Chapter 181 Chapter 181 Equality between Men and Women
"Master Fu!"
A clear female voice interrupted the joy of reunion after a long separation. Du Qingtang looked in the direction of the voice and saw a pretty girl in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts looking at her curiously.
The girl's eyes were so pure that even when she was looking at him, she didn't seem offensive. She looked more like a round-faced cat secretly observing a strange two-legged beast.
Chang Xia tilted her head to look at Du Qingtang, her eyes curved with a smile: "Sister, you are so beautiful!"
Du Qingtang: “…”
Honglu Temple official: "......"
Isn't this girl too familiar?
Also, what is she wearing? It's totally disgraceful and disgusting!
Fu Ci coughed lightly, trying hard to suppress a laugh, and introduced Chang Xia, "This is the Marquis Wen'an you've been thinking about all the way."
Chang Xia's eyes lit up: "So you are the Marquis of Wen'an. You built the train we are riding, right?"
Du Qingtang was pleased by her blatant admiration in his eyes. He smiled and nodded, saying yes.
The Minister of Rites' eyes darted around, not daring to look at Chang Xia: "Master Fu, Master Du was promoted to Duke Wen a few days ago."
Fu Ci was stunned: "Huh?"
Chang Xia didn't understand so he asked, "Duke Wen?"
"Duke is one of the noble titles in our dynasty, higher than Marquis Wen'an," Fu Ci explained to Chang Xia, smiling, "Congratulations on your promotion, Xianyu. I also heard about your promotion from Governor Su of Hangzhou. I guess the news hasn't reached them yet."
Du Qingtang expressed his understanding, patted Fu Ci's arm, and looked at the envoys from various countries who were also looking at him with curiosity. He bowed and said, "Welcome to Daxia. I am Duke Wen of Daxia, and I have come to greet you on the orders of His Majesty."
After the translation was made, the envoys from various countries suddenly understood and bowed.
“So she was the one who built the train!”
"She's such a remarkable woman."
"I always thought that Marquis Wen'an was a tall and fierce warrior. There's a saying in Daxia that describes her very aptly: Don't judge a person by their appearance."
"...You idiot, you can't judge a person by his appearance!"
Fu Ci, who was fluent in many languages, said, "...It's windy here. Let's go to the posthouse first. We've been on the train for several hours and everyone is tired."
Du Qingtang raised his hand and gestured: "The car is ready, everyone please follow me."
The translator conveyed that envoys from various countries followed Du Qingtang out of the train station with gifts to be presented to His Majesty the Great Xia.
Four public buses were parked on the tracks outside the train station, and five hundred imperial guards stood around them in a protective posture, like unsheathed swords, their edges exposed.
Everyone exclaimed.
"Can we still take a bus? That would be awesome!"
"What a grand reception! It seems His Majesty of Daxia values us very much."
"These guys are pretty much the same as our country's warriors. I really want to have a sparring match with them if I get the chance."
Chang Xia cheered as he boarded the bus, not forgetting to call out to Chang Xiao: "Brother, come quickly! I saved a seat for you!"
Chang Xiao and his companions carried the gifts prepared for His Majesty the Great Xia. Their arm muscles were taut, strong and muscular, full of masculinity. Their voices were loud and powerful: "Here we come!"
The Shaoqing of the Honglu Temple was so shocked by the shout that his head buzzed. It took him a long time to recover. He rubbed his ears, rubbed them secretly, observed Chang Xiao's muscles, and then touched his own.
You can feel a piece of fat through the official robe, let alone muscles, and the word "strong" is not even related to it.
The old Shaoqing of the Honglu Temple blushed and withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened: "It's so cold and you're wearing so little. Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"
The Minister of Rites could hardly disagree: "Master Ruan, did you notice how those women were dressed? They were wearing shorts and tops like the men, with their arms and legs bare. I accidentally caught a glimpse of them as they got off the car. It was truly terrifying."
"And their hair, six out of ten of them have short hair, which is really disgraceful."
Du Qingtang ushered the last envoy into the car and happened to hear this conversation. His eyes turned cold and said, "Every country has its own customs and habits. Visitors are guests. As the host, Daxia should respect and tolerate them."
"Many envoys can understand Daxia's official language. You guys are so outspoken and gossip about others behind their backs. Are you trying to make friends or enemies?"
Du Qingtang's cold gaze was as real as substance, which made the official from the Honglu Temple shudder. His exposed skin felt stinging and his face was burning with pain.
"If I find you talking nonsense again, I will petition His Majesty to have someone else receive the overseas envoys."
