Chapter 66: They are just trapped by something...

After leaving Gao's house, Zhao Changning's expression did not change much.

Yunsheng couldn't guess whether it was good or bad, so he asked while driving, "Aunt, what did Prime Minister Gao say?"

Zhao Changning closed his eyes wearily. "He probably won't object anymore."

In fact, Dayong was rich, but where the money went was known to the entire court, including the emperor. However, relying on investigating corruption to make money would only cause chaos.

If we don't open up a new path now, we will be doomed sooner or later. Zhao Changning knows this, Gao Yun knows this, and the emperor knows this too.

Otherwise, how could she, a female secretary, stand in the court so quickly? In this case, apart from trust, it was more of a matter of necessity.

When she thought of Gao Yun's frail and old appearance, she felt a little sad. Why did he still want to hold on to the power at such an old age?

However, it is understandable that power is so attractive.

Just like her, she spoke righteously and selflessly in the court, but in fact she had only one goal, which was to gain power and promotion.

Her purpose has never changed. Whenever she encounters a roadblock, she will definitely pry it open.

As winter came, the Yujing City seemed to have lost its color and became lifeless, with only the raging cold wind blowing.

Although Gao Yun took sick leave and stayed at home, and never spoke again about opening the sea, the majority of people in the court still held opposing views.

At this time, Wumu Tusi was about to return.

It was Zhao Changning who went to see him off again.

The sound of carriages and horses rumbled across the bluestone road, and the sound of bustling streets with people jostling each other was heard. In a trance, I seemed to see snowflakes falling.

"It's snowing." Zhao Changning said with a smile, "Chief Wumu, this is a good sign. I'm sure your journey will be smooth."

Wumu Tusi looked out the curtain solemnly. "I've only seen a few snowfalls since I was a child. This trip to Yujing is truly worthwhile. Thank you for your care during this time."

Zhao Changning turned around and sat down, then took out a long sandalwood box from behind the chair.

"Master Wumu, I know the emperor has given you many valuable gifts this time, but Changning has thought about it for a long time and still wants to give you a gift alone."

A smile appeared on Ebony Toast's thin face, "What is it?"

Zhao Changning opened the sandalwood box and found a dagger inlaid with gems inside.

"We have a saying here that a sword is a gift to a hero. I admire the fact that Wu Mu Tusi, a mere woman, has shown such brilliance. I think this sword is very suitable for your status."

Wu Mu Tu Si shook his head slightly, "You are not right."

"Oh?" Zhao Changning was surprised.

Wumu Tusi took the box, took out the knife from it, and said with a smile, "Among my people, women are the main force. Only where women are willing to stay, will the mountains bloom and bear fruit, and only then will they prosper and grow. So, what you said is wrong. What's so strange about being a woman? Why do you single it out and talk about it as if it's some big deal?"

Zhao Changning had never thought about such a question and was stunned for a moment.

Wu Mu Tusi gently stroked the gem on the hilt. "This knife is a bit like the women of Yujing. It looks beautiful, but it's actually useless. It's not convenient to use it to slaughter beasts or skin them."

Zhao Changning came back to his senses and couldn't help laughing. "What Wu Mu Tusi said is not true either."

Ebony Tusi looked at her curiously with his deep eyes, as if he was willing to listen.

Zhao Changning said: "The reason why Chief Wumu thinks so must be because he has seen those ladies recently. They are elegant and beautiful in their clothes, and they seem to have nothing to do all day long. But you only see their appearance, but not their inner qualities, and their presence at home. A family or even a clan is managed by clan wives. Eating, drinking, defecating, urinating, social interactions, and trivial matters in the backyard are all their business. Some of them are good at accounting, some are good at employing people, some can do things, some understand music, some can do beautiful embroidery, and some even know martial arts. They are gentle and generous, and very useful. Behind every official in the Dayong court, there is a sensible and capable wife. They are just trapped by some things, just like the snow that we are accustomed to seeing, but it is rare in your place. The way of survival is different. Chief Wumu, I wonder if you can understand what I mean?"

Wumu Tusi listened carefully and thought for a moment before speaking. "You're absolutely right. The women of Yujing live differently from us, and their upbringings are even more different. I was narrow-minded, and I apologize."

Zhao Changning waved his hands repeatedly. "I'm the one who should apologize. My words just now weren't very appropriate. Please don't take it personally, Wumu Tusi."

"No, thank you for your gift. I will keep it well." Wu Mu Tusi smiled and said, "You are different from many people, especially the women here. Oh, and Zhou Miao and Song Huan, they are also a little different."

Zhao Changning pursed his lips and smiled, "You think I'm different because the things that can trap them can no longer restrain me."

