Chapter 46

The unofficial history in history is like a labyrinth of flowers and flowers, but it is also complicated. Every turn hides unknown secrets. That emperor, his name has left a deep imprint in the long river of history, but it is also accompanied by endless controversy. Some people say that he was cruel and ruthless. For the supreme throne, he did not hesitate to end his father's rule with his own hands, forcing his mother to live with hatred, and even killed his own brothers and sisters. His methods were so cruel that they were outrageous. He was also cold and ruthless to those meritorious officials who had helped him, as if being unfeeling and disloyal was his natural label.

However, there is another voice, which is quietly heard in the writings of literati and poets, saying that he was diligent in his work and loved the people, and worked day and night on state affairs, but unfortunately died young. Those stories about "Lü Siniang assassinating Yongzheng to avenge her father" are nothing but fabrications of later generations, adding a touch of mystery to this period of history.

Time flies. When Qianlong ascended the throne, in order to stabilize the crumbling dynasty, he chose to compromise with the powerful and abolished the system that required officials and gentry to perform labor and pay grain. Although the system of "spreading the land tax according to the amount of land" existed in name, it gradually became an empty shell that could not touch the core of the problem.

At this moment, Li Qingge, a woman wearing a dragon robe and revealing determination and wisdom between her eyebrows, was standing in the magnificent palace. Her voice was crisp and powerful, penetrating the dust of time: "If the land policy is not changed, how can the people live in peace? We are all born by our parents, why do the people have to endure such suffering, while those gentry, landlords, and wealthy businessmen can enjoy wealth and glory with the land in their hands? I, Li Qingge, will never allow my people to continue to struggle in such suffering. I want them to stand up straight and live with human dignity!"

Liu Yong, the old minister, had a calm face and complex emotions in his eyes. He asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, are you going to follow the example of Emperor Yongzheng and restart the policy of 'equalizing the land tax'?"

"Diffusion of land tax" - these four words seemed to carry the weight of history, echoing in the empty hall. Abolishing the head tax and levying taxes based on the amount of land was a policy that was beneficial to farmers, but it was also a heavy blow to the landlords and gentry. Liu Yong knew that although this policy was good, it was difficult to touch the root.

Li Qingge shook her head slightly. Her eyes passed through the layers of palace walls, as if she could see the farmers working hard on the vast land. "'Equalizing the land tax' is only a temporary solution, not a fundamental solution. The land is still concentrated in the hands of a few people, and the people are still suffering. What I want to do is to completely change all this."

Liu Yong's brows were furrowed, and there was a hint of uneasiness in his voice: "Then your majesty, what are you going to do?"

Li Qingge's words, like a sharp sword, cut off all hesitation and retreat: "I want to truly realize 'those who till the land own their land, and those who live in the house own their house'."

As soon as these words came out, it was like a bolt from the blue, shaking Liu Yong's heart. He widened his eyes and secretly exclaimed: This is not just a simple blow to the landlords, it is shaking the foundation of the entire society! Since ancient times, land has been a symbol of private ownership, and even peasants did not dare to touch this bottom line easily. The power of the landlords and gentry is intertwined and deeply rooted. Once it is touched, the consequences will be disastrous.

Liu Yong took a deep breath and tried to dissuade him: "Your Majesty, your action has undoubtedly stirred up a hornet's nest..."

Li Qingge was not afraid at all. Her eyes flashed with determination. "No matter if it's a wasp or a poisonous insect, if anyone dares to stop me, I will burn them with fire! I, Li Qingge, have never known what 'fear' is. As long as I have the land in my hands, the support of the people, and a strong army as a backing, what do I have to fear?"

Liu Yong took a deep breath. He seemed to be infected by Li Qingge's enthusiasm, and his voice became firm: "Since Your Majesty has made a plan, I will follow you to the end. Even if it means going through mountains of swords and seas of fire, I will help you eliminate these parasites who are sucking the blood out of the people!"

A warm current surged in Li Qingge's heart, and she smiled with relief: "I was right about you. The land coup involves a wide range of people, and the interests are complicated. I manage a country, and it is impossible for me to do everything myself. I need an honest person like you who always considers the people to implement the policy to the end. You are willing to go through fire and water for me, and I will never let you down in the future!"

The king and his minister smiled at each other, with a determined light flashing in their eyes, as if they had already seen the new era that was about to come.

