Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2039: Chapter 2036: Tugging a Single Thread

"Achieving a state where no one is dissatisfied yet can curb the relentless growth of noble families."

As Emperor Xuanming listened, he became increasingly pleased. He was aware that these matters would involve many issues, so when he heard that Chu Heng wanted to reform the soldiers’ treatment, he wasn’t in a hurry, and of course, he took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire.

He wanted to see how Chu Heng would confront those officials and achieve what he claimed he could.

If all he could do was talk without any action, as Emperor, he naturally wouldn’t engage in such futile endeavors.

While he added fuel to the fire, he was also testing him.

"Besides, there’s the current issue of population trade."

"If profitable means are found in the future, naturally the population will grow, and people will be more willing to have children."

"In my opinion, the trade of population should be banned, especially parents selling their children, and husbands selling their wives and children," Chu Heng shared his thoughts, feeling deeply moved. Though his family had quite a number of servants, he preferred hiring people to work.

But now the biggest issue is too many spies.

To completely abolish population trade seems nearly impossible; those noble clans and great families would be the first to disagree. Accustomed to a life of being served, how could they possibly accept being deprived of such privileges?

Thus, Chu Heng’s goal was actually the latter.

At the very least, forced selling shouldn’t happen anymore; voluntary matters would be another discussion.

When Emperor Xuanming heard this, he already felt that Chu Heng’s ideas were rather naive. No population trade, no servants? No eunuchs or palace ladies in the palace?

He could hardly imagine it, not even understanding what Chu Heng was saying.

"Minister Chu, regarding population trade, slavery is also a form of control; what do you think?"

Despite what Emperor Xuanming said, Chu Heng was not disappointed. After all, this was a feudal era, not the future fair society Ah Yu spoke of, so he couldn’t insist.

"Emperor, I understand," Chu Heng nodded gently, indicating agreement with his words.

Emperor Xuanming’s expression eased a bit.

"I also understand that a sudden abolition of population trade is wishful thinking—it’s likely to cause social upheaval. However, I believe that while we don’t need to abolish population trade, private selling of population is illegal."

"Reducing such incidents could increase the population for the imperial court by at least ten thousand annually, with a majority being women. Currently, in Great Chu, the number of men far exceeds that of women, which is also why the population growth is stagnant."

"Ten thousand in one year, and in two years, another ten thousand children could be born. Over time, in ten years, twenty years, the population could double. Currently, the Northern Region only has twenty thousand soldiers."

"In rural areas, a woman can give birth to five or six children in her lifetime, and when these children grow up, they can continue to reproduce."

"With more people, there won’t be unplowed land, insufficient food supply, and with future trade overseas, both population and silver will continually increase," Chu Heng became somewhat engrossed in the statistics, eventually sounding like a seasoned scholar, fervently impassioned.

Emperor Xuanming had never seen him so emotionally expressive.

He was somewhat moved, as these were indeed what he needed most at the moment.

What does a powerful nation require?

People, silver, food, army!

"How did Minister Chu come up with these ideas?" Emperor Xuanming was genuinely intrigued.

Chu Heng, somewhat embarrassed, said, "Actually, I consulted with my spouse."