Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

In the fourth year of Chongwu, Jun Zechen, relying on his extraordinary military talent and the immense power of his nation, successfully conquered the four kingdoms of Canglang, Yuehui, Lingyu, and Yuelin, thus expanding the territory of the Jun Kingdom to a vast extent, increasing the royal land area by 320 million square li.

However, Jun Zechen's actions were by no means merely a simple occupation of the four countries' territories; his most important task was a great cause of national integration and unification that touched the souls of the people of each country.

In the following years, Jun Zechen successfully persuaded the four kingdoms to wholeheartedly accept the rule of Jun through a series of forward-thinking and visionary measures.

The vigorous promotion of the policy of unified writing system enabled smooth communication between countries, allowing knowledge and ideas to spread widely in a broader scope.

At the same time, a strategy of cultural infiltration was skillfully implemented, allowing the excellent culture of the Kingdom of Jun to take root, sprout, and gradually integrate into the daily lives of the local people in the four kingdoms.

The marriage alliance between the four countries further strengthened the blood ties between them, and this close relationship laid a solid foundation for peace and integration.

At the level of political rule, Jun Zechen implemented a strategy that combined firmness and flexibility, demonstrating the supreme authority of the Jun Kingdom while granting the four kingdoms a certain degree of autonomy, making them feel respected and trusted.

In the field of economic integration, Junzechen also actively promotes trade between countries, facilitates resource sharing, and achieves common development, which has led to the increasing prosperity of the economies of the four countries and a significant improvement in the living standards of the people.

In the sixth year of Chongwu's reign, Jun Zechen issued an imperial edict, the contents of which were as follows:

[I have been appointed by Heaven to rule the country for six years. Fortunately, I have the protection of my ancestors, the cooperation of my civil and military officials, the people live in peace and prosperity, and the country is thriving day by day.]

Today, the world is at peace and the land is vast. I remember the great achievements of the previous emperors and, in order to realize our grand vision and create a new era of prosperity, I hereby change the name of the Kingdom of the Holy Emperor to the Holy Dynasty.

I hope that all my subjects will uphold loyalty and righteousness, work diligently in farming and studying, fulfill their duties, and together create a glorious dynasty.

I, too, shall strive to govern diligently, recruit talented individuals, and implement benevolent policies for the people, so that the Holy Emperor and the Imperial Dynasty may enjoy peace for thousands of years to come.

This proclamation is hereby issued to the world, so that all may know.

With the formal establishment of the Holy Dynasty, the fame of Emperor Junze Chenren spread far and wide, attracting all nations to come and pay homage.

Whether it was the Seabuckthorn Kingdom deep in the desert or other countries across the ocean, envoys from various countries brought invaluable gifts and sincere respect, and came one after another to this prosperous land to witness the glorious scene and supreme honor of the Holy Dynasty.

Spring of the seventh year of Chongwu.

Emperor Rensheng, accompanied by his empress, embarked on his first southern tour since ascending the throne, with his destination being the Jiangzhou region, where the spring scenery is most beautiful.

Although Jun Zechen did not conceal his southern tour from the world, the specific route of his tour was kept secret, and no one knew which state or city he would appear in.

General Ye Lan led his troops, disguised as guards, to accompany and escort the emperor and empress.

Jun Zechen and Su Jingyao disguised themselves as ordinary merchants and traveled south.

In Yicheng, Jiangzhou, Anshun purchased a house full of Jiangnan charm in advance.

Although Jun Zechen was on his southern tour, he still needed to have memorials delivered by special soldiers every three days for his review.

For Su Jingyao, this journey was the most pleasant time since she entered the palace. She didn't have to manage the affairs of the six palaces and could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the imperial city every day.

For this trip, Su Jingyao only brought Miaoxia and Miaoyue with her.

Miaoxia dressed her up and Miaoyue cooked for her; Su Jingyao found it hard to part with either of them.

However, Su Jingyao is currently training palace maids to replace Miaoxia and the other three.

They had followed Su Jingyao for a long time, and Su Jingyao did not want to waste their lives. She would find them a good family so that they could live out their lives in peace and happiness.

The fact that Miaoyun and Miaoxue stayed in the palace was also a sign that Su Jingyao recognized their abilities.

Miaoyun is now the main force in Kunning Palace besides Granny Lin. With her around, Su Jingyao can leave the palace with peace of mind.

