freenovelworld Chapter 982 The woman you all say is incapable of being an official, incapable of managing affairs,
Chapter 982 The woman you all say is incapable of being an official, incapable of managing affairs,
The emperor's voice rose a few decibels.
"Not long ago, the Turks invaded! Who quelled the rebellion in Zhaozhou?!"
This time, the emperor's gaze was fixed directly on the Minister of Rites' face, and he roared, word by word:
"It's still Marquis Anguo, Bailu!"
"She's a woman!"
"The woman you all say is incapable of being an official, incapable of managing affairs, and capable of shaking the foundations of the nation!"
"The contributions she made to our Great Wu are unparalleled among all those present!"
The emperor's roar was like thunderous fury, making the entire Golden Palace reverberate.
The civil officials, who had been so excited just moments before, were now deathly pale, drenched in cold sweat, and dared not even lift their heads.
Just then, the Duke of Anguo, who had been silent all along, stepped forward, bowed deeply to the emperor, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty is absolutely right."
"My life was saved by Lady White Snake from Zhaozhou."
"Without her, there would be no Duke Anguo today!"
Immediately afterwards, the Duke of Liang stepped forward and said, "My son was also saved by Lady Bailu."
General Murong and General Li exchanged a glance, stepped forward, clasped their hands, and said, "We, your humble servants, have all been saved by Lady White Snake!"
"Lady White Snake's talent far surpasses that of countless men in the world!"
"We firmly believe that there are extraordinary talents among women. Your Majesty's appointment of female officials is a wise move to select talents for the country!"
Four powerful dukes and generals stood up to speak for Bailu and endorse the emperor's decision.
Duke Anguo then turned to the civil officials and said coldly, "Gentlemen, you are well-read and always talk about the laws of our ancestors."
"But what were you doing when the country was in peril?"
"Should we rely on classical allusions from the rear, or should we, like the White Snake Lady, personally go to the battlefield and turn the tide?"
They were instantly speechless.
Yes, they can question Lin Wanzhi's abilities, but they cannot deny Bai Lu's achievements.
The emperor and the military group used the irrefutable example of the White Dew solar term to completely shatter the premise that women could not hold official positions.
If women cannot hold official positions, then how do we explain the existence of White Dew?
Are we going to take back her marquisate too?
Who dares?
Seeing this, the emperor knew that the time was right.
He sat back on the dragon throne, his tone returning to calm.
"Whether Lin Wanzhi is talented or not, the people of Qingyang County will tell me."
"Whether my decision is wise or not, the future of Great Wu will tell me."
"This matter need not be discussed further."
"Retreat!"
With a loud announcement from the eunuch, no one in the court dared to utter another word.
The dissenting civil officials left the hall dejectedly, knowing that times had truly changed.
An era of female political participation, initiated by the emperor himself and paved by Bai Lu's illustrious military achievements, has begun.
......
Pingzhou.
Inside the courtyard, Bai Lu was standing in front of a huge wooden table covered with all sorts of account books and maps.
She was dressed in simple, everyday clothes, her long hair simply tied up with a wooden hairpin, and her expression was focused.
"Lady White Snake," a guard came in to report, "an official sent from the capital has arrived. He is the newly appointed third-ranked scholar, named Su Mingyue, and is already waiting outside the door."
"Oh? You've arrived so quickly." Bai Lu put down her calligraphy brush, a hint of surprise and anticipation flashing in her eyes.
The emperor's secret letter had been delivered through channels several days ago, affirming the success of the mission and informing the emperor that a new talent skilled in commerce, law, and mathematics would be sent to assist.
Bai Lu never expected that this "talent" would not only arrive so quickly, but would also be a woman.
"Please let her in," Bai Lu instructed, while tidying up the slightly messy table.
A moment later, a young woman dressed in a blue official robe entered the courtyard, led by her bodyguards.
She is Su Mingyue.
Despite the weariness of her journey, Su Mingyue remained upright, her brows revealing an undeniable intelligence and wit.
When she saw Bailu standing in the center of the courtyard, smiling at her, her heart skipped a beat, and her steps involuntarily slowed down.
The woman before her was much younger than she had imagined, with a beautiful face and a gentle temperament. If she hadn't seen her with her own eyes, no one would have been able to associate her with that legendary female marquis.
But those eyes, calm and deep, seemed to see through everything, making Su Mingyue instantly realize that the rumors were true.
"Your humble servant Su Mingyue greets Marquis Anguo." Su Mingyue composed herself, stepped forward, and solemnly performed a standard official salute.
“Lord Su, there’s no need for such formalities,” Bai Lu said with a smile as she stepped forward and offered a helping hand. “The imperial decree has arrived, and I know you are His Majesty’s capable assistant.”
