Did the Prime Minister Attend Court Today? - Chapter 89

As they watched the Empress breathe her last in the grand hall, everyone fell silent, fearing they might be the next unlucky one.

Zhao Xian looked at them and said lightly, “Now that the Empress is dead, those who surrender will not be killed.” As soon as she finished speaking, everyone present kneeled in unison.

“We are willing to follow General Zhao as our leader. A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. General Zhao is both virtuous and talented. We unanimously recommend General Zhao as the new Empress.”

Among them, Zhang Yunhe took the lead and shouted, “Long live Your Majesty! Long live for ten thousand years!” For her, Zhao Xian becoming the emperor posed no objections, whether public or personal.

Zhao Xian’s talents were well-known throughout the realm, and the common folk had no qualms about her ascending the throne.

Others followed suit, and all civil and military officials present echoed, “Long live Your Majesty! Long live for ten thousand years!”

On the 20th day of the sixth month of the 432nd year of the Feng You Continent, Zhao Xian ascended the throne as the Empress, changing the country’s name to “Yun,” and appointed Gu Tingshu as the Emperor. From then on, peace reigned throughout the land…

The coronation day was celebrated nationwide, with magpies chirping incessantly from early morning. The coronation and the appointment of the Emperor were held concurrently.

Gu Tingshu had never dreamed that one day he would become a monarch of a country. Looking back, he used to be an ordinary man who went bird-catching and fish-catching with his sisters in the mountains and rivers. Now, thinking about it, life was truly unpredictable. He had never dreamed he would see such a day.

“Announce the Emperor’s arrival to the hall,” Zhao Xian commanded, her voice carrying authority and confidence as she and Gu Tingshu prepared to lead their nation into a new era.

In the grand hall, a female official’s loud call brought Gu Tingshu back to his senses. Gu Tingshu, dressed in a red phoenix robe, slowly ascended the dais with the support of attendants. A woman in a golden dragon robe sat dignifiedly on the throne.

As Gu Tingshu looked at her, he couldn’t help squinting involuntarily. His wife was so imposing and beautiful. Zhao Xian, upon seeing the handsome man, couldn’t help but feel a bit ticklish inside.

She reached out her hand, “Come here…”

Gu Tingshu approached and placed his hand in hers, then turned around and stood beside her.

“Long live the Empress, long live for ten thousand years… Long live the Emperor, long live for a thousand years…”

“My dear ministers, please rise…”

Looking at the civil and military officials below, to be honest, Zhao Xian felt like there were ten thousand alpacas galloping past. Supposedly a carefree and leisurely life… well, she had to continue being the boss again. It seemed she was naturally destined for a life of toil…

After Zhao Xian ascended the throne, she began a diligent daily routine. Even if she wanted to slack off for a day, her husband would push her to attend court. In her words, “It’s really too hard for me.”

As Empress, Zhao Xian initiated extensive reforms, enhancing public security and ensuring transparent taxation without embezzling a single penny from the people’s hard-earned money. She also elevated the status of merchants, enabling more people to prosper and become wealthy. After all, for a country to prosper, it needs wealth and food.

From then on, the entire court underwent a remarkable transformation, adopting a clock-in system akin to corporate work culture. No longer did they have to rise before dawn; instead, court began at seven in the morning and ended at ten. Moreover, everyone had to submit various monthly reports and summaries at the beginning of each month, covering everything from taxation and population growth to various issues affecting the lives of the common people. Supervisors in all departments, both civil and military, had to compile comprehensive reports without deceit or omission. Punishments ranged from salary cuts to severe consequences for serious offenses.

With such innovative systems in place, everyone in the court became more proactive in their duties.

In one morning court session, Zhao Xian was once again pushed out of her chambers by her husband to attend court reluctantly, despite her desire for a vacation.

“Your Majesty, since ascending to the throne, the country has been prosperous and the people peaceful. However, the imperial harem remains empty. We humbly request Your Majesty to consider admitting more men into the palace for the sake of future heirs…”

“Yes, Your Majesty, currently there is only one prince in the nursery. We implore Your Majesty to select more men to ensure the Empress can have more descendants.”

Some remained silent after speaking, while others felt this matter needed urgent attention. After all, historically, leader, let alone an Empress, did not have multiple consorts and attendants?

Zhao Xian’s face darkened.

Nice words, but who has to bear the burden of childbirth?