Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress-Chapter 1241 - 1247: Leaving the Mansion (4)

Nangong Yi lightly tapped her on the buttocks and said, "You’re such a stubborn one, always pushing your luck, aren’t you? You just mentioned letting the palace maids go, and now, you’re adding the abolition of the funerary burial system?"

The matter of the funerary burial system was something Cai Wei had only recently learned about.

Although the funerary burial system of the Great Jin Dynasty was not as cruel as that of Lingbei, the number of people involved was greater than in the funerary burials of Lingbei’s Great Khan. In the Great Jin Dynasty, the Emperor with the most victims had had 1,600 young girls buried with him upon his death. Upon learning of this, Cai Wei was so angry she nearly exhumed the barbaric Emperor and whipped his corpse. Of course, whipping a corpse was not possible—after all, that emperor was an ancestor of Nangong Yi. However, abolishing this cruel feudal institution was definitely going to happen.

Hearing his questioning, she solemnly said, "If those who die truly have spirits in heaven, then those who were forced into funerary burial must be full of resentment. It would be surprising if they don’t seek revenge, let alone willingly serve in the underworld. If there are no spirits, then what’s the point of forcing innocent people to die for nothing? Therefore, this cruel practice must be abolished!"

Nangong Yi said, "Alright, I will announce this issue during the morning assembly tomorrow. As for the release of the palace maids that you mentioned, have you considered this? The younger maids may be able to get married, but what about the older ones? If they leave the palace, how will they survive? The parents of these elderly palace maids are likely dead, and it is uncertain whether their relatives would support them. It might be better for them to remain in the Palace. Although they would not be free, at least they would be able to live."

"I have already thought of that."

Cai Wei said, "Any elderly palace maids whose families are no longer able to care for them, or who have no families at all, can reside in the local nursing homes until they die."

"Additionally, you should issue an edict that from now on, the selection of palace maids should only take place near the Capital, to avoid the hardship and expense of travel from distant places. Selecting locally is not only more convenient, but it will also be easier for the maids to return home when they leave the Palace. Palace maids should be selected every five years, with ages between twelve and fifteen. Regardless of their looks, as long as they are healthy, well-behaved, and skilled in some area, they can be chosen. Once selected, each maid will be assigned duties according to her abilities and receive a monthly stipend. When they reach eighteen, they will be sent back home. This way, people will no longer resent their daughters entering the palace. Moreover, being a palace maid will become a highly sought-after job. Women will strive to improve themselves to earn a monthly salary by entering the palace!"

Hearing that Cai Wei had already arranged everything so reasonably, Nangong Yi agreed. However, "The Imperial Harem’s expenses are fixed, and I had intended to use the money saved from not taking any more concubines for you to spend. But if we’re to pay palace maids and eunuchs, the saved silver taels will instead go towards their monthly expenses. Although it’s only several ten thousand taels a year, over time, it adds up to a substantial sum. Are you really willing to give that up, madam?"

Cai Wei smiled and knocked her forehead against his, coquettishly saying, "Yi, do I look like I’m lacking money? As long as you do as I’ve said, not only do I not want your support money, but I will also provide the gifts for the palace maids and eunuchs during holidays and festivals!"

Nangong Yi laughed and said, "What about me? Since the palace maids and eunuchs get a reward, as the greatest contributor to making this happen, how should you reward me?"

Cai Wei boldly said, "Tell me, what do you want? As long as I have it, I can give it to you!"

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yi leaned towards Cai Wei’s ear and began to smirk mischievously, "I don’t want anything else, just stop twisting your hands and feet at night and follow my lead."

Upon hearing those words, Cai Wei shivered and, seeing the man’s gleefully hungry gaze, couldn’t help but wail inwardly.

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