Miaoxue was skilled at handling account books and similar matters, so she was kept in the palace.

In the study.

Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen have been in Yicheng for two days now.

Yesterday, Jun Zechen accompanied Su Jingyao on an incognito visit to the city to inspect the people's conditions and was very satisfied with the governance of Yicheng.

Today, Jun Zechen was engrossed in processing memorials in his study, and tomorrow he will be inspecting water conservancy projects.

The emperor's southern tour was not just for eating, drinking and having fun; his daily schedule was packed, and these actions were even recorded in historical books.

While Jun Zechen was focused on the memorial, Su Jingyao found it quite boring.

She wandered aimlessly around the study, casually flipping through the books on the shelf, her eyes unfocused and lacking interest.

Although she enjoyed reading in the palace, now that she was out of the palace, the world outside was so wonderful that her heart had already flown to the streets.

Su Jingyao slowly walked to Jun Zechen's side and said coquettishly, "Husband, I want to go out."

Upon hearing this, Jun Zechen looked up. "I haven't finished reviewing the memorials today. After I finish my official business tomorrow, how about I take Yao Yao out for a trip?"

Upon hearing this, Su Jingyao's expression changed slightly.

She doesn't necessarily need him to take her out; in fact, she doesn't enjoy herself as much with him around.

"My husband, I want to go out by myself."

Su Jingyao spoke in a soft, sweet voice, trying to please and coax her.

"no."

Jun Zechen refused without hesitation, his brows furrowing instantly and his expression turning serious.

These days, when he takes her out, so many people are looking at her intentionally or unintentionally. Her beauty is already unparalleled in the harem, and even with a veil, her outstanding temperament and graceful figure are still exceptionally striking.

If he weren't there, wouldn't there be even more people coveting her?

Su Jingyao was somewhat dissatisfied with his decisive refusal. "Why?"

Jun Zechen quickly and gently pulled her into his arms, patted her back softly, and said gently, "Be good, I'll take Yao Yao out tomorrow."

Su Jingyao pursed her lips and said defiantly, "I'm going out now."

She then broke free from his embrace and turned to instruct Anshun, "Anshun, prepare a carriage and guards. If my husband disagrees, I will go out alone."

After saying that, she stormed out of the study without waiting for Jun Zechen's agreement.

"Yao Yao!"

Anshun looked at His Majesty with a troubled expression, at a loss for what to do.

Jun Zechen's face darkened instantly, and he said sternly, "Send people to protect Madam. If anything happens to Madam, you will be held responsible."

"Yes, Third Master."

Because there were servants hired by Anshun in this residence, Anshun addressed His Majesty and the Empress as "Master" and "Madam."

Su Jingyao sat in the carriage, with Miaoxia by her side.

At this moment, the carriage was traveling on the most bustling and noisy street in Yicheng when suddenly a noisy shouting came from nearby.

It seemed like two teahouses were arguing and shouting at each other? But then a loud woman's voice could be heard.

Su Jingyao became interested. "Stop."

After the carriage slowly came to a stop, she lifted one of the curtains and took a closer look. It was a teahouse called Mingxiang Yige.

Several women, around thirty years old, were standing outside, enthusiastically promoting the teahouse's opening. Their voices were loud and clear: "Today is the opening day of our teahouse! Not only is the tea half price, but we also have plenty of free pastries!"

Su Jingyao was slightly surprised.

In the imperial court, women's status was not high. The general principle was "men are in charge of external affairs, and women are in charge of internal affairs." Women engaging in commerce were often seen as going against their duty as women, and thus they were subject to criticism and discrimination.

The laws of the dynasty placed many restrictions on women engaging in commercial activities. For example, women were far inferior to men in terms of property rights and the right to sign contracts.

Therefore, even in the capital city, Su Jingyao had never seen a woman engaged in business.

Even though she had opened many shops in her boudoir to make money, she had never shown her face in public.

At this moment, Miaoxia, who had lifted the other curtain, also curiously peeked outside. "Master, this is also a teahouse, called Cuilan Tea House. It seems like the two are competing?"

"Let's go down and take a look."

Miaoxia put the veil on her mistress, then got off the carriage first. She reached out her hand to support her mistress from outside the carriage, her movements gentle and respectful.