Ding Wei asked in confusion, "The Shangsi Festival, which encourages marriage between men and women, is indeed a wonderful idea. But how did you come up with such a festival?"
Second Imperial Concubine smiled, an enigmatic expression on her face. "It is for the sake of population growth, and to bolster the nation's competitiveness."
Listening to her clear explanation, he realized that for increasing a nation's population, this was indeed a brilliant choice. He wondered if the Xia Dynasty had such a festival as well. Drawing on his own knowledge and insights, he remarked, "This season marks the time when all things return to life. To go with the flow and follow the harmony between humanity and nature is also the best time for human reproduction. Encouraging young men and women to socialize now not only aligns with the natural Tao, but also allows one to harness the essence of heaven, earth, the sun, and the moon."
Chapter 178