Chapter 53 Extra 13

Another year later...

At breakfast, Ling Wei sat in the main seat, and Xie Zhuo naturally sat down next to her on the left, casually picking up a pancake for her.

Gu Qingyan arrived late, dressed in a crisp long gown. He naturally sat down to her right and gently pushed a bowl of perfectly cooked red date porridge in front of her.

Xie Zhuo glanced at him and scoffed, "Cousin Gu, you're up really early. This porridge must have been cooking for an hour, right? Getting old just means you need less sleep."

Gu Qingyan remained calm and smiled gently: "I can't compare to Cousin Xie's boundless energy. He patrolled all night last night and is still so energetic this morning."

He emphasized the word "last night," his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over a barely noticeable red mark on Ling Wei's neck.

Ling Wei lowered her head and drank her porridge, pretending not to hear.

Xie Zhuo was taken aback and said unhappily, "It's still better than some people who can only cook porridge and talk big!"

Gu Qingyan gently put down his chopsticks, looked at Ling Wei, and said in a gentle tone, "Weiwei, the official academy needs to organize a batch of newly arrived classics tonight, so I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to keep me company for a while."

As he spoke, he gently touched the back of Ling Wei's hand under the table with his fingertips.

Xie Zhuo immediately glared: "Organize the classics? I think you want to..." Before he could finish speaking, Ling Wei stepped on his foot under the table.

Ling Wei sighed and said, "Shut up, everyone, and eat."

That night, Ling Wei finally accompanied Gu Qingyan in his study to finish "organizing" the classics.

Back in the main courtyard, Xie Zhuo was sitting on her couch, wearing only his sleeping trousers, wiping his sword with an air of authority. His muscles bulged powerfully in the candlelight.

"Oh, our busy man has finally decided to come back?" he said sourly.

Ling Wei was too tired to speak and went to change her clothes.

Xie Zhuo leaned closer and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, and muttered with dissatisfaction, "What's so good about that old fox? He's so weak and frail, all he knows is to use those pretentious poems to coax you..."

Ling Wei slapped away his restless hands: "Stop fooling around, I'm tired."

Xie Zhuo, however, seemed to have been ignited with some kind of fighting spirit. He turned her around and looked at her intently: "Tired? Let me help you loosen up your muscles..." As he spoke, he tried to lead her to the couch.

Just then, Gu Qingyan's gentle voice sounded from outside the door: "Weiwei, you seemed to be coughing a little earlier. I asked the kitchen to make some loquat syrup. Would it be convenient to bring it in now?"

Xie Zhuo froze, cursed under his breath, and reluctantly released Ling Wei.

Gu Qingyan entered carrying a tray. Upon seeing the scene inside, his eyes darkened slightly, but he still smiled gently. He placed the loquat syrup on the table and said softly, "Drink it while it's hot to soothe your lungs."

Ling Wei lowered her head and took small sips of her drink. Gu Qingyan turned to Xie Zhuo, his tone calm but meaningful: "Cousin, are you going to break your promise? We agreed before that when Weiwei is busy with official duties, neither of us will stay overnight to disturb her."

Xie Zhu clicked his tongue in annoyance and raised an eyebrow in rebuttal: "That's just a way of showing consideration for my cousin."

We young people are full of energy; we can stay up all night without any problem.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyan simply gave a faint "Oh," then turned to look at Ling Wei, his tone gentle yet authoritative: "Weiwei, since my cousin says so, it seems I've been too reserved. So, I'll stay the night."

Xie Zhuo immediately became anxious: "You just..."

Before he could finish speaking, Gu Qingyan interrupted him calmly: "This month, it's my turn."

Xie Zhuo's chest heaved violently a few times, but he had nothing to say in the end. He could only turn around angrily and slam the door shut as he left.

That night, the candlelight in Ling Wei's room flickered until dawn.

In Ling Wei's chaotic memory, only one thing was clearly imprinted: someone repeatedly asking her in a wronged voice, "Weiwei... do you think your cousin is getting old?"

Ling Wei was too tired to speak.

...