Wu Mu Tusi nodded in understanding. "I know you've become an official. We have a saying in our area: Those who support their families won't argue about how much salt to put in their dishes."

Zhao Changning nodded, "Yes, that's the truth."

Power is so wonderful. If women and men fight for it together, who will care about that little bit of power in the backyard?

"Oh, by the way, you gave me a gift, so I should give you a gift in return." Ebony Chieftain took off the bracelet on his wrist.

"No, no, no, Chief Wu Mu, you are too polite." Zhao Changning waved his hand to refuse.

Wu Mu Tusi was very persistent and a little angry. "I gave you a return gift to show that I want to be your friend. If you don't accept it, it means you look down on me."

Zhao Changning had no choice but to take it. He saw a slightly worn red rope strung between the two ends of a white crescent moon about the length of a finger. Upon closer inspection, he saw that it was carved with strange patterns.

"Is it ivory?"

The Ebony Chieftain nodded slightly. "In our area, elephants are our totems. They are smart and lively, clever and cute, and they are intelligent. Moreover, the leaders of the elephant herds are always female elephants. They help each other and never quarrel. They always extend a hand of friendship to their fellow tribesmen. The most peculiar thing is--"

She smiled at Zhao Changning and said, "Elephants mourn for their dead, even those they don't know. Their cries of grief can transcend the cold snow-capped mountains and fly across endless rivers. Of all animals, only elephants share the same rich emotions as us humans. Changning, if you saw this, you would be moved to tears."

Zhao Changning was also shocked. Just by listening to the words, he felt that he was feeling the same way, and a look of longing appeared in his eyes.

"One day I must go and see what you say. It's really amazing."

She carefully placed the ivory bracelet in her purse, her eyes sincere, "Changning thanks Wu Mu Tusi for the gift. Your words touched me deeply."

Wumu Tusi smiled and said, "Have you encountered any difficulties recently? I heard from Zhou Miao that the officials in the court do not agree with your proposal."

Zhao Changning felt a little embarrassed, "That girl even told you this?"

"That's nothing." Pride flashed across Wumu Tusi's dark, resolute face, his thin body straightening. "Women are born to be the link that continues all life. You're very clever, and you'll definitely get what you want."

Zhao Changning said gratefully, "Then I'll take advantage of Wumu Tusi's good words and this snow to wish me all the best."

The first snow of this year covered the entire Yujing City. The entire imperial city was also made of ice and jade, as if the world was only white.

Zhao Changning was about to set off for Jiangxi on this snowy day.

Finally, the emperor suppressed all the rumors and opposition voices, not only promoted Zhao Changning to a higher level, but also decided to open the sea, and designated a ship.

It was not until then that the officials in the court realized that the emperor had brought up this matter just to let everyone know that the rules had actually been set long ago.

Everyone vaguely felt that there were many differences between the emperor and the previous emperor.

Zhao Changning knew that this was to make up for the last time she took down the Wan family. Promotion was a good thing. Starting from the fifth rank, she would be able to enter the court in the future.

The emperor placed the imperial edict in Zhao Changning's hands, his expression returning to its former cold and solemn state. He said sternly, "This time, your mission is paramount. Changning, I trust you."

Zhao Changning straightened up from his knees, raised the imperial edict high in his hand, and said in a loud voice: "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. Changning will definitely live up to your expectations."

After she reported her itinerary to the Honglu Temple, she made a special trip to bid farewell to the Queen. Finally, after calling Xiaoshun and the others to give them some instructions, she took Anyi, Yunsheng and two female officials out of the palace.

"This time we have the Imperial Guards escorting us. It may be a little cold, but at least we're not afraid of danger. Let's go to Shui'er Lane to rest tonight and then we'll set off early tomorrow morning."

Yunsheng smiled and said, "Aunt, even if there is no one to escort me, I will go with you."

Anyi teased, "With your small body, what can you do if you follow?"

Yunsheng glared at him fiercely, then turned his back and ignored him.

The two female officials were not very familiar with everyone, so they just smiled while listening to these funny stories.

Mingxuan naturally knew about this and bought vegetables in advance, waiting for Zhao Changning to come back.

When Zhao Changning saw that it was him who opened the door, he was stunned for a moment. They parted on bad terms last time, and now thinking about it, it was a little affected by his mood.

She smiled at him and nodded slightly, then looked at Grandma Xu and took out a purse from her sleeve.

"Take this money first. I'm going to Jiangxi this time and I don't know when I'll be back."

Granny Xu was very reluctant to let you go. "You're a girl, why did you run so far? You won't be in danger along the way, right? The New Year is almost here, ah..."

