The social atmosphere in Yifang City was remarkably open, with every citizen wearing a look of genuine confidence. On the main streets, men and women seemed to mingle without any rigid hierarchy, walking, playing, and chatting together in perfect harmony. For some reason, Shu He sensed a touch of genuine freedom on the faces of the people here.
When the citizens spotted the Eldest Princess’s carriage, they stepped aside to make way; some of the bolder ones even stepped forward to offer greetings. A few followed behind the carriage, calling out their gratitude. Shu He listened closely and gathered that in recent years, Yifang City had implemented a series of new policies—not only reducing taxes but also strongly supporting agricultural development. Simultaneously, the city encouraged commerce and handicraft industries, creating numerous new avenues for the residents to increase their income.
Recent reforms had made the lives of Yifang City’s residents significantly more prosperous, and the policy improvements introduced in the last six months had elevated the city’s economy to a whole new level. What surprised Shu He most was that Yifang City was also the first place in Tianqi to draft special laws for women. Women were permitted to run businesses, live independently, and seek employment; merchants were strictly forbidden from discriminating against them, and women held rights equal to those of men. Furthermore, marriage in Yifang City was strictly monogamous. Men were not a…
Chapter 872