If the change in the laws regarding males was a morale booster, then the medicine for Spirit Sea disorders was downright uplifting.

For a time, the atmosphere throughout the entire Empire changed completely.

Some people even excitedly put up banners outside the S-Class Shelter and the Fifth Research Institute just to express their gratitude.

The media even flocked to the scene again, and Lu Xiao had no choice but to speak as the representative once more.

When she reappeared in the public eye, Lu Xiao was as composed and calm as ever.

"I know everyone is very concerned and expectant about the medicine for Spirit Sea disorders, and that you have many questions. I’m here to briefly answer some of them for you."

"First, the development of this medicine was made possible by a fruit called the Crystal Fruit, which we found in another Star Domain. This fruit has the ability to stabilize the Spirit Sea. After continuous experimentation, our Dr. Mark finally succeeded in extracting its active ingredients. By combining this with existing technology, he developed the medicine. It has now entered the clinical trial phase, and we believe there will be results soon. In the future, Spirit Sea disorders will no longer be a disease that plagues males."

"Of course, as for how to purchase the medicine, the purchasing process, and its price once development is complete, no final decisions have been made yet. We will release an announcement as soon as we have an update."

Once Lu Xiao finished her statement, reporters eagerly raised their hands to ask questions.

A staff member assisted nearby, and the first reporter who was called on stood up and said, "Your Excellency, Lu Xiao, my question may not be related to today’s press conference. I wanted to ask, as a female, what is your perspective on the newly enacted divorce law?"

It was indeed a topic unrelated to the medicine. A staff member was about to intervene, but Lu Xiao raised her hand, signaling that she would answer. "This question may seem unrelated to the content of today’s press conference, but it is actually connected. First, regarding the change to the divorce law, for me personally, it signifies that the Empire is progressing. Her Majesty the Queen’s decision was extremely wise."

"Everyone knows full well what the status of females is within the Empire. Changing the divorce law may seem detrimental to female interests, but in reality, it’s also a form of protection. Why do I say this? From the perspective of an exchange of benefits, what do females provide when they bond with males? Spiritual Soothing, right? But with the continuous promotion and development of Release Therapy and the medicine to stabilize Spirit Sea disorders, the value of a female’s Spiritual Soothing is constantly diminishing. So, if we continue to live according to the old model, what will the consequences be for females?"

"I believe many people already understand what I’m saying today. For those who still don’t, I suggest you look inside yourselves and ask: What does marriage mean to you? What does your partner mean to you? The person you’ve chosen—what do they mean to you, beyond an exchange of benefits? That is my answer to this question."

Lu Xiao had said a lot. While not a direct answer, those who understood, understood. The message she wanted to convey was a reminder to those females who had not yet had their awakening: it was time for them to lower their proud heads and think about the future.

If they remained complacent and inflexible, their futures would likely be bleak.

The Q&A session continued, but Lu Xiao’s words had already caused a huge uproar online—

"I knew it! Her Excellency, Lu Xiao, sees things so clearly!"

"If male Spirit Sea disorders are completely cured, the value of a female’s existence will be greatly diminished. Her Excellency, Lu Xiao, is right. Changing the divorce law is actually an act to protect females!"

"I didn’t quite understand before. I wondered if Her Majesty was getting senile, otherwise why would she do something that harms females? It turns out my perspective was the problem!"

"I have to say, only Her Excellency, Lu Xiao, would dare to say these things!"

"Her Excellency, Lu Xiao, seems to always be contributing to causes for males, but she’s actually been guiding females on how to live all along. Just look at her—she’s the best example! Her career and family are so fulfilling. She really is a great role model!"

"Honestly, after this law was enacted, the atmosphere in my home has improved so much. My mother is much gentler with my Father now, and our family relationships are much more harmonious!"

"To the person above, you’re definitely not the only one! My mother even apologized to my Father. She said she had been neglecting his feelings and wouldn’t do so anymore. Now I feel like this is what a real family atmosphere is supposed to be!"

"Seriously, so many of the young females in school now see Lu Xiao as a role model. I feel like the new generation of females will change a lot as they grow up!"

"Her Excellency, Lu Xiao, was right after all. The Empire is constantly progressing!"

... 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Lu Xiao’s press conference was undoubtedly a great success. Not only did it address the issues surrounding the medicine, but it also resolved the public’s attitude toward the changes in the divorce law.

When Her Majesty the Queen heard the news, she smiled and said, "I used to think Lu Xiao wasn’t anything special, but now I see she is extremely capable!"

An elderly female attendant nodded. "You’re right. I feel Her Excellency, Lu Xiao, is quite similar to Duke Cecilia in her youth. They both have that same ambitious drive."

"You’re right. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Cecilia in a long time. Have her come see me."

Upon hearing this, the attendant immediately went to contact Cecilia.

Meanwhile, Cecilia, who was at home, felt it was a bad omen when she learned Her Majesty the Queen had summoned her. She complained to her old butler, "I was wondering why my eyelid was twitching all morning. So this is the reason. Go find the outfit Xiao Xiao gave me. I’ll wear that to ward off the bad luck."

By the time Cecilia had changed and gotten in the car to head to the Imperial Palace, two hours had passed.

When Her Majesty the Queen saw Cecilia, the first thing she noticed was her outfit. "That outfit looks nice on you."

"It is, isn’t it? Xiao Xiao brought it back for me from her honeymoon. I’m quite fond of it." Cecilia lovingly stroked the fabric as she spoke. Then, without waiting for an invitation from Her Majesty the Queen, she sat down on her own, picked up a teacup, and took a sip of water. "What did you call me here for today?"

"Can’t I have just missed you and wanted you to come chat with me?"

"You don’t have to lift a finger, but I’m the one who has to go through all the trouble," Cecilia said, her tone full of annoyance.

Her Majesty the Queen chuckled softly. "Then I’ll come to you next time, alright? Are you really going to bicker with me over such a small thing?"

"If you don’t want me to bicker with you, then don’t summon me!"

"We’re both so old now, Cecilia. Surely you aren’t still clinging to the past, are you? Can’t you forgive me?"

"Ha! I wouldn’t dare. I still regret speaking out of turn back then!"

"I’m the one who should have regrets. I didn’t listen to you back then, which led to the outcome Li Ke and I face today. You should be happy about that!"