In the spring of the tenth year of the Zhaoning era, the border cities were bustling with trade, all ethnic groups lived in harmony, and merchants and travelers came in droves. It had become the most solid barrier and the most prosperous pearl of the dynasty's northern frontier.

Ling Wei, a high-ranking official of the third rank and the inspector of the four cities who had guarded the border for many years, was ordered to return to the capital to report on his duties.

In the golden palace, Ling Wei presented a clear and effective strategy for border trade, education, and defense.

Empress Xiao Yue was overjoyed and immediately promoted him to the position of Minister of Revenue, a second-rank official, in charge of all the nation's money, grain, and taxes, and also in charge of educating the border tribes.

Over the next decade, Ling Wei was determined to reform the government. Her series of economic and educational policies greatly enriched the national treasury, improved the people's intelligence, and laid a solid foundation for a prosperous era.

Because of her outstanding achievements, in the twenty-first year of the reign of Emperor Zhaoning, the Empress defied public opinion and exceptionally promoted her to the position of Grand Secretary of the Cabinet of the first rank, giving her overall control of the government and making her the first female Grand Secretary in the history of the dynasty.

From then on, Empress Xiao Yue and Grand Secretary Ling Wei, these two women at the pinnacle of power, worked together as one to create a glorious era of peace and prosperity, where all nations paid tribute to them.

This period of history has been hailed by later historians as the "Prosperous Era of Zhaoning Phoenix Cry," not only because of its strong national power and flourishing culture, but also because it was an era in which the power of women was unprecedentedly displayed.

………

A brief incident that happened shortly after Ling Wei returned to Beijing:

Two exquisitely beautiful girls arrived at the venerable Duke Xie's mansion.

The two little girls ran hand in hand to the old Duke, who was sunbathing in the courtyard, showing no fear of strangers.

The old Duke looked at the two delicate-featured children, whose features vaguely resembled his grandson and the boy from the Gu family. He knew exactly what was going on, but he still deliberately put on a stern face and asked, "What are your names, you two little girls?"

The slightly older one looked up first, her voice clear and crisp: "My name is Ling Xi! Xi as in dawn!"

Hmph, the old Duke Xie snorted, and he knew it.

Another, younger, quieter girl chimed in softly, "My name is Xie Yun... Sunlight Yun."

Upon hearing this, Duke Xie was first taken aback, then burst into loud laughter, tears welling in his eyes, and exclaimed repeatedly, "Good! Good! Lingxi, Xie Yun! Morning light and sunshine, both are good names! Excellent! Hahahaha!"

He smiled, his gaze fixed on the distant location of the Grand Secretary's residence, and the last lingering doubt in his heart was completely dispelled.

...

Under Ling Wei's exemplary influence and with the Empress's persistent efforts, more and more women entered the court or local government to take up positions.

Gu Qingyu rose to the position of Vice Minister of Rites, overseeing the revision of regulations; Shen Qinglan commanded the Imperial Guards, his power shaking the capital; Qin Wan became the renowned "Gossip Censor," impeaching powerful figures without fear...

Women serving as officials is no longer a rarity; they have demonstrated extraordinary talent in various fields.

As a result, social customs also opened up, and more and more women went to school, engaged in business, or inherited family businesses.

Although constraints still exist, the path has been opened, and the sparks are gradually becoming a prairie fire.

In the fortieth year of the Zhaoning era, the accomplished Grand Secretary Ling Wei and others retired one after another, handing over the reins of government to a new generation of capable ministers.

Ling Wei lived in seclusion at a hot spring villa on the outskirts of Beijing. Xie Zhuo and Gu Qingyan were companions for life. Although they had no official title, they were known to everyone in the court and among the people.

In his later years, he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, especially his two daughters, Ling Xi and Xie Yun, who were both outstanding in talent and made achievements in both civil and military affairs, continuing their parents' glory.

In the winter of the fiftieth year of the Zhaoning era, the renowned minister Ling Wei passed away peacefully.