"It's been a hard journey."
Her voice was gentle and pleasant, with a natural affinity that immediately eased Su Mingyue's initial nervousness.
"It is my good fortune to serve Lady White Snake, how can I complain about hardship?" Su Mingyue said sincerely.
"Sit down," Bai Lu said, pointing to the stone bench beside her. "Don't be shy, we'll be colleagues from now on."
The two sat down, and Bai Lu personally poured her a cup of tea.
"His Majesty has already mentioned the matter in the capital in his letter," Bai Lu asked bluntly. "I heard that His Majesty appointed the newly appointed top scholar, Lin Wanzhi, as the county magistrate?"
A hint of admiration flashed in Su Mingyue's eyes as she replied, "Yes."
"Lady White Snake is well-informed."
"This matter has caused a great uproar in the capital. If His Majesty had not used your achievements as an example to overcome the opposition in the court, this matter would probably have been much more complicated."
Upon hearing this, Bai Lu simply smiled faintly: "Your Majesty has great courage. I merely happened to be there and did what was within my duty."
This nonchalant attitude impressed Su Mingyue even more.
She knew that any one of the tasks the other person mentioned as their duty was enough to make her famous throughout history.
“Let’s not talk about that,” Bai Lu steered the conversation back on track, pointing to the huge wooden table. “You’ve come at the right time, take a look.”
Su Mingyue got up and walked to the desk, her eyes immediately drawn to the things on the table.
On the table were not only complete maps of the trade routes of the various Jurchen tribes, lists of goods and ledgers of various merchants, but also a detailed analysis of price fluctuations in Pingzhou and surrounding towns...
"How to use these resources to support the Jurchen tribes that are close to us and establish new trade rules is what we need to do next."
Su Mingyue's eyes grew brighter as she looked at the documents. She picked up a ledger about fur trade, compared it with the markings of several tribes on the map, and quickly said:
"Lady White Snake, I dare to ask."
"This time, we can formulate new tariffs and trade rules in the name of the official trading company, and all caravans that abide by the rules can enjoy preferential treatment."
"In this way, we can both divide the various Jurchen tribes and firmly grasp the dominant power in trade!"
She speaks very quickly and clearly.
Bai Lu listened quietly, a satisfied smile appearing on her face.
She knew that the emperor had sent her a real treasure.
Su Mingyue's thoughts coincided with her previous plans, and were even bolder and more ingenious in some details.
“Very good,” Bai Lu nodded approvingly. “Lord Su, it seems we have a lot to do together.”
Just then, a burst of laughter came from outside the courtyard.
"Bai Lu! I've come to say goodbye!"
"I heard a young scholar has come to the capital. Perfect! I'll hand over this mess to you so I can return to the capital and claim my reward sooner!"
Before he could finish speaking, Gu Liang strode in.
He spotted Su Mingyue standing by the desk at a glance, and the conspicuous blue official robe she was wearing.
"Oh, this must be Lord Su?" Gu Liang cupped his hands in greeting and said casually, "I am Gu Liang."
"I'll leave these follow-up troubles to you. From now on, Pingzhou will be a lot of trouble for you and Bailu!"
Su Mingyue looked at the handsome young prince before her and smiled as she returned the greeting: "You're too kind, Lord Gu."
"Your Excellency's swift and decisive action has cleared away the parasites from the trade routes for our Great Wu, rendering a great service. We, the civil officials, should do our duty to clean up the mess for Your Excellency."
Gu Liang laughed heartily, then looked at Bai Lu with a complex emotion that was barely perceptible in his eyes: "Then... I'll be leaving."
“My father and His Majesty are waiting for me to return to the capital.”
Bai Lu nodded, her eyes clear: "Have a safe journey."
"Please give my regards to the Duke."
"I'll definitely take it." Gu Liang gave her a deep look, as if trying to etch her image into his heart, then resolutely turned around, waved, and said, "I'm leaving!"
Watching Gu Liang's departing figure, Su Mingyue seemed lost in thought.
Bai Lu then turned her gaze back to the map on the table, as if nothing had happened.
She said to Su Mingyue, "Lord Su, it seems we have a lot to do together."
Before getting back to work, Bai Lu's gaze shifted from the cold map to the vibrant and intelligent young woman before her, her eyes softening considerably.
“To be honest,” Bai Lu’s tone became more intimate, “seeing you reminds me of my daughters.”
"I really admire a younger generation like you. You are intelligent, courageous, and have a heart that is dedicated to the country and its people."