The Minister of Rites' face paled slightly, and he quickly pleaded for mercy: "Please calm down, my Lord. I know I was wrong. I simply had never seen such a thing before... I couldn't help myself. There won't be a next time!"
Several other officials made promises and were almost swearing to heaven.
It is a great honor to show up in front of overseas envoys. If the negotiations are successful and other countries establish diplomatic relations with Daxia, it will be an even greater achievement.
If they were driven back, they would become a laughing stock among the officials and their official careers would be cut short.
Du Qingtang's expression eased slightly: "Let's go to the posthouse."
The official from the Honglu Temple breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and followed obediently.
Four cars started and drove to the post house in the east of the city.
Although they had ridden on a train before, the envoys from various countries still had a curious expression on their faces. They touched the seats, touched the glass windows, and even put their faces against the glass windows to look at the scenery outside the windows, and exclaimed from time to time.
"Although it's not as fast as a train, it feels pretty good too. It's smoother than a horse-drawn carriage or a donkey-drawn cart, and not bumpy at all."
"I don't know if Daxia sells this kind of car. I really want to buy a few and ship them back. Anyway, our ship is big enough and can definitely accommodate them."
"When I meet His Majesty of Daxia, I'll take the opportunity to ask him."
The public bus left the train station and headed towards Xiajing City.
Changxia's entire face was pressed against the glass window. The hot air he exhaled blurred the window and his face was wet.
She looked around curiously and asked questions boldly from time to time.
"What are those green things in the field?"
Fu Ci answered every question: "It's wheat, a crop that can be made into flour. The buns, noodles, and wonton wrappers you eat at noon are all made from it. It can also be used to make wine."
"Nanzhao doesn't have wheat, and we don't eat steamed buns or noodles. We like to eat meat. Beef, mutton, wolf meat, and snake meat are all good for strengthening the body. In addition to meat, we also have sweet potatoes and corn, which are also good for filling up."
"But your buns are delicious, sweet, and very filling. When you leave, maybe you can buy some seeds to take back to Nanzhao so that the people of Nanzhao can also taste the flavor of wheat."
Fu Ci nodded: "You can go to the seed shop, but there are many things to pay attention to when growing wheat..."
Fu Ci spoke eloquently, the translator was responsible for conveying his message, and the messengers were whispering to each other, making the carriage very lively.
The public bus passed by Huangzhuang. Among them, Liulichang was closest to the track. Craftsmen were firing glass products at this moment. Dozens of kilns were emitting wisps of green smoke, covering the sky and the sun, which was very spectacular.
The blonde, blue-eyed woman touched the smoke through the car window, but felt her hand was cold. She turned her head to look at Duke Wen who was sitting next to her, chattering incoherently with a few words of poor Daxia official language.
Du Qingtang looked at the translator, who relayed, "Ms. Gina asked you what that is."
"It's a kiln for firing colored glass." Du Qingtang tapped the car window with his finger. "This is also made of colored glass."
Gina gave a thumbs up and chattered.
The translator relayed, "Miss Gina said you're amazing. People in her country love Daxia's glassware. Her Majesty, in particular, has her bedroom filled with glassware, and she doesn't allow anyone to touch it; she cherishes it very much."
Du Qingtang curled his lips and said, "I'm glad you like it. There's a Liulifang in Xiajing City. I can have someone take you there tomorrow."
Gina smiled and nodded, her blue eyes like a gentle ocean.
The officials from the Honglu Temple had strange expressions on their faces, as if they had heard something horrifying.
"Queen?"
"It should be equivalent to the emperor of Daxia."
"A woman can actually become an emperor?"
"This is too..." The Shaoqing of the Honglu Temple subconsciously wanted to condemn, but suddenly remembered Du Qingtang's warning. He swallowed the words back and said dryly, "It's unbelievable."
Du Qingtang glanced at them and said nothing.
This is just the beginning.
Just by looking at the attire of overseas envoys, you can tell that the customs of their countries are very open.
Looking at those women again, they have relaxed postures and exude confidence from the inside out. They don’t care about the strange looks from others. It is obvious that they have received an excellent education and are tough and strong inside.
They are not at all shy in front of men, nor do they bow down or fawn on them.
It can be inferred from this that most of these women's countries practice gender equality.
Du Qingtang glanced at the officials from the Honglu Temple. It was time to give the men of Daxia a little shock about gender equality.
......
While we were talking, a public bus drove into the city.
The moment they entered the city, the conversation stopped abruptly and all the messengers looked out the window at the same time.
"Are those gray houses made of cement? Besides paving roads, it can also be used to build houses?"
