Concubine Yun reminded Lang Xuan to talk to Yuanyang and show her goodwill.
Lang Xuan went happily.
Because we definitely benefited from their influence.
Yuanyang was very easygoing and said with a smile, "Ninth Miss, you flatter me. We'll have to take care of each other along the way."
Lang Xuan found her to be gentle and kind, and felt a desire to befriend her. But let's leave aside the fact that they were all traveling together towards Liaodong.
Linlin set off a few days earlier than them, and at a rapid pace, so she traveled faster and didn't have a chance to meet them along the way.
The censors, seeing that Linlin had been "exiled" to Liaodong, temporarily stopped pressing him for the time being.
However, they started meddling in other people's business.
As the supreme ruler, how could the emperor have only one empress in his harem?
Speaking of the Empress, there are so many things to complain about that the censors didn't know where to begin.
The day the emperor ascended the throne was also the day the ceremony for the empress's investiture was held.
Everything was proceeding smoothly and efficiently.
In such solemn situations, even whether one steps forward with the left or right foot is watched by the etiquette officer, for fear of making the slightest mistake.
But the Emperor, on the other hand, completely abandoned all the "script" and helped the Empress up to the throne.
The Empress seemed to hesitate for a moment.
But the Emperor was lying through his teeth, saying, "That's how it should be. Tangbao, don't turn around, you're afraid of heights."
Tang Zhuyun: Really? How come I didn't know I was afraid of heights?
But her fear of heights wasn't the main point; the main point was that he helped her up, and the two of them stood together on the high platform.
Tang Zhuyun thought to herself, "Look, our ancestors were still very progressive. Although they didn't necessarily advocate gender equality, at least they gave their wives enough respect in this situation."
Unfortunately, the wisdom of our ancestors has been distorted by their unworthy descendants, leaving only the dregs of the "husband is the head of the household" mentality.
However, when she stood on the high platform and looked down at the assembled officials, seeing the expressions on their faces—some shocked, some angry, some hesitant—she immediately understood.
This is Emperor Wen; he's adding more drama to her story.
Oh, it's not worth it.
She wasn't one to seek the limelight, nor did she live for the opinions of others; there was no need for her to drive these old folks to the brink of despair.
However, as a woman, the vanity is always especially satisfied by the special pampering and arrangements from a man.
Unexpectedly, the censor's guns were aimed directly at her.
--The emperor's harem is empty, and he needs to recruit more concubines to ensure the continuation of the royal family.
Emperor Wen Wen's imperial edict: The sons of the retired emperor are only Prince of Yuping, Prince of Yong, and myself. I, on the other hand, already have four princes, who have surpassed their fathers; that is enough.
--The Empress's exclusive favor in the harem stemmed from her jealousy, making her unfit to be Empress.
Emperor Wen: My empress, who are you to presume to judge? Who in your family is worthy of being empress?
This was somewhat infuriating; who would dare reply?
--The Emperor's excessive favoritism towards the Empress has led to her interference in court affairs. Like a hen crowing at dawn, she may inadvertently support the Tang Family, causing their influence to grow too powerful and threaten the Yuwen's rule.
Emperor Wen: The Empress never interferes in court affairs; otherwise, why would I be so burdened by official duties?
Oh, right, you've reminded me, my brother-in-law hasn't taken up a post since he resigned!
A messenger arrives with an imperial edict appointing Tang Baixin as Minister of Ministry of Personnel, in charge of official promotions.
Let's see if those gossipers dare to do it again.
That's how I am. If you try to compete again, I'll have Tang Baixin for you. If you fail the test, you'll be sent home to sell sweet potatoes!
Although Tang Zhuyun could vaguely guess that someone must have brought up the matter of establishing a harem, she didn't bother to inquire about it.
Why bother asking about things that make you unhappy?
She won't compromise anyway.
She still has to keep poking those old guys in the lungs!
Because she was planning to open a girls' school.
This girls' school certainly wasn't about teaching the virtues of gentleness, kindness, respect, frugality, and humility; rather, it was about teaching them the skills to make a living.
She has a small goal: to maximize the improvement of women's status over the next fifty years.
This is a difficult task, and the extent to which it can be accomplished is unpredictable.
But even if it's just a small step in the end, isn't that progress?
She had a long life ahead of her, but she was bored.
I tried it before when I was in the border town, and I encountered a lot of problems, but I solved them all one by one, so it was a good start.
But the situation is somewhat different now.
Although Emperor Wen ascended the throne and became the supreme ruler, he received more attention than before.
Some censors couldn't survive without finding fault with the emperor.
Her actions were tantamount to handing a knife directly to the censor.
But we'll have to come sooner or later, so let's scout ahead first.
Ren Yingying didn't make it to Liaodong, but seeing that Yuanyang was already determined to fight, she felt relieved.
She's been going to the palace every day lately, discussing matters related to women's education with Tang Zhuyun.
As the Lady of the State, and with the favor of Tang Zhuyun, she had no obstacles in entering and leaving the inner palace.
Qu Nian was no longer able to function, so he was very resentful.
This Lady Zhenguo has dug a deep pit for herself!
Otherwise, wouldn't Ren Yingying be able to spend every day with him?
Yanran wasn't in a good mood either.
She wanted to go to Liaodong but couldn't, so she was naturally disappointed.
Cui Xiaoqiu is fine, and lately she's been rarely going to the Imperial Academy, spending almost every day with him.
Hearing knocking on the wall early in the morning, Cui Xiaoqiu laughed and said, "That's good."
Then Yanran's spirited face appeared on the wall, covered in sweat. "Then hurry up. I just finished practicing martial arts. I'll go back, wash up, and change my clothes. Let's go out to eat."
"Don't use cold water," Cui Xiaoqiu instructed.
The only reply he received was a voice that had been running further and further away, "I know! You nag like my mother, hahaha..."
Cui Xiaoqiu shook her head helplessly, but her eyes held a look of doting affection.
Cui Run came out of the house carrying a basin of water, his face conflicted.
Cui Xiaoqiu glanced at him and said, "Brother Run, you need to prepare well for next year's imperial examination. From now on, let others do these things."
Cui Run replied, "I must not forget my duty; I have only passed the imperial examination and become a scholar."
"Did your mother agree to your third uncle's request to adopt you?"
Cui Xiaoqiu's third uncle had no sons and had always wanted to adopt a child from the clan, but he couldn't find a suitable one no matter how hard he looked.
Now he has his eye on Cui Run.
Cui Xiaoqiu found it utterly absurd, but it's said that the Lady Gao was somewhat tempted by the proposal.
After all, adoption means that Cui Run will be able to inherit everything from the third branch of the Cui Family.
Property wasn't a big deal; Lady Gao felt she wasn't that short-sighted. But those were legitimate descendants of the Cui Family...
Cui Run looked embarrassed after hearing Cui Xiaoqiu's words.
I disagree.
His mother had indeed agreed and was trying to persuade him, but Cui Run remained unmoved.
He felt he still had some integrity.
He's still his father's only son! If he's adopted, who will carry on his father's family line?
He felt that the mother in front of him was a stranger.
Cui Xiaoqiu said, "I think you could consider it."