Today is a special day.

The founding emperor of the new Han Dynasty is going to choose a concubine.

Since Concubine Xie, His Majesty the Emperor has never taken another concubine, which has caused great distress to the people of the whole country.

Although the wise and brave emperor gave birth to five sons, compared with the founding emperors of the pre-Qin and pre-Han dynasties, the emperor of the new Han Dynasty was almost indifferent to women, let alone men.

Now that His Majesty the Emperor is finally going to choose a concubine, the people of the whole country are more concerned about it than the emperor himself.

The common people hope that their daughters can marry into a rich family and become successful. The expectations of petty officials and peddlers are similar to those of the common people, they just want their careers to reach a higher level.

Only the scholars, the new nobles of the founding of the country, and the ministers had different ideas.

The current emperor will certainly not allow his relatives and concubines to become powerful, but what does it matter?
As long as the girl in my family can be chosen by His Majesty the Emperor, not to mention rising to prominence, as long as my daughter doesn't commit suicide, the whole family can at least prosper until the day His Majesty dies.

There are also some large and powerful families who have never entered officialdom but have escaped several rounds of purges. They are all ready to come back to the world through women.

June of the fourth year of the Xinhan period.

It is the best season when grass is growing and swallows are flying.

Luoyang City is full of beautiful women of all shapes and sizes.

Correspondingly, there are scholars and handsome men. This is not only the day for the emperor to choose his concubine, but also the best day for blind dates in the country.

Jin Mao specially recalled the meritorious soldiers who had served for many years but had not yet officially married, wanting to hold a wedding together.

Zhang Hong, the Guanglu Xun, immediately objected in the court: "Your Majesty, although this move shows your benevolence and care for the soldiers, it is probably not the right time. The new emperor has just been established, the state affairs are not settled, and the borders still need to be stabilized. Holding a grand wedding at this time may be suspected of extravagance, which will easily attract public criticism, and may also cause foreign countries to spy on us and think that our dynasty is weak. Moreover, most of the meritorious soldiers are rough men who have been on the battlefield for a long time and have a tough heart. Marriage matters should be decided by them themselves, which will show the freedom and dignity of our soldiers. Your Majesty, why don't you put state affairs first, and hold such a ceremony when the borders are peaceful and the treasury is full? It will surely show your majesty's wisdom and inspire the soldiers to serve the country more firmly."

Zhang Hong's words were convincing and reasonable. The court fell silent and all the ministers bowed their heads in thought. Emperor Jin Mao frowned slightly when he heard the words, but then relaxed. He knew that what Zhang Hong said was true, but he couldn't let go of the care and gratitude for the soldiers in his heart.

"My dear minister, what you said is absolutely right. I have indeed lacked consideration in some areas. However, I am thinking of the soldiers and want to give something back. I wonder if you have any good ideas that can both demonstrate my benevolence and avoid causing criticism?" Emperor Jin Mao said sincerely, looking at Zhang Hong, expecting his answer.

Zhang Hong thought for a moment, bowed and said, "Your Majesty can issue an order to grant each meritorious soldier land and silver, and exempt their descendants from taxes and corvée for a certain number of years. Such benefits can not only solve the worries of the soldiers, but also show that Your Majesty's grace is widespread, and will not cause criticism from the people. It is really a best of both worlds."

Emperor Jinmao was delighted when he heard this and praised him repeatedly: "Your Excellency is indeed a wise man. This policy is very much in line with my wishes. We will start implementing it immediately and make sure that every meritorious soldier can feel my care and love."

Later, Emperor Jinmao added: "In addition, I want to build a 'Loyal and Brave Temple' to enshrine the spirits of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country and made outstanding contributions throughout the dynasties, and hold sacrificial ceremonies regularly so that future generations will remember the bravery and sacrifice of their ancestors, and at the same time encourage the current soldiers to follow their examples, defend the country, and fulfill their mission."

Zhang Hong's eyes flashed with admiration when he heard this. He bowed again and said, "Your Majesty's move is truly a benevolent one. It will surely inspire the military and civilians to unite against the enemy and build a prosperous era together. I am willing to assist Your Majesty and properly arrange this matter to ensure that the construction of the 'Loyalty and Bravery Temple' is both solemn and meaningful, and becomes an immortal spiritual symbol of our dynasty."

Emperor Jinmao nodded with satisfaction and said, "My dear minister, you are right. I will leave this matter to you and make sure it is done to perfection. At the same time, I also want to send envoys to the border and neighboring countries to spread the benevolence and strength of our dynasty, promote peaceful and friendly exchanges, jointly resist foreign aggression, and maintain peace in the world."

