Zhou Lingyun disbanded the assembly shortly after. Before that, he had ordered the prime minister, his uncle, to meet him in his private chamber. He also asked the maids to inform his mother that he wanted to meet her in his room.

After dismissing the assembly, Zhou Lingyun retired to his private chamber, a room adorned with elegant furnishings and intricate designs befitting his status as emperor. He sat at his desk, contemplating the weight of his newfound responsibilities and the decisions he had just made.

As he waited for his uncle, the prime minister, to arrive, Zhou Lingyun reflected on the advice his mother had given him. She had always been his guiding light, instilling in him the values of compassion, wisdom, and humility.

When Prime Minister Wei Chonglin entered the chamber, Zhou Lingyun greeted him with a nod. "Uncle, please take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk.

Wei Chonglin bowed respectfully before sitting down. "Your Majesty, how may I be of service?" he inquired, his tone deferential.

Zhou Lingyun regarded his uncle with a thoughtful expression. "I value your counsel, Uncle," he began. "As my most trusted advisor, I rely on your wisdom and experience to help guide me in my decisions."

The prime minister nodded solemnly. "I am honored to serve you, Your Majesty," he replied. "I will do my utmost to assist you in any way I can."

Zhou Lingyun leaned forward, his gaze earnest. "Uncle, I know that there are challenges ahead of us," he said. "But today I welcomed you here to discuss my future marriage and the guidelines a ruler must abide by. What are your thoughts about finding my empress and consorts? I have made a decision myself." "As the emperor, I understand the importance of forming alliances through marriage and securing the stability of our kingdom."

Prime Minister Wei Chonglin nodded thoughtfully, his expression pensive. "Your Majesty, the choice of an empress and the consorts is indeed a weighty matter," he replied. "It must be someone who not only commands respect but also possesses the qualities necessary to support you in your duties as ruler."

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Zhou Lingyun leaned back in his chair, contemplating his uncle's words. "I agree, Uncle," he said, "but I also believe that a man should not discriminate or rank among his wives. Therefore, I intend to abolish the concept of hierarchy among my wives. There will be no official title of empress, and my eldest descendants will have priority in the succession to the throne. Also, unlike my father, the previous emperor, who only took my mother as his wife, I intend to solidify my succession through marriages."

Wei Chonglin's expression remained composed. "The concept of abolishing hierarchy among your consorts will be frowned upon by officials and the public alike, Your Majesty," he remarked. "An empress and her son becoming the crown prince is a practice followed for hundreds of years in the history of the empire. It will undoubtedly challenge the norms of our society and may meet resistance from many factions."

Zhou Lingyun nodded, acknowledging the potential obstacles ahead. "I understand, Uncle," he replied. "But I believe it is time for our kingdom to embrace change and adapt to the evolving values of our era. The empowerment of women and the promotion of equality among spouses will not only strengthen the bond between us but also set a progressive example for our people."

Wei Chonglin bowed his head in agreement. "As always, Your Majesty, your vision is far-reaching and enlightened," he said respectfully. "I will support your decision wholeheartedly and work to ensure its smooth implementation. However, please also discuss it with Her Majesty, the empress dowager."

After a lengthy discussion, Zhou Lingyun and Wei Chonglin formulated a plan to gradually introduce the concept of equality among consorts, starting with symbolic gestures and gradual policy changes. They agreed to begin by abolishing the official title of empress and instead referring to Zhou Lingyun's future spouse as his consort.

After their meeting concluded, Zhou Lingyun retired to his chambers, where he found his mother waiting for him. She greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes shining with maternal pride.

"My dear son," she said, embracing him tenderly. "I am so proud of the leader you are becoming."

Zhou Lingyun returned to his mother's embrace, feeling a surge of gratitude and affection. "Thank you, Mother," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your guidance means everything to me."

As they sat together, Zhou Lingyun shared with his mother the decisions he had made during the assembly and the plans he and Prime Minister Wei Chonglin had formulated for the future. He listened intently as his mother offered her insights and wisdom, her words serving as a comforting reassurance in the face of the challenges ahead.