The National Seal had many uses.
As long as one was willing to spend National Fortune, the National Seal could direct it to bring favorable weather to certain places within the realm, send sweet rain to drought-stricken lands, or even bless an entire region and ease the suffering of those afflicted by rampant epidemics.
There were so many things National Fortune could be used for.
In the past, Sovereigns had most liked using it to consolidate their rule. But Shen Tang wanted to use it for something unprecedented, something that would open up a whole new world! All the officials instinctively straightened their backs and listened intently. Shen Tang said, "I want women to have the right to choose whether or not to give birth."
Everyone looked confused and bewildered.
They couldn't follow Shen Tang's train of thought.
But Gu Chi could. His face grew visibly grave and worried, though he didn't interrupt Shen Tang. Everyone listened as their young lord spoke gently: "All people are born from women's wombs, but childbirth is truly a dangerous undertaking, especially when it happens one pregnancy after another. As long as their bodies can still bear children, most women will keep giving birth until they're no longer able to."
Quite a few people could no longer keep their expressions composed.
The more impatient among them even wanted to speak up and stop Shen Tang.
It wasn't that they wanted to defy their lord. It was that this topic was far too dangerous. She was the leader of a power, and the Sovereign of a nation besides. Her people needed women to give birth, and women were the only ones who could. Without enough people, tax revenue wouldn't be sufficient to keep the state running, let alone recruit soldiers and raise an army. If