government decision making, discussing related matters with other officials from behind a curtain.

Gaining from the successful example set in Jiliao, no one raised any objections towards Wei Ruo’s political involvement.

In some respects, it could be said that Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi governed together as emperor and empress.

The responsibilities they shouldered now were slightly more complicated than they had been in Jiliao, but with the experience they had gained there, they now handled these tasks with ease.

Besides this, in her spare time, Wei Ruo could not break her old habits. Even in the Royal Garden, she allocated a plot of land to grow some fruits and vegetables.

Occasionally, she would go out for a stroll, disguising herself to visit Qiao Manor, thus avoiding living under constant restrictions.

Wei Ruo had also had a heart-to-heart conversation with Wei Jinyi. She had told him that if he ever fell out of love with her, to let her leave. She did not lust over her title as empress, nor would his change of heart lead her to be trapped in resentment. She continued to live in the palace because the man she loved was there.

She would not obstruct him from falling in love with other women, and neither would she prevent him from filling his harem with three thousand beauties. If he truly were to fall out of love, her attempts to stop him would be futile.

What she desired was love that was voluntary and free, not a confining matrimonial relationship.

Wei Jinyi promised her; he made no excessive pledges, simply stating that time would prove everything.

Wei Ruo considered herself fortunate. Along her journey, she had been lucky enough to meet many kind-hearted people who had protected her and nurtured her, sharing in her joys and sorrows.

Even in power struggles, she had hardly worried about anything.

Though occasionally, there were individuals such as Wei Qingwan who made her feel uneasy, they did not cause her significant harm.

Now, as the empress, she should be worrying about the affairs of the palace and the fight for power and favor, but none of these issues arose.

As empress, her role was stress-free and effortless. Other people would worry about the trivial matters on her behalf, and she was free to follow her interests and indulge in her skills.

Her brother and her husband, who doubled as the emperor, had kept their promise to her. Even in his imperial role, he still treated her as before, and even his form of address towards her did not change. In private times with no outsiders present, he still referred to her affectionately as ‘Second Brother’.

She was satisfied with how everything was presently.

She didn’t know what the future would bring, but those were problems for the future. She would cross that bridge when she got there.

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The next year, the era name was changed to Xingning.

In the first year of Xingning, the climate remained unfavorable. However, due to the blessings on the empire, many new high-yield crop varieties were discovered and promoted, allowing people’s harvests to gradually meet their needs.

The situation in the disaster-stricken areas improved, and the number of bandits also decreased gradually.

Meanwhile, the conflict between the empire and the Jurchen Tribe eased. The emperor summoned Martial General Xu Zhengyong back to the capital for reassignment.

While awaiting his assignment in the capital, General Xu married Xiumei, a high-ranking maiden from Empress Wei Ruo’s entourage. The emperor and empress presided over their wedding ceremony. The empress provided a bridal procession for ten miles as a dowry, making the wedding a grand event. The celebration was not inferior to any other noblewoman’s wedding in the capital.

The following month, Lu Bei, the emperor’s top guard, resigned and left the capital to travel.

In the second year of Xingning, the empress was pregnant. The emperor was overjoyed and issued a nationwide amnesty.

That same year, the Minister of Rites, Lord Cui, proposed to the emperor to take in more concubines, but his proposal was turned down by the emperor, citing concerns about the country as the reason.

Many among the court greatly respected the empress for her contributions to the nation. As the emperor had no concerns about an heir, they supported the emperor’s decision to refrain from taking more concubines.

In the third year of Xingning, the empress gave birth to a second son, named Chu Zhen.

That same year, after years of infertility, King Qin and Queen Qin had their first child, reportedly due to the empress’s assistance in improving their health.

In the same year, Fan Chengxu and Xie Ying also had their first child.

The couple established an orphanage outside the capital, taking in homeless children from various locations. They provided shelter and taught these children how to read and write.