Zhang Hong was excited when he heard this. He knew that this was not only a trust in an individual, but also an expectation for the entire country. He replied solemnly: "Your Majesty is wise and wise. I will definitely live up to your trust and do my best to create a new situation for our dynasty, enhance our national prestige, and benefit all directions."

Then, Zhang Hong turned to face the ministers, his eyes gleaming with determination. He continued, "My dear colleagues, your majesty has made a wise decision and entrusted us with important tasks. As court officials, we should focus on state affairs and work together for common development. I propose that we first strengthen domestic construction, improve people's livelihood and welfare, and let the people live and work in peace and contentment, so as to gather the people's hearts and stabilize the country. At the same time, we should strengthen armaments, train elite soldiers and generals, ensure the tranquility of the border, and make foreign enemies dare not offend lightly."

"Furthermore, cultural exchanges should not be neglected. We can hold grand cultural events, invite talented people from all over the world to gather together, showcase our cultural heritage and artistic style, and enhance mutual understanding and respect with other countries. Through the bridge of culture, let the seeds of peace and friendship be sown to more distant places."

"In addition, trade and commerce must also be strengthened. We can open up new trade routes, encourage overseas trade, introduce advanced technology and rare products, and at the same time promote our silk, porcelain and other fine products to the world, promote economic prosperity, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. In this way, the strength of our dynasty will surely attract more countries to come and make friends with us, and jointly build a world of harmonious coexistence."

Zhang Hong's impassioned speech won the applause of the whole audience. Emperor Jinmao was very pleased and praised him repeatedly: "What you said is all good advice. I am very pleased. I hope you can be like Zhang Hong, care about the country, work diligently and conscientiously, and work together for the prosperity of our dynasty." "I have made up my mind. From now on, we will set up an Overseas Trade Department to manage maritime trade, select talents who are proficient in foreign languages ​​and familiar with sea charts, form a royal fleet, set sail, explore unknown waters, and open up new trade routes. At the same time, we will strengthen diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, set up embassies, and send envoys to convey our dynasty's willingness to seek development and share peace with other countries in a peaceful and friendly manner."

"Furthermore, education is the foundation of a country, and talent is the basis of a prosperous nation. I will order the establishment of more schools and open up more avenues for talent. Not only will we teach the Four Books and Five Classics, but we will also introduce practical studies such as arithmetic, astronomy, medicine, and engineering to cultivate all-round talents. In particular, we will encourage girls to enroll in school, break gender boundaries, and let women be as talented as men and shine in our dynasty."

"Agriculture is the foundation of a country and we must not neglect it. I will promote advanced farming techniques, such as crop rotation and fallow, water conservancy irrigation, etc., to increase food production and protect people's livelihood. At the same time, we will set up agricultural experimental fields and introduce foreign crops to enrich people's tables and enhance national food security."

"In addition, cultural prosperity is also a symbol of national strength. I will vigorously support literary and artistic creation, encourage the development of art forms such as opera, poetry, calligraphy and painting, hold cultural festivals, attract talented people from all over the world to participate in the event, let the flowers of culture bloom on the land of our dynasty, and become a bridge connecting the hearts of the people and promoting unity."

“You gentlemen should know that every citizen has a share of responsibility for the rise and fall of a country. I look forward to working hand in hand with you to create a brilliant future for our dynasty. Let us embrace the changing world with an open attitude and write our own chapter of history with perseverance!” Emperor Jinmao’s words were earnest and inspiring to every official present. They knelt down one after another and vowed to do their best to live up to the emperor’s grace and build a prosperous era together.

Later, Emperor Jinmao said: "The prosperity of culture is not achieved overnight, but needs to be passed down from generation to generation. I want to establish a royal academy to open up a wide range of talents. No matter if you are from a poor family or a noble family, as long as you are determined to learn, you can enter the academy for further study, study classics, history, and literature, and practice music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, in order to cultivate pillars of the country who are both civil and military, and both virtuous and talented. At the same time, encourage the vigorous development of private schools and academies, so that the light of knowledge can illuminate every corner and the seeds of wisdom can take root in the hearts of the people."

"Furthermore, I want to strengthen cultural exchanges, not only between ethnic groups in China, but also to spread them to all corners of the world. I will send envoys to foreign countries with our treasures, such as porcelain, silk, tea and exquisite handicrafts, to showcase our style, learn from the strengths of other countries, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. At the same time, I welcome envoys from all countries to visit us and discuss the great plan of peaceful development, so that the bridge of friendship can cross thousands of mountains and rivers and be closely connected."

