He also issued an imperial decree that shocked all of Northern Li: slavery was forbidden within Northern Li's borders. Anyone found violating it would be severely punished.
Whether they were jianghu factions, aristocratic clans, princes and nobles, or imperial relatives, they could employ servants, but they had to pay wages based on the minimum monthly living standard for a family of three.
This decree shocked Northern Li and the surrounding nations alike. After all, slavery had existed since ancient times and had never truly disappeared.
Within Northern Li, many opposed it, but even more supported it.
In addition, he elevated the status of merchants and abolished the policy of prioritizing agriculture while suppressing commerce. Within Northern Li, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants were all equal in status.
The frequent policies and actions emerging from Tianqi shook all of Northern Li. Some were filled with outrage, while others were overjoyed.
Though these measures had only begun to be implemented and their effects remained slight, he had nevertheless gained considerable prestige.
Perhaps there had once been people who would firmly insist that Xiao Ruofeng was better suited to be emperor, but now no one dared say such a thing.
He acted decisively in state affairs, and naturally, he was no less capable in military matters.
In the Northern Lands, Lei Mengsha repelled the Northern Barbarians' army and safeguarded Northern Li's border. The Northern Barbarians had arrived with great ambitions and a true army of wolves and tigers, yet they never set foot beyond Northern Li's gates. As they turned back with their heavy forces, they remembered one name—Lei Mengsha.
Northern Li's grand general had shown them that beyond bravery, the deployment of military formations was equally vital.
Gu Hui did not stint on rewards. He directly promoted Lei Mengsha from general to