Chapter 41 Extra 1 (Additional update)

In the second year of Zhaoning, General Zhenbei Shen Wei decisively defeated the main force of the barbarians, and the border was temporarily stabilized.

How to achieve long-term stability and security became the focus of court discussions.

Ling Wei stepped forward and proposed a "mutual market" strategy: to establish official markets on the border to exchange tea, silk, salt, and iron for their cattle, sheep, and horses.

No sooner had he finished speaking than an old minister stepped forward with a frown to object: "Lord Ling's suggestion is not unheard of in the previous dynasty. The barbarians are insatiably greedy; they come when there is a market and rob when there is a shortage, their behavior is fickle. How can we forget the lessons learned just because of a temporary victory?"

This Lord Ling is still a bit too young.

He stroked his beard and thought casually that her success in supporting the emperor was her good fortune, but the intricate national policies in the imperial court required seniority and experience, which she could not easily comprehend.

Ling Wei seemed to have anticipated this, and calmly replied, "Minister Li is absolutely right. However, I believe that the border trade should not be a simple matter of opening a market for buying and selling as in the previous dynasty. A threshold must be set up—"

Her voice was clear and resonant: "Those who wish to enter the market for trade must send a 'Permanent Envoy for Border Trade' to the border city I designate."

This person must undergo a three-month "border trade training" program in our dynasty, learning the language, laws, and trade regulations. Only after passing the examination can he be granted a certificate to open trade channels for his tribe.

In the future, only 'resident border trade envoys' will be eligible to make purchases.

"Nominally it's a training program, but in reality..." Ling Wei paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, "it's about teaching them to recognize our writing system, understand our rules, and admire our civilization. It's about making them know what 'trust' is, what 'profit' is, and what 'what is forbidden' is."

These 'resident envoys' are the best seeds. In time, they will understand that following the rules is more profitable and sustainable than burning, killing, and looting.

She concluded, "This move is both a means of control and an act of education. It uses trade as a means of assimilation. If the barbarian tribes want to benefit, they must first abide by our rules."

There was a moment of silence in the court, followed by a suppressed buzz of discussion. Many of those who had just been watching the drama began to lower their heads and ponder.

Past border strategies were nothing more than a cycle of "war" and "peace," bound by outdated methods. Who would have thought that "trade" and "education" could be so meticulously woven into a net?

Those who can stand on this golden throne are all the best of the best who have fought their way out of millions of people. As astute as they are, they immediately realized the amazing feasibility and enormous power contained within it.

An official then raised a question, his tone thoughtful: "Lord Ling's plan is brilliant, but each tribe only sends a few 'resident envoys.' Even if they are successful in their education, wouldn't that be a drop in the ocean among thousands of barbarians? How can it shake the very foundation of their tribes?"

Seeing that someone was following her train of thought, Ling Wei smiled slightly, clearly having prepared a response beforehand, and calmly replied, "This 'resident envoy' is not the end, but the beginning, the spark."

"Once this policy has been implemented and shown initial results, our dynasty can establish a 'border trade qualification certification' system."

“Among the various barbarian tribes, regardless of their social status, anyone who is fluent in our language and script, memorizes our trade laws, and passes the examinations established by our dynasty can be awarded the ‘Trade Seal’ certificate.”

"With this golden seal, the person and their caravan can enjoy more favorable transaction prices, priority in purchasing, and even permission to enter more and more important official markets for trade."

Simply put, anyone who wants to be friends with our dynasty should get a qualification certificate before they come.

Her gaze swept across the room, her voice clear and alluring:

"Imagine, when a tribe can gain ten or even a hundred times more benefits simply because one person holds a 'golden seal'... will the tribal leaders and people continue to believe in brute force, or will they turn to 'knowledge' and 'rules' that bring tangible benefits?"

"At that time, without my coercion, they will compete to learn my culture in order to obtain this 'passport.' This 'golden seal' is the lever to shake the foundation of their tribes. What we need to do is not to send people to educate thousands of barbarians, but to make thousands of barbarians come to learn my rules and ask for my certification."

The court fell silent once more, before erupting into even more heated whispers.

The official who had just asked the question stood frozen in place, muttering, "...This isn't education; this is a scheme within a scheme..."

Even Minister Li, who had initially refuted her, now completely abandoned his contempt and looked at Ling Wei with unprecedented shock and scrutiny.

This tactic goes beyond simple appeasement or force; it involves tailoring an irresistible set of rules to exploit human nature's pursuit of self-interest, subduing the enemy without a fight.

The ministers who had just thought Ling Wei was naive now looked at her with completely different eyes.

Among the civil officials, Gu Qingyan's fingers, gripping the jade tablet, tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white.

He gazed at the radiant figure in the hall, his eyes swirling with emotions—a mixture of amazement, shock, and a bittersweet blend of loss and pride.

She has reached such a height that her thoughts and considerations far surpass those of others.

Now no one objected.

The Empress smiled slightly; she knew it. Ling Wei's mind had never disappointed her.

He then inquired about the candidates to go to the border to oversee the trade and to manage the four border cities.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

The border region is harsh and cold, the responsibilities are heavy, and it is far from the center of power, making it a hot potato.

Moreover, the new policy has just been introduced. Although it sounds very feasible, if it is not handled well, one's whole life may be wasted in that remote corner.

At this moment, the leader of the die-hard faction, Lord Wang, stepped forward.

With an upright expression of recommending worthy men for the country, he said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that Lord Ling is well-versed in the essence of this strategy, and being young, promising, and willing to take on responsibilities, he is truly the best choice!"

He was most opposed to women entering the court, but because of the Empress's iron-fisted rule, and because he was extremely protective of his reputation, he never dared to openly oppose her. He only dared to do some underhanded things behind her back, making sarcastic and annoying remarks.

It must be said that men are truly gifted when it comes to scheming and manipulating others.

This is something Ling Wei only discovered after she entered officialdom.

Ling Wei thought to herself: This old guy is still holding a grudge from this morning.

This morning at court, he was being sarcastic again, criticizing their modified official uniforms—which looked more streamlined due to the narrower cuffs—and saying they "lost their masculine dignity and were improper."

As a result, they ganged up on him and almost made him faint.

[Remembering the Morning Court - Mini-Theater]

Lord Wang: "For women to serve as officials is already a violation of ancestral rules! Now even their official robes are being altered to look effeminate and flamboyant. What kind of decorum is this!"

Ling Wei (smiling): "I heard that Lord Wang has recently shortened the length of his court robes by three inches?"

Su Jingyu (suddenly realizing): "Oh~ so it was to appear taller?"

Shen Qinglan (looking him over carefully): "Indeed, Lord Wang has a dark complexion, and wearing vermilion will only make him look even darker. We can only work on the style of the garment."

Ling Wei (looking innocent): "Lord Wang, after working together for so long, how can you still not understand? We are women, and we have never thought that 'looking like a man' is a compliment, nor do we have to imitate men. Times have changed, and it's time for you to open your eyes and see."

Gu Qingyu (as if suddenly realizing something): "Weiwei, what are you saying! Lord Wang's small eyes are a natural feature, how can you say that he hasn't opened his eyes yet!"

The surrounding officials struggled to suppress their laughter, while Lord Wang's face turned purple with anger.

[End of flashback]