Then, Li Qingge said, "The country has just been established, and the laws have not been implemented yet. I have said before that heaven and earth are equal, and men and women should be equal. I want to implement gender equality through laws and abolish the system of monogamy and polygamy. From now on, men can only marry one wife, and women can only marry one husband. The hierarchy of wives and concubines, the religion of legitimate and illegitimate children, should not appear in the land I rule."

Li Qingge's words were like thunder and lightning, hitting Liu Yong's heart hard. If the land coup was like stirring up a hornet's nest, then the implementation of laws on gender equality would be like the Yellow River bursting its banks, triggering an unprecedented social change. This would not only affect the interests of the powerful, but would also be like jumping wildly on the minefield of the majority of men. Once implemented, I wonder how those self-centered men who regard women as playthings and reproductive tools will riot wildly.

Liu Yong was filled with shock and confusion. He looked at Li Qingge as if he was looking at a madman. However, Li Qingge's eyes were sharp and she saw through his thoughts at a glance. She laughed wildly and said, "People live a lifetime, and death is death whether it is early or late. If I can bring happiness and peace to the people of the world, even if I sacrifice my life, what's the harm?"

This unbridled passion made Liu Yong dazed. He was stunned for a moment, and then his eyes lit up with passion. He laughed and said, "Your Majesty is right! People will die eventually. As long as it is good for the people, it is worth it. Since you have such determination, I will sacrifice my life to accompany you, break through this layer of filth, and exchange it for a bright blue sky!"

The king and his minister seemed to be driven by the same belief, their hearts were closely connected, and they embarked on this road full of challenges and changes together. They knew that there would be endless difficulties and obstacles waiting for them ahead, but they also believed that as long as there was light in their hearts, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

Li Qingge was a practical person who acted quickly and decisively. Her presence was equally prominent in the court and among the people, like a pine tree under the scorching sun, upright and tenacious. Once she made up her mind, it was like a torrent that could not be stopped by thousands of mountains and rivers.

On this day, at the first light of dawn, Li Qingge was already dressed in a dragon robe, with an unquestionable determination in her majesty. She stood in front of the window of the Ming Palace, looking at the city gradually waking up outside, but her heart was already surging with the storm that was about to rise. She turned around and said softly but firmly to Liu Yong, the head of all officials and the Minister of the Central Secretariat, who was standing beside her: "Mr. Liu, convene the parliament immediately and let all the ministers come to discuss state affairs."

Liu Yong heard this, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly obeyed the order and left. He knew that the queen had always acted in an unconventional way, and every decision she made was enough to shock the court and the public.

On the day Li Qingge ascended the throne, he established a five-day workweek system, which was intended to allow the officials to rest and better serve the country. However, although it was Saturday, the officials dressed neatly early, as if being pulled by an invisible force, and hurried to the parliament. They were full of doubts and uneasiness, and discussions were heard one after another.

"Why did you call us here in such a hurry?" a minister asked in a low voice, frowning.

"Isn't Saturday a day off? Why did the Queen summon us at this time?" another minister echoed, with confusion written all over his face.

"Who knows, but it must be a big deal. We have to cheer up." An elderly official said in a deep voice, trying to calm everyone's emotions.

As they were discussing, the sound of the jade bell rang out, like an ancient call, and the ministers straightened their clothes, lined up, and entered the hall. Although the Ming Palace was not as solemn and magnificent as the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City, it also had a solemn feeling under the majesty of Li Qingge.

In the hall, Li Qingge sat on the throne. The bronze mask covered her face, but it could not hide her cold eyes, which were majestic and deep, as if they could see through people's hearts. She looked around at the ministers and said in a cold and firm voice: "I summoned you because there are two important matters to discuss."

After she finished speaking, she paused for a moment, her eyes piercing as she scanned everyone, and continued to ask, "Two years ago, various places suffered from a flood disaster that had not been seen in a century, and the people were displaced and lived in poverty. I led the people in an uprising, and I wanted to build a peaceful country for the people to live in. However, when I went on a private visit recently, I found that many people had lost their land. Why is this?"

When the ministers heard this, their hearts tightened. The queen mentioned the land. Could it be that she wanted to fulfill her promise during the uprising? For a moment, the hall was silent, and only the sound of breathing could be heard.

Seeing this, Li Qingge's voice became even colder: "Why don't you answer? Do you not know, or do you not dare to say it?"

