Zheng Quchi initially thought Yuan Xingzhou was joking, but to his surprise, the appointment letter and official robes arrived the very next day.
Suspecting it was fake, she took the "appointment certificate" and tried to read through the awkward text. It contained her background and resume, as well as the signatures and seals of the presiding official and the person in charge. It was so formal and rigorous... It couldn't possibly be fake.
With his only hope dashed, Zheng Quchi pouted.
She plans to return to her hometown after resolving everything in Shengjing, so that she can contribute her remaining energy to the construction of a new Fuxian County and begin a new chapter in farming.
...But things took a turn for the better, and instead of writing about farming, she was going to get involved in engineering construction.
She was familiar with civil engineering, but she still planned to decline, mainly because she felt that such an inexplicable appointment was highly unreliable, especially to a woman.
She had already inquired, and there had never been a case in Ye Kingdom of granting official positions to women.
This is not allowed by ancestral rules, not allowed by bureaucracy, and probably not even allowed by basic human ethics. Although the malice towards women in this era is not that great, and it is not to the point of fully implementing male superiority over females, it is still far from the point of gender equality.
Therefore, if she accepts this appointment, it is equivalent to accepting a path arranged for her by Yuan Xingzhou that defies the world. She will have to face all kinds of prejudiced views and opposing voices, and then she will be the only woman among all the civil and military officials, like an outcast.
If a powerful woman from another time were to experience this situation, it would be her dream come true. She would fight her way to the top and rise to the top. But this tech geek just wants to use technology to change her life, earn money to support her family, and contribute to world peace.
But she didn't see Yuan Xingzhou; he sent a censor to brainwash her.
Her official position was not as important as she imagined; it was just a sinecure, something she could take when needed and leave when not.
In addition, some of the ministers who rebelled with Empress Ye were beheaded by His Highness the Crown Prince, and a large number of them are still imprisoned and awaiting trial. The last group simply doesn't have the time or inclination to pay attention to or oppose the appointment of a sinecure. Therefore, she doesn't need to worry about being harassed or discriminated against.
Finally, His Highness obtained the Divine Wood Dream from Empress Ye. If she wanted the Divine Wood Dream, the best thing she could do was to rebuild the palace for His Highness and his future queen.
She asked, puzzled, "Why were only the Zichen Palace and Kunning Palace burned down?"
"Oh, it was His Highness who did it."
Zheng Quchi: "..."
"General's wife, oh no, it should be Master Zheng, Lord Zheng. His Highness is eager to move into his new palace. We hope you can take up your post tomorrow and do your utmost for His Highness and his future queen's residence."
Seeing that there was no longer any excuse to refuse, Zheng Quchi immediately changed his mind and tried to get the treatment he deserved: "What rank is my position as Grand Master of Crafts? Do I have any subordinates? How much is my salary?"
"Although the Grand Master Craftsman is ranked among the Nine Ministers and is in charge of civil engineering affairs, he is appointed when there is work to be done and dismissed when there is no work to be done. His subordinate officials include Assistant, Chief Clerk, and Registrar, all of whom are of the third rank and have a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain).
"A salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain) is quite a lot," Zheng Quchi's eyes lit up immediately.
The official also thought so: "Of course there will be plenty. If you do a good job, there will be additional rewards. For example, if you do an outstanding job in building palaces, ancestral temples, and royal tombs, His Highness will reward you accordingly."
"...Okay, okay then." She was captivated by the allure of money. After thinking for a moment, she asked again, "Then where will I live from now on?"
"Doesn't Lord Zheng have his own residence? It seems the General has a house in Shengjing..." the official asked in surprise.
Her relationship with Yuwen Sheng was like pure water, completely innocent. To be honest, she never inquired about his substantial wealth, nor did she intend to monopolize or enjoy it.
However, she certainly can't stay in the Eight Departments Palace in Renyuan Star Continent forever. After he resolves the matter of Ye Hou and her group plotting to kill Ye Wang, he will naturally ascend the throne as the new king. As the new king, he will naturally have to live in a new palace. If she really takes on this position, she should start construction as soon as possible.
After the censor left, Zheng Quchi sighed deeply.
"Becoming an official? I never dreamed such a day would come."
He was overjoyed again.
"Mom, I've made it big! I became a high-ranking official in ancient times."
I'm worried again.
"If the Kingdom of Ye is destroyed, where will I find such good working conditions?"
He was indignant again.
A man's words are like a deceitful devil.
He used to say that if he became king, he would make her queen. Now, just because she offended him, she's been reduced to a lowly laborer.
Although she never intended to become his queen.
Later that evening, Yuan Xingzhou sent someone to deliver the Divine Wood Dream to her. After confirming that it was correct, she asked Liu Chaiji, who was preparing to go home, to take it to Brother Sang.
Yuan Xingzhou said that all he needed to do was grind a little into powder, mix it with water, and feed it to Sang Yaomei. This would control the Gu poison for a period of time, and Sang Yaomei would be safe and sound until the Shenmu Dream was completely used up.
After resolving this major concern, Zheng Quchi, having ascertained his workplace the following day, planned to clock in, familiarize himself with the area, and learn about the specific responsibilities of the Grand Master Craftsman.
But as soon as she arrived at Hualin Garden, she saw several people with red characters tied to their foreheads and white headscarves rushing out. They were dressed in official robes and stood angrily at the entrance of Hualin Garden, seemingly discussing and denouncing something. Their emotions were running high.
Doesn't this look like an angry protester carrying a flag in the street in modern times?
Zheng Quchi hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and politely asked, "What are you all doing gathered around the entrance of Hualin Garden?"
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