"In addition, I know that agriculture is the foundation of the country, and industry and commerce are the blood of the country. Therefore, we should build water conservancy projects, improve agricultural tools, increase food production, and ensure that the people have enough food and clothing; at the same time, we should encourage industry and commerce, develop trade, prosper the market, and promote economic prosperity. The two complement each other, so that the country can be rich and the people can be strong, and long-term peace can be achieved."

“You should take this as your responsibility, be diligent in government, be brave in innovation, put the people first, and care about the people. Let us work together to build this land into a more prosperous place, so that the people can live and work in peace and share the blessings of a peaceful and prosperous era. History will remember our efforts and contributions, and future generations will always remember our heroic names and achievements!”

The emperor's words, like spring rain, moistened everyone's heart and ignited their passion and hope. They knew that the road ahead was long and difficult, but as long as they worked together, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome and no distance that could not be reached. So, they shouted in unison again, vowing to keep the emperor's teachings in mind and to contribute all their strength to the prosperity of the country.

In this land illuminated by the light of hope, people have taken action. Some of them picked up hoes, plowed deeply, and irrigated golden wheat fields and lush orchards with sweat; some took up pens and compiled classics to pass on culture, making the sparks of wisdom shine brightly in the long river of history; others put on armor and took up weapons to guard the borders, using their flesh and blood to build a steel wall of national security. Every corner is filled with a vibrant atmosphere, and every effort is contributing to the prosperity of the country.

The emperor was more diligent in government affairs. He not only paid attention to agricultural production and ensured a good harvest to relieve people's food worries, but also vigorously developed industry and commerce, encouraged technological innovation, and promoted economic prosperity. At the same time, he focused on popularizing education, opening up talent channels, selecting virtuous people, and injecting fresh blood into national governance. Under his advocacy, a series of policies that benefited the country and the people were introduced one after another, benefiting the general public, making society harmonious and stable, and significantly improving people's living standards.

As time went by, the land changed with each passing day. The city became stronger, the roads were well connected, the trade was frequent, and the cultural exchanges were active. The faces of the people were filled with happy smiles. They were grateful for the wise leadership of the emperor and cherished the hard-won peace and prosperity. Whenever night fell, thousands of lights were brightly lit, reflecting the peace and tranquility of the land, as if telling a beautiful story about unity, struggle and the realization of dreams.

All of this will become a good story for future generations, inspiring generations to keep moving forward, exploring and striving tirelessly on the path of pursuing national prosperity and national rejuvenation. The wheel of history rolls forward, but the yearning and pursuit for a better life will be forever engraved in everyone's heart, becoming an inexhaustible driving force for social progress.

...

Bu Zhi was invited back to Luoyang, and he was accompanied by the beautiful girl from the tribe, Bu Lianshi.

Master Bu Lian was fifteen years old and extremely beautiful. There were many suitors from all over the place.

Bu Zhi had no idea how beautiful Bu Lianshi was. After visiting Luoyang, he discovered that Bu Lianshi's beauty seemed to surpass those people.

This is really serious.

The emperor is choosing a concubine. If Bu Lianshi can be chosen, Bu Zhi will not only be able to marry into other families, but can also make further progress.

The three dukes and nine ministers were waving at him.

For this reason, Bu Zhi specifically told Bu Lianshi: "Lianshi, this time you come to the capital, you not only represent our Bu family, but you may also become the key to changing the fate of the family. Your beauty and talent are the most dazzling pearls I have ever seen. You must cherish this opportunity, but remember that the palace is as deep as the sea, and you must be cautious at every step. You need to use wisdom and humility as a boat to sail in this complex sea of ​​power without losing your heart. I will do my best to pave the way for you, but whether you can win the favor of the emperor and even the glory of the family in the end depends on you."

"Don't worry, uncle. I understand the pros and cons of this. I will put my family first, but at the same time I will maintain my own identity and not get lost in the hustle and bustle. I believe that true beauty lies not only in appearance, but also in inner kindness and tenacity. I will use my words and actions to show the demeanor of a daughter of the Bu family and bring honor to the family." Bu Lianshi nodded gently, with determination and confidence flashing in her eyes.

Bu Zhi was filled with joy and pride when he heard this. He knew that his daughter not only had a stunning appearance, but also extraordinary wisdom and courage. He believed that as long as Bu Lianshi could maintain this innocence and tenacity, she would be able to shine with her own light on the stage of Luoyang where power and desire intertwined, and bring unprecedented glory to the Bu family.

Thus, Bu Zhi and Bu Lianshi walked into Luoyang City hand in hand, and a wonderful chapter about family honor and personal destiny slowly began. In this ancient and prosperous capital, they will face countless challenges and opportunities, and every choice and effort will become an inexhaustible driving force to push them forward and pursue higher realms. (End of this chapter)