"Queen, please calm down!" The ministers responded in unison, with a slight tremor in their voices.

Li Qingge snorted coldly, full of anger: "Calm down? Is that all you can do to make me calm down?"

At this time, Chen Hongmou stood up and said in a trembling voice: "Natural disasters and man-made disasters continue one after another. The heavy rain two years ago displaced the people and left them with nothing to harvest. In order to survive, they had no choice but to sell their land to landlords and gentry at low prices."

Li Qingge nodded, a trace of regret flashing in his eyes: "The people lost their land. Natural disasters are indeed one of the reasons, but man-made disasters are the root cause. In order to occupy more land, the landlords and gentry used threats or inducements, and even took advantage of natural disasters to speculate on grain prices, forcing the people to lose their livelihoods. They had no choice but to sell their land at a low price and buy their grain at a high price. In the end, the landless people became tenants of the landlords. This is the root cause of peasant uprisings throughout the ages."

With every word she spoke, her face darkened until it turned blue, as if she was suppressing endless anger. Although she was wearing a mask, the officials could still sense the strong anger and hatred in her words, and they became increasingly uneasy.

"I ask you, how to solve the problem of land annexation?" Li Qingge's voice echoed in the hall like a long alarm bell.

All the officials knew that the land issue involved a lot of people, and if they were not careful, they might retaliate against the vested interests, so they were afraid to speak out. They could only respond in unison again: "Your Majesty, I am incompetent, please calm down!"

"You keep repeating the same thing over and over again. As pillars of the country, are you just going to let me calm down?" Li Qingge's voice became more and more severe, revealing an unquestionable determination. "Since you have no solution, then I will come here myself. You like to annex the people's land, right? Well, I will see how they embezzle and occupy it!"

When these words were spoken, all the ministers except Liu Yong opened their eyes wide in shock, as if they had heard a fairy tale.

Li Qingge ignored everyone's reaction and continued to announce: "From today on, private ownership of land will be abolished and all land transactions will be invalidated."

She called out loudly: "Liu Yong——"

Liu Yong came out upon hearing the voice and replied respectfully, "I am your humble servant!"

"I appoint you as the land coup envoy, and you will confiscate the land immediately. Wherever you go, it will be as if I am there in person. Anyone who dares to stop me will be killed without mercy!" Li Qingge's voice was firm and decisive, revealing an irresistible force.

Liu Yong accepted the order proudly: "Yes, I obey your order!"

Li Qingge's order was like a huge rock hitting the water, instantly setting off a storm. Back then, Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty implemented the policy of equalizing the land tax, which was just a little bleeding for the landlords and gentry, but it aroused the wrath of heaven and people, and was blackened as a tyrant. Now Her Majesty's move is more radical than Yongzheng's. Not only does she want to bleed and eat meat, but she also wants to get to the bottom of it and completely subvert the old land system. The ministers were horrified, as if they saw the coming storm.

Although they were honest and incorruptible on the surface, they were inextricably linked with the landlords and gentry. To kill the landlords was like digging out their flesh and drinking their blood. For a time, the court was in chaos. Countless officials looked ashen, holding high the banner that private ownership of land was the law of our ancestors and a moral principle, and demanded that Li Qingge immediately revoke his decision.

"Your Majesty, you must not do this!" a minister shouted at the top of his voice.

"Your Majesty, this move is beneficial to the people, but there are many landlords and gentry in the world. If all their lands are confiscated, I am afraid there will be chaos in the world!" said another minister anxiously.

"Not only will the whole country be in chaos, but it may also provoke coups d'état in various places. By then, with wars and uprisings continuing, the country will no longer exist!" another minister said worriedly.

"Since ancient times, land has been sacred and inviolable private property. Your Majesty, please think twice!" an old minister advised in a trembling voice.

"Even if Your Majesty pities the people of the world and wants to seek welfare for them, you can just follow the policy of the previous Qing emperor Yongzheng to distribute the land tax according to the amount of land. Why do you have to be so decisive?" A young official tried to find a compromise.

However, Li Qingge was unmoved. She laughed in anger and said coldly, "Humph! You only know the so-called system and the laws of our ancestors. I don't know anything. I only know that whoever wins the hearts of the people wins the world. As long as it is beneficial to the people, I am willing to do it. Whether you agree or oppose, I have decided to do this!"