The Empress was deeply grieved and issued an edict posthumously conferring upon him the title of "Duke Wenzheng" and ordering him to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Beside her tomb, in accordance with her last wishes, two slightly smaller coffins were quietly placed.

A legendary life, now come to an end.

Later generations:

Throughout history, the era of "Zhaoning Fengming" has been a popular topic online due to its strength and openness.

In particular, the special relationship between the first female prime minister Ling Wei and her two husbands has become a top source of material for fan fiction and forum discussions.

"Latest research suggests that Gu Qingyan may be the hidden 'tea master'!"

"Nonsense! Xie Zhuo's wild and loyal nature is the eternal charm!"

Am I the only one who feels sorry for Her Majesty the Empress? Is her romantic partner her career or her love?

Netizens argued heatedly, with all sorts of imaginative interpretations emerging, giving this historical event a unique vitality through entertaining explanations.

...

On the eve of the closing ceremony of an international film festival in modern times.

"I got it! Tickets for the preview screening of Director Ling's 'Zhaoning Trilogy' final chapter, 'Phoenix Cry'!" A girl jumped up excitedly and hugged her companion.

The theater was packed.

When the screen lit up, all the viewers were instantly captivated.

The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful.

The grand panorama of court debates, the close-ups of subtle expressions under candlelight, the powerful camera movements during battlefield battles...

Each frame is like a meticulously composed classical oil painting.

In particular, her mastery of visual aesthetics has reached a state of perfection.

Xie Zhuo's fiery passion is expressed through rich, warm colors and dynamic compositions; Gu Qingyan's profoundness is complemented by cool lighting and subtle, restrained camera movements.

The tense yet ambiguous atmosphere was conveyed entirely through visual language, without needing to be explicitly stated, yet it already made the hearts of the entire audience race.

"My God, that eye contact shot! How did the director manage to film such a sophisticated level of sexual tension!" My companion clutched his chest and screamed softly.

As the movie ended and the lights came on, many people were still immersed in the ultimate audiovisual experience and emotional impact, unable to extricate themselves.

The girl breathed a sigh of relief and exclaimed excitedly, "Absolutely amazing! How did Director Ling manage to understand that era? She captured all those complex emotions—both subtle and unrestrained, restrained and passionate—into the film!"

"Yes, what a coincidence! The director's name is exactly the same as that legendary prime minister's, also named Ling Wei," his companion said casually, looking at the name on the poster.

The girl immediately shook her head, her tone full of admiration and certainty: "The name is a coincidence, but talent is unique."

In the film industry now, the name 'Ling Wei' is...

Her eyes shone as she spoke, word by word:

"It's a guarantee of top-notch aesthetics and box office success!"

Even as the event ended, the crowd was still engaged in lively discussion.

No one noticed that in the VIP passage, a woman wearing a baseball cap was being escorted away by staff.

Listening to the discussion behind her about the film's aesthetics and the director's name, she put her hands in her pockets and whistled softly.

The truth of history lies buried in time, open to interpretation.

The legend of director Ling Wei shines brightly in every shot she takes.

The next world, the camera is ready.

(The End)

.

.

.

.

Author: Ququ

Is this world awesome enough? (To those of you who are reading this far, please give me a playful "wall slam"!)

Hmm? (Lifts your chin with his finger) Speak!

The next world will be different in modern times, and things won't be as enjoyable as they are now. Just a heads-up (runs away with a pot on his head).

(Runs back with a pot on his head) Because ancient schemes for succession are a bit brain-draining, the next world will be written in a more abstract and lighthearted way.

Stay tuned!

When the first world ended, only one person was reading it. Now, with the help of my fellow readers, I've finished the third world (yes, I came back to write this after finishing the third world).

(Kneels down with a thud) Thank you so much!!

Hope you enjoy watching!

The rating is up to you! Initially, this book started at 6.7, and I was worried it would fizzle out, so I told you guys not to give it a bad review if you didn't like it. But now it's 9.2, and it feels like it can withstand any scrutiny. It's really standing up for itself!

(Not really) (Please don't give me a bad review if you can see through my forced vulnerability) (See you in the next world)

(Thank you) (bows and exits)