IDWBE -Chapter 414 The New Law

Duo Mazi said irritably, “You talk as if you’re rich. Don’t forget—you’re just a stable hand now. When it comes to dealing with people or handling matters, it’s better not to be too reckless.”

“Reckless? I’m not reckless. In life, I rely on my backbone; in action, I rely on skill,” Wang Xiaoshuan said with a smile. “And my skills? They’re vast. Sooner or later, you’ll see for yourself.”

Duo Mazi scoffed, “You’re not doing business now. What income do you have? Probably not much better than mine. Or are you planning to sell the horses in the stable and pocket the money?”

“Are you crazy, or am I crazy? That’s Lord He’s money! Do you think I have the guts?” Wang Xiaoshuan glared at him before continuing, “I’m not running a business myself anymore, but I can invest. Do you know what investing is?”

He loved money, but not to the point of recklessness. Taking money from Lord He’s pocket? Not unless one was utterly foolish.

“Invest?” Duo Mazi asked, surprised. “What can you invest in?”

“Of course, by buying more houses, more land—a lot of land, a lot of houses,” Wang Xiaoshuan said with a smile. “Houses and land appreciate in value and can be rented out. You’ll never be poor. Otherwise, leaving silver lying around at home will make it rot and lose value.”

Duo Mazi laughed, “I see, ever since you became an official, your words have become less believable. Silver rotting? Silver is silver—it doesn’t lose value! Can’t you just speak sensibly? Otherwise, I won’t meet with you again.”

Wang Xiaoshuan smiled, “I’m telling the truth. Throughout history, buying houses and land has always been the top priority for ordinary people. Even in a remote place like Sanhe, it’s no different. Wealthy people like Wang Cheng or Liang Gen aren’t rich because of how much silver they have but because of their large houses and extensive land. That’s what Lord He called assets at the academy. Also, since Lord He lifted the maritime trade ban, ships full of silver from the South Seas, West Seas, and East Seas have flowed into Sanhe. Before, one tael of silver could buy a thousand eggs. Now, the eggs are the same, but one tael isn’t enough—you have to pay double.”

Duo Mazi nodded, agreeing, “That’s true. Eggs and meat have gone up in price. Nowadays, everything rises in price. So this is what you mean by silver losing value?”

Wang Xiaoshuan said, “Exactly. Now, if you use silver to exchange for copper or gold, you get less than before. Isn’t that what it means for silver to lose value? My point is, while you have silver, invest in land and property.”

“I don’t have money,” Duo Mazi sighed. “I was planning to return to Sanhe once the capital matters settle. I won’t stay in Ankang City for long.”

Wang Xiaoshuan said, “If you lack money, you can borrow from Sanhe Bank. Miss Mingyue mentioned in her accounting lesson that increasing assets through debt is a way to get rich.”

Duo Mazi shook his head, “Even if I could borrow, Lord He already set the rules: land is limited per person, at most thirty mu per head. That’s it.”

Wang Xiaoshuan grinned, “Then marry more secondary wives and have more children. According to the headcount, that adds up to a hundred more mu!”

“That’s exploiting a loophole,” Duo Mazi said with a laugh. “But that’s just wishful thinking on your part. You probably haven’t read the new marriage law yet, have you?”

Wang Xiaoshuan said, “I haven’t married yet, so why worry about it?”

The sun grew hotter. Duo Mazi wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Shall we find a place to sit and talk?”

Wang Xiaoshuan pointed to a tea stall under the shade. “Let’s go have some tea.”

Duo Mazi agreed, “Good, I’m thirsty anyway.”

Wang Xiaoshuan sat on a bench by the big locust tree, slammed a row of copper coins on the table, and called out, “Make me some proper tea! Don’t use tea leaves dregs to fool me.”

The tea stall owner’s eyes lit up. He ran over, bowed, collected the coins, and served a full pot of tea, a plate of sunflower seeds, and some pastries.

“Now, explain this wishful thinking. If I have money, I can’t get a wife or buy land? Ridiculous.”

Wang Xiaoshuan poured himself and Duo Mazi each a bowl of tea.

Duo Mazi took a sip and picked up a pastry. “Lord Chen Desheng, following Lord He’s instructions, revised the Liang Code. It was published yesterday, and many people are furious. You didn’t know?”

Wang Xiaoshuan impatiently said, “Spit it out. Don’t tease me—it’s infuriating.”

Duo Mazi smiled, “I just heard about it. In the future, wives and concubines can request divorce. If they divorce, the man must pay part of his wealth. If he refuses, the wife can sue. Think about it—if you marry many women, at least one or two might be uncooperative. If they make trouble, it could ruin your reputation and cost you money.”

“What? A concubine can divorce?” Wang Xiaoshuan exclaimed. “How can such an unreasonable law exist! Money I work hard for, I can’t just give away! Ridiculous!”

Duo Mazi cleared his throat, “This law comes from Lord He himself. Be careful what you say.”

“What?” Wang Xiaoshuan said, puzzled. “This law really comes from Lord He?”