She paused for a moment, her eyes piercing as she scanned everyone, and continued, "I want to see whether the common people are more powerful, or whether those so-called gentry and landlords are more powerful!"

He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. This is not an empty talk. The common people don't care who is in power, nor do they care whether the emperor is a man or a woman. They just want to live a peaceful and happy life, and they don't care about anything else. For those farmers who make a living by farming, the land is their lifeblood. Li Qingge knows this very well, so she is willing to risk the world's disapproval to fight for the rights and interests that belong to the people.

At this moment, Li Qingge's figure in the court appeared particularly tall and firm. She seemed like a banner, leading the country to a new future. And after being shocked and uneasy, the ministers gradually began to realize that Her Majesty the Queen might really be able to lead them out of an unusual path and give the country new vitality and vigor.

In the vast territory of the Great Yan Kingdom, the spring sunshine gently shines on the magnificent palace. The golden light and the deep red color of the palace complement each other, making it look particularly solemn and sacred. Li Qingge, the founding monarch who is as brave as a man, wears a gorgeous yet majestic dragon robe and sits on the high dragon throne. Her eyes are as sharp as an eagle, as if she can see through all the vanity in the world.

"Whoever can give the people land, the people will treat him as their own father or mother without any blood relationship." These words came out of her mouth with unquestionable power, echoing in every corner of the hall. Although her voice was light, it was as heavy as a thousand pounds, pressing everyone present to take a breath.

Outside the palace, spring is in the air, peach blossoms are in full bloom, pink and white, forming a sharp contrast with the solemnity of the palace, as if it is nature's gentle comfort to the empress. However, the atmosphere in the palace is tense like an arrow on a string, ready to go off at any moment. Li Qingge's eyes swept over every official present, their expressions were different, some were nervous, some were terrified, and more were confused and puzzled. "Although there are many gentry and landlords, they are still far behind the power of hundreds of millions of people." There was a hint of sarcasm in her words, but it also revealed a deep understanding of the power of the people. In her heart, she had already drawn a grand blueprint, a utopia without exploitation and oppression, where everyone can own their own land.

"If we distribute the land to the people for cultivation, the people who get the land will definitely stand on Li Qingge's side without hesitation and support her to the end in order to protect their own interests, just like a baby cannot leave its mother." When she said this, a hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes, which was a vision of the future and a deep trust in the people.

Li Qingge's heart was as clear as a mirror. She knew that although the road to reform was difficult, she had nothing to fear as long as she had the support of the people. Those officials who had been clamoring were silenced by her pressure. The hall suddenly became so quiet that only the sound of her own breathing could be heard.

She snorted coldly, her voice as chilly as the wind: "Do you know what force is the most powerful? I tell you, it is the people of the world! In the Great Yan Kingdom, the people are the masters. Whoever dares to hinder the interests of the people, I will never let him off easily!" Her voice was extremely penetrating, as if it could pierce directly into people's hearts, causing those officials with ulterior motives to shudder.

A faint smile emerged on Li Qingge's face, but hidden behind that smile was a will colder than ice: "Why are you all silent? Are you shocked by my wise decision, or do you think that men and women should not be equal, and women can only give birth to children and warm the bed for men? Or do you think that a little woman like me should not ascend the throne and give orders to you?" Although her tone was light, every word was like a knife, piercing people's hearts.

Facing Li Qingge's questioning, the ministers looked at each other and shook their heads in denial. Although they were unwilling and resigned in their hearts, they dared not show it. They were all veterans who followed Li Qingge in the uprising and founded the country. They knew the temperament of this female emperor, her methods, and her determination, which were not something they could easily shake.

Li Qingge's eyes seemed to be burning with rage. She said angrily: "In prosperous times, beauties are just embellishments; in troubled times, beauties have to take the blame. If a husband has no children, he scolds his wife as a hen that doesn't lay eggs; if a wife is a widow not long, she becomes a jinx. This is all because of the concept of male superiority and female inferiority, so everything is the woman's fault?" Her voice was full of dissatisfaction and indignation towards the old times.

"Also, if a married man has affairs outside, he is called a playboy; if a married woman looks at another man for even a second, she is considered fickle and unfaithful. This is such a double standard! Do you men really think you can keep women under your feet forever?" Her tone revealed a strong sense of unwillingness and anger, as if she wanted to break these thousand-year-old shackles.

