Mrs. Du was angry and anxious. Did he know what he was talking about? "Husband, what do you mean?"
Du Shuai looked at Mu Wanqing, who had an indifferent expression, and felt more satisfied. "Pick a wife for Ze'er. Princess Qingping is excellent in every aspect and is very suitable to be the mistress of our Du family."
Mu Wanqing's ability and talent are enough to support the Du Mansion and the Dusi Mansion.
"The daughter-in-law is chosen by the mother-in-law..." This is tantamount to slapping Mrs. Du in the face, implying that she has poor taste.
Du Shuai really didn't trust Mrs. Du's ability and vision. She had been married into the Du family for so many years, but she hadn't even cleaned up the backyard.
This made him very disappointed.
The man is the breadwinner and the woman is the homemaker. He would not interfere in what happens in the backyard. However, reality tells him that his wife has been completely exploited and she has not yet reacted.
He recalled his parents' words, which were still ringing in his ears.
My parents have long told me that love is nothing, the most important thing is suitability.
The mistress of Xiliang is capable and scheming, but his wife is nothing but kindness, generosity, gentleness and consideration.
It's okay to marry into an ordinary family or an ordinary official, but it's not okay to marry into the Du family.
But, now that things have come to this, he can only help to make amends.
If the wife is not capable, then find a smart and capable daughter-in-law to fill the gap.
As soon as the daughter-in-law comes home, let her take over everything and let Mrs. Du retire completely to enjoy her old age.
"No need for you."
Madam Du had not yet noticed the man's disdain. "My husband, I can hold a grand banquet and invite all the noble ladies in Xiliang. I can pick one with good character and appearance..."
She wants to choose a good woman she likes, who is gentle and virtuous.
They were discussing the marriage in public. Mu Wanqing, one of the parties involved, was extremely calm. She took out a bag of mung bean cakes from somewhere and ate them leisurely, as if she was not involved.
Madam Mu was originally quite nervous, but seeing her daughter so calm... forget it, she couldn't make the decision.
The other party's face flushed, anxious and nervous, and he secretly glanced at Mu Wanqing several times. "I don't want it, father, mother, you don't have to worry about me, I have my own ideas."
No one knows a child better than his mother. Mrs. Du naturally saw that her son was interested in Mu Wanqing, but she strongly opposed it.
Mu Wanqing is too opinionated and capable, and her son cannot control her, and might even suffer injustice.
"Zer, you are the only male in the Du family. If anything happens to you..."
Du Shuai shouted coldly, "What nonsense are you talking about? Don't you think it's unlucky?"
Mrs. Du also knew that she had said the wrong thing. Some things are better if you understand them in your heart. "I'm just saying. If it doesn't work out, choose two concubines to start a family."
She said this on purpose, wanting Mu Wanqing to give up.
But as soon as she finished speaking, everyone looked at her strangely, and she felt a little uneasy. "What's wrong? What did I say wrong?"
Du Shuai sighed silently. His parents were against the marriage back then, and now it was his wife's turn to oppose it. It was like a cycle.
Du Shaoxuan couldn't help but get anxious. His mother was going too far. Not only was she not helping him, but she was also holding him back.
"I wish to find a person who loves me and will be with me till we grow old together. I wish to marry only one woman in my life and never have two lovers."
As he said this, he looked at Mu Wanqing without blinking, his expression extremely solemn.
Everyone present noticed something was wrong, and Madam Mu was so shocked she was speechless.
Mrs. Du couldn't help but get anxious. "Zer, you are not only the male of the Du family, but also the young commander of the Du family army. It is your responsibility to have more children. The Du family needs many children."
The more she acted like this, the more Du Shaoxuan resented her. "Then why not let father take in a few more concubines and have a few children?"
Mrs. Du shouted without thinking, "How can that be possible?"
Well, this is the famous double standard. The husband is not allowed to take concubines, but he tries hard to force women into his son.
There was a glimmer of disappointment in Du Shuai's eyes. He really felt a little regretful. There is a reason why they should marry someone of equal social status.
Du Shaoxuan was also very uncomfortable, "Wanqing, just pretend you didn't hear anything and ignore it."
Mu Wanqing didn't want to get involved in the first place, so she just watched the show from the side.
