As night deepened, Gu Yaoniang and Lu Zhaoan emerged from the council hall of Princess Ruining's residence close to dusk. Several of Princess Ruining's advisors also came out with them.
Princess Ruining's face was rosy and she seemed pleased. Because there were other people present, she did not personally accompany the two of them as they walked to the gate of the mansion.
Gu Yaoniang and Lu Zhaoan walked along the corridor of the princess's residence, strolling leisurely towards the outside.
Linlang led the way at a distance that was neither too close nor too far ahead, while Afu, Bitao, and the others followed behind them at a similarly respectful distance.
Gu Yaoniang and Lu Zhaoan walked under the eaves, the dim yellow light casting a charming glow on their figures.
Are you scared?
Lu Zhaoan asked a question out of the blue.
Gu Yaoniang was stunned for a moment, but then she suddenly understood.
It must be referring to what just happened.
Just now in the council hall, Princess Ruining summoned everyone to discuss the matter of commercial drafts.
Princess Ruining had previously shown great interest in commercial notes, believing them to be a beneficial thing for the country and its people. Today's discussion was about what the proper procedures should be if the Ministry of Revenue were to issue commercial notes and promote them throughout the Dacheng Dynasty.
If this succeeds, it will be a major event for the nation. It must be taken seriously.
However, Princess Ruining seemed to be wary of Prince Qing, judging from her words. Although she didn't say it explicitly, those present were either confidants or close friends. They either already knew, or they understood without needing to say it.
Actually, this is hardly a secret. The Emperor favors Princess Ruining as his successor, but there has never been a precedent for establishing a Crown Princess in the Great Han Dynasty. Even the Emperor cannot act arbitrarily.
Prince Qing was the only son of the emperor and the direct descendant of the empress, so he was naturally seen as the rightful heir to the throne, and he undoubtedly had the most supporters in the court.
But as the emperor's chosen successor, how could Princess Ruining be content to be subordinate to someone else? One can imagine what would happen to a once-chosen successor if she failed to ascend the throne.
Moreover, Princess Ruining was a woman.
Women, in turn, face even greater scrutiny. Princess Ruining, however, not only desired to ascend to the highest position herself but also to protect and elevate the women of the world.
The brotherhood they shared in the past was genuine, and so is the wariness they feel now.
Now, Gu Yaoniang and Lu Zhaoan have chosen sides.
So Lu Zhaoan would ask if he was afraid.
Gu Yaoniang shook her head, then nodded: "I'm afraid. But we have to keep moving forward, don't we?"
Only Princess Ruining could bring about the peaceful and prosperous era she desired.
Women have been lying low for too long. They shouldn't have been hidden behind men. The new policies, though promulgated, haven't yielded much effect.
Although this is partly because women are not able to stand up for themselves nowadays, it is also because there are no women among those in positions of power.
Now that the Gu family's wealth has become entangled in the power struggle between the two princes, there is no way they can withdraw peacefully. Therefore, they must choose the option that is most advantageous to them.
Besides, she and Princess Ruining are friends...
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"Gentlemen, do you have anything else to report?"
It was the day of the grand assembly.
The main hall of Mingde Hall was quiet and solemn. Civil and military officials stood in two rows, dressed in different costumes.
The emperor's gaze swept around the hall, and seeing that no one else stepped forward, Eunuch Dengbao, who was standing to the side, flicked his whisk and was about to announce the end of the court session.
Emperor Zhenlong, having shaken off his fatigue and regained his spirits, was ready to leave the throne as soon as Dengbao spoke.
Just then, Prince Qing stepped forward, presented the winning tile in his hand, and announced loudly, "Your subject has a report to make!"
A fleeting look of disappointment flashed across Emperor Zhenlong's eyes, noticed only by Eunuch Dengbao, who was standing nearby.
The emperor seems to want to rest after the court session.
He thought to himself.
Sure enough, the emperor, like himself and others on duty, both wanted to rest as soon as possible when attending court; there was no difference between them.
Prince Qing and Princess Ruining stood at the front of the procession. Prince Qing stepped forward, glanced around at the court officials, and then spoke: "Your Majesty, I have a report! Recently, something called 'commercial notes' has appeared in the capital. I have heard that the Gu family and the Lu family are exchanging notes using the old method of exchanging bills, calling them 'commercial notes.' When the two families conduct business, they directly use commercial notes as currency."
"oh?"
Emperor Zhenlong was clearly interested in this matter, and leaned forward slightly, signaling Zhao Yang to continue.
Princess Ruining, standing to the side, had a rather complicated expression.
How did Prince Qing find out about this? Was it all a coincidence?
Prince Qing paid no attention to the reactions of the people in the hall, or perhaps he simply didn't care. He continued, "Your subject believes that commercial notes are convenient. For long-distance trade, they can reduce the risks for caravans, decrease merchants' expenses, and ease their payment terms."
If this could be issued by the imperial court, endorsed by the Ministry of Revenue, and widely used among the people, it would greatly benefit the development of our dynasty's commerce and trade—a truly beneficial thing for the country and its people!
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