"Hmph! I work so hard, not only to benefit the people, but also to rescue my female compatriots who are trapped in the shackles of ethics and morals. Women are the same as men!" Her voice was firm and powerful, as if she was declaring this truth to the whole world.

"If anyone dares to use such disgusting words as the Three Obediences and Four Virtues and the husband is the leader of the wife to restrain women in the future, I will never let him off. I mean what I say. If you don't believe me, you can try it." Her eyes revealed an unquestionable determination, which made everyone present feel an invisible pressure.

After a long silence, a minister finally plucked up the courage and stood up and said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed. The Three Obediences and Four Virtues are the laws of our ancestors, and men are superior to women is the way of heaven. Even if Your Majesty is the reincarnation of a goddess, you cannot go against heaven!" There was a slight tremor in his voice, and he was obviously afraid of Li Qingge's decision.

As soon as he said this, several scholars who usually kept a low profile came out to agree with him. They either made passionate speeches or tried to persuade Li Qingge with the traditional concept of having many children and bringing more blessings.

"Your Majesty, please think twice! Women have limited fertility. If men don't take concubines, how can we ensure the inheritance of the family lineage?"

"Yes! A man has three wives and four concubines not for pleasure, but for the purpose of population growth."

"If we use the law to make men and women equal and stop taking concubines, I'm afraid the world will be in chaos. Your Majesty has finally established the Great Yan Dynasty. This is a great achievement that will last for thousands of years and cannot be destroyed in an instant!"

Their words were full of adherence to tradition and fear of change, but they didn't see that under Li Qingge's mask, her beautiful face had become distorted by anger. Her hands were clenched into fists, her nails dug deep into her palms, as if she wanted to crush all the injustice and constraints.

Liu Yong stood aside, frowning. He knew Li Qingge's temper very well. Those who dared to challenge her authority were undoubtedly seeking their own death. He prayed in his heart that these ministers would know the current situation and not anger the empress again.

However, Li Qingge did not leave them any way out. Her voice was as cold as the wind: "What do you mean by having many children? Your family doesn't have an heir to the throne, so why have so many children? The landlord gentry class will no longer exist. Without a huge land asset, having many children will only be a burden."

However, Li Qingge's heart is full of longing and determination for the future. She knows that although this road is difficult, as long as she persists, she will be able to lead the Great Yan Kingdom to a brighter and more equal future. She believes that history will prove that her choice is correct, and those who dare to obstruct her will eventually be forgotten by history.

In that ancient and solemn palace, the sunlight shines through the carved window lattices and sprinkles on the marble floor, adding a bit of softness to this cold and hard space. Li Qingge, the queen dressed in gorgeous clothes and wearing pearls and jade on her head, sits on a high throne. Her eyes are as sharp as an eagle, and there is an imperceptible smile on the corner of her mouth, which is a mixture of confidence and sarcasm. Her face is beautiful and cold, as if it is carved from the hardest jade, which makes people feel awe and can't help but fall in love with it.

"What they fear most is people like Qin Hui, who are nailed to the pillar of shame, and are cursed by future generations, making it impossible for their descendants to gain a foothold in the world." Her words were clear and powerful, and every word seemed to be fished out of an ice cellar, bringing a biting chill that struck the depths of the hearts of everyone present.

The ministers looked at each other, their faces filled with fear and helplessness. Some of them frowned as if they could squeeze water out of them; some of them had flickering eyes, trying to find a way to escape the storm. But more of them lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the queen, their hearts filled with fear of the unknown and despair of the future.

"You want to threaten us with eternal infamy? Humph, that's a really cruel trick!" Li Qingge chuckled, and the sound echoed in the empty hall, which seemed particularly abrupt. She glanced at the crowd, and an indescribable pleasure surged in her heart. She knew that these so-called loyal ministers were just cowards who were greedy for life and cowardly, but as long as she could seek the welfare of the people, she would not hesitate even if she was cursed for eternity.

"Li Qingge looked at the painful expressions on everyone's faces, and she was so happy." Her inner monologue was like a ray of sunshine in winter, warm and a little naughty. She enjoyed the feeling of being in control of the overall situation, and even more enjoyed the fun of playing with these self-proclaimed wise men.

"You actually threaten my aunt with the turmoil of the country and the chaos of the world! Then I will disgust you with the tricks that will make you infamous for eternity. Come on, let's hurt each other! Let's see if I can sit firmly on the throne, or if you will become like Qin Hui and Zhao Gao." Her voice suddenly rose, with unquestionable majesty, as if she was the judge of the whole world.