But, Du Shuai asked, "Princess Qingping, you haven't answered my question yet."
The scene was silent, and everyone was looking at Mu Wanqing.
Mrs. Du wanted to speak, but was glared back at by Du Shuai.
Mu Wanqing picked up a piece of mung bean cake and nibbled it slowly, then took a sip from the teacup leisurely. When everyone was waiting anxiously, she spoke slowly.
"Instead of being the mistress of Xiliang, it is better to be the highest political official of Xiliang, formulate all policies and decide the future direction of Xiliang."
She was not interested in marriage and did not want to be completely tied to the Du family.
Once she got married, she became Du Mu in the eyes of others. She looked at the glorious mistress of the Du family, but she was not even worthy of having her own name.
The achievements she has made no longer belong to her alone, but to the Du family.
People will only think that everything she has belongs to her husband's family.
No matter how many achievements she made, they were all thanks to the Du family. It was the Du family that supported her and gave her face. She had no way of explaining herself.
She doesn't want this!
She wanted to do something big and exciting, wanted everyone to see her existence, and wanted everyone to know her name, Mu Wanqing.
Rather than so-and-so’s wife, so-and-so’s mother, or so-and-so’s daughter-in-law.
She said bluntly, "General Du, you are an expert in leading troops to fight, but not so good at people's livelihood. I am just the opposite. I have unparalleled talent in managing people's livelihood and building cities. I am a rare genius in a century."
Du Shuai was stunned. She was so bold to speak and to brag.
"How bold." Mrs. Du was a little annoyed.
Du Shaoxuan, however, burst into laughter, and his laughter was extremely cheerful. The reactions of the family of three were completely different.
Mu Qing looked over and raised her eyebrows, "What are you laughing at? Is there something wrong?"
Du Shaoxuan gave her a thumbs up, "Yes, absolutely right, that's right, you are a genius, you are both literary and martial, you are extremely smart, you are unparalleled in the world, you are the light of Xiliang."
He was so flattering and fawning that Coach Du couldn't bear to watch. Was this really his cold and proud son?
Mu Wanqing's eyes curved into a smile. It must be said that Du Shaoxuan was very good at praising people.
Du Shaoxuan looked at Du Shuai and said softly, "Father, don't you really want to consider it? Otherwise, let her try."
He has many shortcomings, but one huge advantage is his tolerance and magnanimity.
He did not have any thoughts that belittled women, nor did he have the outdated idea that women could not participate in politics.
As long as he is convinced, he will respect it.
This is also one of the foundations for him to get along well with Mu Wanqing.
Du Shuai shook his head slightly, "There is no such rule."
"Rules are made by people and are meant to be broken." Du Shaoxuan knew that Mu Wanqing wanted to be an official. She was not obsessed with being an official, but wanted a bigger platform to display her talents.
"Father, ask yourself, if Mu Wanqing was a man, would you recruit her?"
Yes! This was Du Shuai's first reaction. Mu Wanqing is indeed very talented.
"But she is a woman, son. No matter how good I am at fighting, I cannot beat those civil servants in the court. I cannot afford to offend them."
Once the civil service groups unite, even the most talented people will be brought down to dust.
What's more, a military general like him dare not offend ministers in the court easily.
Those civil servants are too insidious and cunning. Just the fact that they hold up military funds is enough to make him suffer.
Du Shaoxuan frowned slightly. It would be more legitimate if he could attack the emperor and let the emperor issue an order.
Mu Wanqing also thought of the same thing, "Master Du, tell me, if I bribe the emperor, will he give me an official position?"
Du Shuai: …She is very bold! Throwing money at it? Are all geniuses so imaginative?
He wanted to say no, but the words changed when they came to his mouth, "You can try."
Mu Wanqing's eyes rolled around, and she was very smart. "Well, a million probably won't do, how about ten million?"
Everything has a price, including one's conscience.
Du Shuai: …
He was tempted, okay? Tens of millions, the military expenses of Xiliang area for more than ten years.
"Thank you, Lady County, for your generosity last time. I would like to thank you on behalf of the Xiliang soldiers." General Du was very impressed by her generosity, and it was definitely not because she gave too much.
"Is there anything you want?" This is considered a reciprocity.