The Minister of Rites nodded in agreement: "Cement is very hard, so it is very safe to build houses with. It is also earthquake-resistant and will not collapse even if there is an earthquake."
"Earthquake?"
Fu Ci explained: "It's the earthquake in your country."
"I see!" The brown-skinned, black-eyed man looked at Du Qingtang and sighed from the bottom of his heart, "Your Duke Wen is very powerful."
After hearing what the translator said, Fu Ci chuckled, but the Minister of the Ministry of Rites was very depressed.
After all the talk, the topic always comes back to Duke Wen.
There's nothing we can do about it. It's because she has made so many remarkable achievements that most of the things that have amazed overseas envoys were created by her.
"Xiajing looks even more lively than the previous Hangzhou City."
"Look, there's a public bus ahead!"
The messengers in the first car stuck their heads out of the windows or out of the seats and looked around curiously.
Coincidentally, the people in the front car accidentally discovered that there were many foreigners sitting in the car behind, and they also stuck their heads out and looked back.
The overseas envoys and the people of Daxia looked at each other from a distance, and the former waved enthusiastically with a bright smile.
The people were startled and quickly retracted their heads, patting their chests with lingering fear.
"Mom, their hair and eyes are different from ours. They look so weird."
"Their skins were so white that they seemed to glow in the sun."
"Some were so black as coal balls that I couldn't even see their facial features. When they grinned at me, their teeth almost blinded me!"
"Have you noticed? The one sitting in the first row seems to be Duke Wen."
"It really is Duke Wen."
"So Duke Wen and the generals left the city to welcome those foreigners?"
"Obviously."
The people calmed themselves down and looked out the window again.
Since they were brought into the city by Duke Wen, they must be good people, so it doesn't hurt to take another look at them.
On the public bus that receives foreign guests, several envoys still stick their heads out.
Their eyes met, and the messenger waved enthusiastically, showing his snow-white teeth.
"How about we say hello to them too?"
Everyone looked at each other, and a few brave ones waved their hands.
The messengers laughed even more happily.
The people's expressions also became more complicated, with a hint of amusement amidst their vigilance.
"They don't look very bright."
"Rather than saying that, it's more like I simply like our Da Xia."
"Daxia is good everywhere, so naturally everyone loves it!"
The people smiled with pride, and their laughter echoed throughout the carriage.
In the last car, the messengers withdrew their heads contentedly and chattered non-stop.
"The people of Daxia are just as warm and friendly as Master Fu."
"I like Daxia!"
Du Qingtang listened to the translator's message, exchanged glances with Fu Ci, and they both smiled.
-
After an incense stick of time, the public bus stopped at the door of the post house.
Du Qingtang looked at the officials from the Honglu Temple in the back seat and said, "Help the envoys settle down as quickly as possible. Don't talk too much and do more. Don't let your own mistakes affect the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries."
The official from the Honglu Temple did not miss the strong warning in Du Qingtang's tone. His scalp tingled, and he responded weakly, "Don't worry, sir. We will be careful with our words and actions."
Du Qingtang then instructed Fu Ci to arrange for the translators for the envoys from various countries: "Your Majesty has ordered that the envoys be taken on a tour tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. All expenses will be paid from the Ministry of Revenue."
These translators were originally soldiers of Hangzhou Prefecture. When they went to sea with the fleet, they were smart and learned quickly, so they went from being guards to one-to-many translators.
They didn't know what official position Du Qingtang held, but just because Du Qingtang was granted the title of Duke at such a young age, they could infer that she had a very high status, which was a good thing.
Du Qingtang thought about it and decided to find time to propose to Emperor Qingyuan that perhaps a military parade could be held and overseas envoys could be invited to observe, in order to demonstrate the country's national prestige and military power and deter other countries.
The overseas envoys got off the car in an orderly manner. Du Qingtang planned to send Fu Ci to Duke Wen's mansion for resettlement first, and then return to the palace to report.
Just as he was about to speak, he met Fu Ci's smiling eyes. Du Qingtang was confused: "What's wrong?"
Fu Ci smiled and said in a long tone: "Master Du, you really have great authority."
Du Qingtang: “…”
Du Qingtang glanced at Fu Ci unhappily and hooked her finger, and the latter got out of the car behind her.
The envoys from various countries had all gotten off their carriages and entered the post station under the guidance of officials from the Honglu Temple.
Du Qingtang then spoke, "I happened to hear those officials nodding and commenting on the overseas visitors, so I warned them."
