Chapter 2: The empress

Wu Jinmai's POV

They looked at each other and were trying to avoid my question. No one wants to speak their minds.

They're just looking at each other. I sighed and acted like I was brushing dirt on my clothes. I stood up and looked at them.

"Let's start by giving me reports about the situation of our soldier on the west border. I heard that three of our villages and one city became a colony of our enemy," I remarked.

They turned pale. They didn't realize that I'd be speaking about this matter.

"It's been two months since the soldier under General Qin requested a resupply mission. Is anyone hiding any requests or letters from our soldiers who are trying to protect the west border?" I ask.

I look at the people who steal glances at each other. I guess no one will ever speak, as they saw me as their ruthless leader. I sighed.

I take my seat again. "Alright, let me elaborate on the solutions I've come up with for several problems that our kingdom is facing," I remarked. They glance at me.

"First, the resupply mission will be done on the north, south, east, and west borders. Five imperial doctors will come along to check the health conditions of our soldiers."

I'm glad my writing skills and understanding of the letters and writing style of this era didn't leave my brain. It will be more problematic for me.

"Second, flood controls in different towns and villages will start before the rainy season comes. Funds will be released for fixing the bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects that were put on hold for the past years," I added.

I decided to sell off most of the jewelry, paintings, vases, and other items on the market for my plans.

"I will be selling all of my unnecessary items, such as jewelry, paintings, and other items. This will serve as funds for the projects that we'll be doing," I remarked.

I put down the paper and looked at them. I have to save this woman's face while she hasn't killed anyone yet. I have to make this decision.

"The Ministry of Agriculture will be conducting a survey and starting to build irrigation systems in different cities and villages. Distribute seedlings to the farmer's base for the crops that they've been planting."

I stood up, walked down the stairs, and faced them once again. "An investigation will be conducted into the situation of human trafficking and smuggling of goods and weapons in this empire. I also hear the situation in the entertainment district about females being abducted and sold in the inner and rear palaces," I remarked.

I can't believe I'm acting like a true queen, even if my life was fucked up. I guess this chance is to make me realize that I have to fight, stop being a coward, and save myself!

"I've been reading some reports and documents regarding the justice system of this kingdom. I've learned that injustice is everywhere, and noble families are using their positions to protect their wrongdoings."

I walk on my left side and gather my strength. They're all looking at me with a surprised expression. I guess being a tyrant really ruins my reputation as a person, ruler, woman, and wife. I have to reclaim my dignity here.

"The Ministry of Justice will be totally reformed. Investigations into corrupt and abusive officials will start. It's not only on that department but the entire imperial court."

I sighed and remembered what Wu Jinmai did last month. I have to correct that one as well.

"Now, as for the situation of the Zhang, Yang, and Wei families, they will be released from prison. They will be called to the palace so that I can apologize for my childish actions."

I look at my three husbands, who are surprised by my decision. "I hereby declare that I will reinstate the position of Pei Qin as the minister of justice. I also declare that General Li Jin will have his position again and lead the imperial soldiers to keep the capital safe from any danger."

I look at the last person that I want to reinstate. "To my emperor consort, he will do his duties again as the male leader of this empire. We will share the burden and make sure that our empire will prosper again."

They started making buzzes and realized that something was wrong with me. "Your highness, this is a little bit… I mean a surprise. How come you want to change things all of a sudden? This will affect the court's dignity, especially in proposing reform in every office."

I look at Minister Tang Xi. He seems too nervous, like the other ministers and officials.

"For the past years, I indulged myself in being unreasonable and spent people's money on my lavish lifestyle. It's time to change that and make sure that before this dynasty falls, things will go back to where they should be," I replied.

"Your Highness, may I suggest that you investigate the current situation in the Ministry of Revenue?"

I hope you will look into it. This has been a problem way back in the past," Minister Jin Hao says. I held my chin. I almost forgot to discuss that matter!

"I'm glad that you initiated and reminded me of this matter, Minister Jin. Another one, my dear officials, is about the tax regulations in this empire. There will be changes and an investigation into tax evasion. I already have a list, documents, and pieces of evidence."

Some of the official's eyes dilated when the topic of tax evasion arose. I'm glad I've been able to hide my feelings.

"This is all for the meantime, my dear officials. There will be a possible emergency court meeting from hereon. This court meeting ends today," I remarked.

"Long live the empress!" they said it three times.

My three husbands were about to leave when Eunuch Liu approached them. I already told him that I wanted my husband to speak with me privately in my study room.

My female servants followed me as I left the court hall. Today's court meeting was exhausting. I guess I have to be ready for enemies that will aim at my head any time soon.

As soon as I arrive in this empress's office, I take my seat and massage my shoulder. One of the maids was about to massage me when I stopped her and smiled.

"It's okay. I can massage myself," I remarked. This hanfu is heavy, and it has so many layers as well.

"The emperor consort and royal consorts want to seek your audience, your majesty!" Eunuch Liu says. I sighed.

"Let them in," I replied. I continued massaging my shoulder, and they looked at me with such cold eyes.