Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 372 Political Advice
As for what the officials of the previous dynasty had discussed, Jiu Que didn't really care. She simply followed Eunuch Jiu Fu to the Hall of Diligent Governance and immediately saw the smiling Emperor Jingtai. At this moment, there were only the emperor and his minister in the Hall of Diligent Governance, and Jiu Que couldn't help but let her emotions show, excitedly stepping forward to look at Emperor Jingtai.

"Your Majesty has worked hard; I am fortunate to have fulfilled my mission."

[It's only been a few days, but His Majesty has aged so much... What are those people doing? Don't they know how to share His Majesty's burdens? His Majesty has become much thinner than before. Xie Mingchen should have some medicinal cuisine recipes, right? When we get back, I'll have him give His Majesty a few delicious ones to help him recover. Wait, could His Majesty be so exhausted because he's worried about the war? Should we send that old scoundrel Sachi to the palace so His Majesty can see him? That old bastard doesn't have many days left to live. If His Majesty sees his former enemy in such a pitiful state, His Majesty's mood will surely improve.]

Hearing that familiar voice beside him, a deep smile flashed in Emperor Jingtai's eyes. Having not seen Jiuque for many days, what he missed most was that uninhibited, passionate, and carefree voice. So many people surrounded him, yet no one could see into their hearts, not even his closest confidant, Jiufu. Emperor Jingtai truly didn't know what Jiufu was thinking; only this child allowed him to see clearly.

Only this child was truly worried about him.

"Jiu Que, you must have had a tough journey. Swords and blades have no eyes on the battlefield. Are you alright?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I was not injured. I am also grateful for the brave and fearless guards Your Majesty sent, who saved me from danger on several occasions."

Actually, I haven't been on the battlefield many times. Just that last time, chasing the two princes, I accidentally ran into Sachi Khan. Sachi was really unlucky; he contracted smallpox, couldn't control it, and even lost the battle. I wonder if he's still alive? I hope he's not so angry he'll die? I think I saw some people throwing rotten eggs at him when I came here…

Seeing that the child's thoughts had wandered far away again, Emperor Jingtai could only cough lightly to attract her attention.

"Cough cough cough..."

Seeing that Jiu Que's attention was immediately drawn back, and with a worried look on his face, Emperor Jingtai waved his hand.

"I noticed that you seemed to have something to say in the main hall just now. Is there something you are reluctant to say? Now there are only the two of us, the emperor and his minister, in the Hall of Diligent Governance. What do you want to say? Speak boldly."

"Uh... yes."

How did Your Majesty discern this? Didn't I just appear perfectly composed and reliable, without revealing any other emotion?

You think you're so steady and reliable? Those eyes of yours practically scream at me!

Emperor Jingtai was both amused and exasperated. He had realized that he could always genuinely laugh when he was around Jiu Que; this child truly possessed a kind of innocent liveliness. Somewhat bewildered, Jiu Que quickly organized his thoughts and tentatively expressed them.

"Your Majesty, I simply believe that what one of you said earlier is quite right. We can send the people from the disaster-stricken areas to the Northern Frontier. The Northern Frontier is vast and rich in resources, but its only drawback is its small population. Moreover, now that we have defeated the grasslands, the territory of the Northern Frontier has multiplied. If there aren't enough people to occupy that land, the northern barbarians who have fled to the depths of the grasslands will one day return. However, forcing those people to go to a place completely unfamiliar to them is indeed difficult. What we should do is make the people believe that they can survive even if they go to the Northern Frontier."

"Oh? Could you elaborate?"

"Your Majesty," the emperor said, "when I was in the Northern Frontier, I established a chicken farm and a wool factory. These two factories have flourished, and their products, such as chicken and duck eggs, meat, wool sweaters, and wool blankets, are very popular with the people of the Northern Frontier. I think we are all from the Great Jing Dynasty, so our tastes should be similar. If the people of the Northern Frontier like these products, perhaps people in other places will like them too. For example, even in the capital, winters are bitterly cold. Although heated kang beds have become common, staying cooped up on them all day is not a long-term solution; some people will inevitably need to go out. Wearing wool sweaters would certainly provide more warmth." Moreover, the furs produced in the Northern Frontier have always been of the highest quality. Wealthy merchants and high-ranking officials, needless to say, can always afford the best. But ordinary people can grit their teeth and buy a rabbit fur cloak. For some impoverished families, one cloak is enough for a family of three to huddle together and get through the winter. And rabbit fur is the cheapest fur in the Northern Frontier. Rabbit farms were already under construction when I left. Rabbits are incredibly prolific breeders. Not only will we have meat, but we'll also be able to make more fur coats. There will likely be an even greater shortage of manpower then, but as long as people are willing to work, they won't starve in the Northern Frontier.”

"Furthermore, the medicinal herbs in the northern frontier are rarely harvested due to the sparse population, and they are all of very high age. Physician Xie has already examined the medicinal herbs there, and their medicinal properties are quite potent. I imagine that doctors and clinics from all over the country, and even the Imperial Hospital, would like them. The people who have migrated there may not know much else, but if they can identify medicinal herbs, they can make a living by going up the mountain to collect herbs."

"In addition, there are horse ranches. This time, I discovered three horse ranches belonging to the Northern Barbarians on the grasslands, with countless fine horses. On this return to the capital, I also brought three thousand fine horses for Your Majesty. Your Majesty may use them yourself or bestow them upon your subjects; they are all of excellent quality. There are also many wild horse herds on the grasslands, as well as countless cattle and sheep. If we can take this opportunity to tame the cattle on the grasslands and use them for plowing, then in the future, the people of our Great Jing will not lack oxen for farming. If raising horses requires skills and experience, raising cattle and sheep certainly does not, right? In short, the best way to ensure the well-being of the people is to be driven by profit..."

Jiu Que spoke eloquently for a long time, but suddenly realized that His Majesty had not said a word. He quickly stopped and glanced at Emperor Jingtai with embarrassment.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me, I have said too much."

"...It doesn't matter."

Emperor Jingtai was actually quite surprised. He really hadn't expected that this child, besides being outstanding in solving cases, making new tools, and even leading troops into battle, would also have his own unique insights into governing the country.

The things she just mentioned all truly struck a chord with Emperor Jingtai. He had risen from poverty to his current position, so he knew the hearts of the people. If he were a victim of disaster, or even if he wasn't, but just an ordinary person trying to make a living, he would obey the court's summons to go to the northern frontier to seek a better life.

Are the people willing to live in such poverty? Of course not. They simply haven't stepped outside their original way of life, and no kind-hearted person is willing to offer them any guidance.

But now, someone who has both kindness and ability has appeared.

Emperor Jingtai was overjoyed, as if he had found a priceless treasure!
How can I describe this feeling? It's like you've obtained a precious pearl, which appears pure white and perfectly round from afar, but is even more astonishing up close. Wow, this pearl is actually radiating a five-colored divine light!