They were already lagging behind the inner city and didn't want to fall further behind; after all, it would be somewhat embarrassing for two older brothers to be surpassed by their younger brother.
The Princess Consort was right about one thing: working in isolation was not advisable, it was equivalent to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
Mutual learning and mutual progress were the wise choices.
Subtly, the two of them gradually began to accept Zhao Jiaqi's ideas. Even Duan Yao felt that as a woman, one must strive for self-improvement.
The next day.
The two emperors, along with their children, agreed to meet at the Miracle Workshop after an early breakfast.
Wu Lifeng received them and, upon learning they were sworn brothers of his godson, treated them with genuine warmth rather than mere superficial hospitality.
Love me, love my dog.
One day, both families were engrossed in the workshop, while Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao, at home, were immersed in the study.
Fan Zehao watched his wife write and draw, only to tear it up moments later. He was perplexed, "What's wrong? I thought it looked pretty good!"
Zhao Jiaqi pointed out the shortcomings in her original plan: "Seafood, once caught, must be processed immediately to lock in its natural freshness. If transported over long distances in hot weather, it can easily spoil. Spoiled goods cannot be processed or sold and must be discarded, which is undoubtedly a waste of resources. That's why I abandoned this plan!"
With this explanation, Fan Zehao understood. However, he quickly offered a suggestion: "Why not set up the workshop in Second Brother's country, near the port? This way, as soon as the seafood is caught, it can be processed. Without the transportation process in between, wouldn't that save time, effort, money, and raw materials?"
Zhao Jiaqi gave him a thumbs-up. Indeed, they were a couple, as they had thought of the same idea.
"That's a great idea. So, I need to plan it carefully based on your suggestion."
This was the primary concern. The secondary concern was what kind of seafood to produce, as processing it into delicacies in this era had certain limitations.
However, it could be researched slowly.
With a goal, came motivation. After some revisions, the plan was finalized that afternoon. The plan was set, and the next step was to decide what kind of delicacies to produce, ones that could be preserved.
It wouldn't do to make products that could only be sold within their own country, as the profit would be too little. She wanted to aim for something big.
She even considered building a transit hub in the inner city to collect delicacies from other countries and sell them to other vassal states, thus earning money from both directions.
As soon as she thought of this, another step was added to her plan. Striking while the iron was hot, she shared this idea with her husband, who gave her his full support. The couple's drive grew with each passing day.
When they returned after dinner, they had intended to chat with Fan Zehao and praise him, and also to build a similar trade city. However, upon learning that the Prince and Princess Consort had been in the study all day, they felt ashamed.
They were full of drive, while the two of them had spent the whole day sightseeing outside. Just this inherent diligence of the couple ignited their spirits, instantly filling them with energy.
Looking at the couple engrossed in discussion over a pile of papers on the table outside the study window, they couldn't bear to disturb them.
So, they quietly left. As they returned to their own courtyard, they chatted, "Just based on the couple's unyielding spirit, how can the inner city not be peaceful and prosperous!"
The second brother nodded repeatedly, "Indeed. Since I came here, my impression is that the couple is very responsible, loves their people like their own children, and even spares no expense in donating money to help the common people through disasters!"
"I've observed that the local populace is not short of money. Simple matters like building houses are entirely manageable for them. However, the younger sister-in-law refused to let them spend their own money, indicating that she doesn't care much for money herself. I can't even achieve such magnanimity!"
Hèlían Zhìchéng spoke a true word. Bǎilǐ Kǎi'ēn patted his shoulder in comfort, "I feel the same way. Therefore, the people of the inner city deeply respect their Prince and Princess Consort. It is more united here."
The two men smiled at each other, unaware that their address to Zhao Jiaqi had subtly changed.
The next day, the two emperors traveled together again. This time, they were observing the customs of the people. Wherever they went, they asked the local populace if they were satisfied with the decrees issued by the government.
The answer they received was unanimous: very satisfied.
Later, after careful investigation, they discovered that here, men over sixteen were required to join the army and experience two years of military life.
Women here generally married at eighteen, and men sometimes at twenty. Late marriage and late childbirth were encouraged. If a woman was over eighteen or a man over twenty, they would receive subsidies from the government.
There were many such astonishing matters. A day of touring was enough to broaden their horizons.
Upon returning to the Prince's manor, they immediately recorded these matters. They would have to overcome all opposition upon their return and see these good practices through to the end.
Especially the conscription of men, which must be implemented. No wonder the inner city had such formidable generals. On the street, any man over sixteen could be a soldier. Once war broke out, one could imagine how strong these people would be.
No wonder they produced so many talents.
Secondly, they also had to carry out bold reforms and start with the children. Children here began their enlightenment from the age of three. Private tutoring was free, and only after passing the imperial examination for young scholars would there be a fee.
If this continued, everyone here would be educated. Even if they didn't have extensive knowledge, they would at least be literate, understand etiquette, and know shame. One could only imagine what the inner city would be like when these people grew up.
Strong soldiers, resourceful strategists, and numerous talented individuals working in unison; they dared not even contemplate further.
Zhao Jiaqi was unaware of what was going through their minds. Currently, she had a preliminary plan for cooperation.
At this stage, the next step was to discuss and finalize the matter.
On the morning of the fourth day, Fan Zehao invited his two elder brothers and the two crown princes. However, he sent Yumeng to the military camp.
Ever since he learned that Kaien, the eldest brother, had proposed to his wife, he had become cautious and had to send his child away, far from these wolves.
Let alone that the child was still young, even if the child were of marriageable age, he would not want to send her far away. Therefore, he had to act first.
In the study, Zhao Jiaqi first spoke to Hèlían Zhìchéng, as he had been the one to propose it first.