Chapter 194 (Finale)
After the dust settled, Xiao Wenzhang died of illness a week later. Xiao Cong ascended the throne. In order to show his benevolence, the sixth prince Xiao Lin was only demoted from his title, removed from the royal family, and arranged to be given a fiefdom, never to return to the capital.

This can be considered as his good fortune.

As for the Sheng family, all the male members were executed and the female members were exiled to Lingnan.

The only exception should be Jiang Zexi. Although he is also a descendant of the Sheng family, his act of following Xu Junting back to the palace to rescue the emperor directly saved his life and future, and his relationship with He Ni was tacitly approved by Xie Chengyi.

The most unexpected thing is probably the choice of queen, Yao Jinxian.

However, Aying and Xie Chengyi both felt that as the queen mother, Yao Jinxian should be able to avoid many problems. After all, someone with that background and upbringing was the most suitable person to be the queen. And because of her experience with Xiao Cong, Xiao Cong respected and loved her even more, and the always romantic prince became more stable.

As the cold winter slowly fades away, peach blossoms begin to bloom in some places.

Ah Ying observed in the mansion for several days and found that Xie Chengyi was in a completely different state than before.

He stayed in his mansion all day, either making something for the children or taking stock of the business of the mansion. He did not respond at all to the invitation of the new emperor to come to court.

“Chengyi, I want to talk to you.” Aying looked at him very seriously.

Xie Chengyi naturally understood Ah Ying’s intention, so he put his arm around Ah Ying and said leisurely, “I will follow Madam Gaoming’s instructions.”

“Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and it is the time to employ people. Why?” Aying did not delve into the matter. She was not a person who coveted power and wealth. She just wanted to know what Xie Chengyi thought.

Xie Chengyi scratched Ah Ying’s nose and said, “Xiao Cong is the new emperor, so he needs people. However, I am no longer suitable to serve in the court at this time.”

“Why? You can save Beijin, who is more suitable than you?” Aying asked.

But before Xie Chengyi could speak, Ah Ying suddenly had an idea in her mind and said, “Are you afraid that His Majesty will think that you are more powerful than him?”

“Which king can accept a minister who can mobilize the three armies at any time?” Xie Chengyi looked at Aying with a complicated expression.

Yes, in order to save His Majesty and Xiao Cong, Xie Chengyi completely exposed his cards, and also posed a hidden danger to Xiao Cong. The best way to get along with him is to stay out of the court.

“But Your Majesty is not the late emperor.” Aying knew Xiao Cong’s character and he would not think so.

Xie Chengyi said slowly: “Maybe you don’t think so now, but it will be hard to be sure in the long run. Who can guess the heart of the king? My ambition has always been to stabilize the country of Northern Jin, not to be a high-ranking official. Now, Jun Ting is deeply trusted by Your Majesty and is in charge of military affairs, Chenglin is also an official in the court, so I can’t go anymore. If Northern Jin encounters danger one day and I can be used, I will not refuse. This is how I can protect Northern Jin for a long time.” Although Aying didn’t understand court politics, she believed in the man she chose. What’s more, he had money and fame. Why should she insist on letting Xie Chengyi go that way?

Even when the child is born, with the grace of Your Majesty and the protection of Jun Ting and Cheng Lin, he will be safe throughout his life.

As for her, it might be a blessing to just enjoy the life of a noble lady peacefully…

Having seen the viciousness of human nature and experienced the hardships of women, Aying, with the support of Xie Chengyi, worked hard to promote girls’ education and set up many private schools for girls, all of which were free of charge and had assessments to prevent some people from taking advantage of girls to make money. However, private schools were expensive and could not work without financial support. So, Aying joined forces with Queen Yao Jinxian and asked Yao Yulu and He Ni to join. Under the leadership of Sister Hejun, they vigorously developed the women’s industry. At the same time, they built many places for women to settle down, taught them skills, and gave them things to do. Although they would not get rich, they would have no problems with their livelihood.

Aying knew that at this stage, it was already good enough for some women to have food to eat and something to do. After all, there were still countless men who were too obsessed with face to want to suffer in order to demonstrate their chauvinism and would rather let their wives and daughters starve than let them show their faces in public. Every time she saw those tragic situations, Aying felt that she still had a long way to go. She increasingly felt that if she wanted to change this situation, she could only make more women and men change their minds.

As Xie Chengyi watched Aying’s changes, the anxiety in his heart gradually dissipated. He had fought for Northern Jin in the first half of his life, so he might as well be a strong supporter for his wife in the second half of his life, letting Aying work for the welfare of the people of Northern Jin. This could be considered another example of a wife following her husband’s lead.

Having money to spend, something to do, a caring husband and children to surround you, these good things are the primary criteria for raising a woman in the capital today.

For a long time, a ballad was circulated in Northern Jin:
Brother and sister, don’t worry

Xiao Ni can also have a bright future

Look at the flowers and willows in Lin’an

There is also Ah Ying willing to fight for his reputation

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Learn literature, etiquette and crafts

God will bless you

Good intentions, good thoughts, good ideas

Good company brings happiness

……

Finally, it’s the end. First of all, I want to thank everyone for their support. Without your support, I would not have made it this far. No matter how this book performs, it is the result of my hard work in 2024. 2025 is coming soon. I wish you all the best and safety in the new year in advance. I also wish myself more inspiration and a better self in the new year.