Wei Ling'er's matter is considered settled, Tang Xian also has new things to be busy with. The northwest snow disaster has been handled properly, and Meng Tianrui who sent supplies is also on his way back. He should be able to return before the New Year.

However, while patrolling at sea, a warship spotted unidentified vessels in the distance. They were not flying any national flags, but due to the distance, it was impossible to see their exact details.

Tang Xian was someone worth keeping an eye on. Once an enemy ship was spotted approaching, he would naturally not be polite.

The maritime domain is inherently difficult to defend. If it's just about fishing, there's no need to worry, but if there are other intentions, then measures must be taken.

Some people also oppose the benefits given to government officials, soldiers, and veterans, believing that it would be detrimental to the imperial court, potentially weakening the dynasty and encouraging laziness.

Tang Xian also learned this method from later generations. At this moment, he couldn't say that this method was still in use in later generations, so he could only reason with them.

But for the ministers, this was a bold and adventurous decision, and there were always dissenting voices.

Tang Xian could indeed issue an imperial decree, but someone over there would inevitably run into a pillar and end up with a head injury. He could only return angrily.

Fu Jiujiu is roasting sweet potatoes, they're hot and she's carefully flipping them in her hands.

She generally didn't concern herself with matters of the former court. It wasn't that she didn't care about anything in the harem interfering with governance, but she believed Tang Xian could do a very good job.

What's wrong?

"Don't even mention it, implementing retirement policies is really like climbing to the heavens," Tang Xian said.

Fu Jiaojiao chuckled. "You're getting ahead of yourself. I know you want to do a good job, and by doing more, Haokang will be more comfortable in the future. But everything can't be rushed."

She offered him a sweet, roasted carrot. “Try it, I made it myself. The ministers objected, of course they have their reasons. In later times there will be industry and import-export trade. You can do what you want, but take it step by step. Every era has its own rules suited to that era.”

"Because of Wei Ling'er's affair, many people have started to oppose the women's civil service examination again. They think that women are easily swayed by emotions and wouldn't be clear-headed enough to govern." Tang Xian said.

"This is something that men in power have become accustomed to. Don't men in positions of authority often make mistakes? Aren't there plenty who are greedy and ambitious? This time, there were only three female officials, so making a mistake means a one-third probability, which seems large. However, this comparison is flawed. What we need right now is a capable, intelligent, and talented female official to open their eyes."

"Do you have someone in your heart?" Tang Xian asked.

Fu Jiujiu nodded, "I have high hopes for her. Whatever she does, she has to let her actions speak louder than words and live up to my expectations!"

"Wei Ling'er is truly incapable of achieving anything but excels at causing trouble!"

Fu Jiujiu shook her head, "It's not completely useless, at least it has some use."

"What use is it?" Tang Xiansi thought about it for a long time but felt there was no use.

Fu Jiujiu simply said, "First love at a young age is precious, but companionship in middle age should be cherished even more. She makes me even more determined about our relationship."

With the arrival of spring, Tang Xian was pacing anxiously in Fengming Palace. Beside him, the peacock seemed even more agitated.

Tang Xian saw it and became even more annoyed, "Come here, take this creature out for me."

However, the peacock seemed to understand human speech. It pecked whoever came near, forcing Nian Xia to consider taking action. But looking at its worried and reluctant little eyes, Nian Xia, who had raised it for half a year, also developed some feelings for it.

"Master, it probably worries for the Empress as well. Perhaps we should just let it stay here. Ever since it arrived, it hasn't left Fengming Palace. Where else could we send it?"

Tang Xian waved her hand, indicating that was enough. "Why aren't you coming out yet? Will Jijiu have a difficult delivery?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, what was I saying?"

The first few sons were born very smoothly, and even Fu Jiujiu would accurately predict the day before. But this time, it seemed that she just had a smoothie and said her stomach hurt, then rushed to give birth.

Fortunately, she had people on standby from the day she announced her pregnancy. Tang Xian had been having people wait since then.

"Chirp chirp, don't be afraid, I'm coming in with you." Tang Xian ignored the obstruction and said she was going in.

"Fu Jiujiao doesn't have the energy to waste time arguing with him right now. If he wants to come, he can; it's his decision."

People at the door also tried to advise him, but he was yelled at by Tang Xian after just a couple of sentences: “My life was given to me by her, so what do you mean touch the bad luck?”

When the emperor was angry, who would dare to stop him?

This wasn't Tang Xian's first time in the delivery room. When their third child was born, they were worried because the baby's head seemed a bit big. But everything went smoothly in the end.

This pregnancy lasted the longest, and Tang Xian couldn't hold out any longer.

"How are you doing?" Tang Xian looked at Fu Jiujiu, whose hair was soaked with sweat. "Why haven't you given birth yet?"

A midwife wouldn't dare speak, fearing that one wrong word would get her head chopped off.

Fu Jiujiu looked at his ferocious expression and gritted her teeth, "Go out first. They'll be too scared to work if they see you."

Tang Xian looked at her with a wronged expression, "I'll accompany you."

"Let's go." Fu Jiujiao was truly looking disgusted.

You can't help, can you? Isn't this causing trouble?

The little one in her belly was a real handful, slowing down halfway through each contraction. Fu Jiujiu could only wait, but she kept a close eye on the progress of the contractions, feeling some nervousness despite having given birth several times before.

Well, nothing went wrong. After a lot of trouble for half the day, when the sun was about to set, the baby's cry finally sounded.

The Fu family, Tang Xian, and the three princes all let out a sigh of relief at this moment.

The white peacock even opened its screen when it heard the little crane's cry, and called out a few times.

The maidservant couldn't help but say, "Aunt Nianxia, you see, it really acts like it has a spirit. Before the little princess was born, it didn't move at all and wouldn't even eat. Now it's so happy."

Nianxia nodded. "All things have spirits, Your Majesty has raised it for so long and treated it well, so it is naturally happy for the little princess's safe birth."

Fujujijiu is really tired, she only woke up in the middle of the night. She drank the soup water that was prepared earlier and then looked at the little one lying beside her, not crying or making a fuss.

"Luan'er, you look just like you did when you were little," Tang Xian said softly, then pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Chiu Chiu, you've worked hard."

Fujujijiu wouldn't say she wasn't hard-working. After all, carrying a child for ten months is a hardship that men cannot empathize with. Only those who have experienced it know how difficult and courageous it is.

The little one also woke up, with wide, shiny eyes. Although they couldn't see at this stage, they could hear.

Fu JiuJiu looked at her hard-working little daughter with a satisfied face. She reached out and touched her face, the little one's mouth moved, "She's hungry."

Tang Xian bent down and gently picked up the little one, letting the wet nurse feed him.

He can also properly guard the woman who gave birth to his daughter.