"Shi Shuyu!" She called out the name, her voice firm and powerful.

"I'm here!" A man wearing silver armor and with a resolute face responded. He was the commander of the White Horse Army, Shi Shuyu. His eyes revealed his infinite loyalty to the queen, a faith that transcended life and death.

Li Qingge ordered coldly: "Take your White Horse Army and Liu Yong to collect the land. If anyone dares to stop you, kill them on the spot. Don't report to me!" There was no hesitation in her tone, as if she was giving an ordinary order.

"Yes!" Shi Shuyu answered loudly, his voice echoing in the palace with an irresistible force.

When the ministers saw this scene, they were trembling with fear. They had seen the power of the White Horse Army with their own eyes. That army was like the sickle of the god of death, leaving no grass wherever it passed. Now if they were asked to go with Liu Yong, whoever dared to resist would be courting death, wouldn't that be?

"Your Majesty, how come you are more cruel and merciless than those male monarchs?" An elderly minister muttered to himself in his heart, but he did not dare to show a trace of dissatisfaction on his face.

Li Qingge glanced at the ministers coldly and said in a deep voice: "I am not an ungrateful person. You have conquered the world with me, and I will definitely give you the wealth and glory you deserve. But don't be greedy, especially the interests of the people. You can't touch them in the slightest. If you touch them, you will die!" There was unquestionable majesty in her voice, as if she was declaring her determination to everyone.

The ministers suppressed their dissatisfaction and said through gritted teeth: "Yes, Your Majesty!" Their voices were full of helplessness and humiliation, but they knew that the queen was determined and no one could stop her.

Li Qingge waved his hand, signaling them to leave: "Okay, I'm done. Liu Yong, Shi Shuyu, and Su Xiaomei stay, and everyone else leave."

"I'm taking my leave!" The ministers bowed and took their leave as if they had been pardoned. Their steps were a little unsteady, as if they were escaping from a horrible dream.

After the ministers left, Li Qingge looked at the three people who stayed behind, and her eyes softened. She knew that these three people would be a solid support for her to realize her ideals.

"Liu Yong, every change in land policy in every dynasty has resulted in countless bloodshed. But for the sake of the people of the world, the bloodshed is worth it. This matter requires fearless courage. Tell me, can you bear it? Are you afraid?" Her voice was full of expectation and encouragement.

Liu Yong stepped forward and said proudly: "I will never refuse, even if I die, and I will never regret it!" His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was declaring his determination to the whole world.

"Good!" Li Qingge was moved by his courage and patted him on the shoulder. It was a silent approval and encouragement.

She turned to Shi Shuyu again, her voice revealing a bit of tenderness: "Although the interests of the landlords and gentry are contrary to those of the people, there are also good people. They are usually kind and generous, and they benefit the village. When there is a natural disaster, they donate rice and grain. Before taking action, you must find out what they usually do. If they are kind people, leave their property and only confiscate the land. Don't harm innocent people, understand?"

Shi Shuyu nodded and said, "I know." His eyes revealed awe and trust in the queen, a tacit understanding that did not require words.

"As for those who oppress the good, run rampant in the countryside, exploit and oppress, and don't care about the lives of the people..." Li Qingge's voice suddenly became cold, and a trace of cruelty flashed in her eyes, "Kill all adult men, confiscate their land, and put their property into the national treasury."

"Yes!" Shi Shuyu agreed without hesitation, his voice full of loyalty to the queen and determination to carry out orders.

Then, Li Qingge looked at Su Xiaomei again, her eyes revealing some tenderness and concern: "Xiaomei, you are thoughtful. I will distribute the land to the people for cultivation, and men, women, old and young will all have a share. I am worried that the people below will still favor boys over girls and only distribute the land to boys instead of girls. Please help me keep a close eye on it and make sure that every female household can get the land that is distributed."

Su Xiaomei's face turned stern, and she answered solemnly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will keep a close eye on it!" Her voice revealed her trust in the Queen and her seriousness in her duties.