Duo Mazi smiled, “If you don’t believe me, go to the bookstore and check the new edition. Many disbelieve and dare him directly—those who do will see how determined Lord He is to protect women’s rights. Men earn money, women spend it—that’s natural.”

“Women’s rights…” Wang Xiaoshuan gradually believed it. In the Sanhe code, beating a man was legal, but hitting a woman was illegal.

There’s a saying in Sanhe: When it comes to men, better to over-punish than let go.

Many men were furious but dared not argue. At home or outside, men had to tread lightly around women. Otherwise, trouble—punishment—would follow.

Now, women dominated half of Sanhe. Some even joked that if the women rebelled, few could stop them.

“Yes, women’s rights,” Duo Mazi laughed. “Lord He often said we must liberate women’s productivity. In Sanhe, refined ladies are discouraged. Only fools stay indoors.”

“But wait,” Wang Xiaoshuan was puzzled. “A concubine like Yan Kui Sheng with seventeen side wives is considered few. Some have over a hundred. If all get divorce fees, who can bear it?”

“That’s why you don’t believe it. But Lord He has given instructions—even palace consorts must pay ten thousand taels for divorce. For ordinary people, it’s easier. Defy the law, you defy Lord He. Who ends well when challenging Lord He?” Duo Mazi snorted.

“I know that,” Wang Xiaoshuan hesitated. “But with men having three or four wives, the law may just be a paper tiger.”

“Brother, except for Wei Yishan, you’re the smartest. How can you not understand this? This is Lord He’s law. No one can defy it. Go to the pawnshop and see how many are reselling concubines before the law takes effect. Once it’s enforced, there’s no chance. Any concubine causing trouble won’t end well. They have to act now, only keeping trustworthy ones.”

Wang Xiaoshuan sighed, “So I can’t marry freely?”

“If you marry a daring one who demands divorce, half your wealth could be lost. Marriage has become risky.”

“No matter the dynasty, marrying properly is key,” Duo Mazi said, pouring tea. “Specifically, concubines can’t be taken lightly. If things go wrong, your property is at risk.”

Wang Xiaoshuan thought, “What if she refuses divorce? Then no money has to be shared?”

Duo Mazi said, “You’ve been away from Sanhe too long. Couples separated over a year can petition the court for divorce. The court decides—you must divorce even if you refuse. Illegal detention? Six months of labor. Only a brave man could kill someone—otherwise, death for death.”

“Fine, I understand,” Wang Xiaoshuan waved impatiently. “In short, marrying anyone is no easy matter now. Keep your eyes wide open—don’t marry a woman who wants my money!”

Duo Mazi gave a thumbs-up. “Exactly. Choose badly, and you’re done for life.”

Wang Xiaoshuan sighed, “If that’s the case, should I even marry and carry on the family line?”

Duo Mazi shrugged. “How would I know? I have one wife and two sons.”

He looked pleased.

In Ankang City’s new housing sales area, Tian Sixi lay in the back garden, perplexed. Since the new city was built, houses sold like hotcakes, and he made a fortune.

He should have been happy, but unexpectedly, a new marriage law was announced.

He had a wife and a concubine. His wife was fierce but loyal—she would never seek divorce. His life was secure with her.

But the concubine? Not so certain. She looked submissive but was cunning. Worse, his greedy, unreasonable father-in-law could create trouble when the law took effect.

He glanced at Tian Shiyou’s lackey, Liu San. “Why are you still here? Go report to your master. I’ve arranged everything—you just come collect the house.”

Liu San laughed, “Tian shopkeeper, you’re family with our master, so I respect you. But some things must be decided decisively. Lord He never tolerates tricks—don’t be clever, or it will backfire.”

Tian Sixi scowled. “So you’re saying I should sell the woman?”

Liu San hurriedly said, “No! You can first go to the government and divorce with your wife. Once done, you’re still family. Whatever happens later is not your concern.”

Tian Sixi rubbed his chin. “Makes sense.”

Because of the new law, the people of Ankang City were unsettled.

“Lord He, what if I request a divorce?”

Hu Miaoyi, holding the newly published Liang Code, stood in front of Lin Yi, her belly prominent.

“Oh?” Lin Yi was startled—he hadn’t expected this.

“You jest, Your Highness,” Mingyue whispered with a glance at Lin Yi. “The princess consort and Lord He are harmonious, envied by many.”

“Are you serious? If you set an example for the empire, I won’t mind supporting you,” Lin Yi said, smiling at the fearless Hu Miaoyi. Then he grew serious: “But one thing—I must clarify. The child in your belly is mine; you cannot take it away.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Hu Miaoyi bowed and left the garden.

Lin Yi watched her fade from view and sighed, “Have I trapped myself?”

Mingyue and Zixia exchanged glances. “The princess consort made a mistake, but you needn’t mind. We’ll go comfort her properly.”

Lin Yi shook his head. “I shall obey the Liang Code. You need not take further action.”

He never imagined a day would come when he would trap himself.