Su Mingyue was taken aback by the sudden personal praise amidst the tense work atmosphere. Her face flushed, and she quickly replied humbly, "You flatter me, Lady Bai. This humble official..."
"I am merely a theorist and have much to learn from you."
"No need to be so modest." Bai Lu waved her hand with a smile, a hint of longing in her eyes. "My daughters are all studying at Bailudong Academy in Qingzhou now."
“In the past, I only hoped that they could read and write, understand right from wrong, find a good family in the future, and live a peaceful and prosperous life.”
She paused, her gaze towards Su Mingyue filled with relief and emotion: "But things are different now."
"His Majesty has initiated the imperial examination for women, giving women across the land an unprecedented path."
“In the future, if my daughters are talented, perhaps they can also, like you, pass the imperial examinations, stand openly in the court, share the burdens of the country, and speak out for the people.”
“This is true glory for the family, more meaningful than marrying into any wealthy family.”
These heartfelt words warmed Su Mingyue's heart.
She never imagined that she would become the role model for the future daughter of this legendary marquis.
This expectation was more precious to her than any reward.
"Lady White Snake..." Su Mingyue was somewhat excited, but did not know how to respond to this great favor. In the end, she simply lowered her head shyly and said softly, "This humble official... will certainly not disappoint you."
Bai Lu nodded with satisfaction.
The council chamber of the mansion has been quite lively these past few days.
Bai Lu is responsible for managing the overall situation.
She formulated strategies based on her understanding of the people of the North and the temperament of the various Jurchen tribes.
Su Mingyue then helped with the analysis.
In the past few days, Su Mingyue arrived just in time to witness a lively scene: a Jurchen tribe had rioted in an attempt to earn more money, but... it was suppressed.
"Please take a look, Lady White Snake," Su Mingyue said, pointing to the map and analyzing, "The Hetu Ala caravan of the Blackwater Tribe has always traded with us for furs and medicinal herbs. Their prices are fair, and they have never had any bad reputation. They can be a key target for our support."
"While the Bayin caravan of the Changbai tribe has not directly committed any atrocities, it maintains close ties with a caravan that was recently wiped out due to a riot, and should be treated with caution..."
Bai Lu nodded in satisfaction: "I have heard of the leader of the Hetu Ala tribe; he is a visionary."
"can."
On behalf of the Marquis of Anguo, Bailu formally extended invitations to all reputable caravan leaders among the various Jurchen tribes.
The letter was written with great care and was full of respect and sincerity.
The letter reads: "The Great Wu and the Jurchen tribes drink from the same river and gaze at the same moon; they are brotherly nations."
“Recently, some unscrupulous individuals have disregarded integrity and corrupted the business world. This is not the fault of our Jurchen brothers, nor is it what Da Wu wishes to see.”
"Now that the chaos has been cleared, in order to revitalize trade routes and continue our mutually beneficial relationship, we cordially invite the leaders of various departments or their representatives to come to the Pingzhou Mutual Market Supervision Bureau in ten days to discuss new rules for the benefit of all generations."
After the letter was circulated, it caused a great stir among the various Jurchen tribes.
Instead of exerting pressure as a victor, Bai Lu adopted a humble attitude, referring to the other party as a brotherly nation and characterizing the incident as a joint effort to combat petty villains. This greatly relieved the tribal leaders who were initially somewhat apprehensive.
They felt respected, not threatened, by the Great Wu court.
Ten days later, carriages and horses streamed in and out of the government office outside Pingzhou City.
Dozens of Jurchen tribe representatives from the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River region arrived, dressed in their magnificent traditional costumes.
The border market was decorated in a dignified yet elegant manner, and was equipped with hot tea and exquisite pastries.
Bai Lu, dressed in a marquis's everyday clothes, and Su Mingyue, dressed in a blue official robe, personally greeted them at the door.
"Leader Wanyan Zonghan".
"How have you been?" Bai Lu smiled and bowed to a middle-aged Jurchen woman with a burly figure and sharp eyes.
Wanyan Zonghan was the leader of the Heishui tribe. He quickly returned the greeting, his voice booming: "You are a legend of Dawu, a hero admired by all Jurchen warriors."
"It is my honor, Wanyan Zonghan, to receive your invitation!"
After everyone was seated, Su Mingyue distributed beautifully printed booklets to them.
The booklet clearly outlines the new draft trade regulations, "Pingzhou Mutual Trade Rules," in both Chinese and Jurchen script.
"Distinguished leaders and representatives," Su Mingyue said in a clear and resonant voice, "His Majesty the Emperor of our dynasty and the Marquis of Anguo wish to establish a trade route that will allow everyone to make money."
"This Trade Rules is a testament to our sincerity."