Chapter 842 A Dream of Youth 374
Seeing the ball being thrown back, Xie Ning looked at Madam Liu with a half-smile, "Birds that fly high die from delicious food, fish that swim in deep springs die from fragrant bait. There is a saying in military strategy: 'A strong army attacks its general, and a wise general attacks his emotions.'"
It seems Madam Liu is well-versed in military strategy.
As Xie Ning finished speaking, Madam Liu realized that she had truly miscalculated. She had thought that her plan from that night had worked, and she had come here happily, but she never expected to be questioned.
However, having been immersed in the business world for many years, he knew that his flattery had backfired, but he remained relatively calm.
However, he immediately showed fear on his face and quickly slid down to kneel in front of Xie Ning, pressing his forehead tightly against the slightly damp bluestone floor.
"I was busy with affairs the other day, and I was worried that you had been drinking since you went to a banquet. That's why I asked Erlang to bring you some hangover soup. You are a person of noble birth. If I had to send it to an ordinary servant, wouldn't that be disrespectful to you?"
Lady Liu quickly devised a plan, but then, remembering Xie Ning's status as a female official, her body relaxed abruptly, and she spoke with a cautious yet admiring tone,
"Lord Xie is so heroic, many men in the world cannot compare to him... Since childhood, Liu Wu has wondered why men can have three wives and four concubines, while women must remain chaste?"
Xie Ning raised an eyebrow, chuckled softly, and rested her chin on her hand, gesturing for her to continue.
Seeing that Xie Ning had taken an interest, Liu Wu felt more at ease. She couldn't be sure if Xie Ning was the same kind of person as her, but she was certain of one thing: Xie Ning had to be capable and ambitious to get to where she was today.
For a woman in a high position, she has already reached the same level as some men in high positions, but the constraints imposed on her by society are even greater.
They will feel it is unfair, they will want to break free from these constraints, at least they can stand on a level playing field, they will pursue gender equality, and they will pursue equality of identity with the world.
The process of people driving social development is also a process of pursuit, and no one knows where the end will be.
Liu Wu is a woman, and also a businesswoman.
In feudal times, people were divided into different classes, and among those of equal class, women were considered inferior to men.
She bent her back repeatedly, but only to those of higher status than herself. For men with whom she could sit at the negotiating table, she never lowered her head.
She was never afraid of other people's foul language, because she could say things that made the other person feel even more ashamed. She was also not afraid to go to brothels. If they could choose courtesans, then she could not only choose courtesans, but she also dared to choose male prostitutes!
If the man is not ashamed but proud, then why should she feel ashamed?
Other wealthy businessmen might give gold, silver, jewelry, or beautiful women, and she could do the same, as long as she could achieve her goal. She was just more generous than other wealthy businessmen.
Nobody has it easy. She was just giving those people more options. The choice is theirs. Liu Wu didn't think selling one's looks was shameful. It's a skill for others to make a living with their looks!
She was merely providing a stepping stone; Liu Wu felt their relationship was one of mutual benefit and cooperation.
She doesn't force anyone; her main focus is on voluntary participation. As a result, Liu Wu's subordinates are exceptionally good at "attracting business." Among them, her second son is the most handsome. He only needs to stand at the entrance of the fabric shop, and a large number of ladies and young women from the inner quarters will go to their fabric shop to buy things just to catch a glimpse of the beauty.
Bringing Liu Erlang along when discussing business will make the process smoother.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but look up and secretly glance at Xie Ning, but unfortunately, he was not interested in men.
Xie Ning felt both surprised and delighted. Although she thought Liu Wu's path was somewhat unconventional, in such a society, Liu Wu's breakthrough regarding her gender and identity was commendable.
Pure white pear blossoms, like clouds, linger around Jinxiang Pavilion. Delicate butterflies, accompanied by the spring breeze, land on the exquisite jade screen, as if they were already part of the embroidery.
Xie Ning picked up a fallen pear blossom from the table and gently placed it in Liu Wu's palm. "I know you struggled to grow up like an orphan. It wasn't easy to maintain the family business, let alone build it up. No one taught you, so you learned by yourself."
Others indulge in revelry and do whatever they want in business, from visiting prostitutes to bribing officials. You follow suit, believing you have the same status, wealth, and power as them, so you think you can do it too. This allows you to integrate and feel smug when you surpass others in this area.
Of course, those immersed in this view these as the 'default rules' of the trading arena.
You think so too now, don't you?
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