When the first rays of sunlight penetrated the mist and gently sprinkled on the blue bricks and black tiles of Jinling City, Li Qingge was already standing on the terrace of the mansion, her figure outlined by the morning light was particularly firm and soft. She was wearing an elegant plain long dress, with only a simple jade hairpin in her bun, but it could not hide her extraordinary temperament. Li Qingge looked far away at the land that was about to usher in changes, her eyes flashing with deep concern for the fate of women and infinite expectations for the future.

"This matter is not only about land, but also about the freedom and dignity of countless female compatriots." She whispered to herself. Although her voice was soft, every word was sonorous and powerful, as if it could penetrate the clouds and reach the deepest part of people's hearts. She turned around and told the maid Su Xiaomei standing beside her again: "Xiaomei, you must remember that every step we take must be cautious and no mistakes can be made."

Su Xiaomei heard this, and a hint of determination and admiration flashed in her eyes. She was wearing a blue maid's uniform, which was inconspicuous, but her clear eyes seemed to have stars and the sea, shining with admiration for Li Qingge, the queen in her heart, and infinite longing for the future. She bowed respectfully, and her voice was crisp and firm: "Yes, Miss, Xiaomei will live up to your trust!"

Afterwards, Li Qingge walked into the study, sat around the desk with Liu Yong and a group of staff, and began to discuss the specific matters of land reform. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting everyone's face. Their expressions were sometimes solemn and sometimes passionate, as if they were jointly painting a magnificent historical picture. Li Qingge's voice was gentle and powerful. She patiently listened to everyone's opinions and put forward her own unique insights from time to time. Her eyes showed both a firm belief in the future and a rigorous control of details.

As they talked, the sky outside the window gradually darkened, and the stars began to dot the night sky, while the atmosphere in the study became more and more heated. After more than two hours of intense discussion, plans for land confiscation and distribution gradually took shape, and everyone's hearts were filled with unprecedented excitement and expectations.

The bell of change finally rang, and it swept across the entire south like an unstoppable torrent. In this storm, the Tao family mansion became the focus of everyone's attention. This once glorious mansion is now shrouded in a depressing cloud. Old Master Tao sat in the study, his face full of wrinkles, each of which seemed to be a mark carved by time, recording the rise and fall of the family. In his eyes, there was both fear of the unknown and nostalgia for past glory.

Just as the Tao family was in a panic, busy packing up their belongings and preparing to flee, a burst of hurried horse hooves broke the tranquility of the night. The white horse army led by Liu Yong and Shi Shuyu descended like a god, and instantly surrounded the Tao family. Liu Yong was wearing armor and looked heroic. His voice echoed in the night, full of unquestionable majesty: "I am here to handle the case by order. Everyone in the Tao family must not move rashly!"

Shi Shuyu looked calm and experienced. He waved his hand and the White Horse Army quickly and orderly controlled the Tao family. Their movements were agile and precise, like a carefully choreographed dance, and every move revealed a well-trained aura.

Faced with this sudden change, the eldest son of Old Master Tao tried to remain calm and tried to negotiate with Liu Yong. His words were full of dissatisfaction and anger, but more of a fear of the unknown. He tried to calm the storm with money, but he didn't expect Liu Yong to be so upright and directly rejected his bribe.

"Humph, do you think money can buy everything?" Liu Yong sneered, his eyes like a torch, "I only know how to obey the law and share the worries of Her Majesty the Queen. Although your Tao family is rich, if you dare to hinder the reform, you will be severely punished!"

When the eldest son of Old Master Tao heard this, his face suddenly changed, and a fierce look flashed in his eyes. His threatening words were like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, pointing directly at Liu Yong and Queen Li Qingge. However, he did not expect that these words not only failed to scare Liu Yong, but instead angered Shi Shuyu who was standing beside him.

Shi Shuyu was a burly man with a stern face. He was usually taciturn, but once he got angry, he was as terrifying as a landslide. He took a step forward, glared at the eldest son of Old Master Tao, and said in a low and powerful voice: "You know, what you are slandering is not only Her Majesty the Queen, but also the hearts of countless people who are looking forward to change and longing for freedom! If your Tao family dares to continue to do evil, I, Shi, will be the first one to not forgive you!"

The night wind howled, as if cheering for the upcoming change. In the Tao family mansion, a contest about power, justice and the future quietly unfolded. Behind this change is the unremitting efforts and firm belief of Li Qingge and a group of people with lofty ideals for the interests and freedom of their female compatriots. Their figures have left an indelible mark in the long river of history and have become a good story passed down by future generations.

(End of this chapter)

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