After Zhao Changning comforted Grandma Xu for a few words, he went to rest and did not come out until dinner time.

Mingxuan poured her a bowl of millet and pumpkin porridge and said gently, "Grandma Xu and I are very worried about you. If you get to Jiangxi, please send a letter back to let us know you're safe. That will also reassure us."

Li Yunqiu was gnawing on a bone while looking at Zhao Changning, and worry seemed to be written in his watery eyes.

Zhao Changning couldn't bring himself to refuse, so he nodded and said, "I will."

When she went to wash up, she heard Mingxuan pulling Anyi and Yunsheng in the yard and telling them to take care of her stomach and not let it get any worse. The journey was long and arduous, and it was impossible for her to be lucky enough to meet a doctor all the time.

Yunsheng listened very carefully, and even asked in detail what foods were good for the stomach. He took a booklet and wrote them down one by one, very seriously.

The next morning, before daybreak, the sound of horses neighing could be heard in Shuier Lane.

Zhao Changning put on his hat and walked out of the alley, where he saw two carriages waiting for him.

Song Huan and Zhou Miao popped out of the car at the same time, their little faces surrounded by snow-white rabbit fur, their smiles blooming. "Aunt, you're going to Jiangxi for business, how can you not take us with you?"

Zhao Changning laughed. He thought it was so cold that the two of them didn't want to go together.

The Imperial Guards surrounded the convoy and moved away slowly. The light in the early morning was dim, and soon the carriages, which had turned into smaller dots, completely merged into the night.

In the corner, Taiping rubbed his eyes sleepily, "Master, shall we go back? You still have to go to the palace to teach later."

Mingxuan hummed casually, his gaze lingering for a long time.

The winding journey of more than 2,000 miles took Zhao Changning and others nearly two months. She felt that she was worrying too much about her safety. At this time, even the bandits were afraid of not going out.

When they arrived at Nanchang Prefecture, the New Year was approaching and everyone except the Yulin Guards was exhausted.

Song Huan and Zhou Miao were also extremely haggard. It was now the middle of winter, and it was not like when the weather was good and they could travel by water. Now the water route was blocked and it was difficult to travel by land, but the two of them did not complain at all.

Zhao Changning looked at the two female officials and Yunsheng who were unable to stand up, and said weakly and briefly, "Rest well."

After resting for a day and regaining some energy, he took the imperial edict and went to the Nanchang government office.

The prefect of Nanchang Prefecture had already received the news, but his attitude towards Zhao Changning was lukewarm.

Zhao Changning had no time to care about it, nor was he too lazy to understand the contempt in his eyes. After informing him, he rushed to Jingdezhen without stopping.

At this time, another snow fell. After hurrying for a while, it was already New Year's Eve. Everyone settled down sadly in the post house in the county town.

The postmaster was still complaining. He really couldn't understand why there was such a fuss during the New Year. Were the people under him inhuman?

The group knew they were being unreasonable, and even though they were sent by the emperor, they could only lower their heads and listen to him mutter.

Song Huan and Zhou Miao also brought their maids this time. The girls helped the female official, and everyone was very clever and actually bought some flour to make dumplings.

Everyone knew how to make dumplings. Even Anyi, a big guy with rough hands, could make dumplings quite well. Only Zhao Changning didn't know how to make dumplings. After she broke five dumpling wrappers in a row, everyone stopped her from wasting food.

He spoke very nicely, telling her to rest and not to get too tired.

Zhao Changning really didn't know how to do it, so he could only sit and watch. Seeing that everyone had lost weight, he couldn't help but say guiltily, "I was too impatient. I should have waited until spring to set off."

The smile on Zhou Miao's face did not change at all, and two shallow dimples even appeared on his slightly thinner cheeks.

"How could that be? This is my first time celebrating New Year's outside. I don't have to kowtow to so many people, nor do I have to explain why I didn't get married. It's quite comfortable, but a little cold."

Song Huan also said: "Aunt, please come over earlier and solve the problem as soon as possible. When we finish it smoothly, it will be spring when we return. How wonderful it will be."

Zhao Changning was infected by the optimism of the two girls.

Unfortunately, setbacks came very quickly.

Because it was Chinese New Year, the county government office was closed and even the county magistrate was nowhere to be found. This was not so difficult to deal with, so Zhao Changning thought of visiting the wealthy porcelain manufacturers as a way to wish them a happy new year. However, none of them were at home.

As a second best option, I went to look for the small household, but they said they were not there. They either said they were visiting relatives or simply ignored me.

Moreover, the money that should have been sent by the Ministry of Revenue long ago has not arrived yet?

The toes knew it was intentional.

These dogs kill talent.

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