Mu Wanqing's eyes lit up. Is there such a good thing? Not bad, Du Shuai is a particular person.
She thought about it for a moment and got it. "I want a plaque written by Du Shuai himself, for Mu's Academy and Mu's Kindergarten. I want two!"
I didn't mention the snack street or Shuimu Farm, but mentioned these two, which has its own profound meaning.
Du Shuai never expected that she would make this request. This girl... always exceeds his expectations. She is worldly-wise but not worldly-wise.
"My handwriting is not as good as that of a scholar. You can ask the emperor for help and ask the ministers in the court to write one for you."
Mu Wanqing refused rudely, "No, I don't know them. It's better to ask the emperor for his calligraphy than to ask them for it."
"Besides, how can the things I asked for be bad? I have a good eye and have never failed. Please write two for me."
She flattered him lightly, and the usually serious Du Shuai couldn't help but smile. Ordinary people would think it was materialistic and flattering when they praised him, but when Mu Wanqing praised him, well, smart people just have vision.
"Why don't you ask the emperor to write it? He should give you this honor."
Mu Wanqing shook her head slightly, "I want to ask him for another favor."
Du Shaoxuan looked at her with concern, "What's the matter?"
Mu Wanqing curled her red lips slightly and uttered five clear words, "Marriage autonomy."
There was silence at the scene. Du Shaoxuan was stunned. In fact, she knew everything.
Madam Mu cried out uncontrollably, what is this kid talking about?
Mu Wanqing had a sad face. "I can't help it. I'm too good. As time goes by, the brilliance on my body will become harder and harder to conceal. Sooner or later, a large number of people will target me. I have to ask for an imperial decree before that happens."
Her self-boasting words coupled with her exaggerated expressions were extremely funny and made people laugh.
Although she was clearly rejecting the marriage proposal, Du Shuai had no ill will towards her. She really was a very smart person.
"You might as well get married sooner, then no one will target you, and you can do your job with peace of mind."
Mu Wanqing said openly, "I haven't grown up yet. I won't think about marriage before I'm eighteen."
Du Shaoxuan asked anxiously, "Why eighteen years old?"
Others would be ashamed to talk about their marriage, but Mu Wanqing talked about it very generously, as if she was discussing the most ordinary thing.
Anyway, as long as she is not embarrassed, it is others who are embarrassed.
"I've read medical books. A girl's body is not fully grown until she's 18. Early marriage is bad for her health. I'm a person who values life very much."
Du Shaoxuan was silent for a moment. It turned out that she was not rejecting him, but everyone. This made him feel much better. "Then we can get engaged."
"No, I'm a man who does great things. Men will only hinder my speed in drawing the sword."
Du Shaoxuan:……???
Du Shuai:……!!!
When the wallflower Mrs. Du was full of doubts about life, what did she hear?
Beijing, Imperial Palace Study
General Du's memorials and letters were all delivered to the emperor. After he finished his work, he opened the memorials and read them. "Huh?"
"Father, what's wrong?" The prince looked concerned, because Du Shuai was his uncle.
The emperor looked very strange, "Someone donated two million silver coins to Xiliangdusi Mansion as military expenses in my name."
Prince: ...There are strange things every year, but this year is the most.
"You didn't say who it was?"
The emperor shook his head slightly, picked up the letter from General Du next to him and opened it. There was another letter inside, and the envelope was addressed to him by His Majesty the Emperor himself.
When the emperor saw the familiar tune, he was stunned. Mu Wanqing?
Wasn't it Du Shaoxuan's job to help Mu Wanqing smuggle the goods? Why did Du Shuai do the same? Could it be...
He opened Mu Wanqing's letter, read it for a while and then smiled. It was still Mu Wanqing's usual style, light-hearted, free and easy, and verbose.
"It was indeed donated by Mu Wanqing. She didn't keep a single cent of the money from selling the waterwheel and donated it all in my name. Her loyalty is commendable."
I have to say, this trick made the emperor very happy.
The eunuch came in with a pile of memorials, "Your Majesty, these are all reports from the censors that Princess Qingping privately sold waterwheels to the enemy country. This crime is unforgivable."
The emperor and the prince looked at each other with complicated expressions. Was this just a coincidence?
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