RWNEFE -Chapter 616 No Divorce, Only Absolute Marriage

As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers bristled with hostility.

They were fine with observing executions—but why involve their families? Most family members were women, soft and fragile; they could easily be frightened or harmed.

Shen Lanxi approved angrily: “Reasonable!”

The Ministry of Punishments continued, “What Your Majesty just called ‘divorce’ exists among the people as well. But most women cling to the idea of lifelong fidelity. Whether it’s divorce or separation, it harms reputation. Even in desperate situations, they would seldom choose such an option.”

A minister from the Ministry of Personnel spoke up:

“Men can also face malicious wives.”

“I’ve encountered such cases before. The wife came from a powerful family, and the husband’s family was oppressed and afraid to resist. The cruel wife became even more arrogant, persecuting the husband’s family to the point of destruction. The husband could not endure it and drowned himself.”

Shen Lanxi remarked: “Such men are cowardly as well.”

The personnel minister stiffened, then dryly explained, “That man was physically weak. The wife was very strong and came from a well-known butcher family. She had nine brothers. Whenever the husband resisted, one by one, each brother would restrain him—just with a finger, they could pin him to the ground.”

Shen Lanxi responded flatly: “…Indeed, whether male or female, there are malicious people.”

“Just as among people, there are good and bad. Continue.”

The Personnel minister continued: “When I received this case, I was furious. Unfortunately, there was no solid evidence. The man drowned himself voluntarily; no one forced him. So the case was dismissed.”

Shen Lanxi fumed: “Lawless! Do they think Great Zhou belongs to them? That they can act as they please? Infuriating! Truly despicable!”

The Ministry of Punishments glanced at the Personnel minister and said, “Your Majesty, regarding malicious individuals, we should not call it ‘divorce.’ It should be called ‘absolute marriage termination.’”

Historically, divorce was for men to dismiss women. Never had a woman been allowed to dismiss a man.

Shen Lanxi looked approvingly at the minister of punishments.

“Reasonable. Let it be called absolute marriage termination.”

The Personnel minister would not be outdone: “Your Majesty, after a marriage certificate is issued, people report it to the local office—usually just dowries. Mostly wealthy families report. In rural areas, the village chief or headman just witnesses, and that suffices for a family.”

“I believe this is improper. We need an official record-keeping department. If disputes arise in the future, or in cases of absolute marriage termination, the government must mediate; private resolutions are not acceptable.”

The Ministry of Punishments agreed: “Minister Zhang’s suggestion is correct. In many remote areas, there still exists the practice of issuing a divorce paper, abandoning a daughter, and then the natal family punishes her—drowning her in a pig cage or forcing death. Under Your Majesty’s rule, Great Zhou is peaceful and prosperous. Such barbaric practices cannot persist.”

Shen Lanxi pondered: “Both of you make excellent points.”

“Then, you two shall lead: one establishes a marriage record department, the other an absolute marriage department. Draft regulations quickly and implement them widely.”

“Speaking of which, I suddenly recall—how long has it been since Great Zhou last conducted a population census?”

The ministers were stunned again. Since the previous emperor ascended, no census had been conducted.

Population statistics take time, effort, and money. Previously, the treasury was empty; there was no budget for this.

“Your Majesty, Great Zhou has not conducted a population census for nearly twenty years.”

Shen Lanxi frowned: “My negligence.”

“Senior Teacher, Liu Mingxin, this matter is yours. Coordinate with the Six Ministries and Nine Departments. Record the entire population. This will prevent future disputes. Every three years, report births and deaths to local offices within a month for record update.”

“Understood!”

Returning to the main issue: “Though Wei Jie is not at fault, he neglected supervision of his household. He is ordered to reflect in seclusion at home for one month and will have half a year’s salary deducted as punishment!”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s great mercy!”

…

Soon, battle reports arrived from the northwest: the Turks surrendered and expressed willingness to submit to Great Zhou.

“Your Majesty, the Turks repeatedly broke their promises; they are untrustworthy.”

“I suggest annihilation, no negotiations.”

“I second that!”

“Your Majesty, I believe that since the Turks have surrendered, there’s no need for total extermination. Extinguishing a tribe entirely is not the best policy; blind slaughter may bring disaster.”

“Your Majesty, I agree with the senior teacher. Peace should be prioritized. The Turks occupy the western regions. Without their fierce resistance, the ‘red-haired’ tribes might cross the steppes and invade Great Zhou territory.”

These words resonated deeply with Shen Lanxi.

“Very well. Draft the decree: Wei Dongzhu and Shen Yuanjing shall oversee the integration of the Turks.”

“From now on, only Great Zhou shall rule—no more Turks.”

“Establish Great Zhou schools among foreign tribes. Teach them our language, writing, and dress them in Great Zhou attire.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

A few days later, more news arrived from the northwest:

“Your Majesty, the Tatars, Persians, and Ximon tribes have sent envoys, expressing willingness to submit to Great Zhou.”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “In less than two months, twelve foreign tribes have submitted. Within half a year, Great Zhou will unify the northwest. No more foreign disturbances!”

“Your Majesty’s achievements will endure for generations!”

“Your Majesty, the embodiment of both civil and military virtue, the greatest in history!”

“Your Majesty, unparalleled across time, with no equal past or future!”

Two days later, an imperial edict arrived at the Shen household:

“Princess Zhaohua, fair and virtuous, with exceptional character and grace. As per her previous request, ten days from now, travel to the northwest to marry the Turkish town governor.”

Shen Yuantang was stunned.

Wasn’t this a political marriage? Why is it now an actual marriage?

Weren’t the Turks a foreign tribe? How are they now a Great Zhou town?

“The Turks have surrendered to Great Zhou. The emperor, grateful for Heaven’s mercy, did not annihilate them but incorporated them into Great Zhou territory.”

The Shen family felt as if dreaming.

They hadn’t known the Turks surrendered. In their minds, surrender meant negotiation, not annexation.

And the Turks agreed?

“Sir, is this true?” Shen Congwen asked anxiously.

“The imperial decree has been issued; how could it be false? I must return to the palace to report. You have ten days to prepare.”

The Shen family was again stunned.

“Wait, if they’re now part of Great Zhou territory, why a marriage?”

“Didn’t you hear? It’s not a political marriage—it’s an actual marriage.”

The Great Zhou princess, the emperor’s own sister, is to marry a defeated town governor?

The Shen family’s daughters, who had envied Shen Yuantang, no longer felt envy at all.