"No wonder they look so timid." Fu Ci tutted his words, his tone not without sarcasm. "If you ask me, some people just don't know how to appreciate the good things they have. They're so rude. They should go overseas for a while. Those female warriors will definitely teach them a lesson."
Du Qingtang asked with interest: "It seems that I was right. Overseas countries practice gender equality."
"This is the case in most countries and tribes." Fu Ci scratched his head, pondered for a moment, and added, "In addition to gender equality, some places still practice male superiority over female, or vice versa, but none of them are as severe as the oppression of women in Daxia."
In the past few years, I have traveled to more places and gained more knowledge.
In Fu Ci's opinion, among all the countries, the women of Daxia are the most miserable.
Those concepts of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues and chastity are more terrifying than ghost stories. They are like soul-locking ropes that bind women tightly, hooking their souls and taking their lives!
The most terrifying thing is that many women don’t think there is anything wrong with this.
They are enslaved without knowing it, and they are trying to enslave the next generation, causing their daughters and granddaughters to repeat their tragedy.
"Don't worry, it will be alright." Du Qingtang said soothingly, and then said, "His Majesty said that you should return to the palace tomorrow to report on your duties. You should go home with me first, take a shower, change clothes, and have a good sleep. There will be a welcoming banquet tonight, and you and I will go to the palace together then so that we can take care of each other."
go home.
Fu Ci muttered these two words in his mind, chuckled softly, and affectionately took Du Qingtang's arm and shook it twice, which attracted the attention of the officials of the Honglu Temple.
"I'm a little tired. I've been drifting on the sea for nearly two months. Although I'm used to the bumps and rocks of the voyage, I still don't dare to sleep too deeply for fear of pirates hijacking the ship."
Du Qingtang asked, "Are there many pirates?"
"It's not that bad, but those pirates were crazy. They didn't even care about their lives to rob us. They destroyed ten of our ships." Fu Ci didn't want his friend to worry, so he changed the subject. "After being at sea for a few years and coming back, I feel that Daxia has changed a lot. I almost didn't recognize it."
"After a few days of rest, I'll show you around. It's just some inanimate objects, so you'll be fine once you get used to them." Du Qingtang took the reins from the Imperial Guard and ruffled Zhuifeng's mane. "My elder sisters are all in Xiajing. You'll see them around twilight hour. They miss you terribly and talk about you all the time. They'll definitely be happy to see you back."
Fu Ci turned his head: "What about you?"
Du Qingtang was stunned for a moment before he reacted. He jumped on his horse and stretched out his hand to Fu Ci: "No."
Fu Ci held Du Qingtang's hand, used the force to sit on the horse's back, and snorted softly: "You say one thing and mean another."
"You ask even though you know the answer." Du Qingtang shook the reins and rushed out at full speed.
Fu Ci exclaimed, leaning back due to inertia, and quickly grabbed both sides of Du Qingtang's waist belt: "Present the jade!"
Du Qingtang responded nonchalantly, and took Fu Ci through the streets and alleys back to Duke Wen's Mansion.
Fu Ci looked up at the black plaque with gold characters and sighed, "How magnificent! I never thought I'd be able to live in the Duke's Mansion in my lifetime."
"It's just a house." Du Qingtang threw the reins to the doorman and led Fu Ci inside. "Your yard is on the right side of the main courtyard. I had it cleaned up early this morning, but I didn't expect you to come back. I'll have it cleaned up again later. You can stay in the side room of the main courtyard first. The bedding is clean."
"I don't dislike you." Fu Ci muttered, squinting his eyes and yawning, chuckling, "Living in the main courtyard is also good, it's more convenient to see you."
Du Qingtang glanced at her: "Even if you go next door, you can always come find me."
Fu Ci's smile widened, and he rubbed his face vigorously with both hands twice, making his cheeks and eyes red. "Xianyu, you are so kind to me. You even specially prepared a place for me to stay."
"The Duke's Mansion is very big, it can easily accommodate a whole family." Du Qingtang said casually, ordered the maid to prepare hot water and a change of clothes, and pushed open the door of the side room. "Go, I'm leaving."
Fu Ci nodded, stepped into the door with his left foot, turned around, opened his arms and hugged Du Qingtang, his soft hair rubbing against his cheek, and raised his head again, his eyes sparkling: "Xianyu, I'm very happy that you are the first person I see when I get off the train."
Du Qingtang smiled and said, "I'm glad too that you kept your promise and came to the appointment."
"Xianyu is still in Daxia, so of course I will come back." Fu Ci let go of Du Qingtang and took two steps back. "Go, I'll wait for you to come back."
Du Qingtang nodded, turned and walked out of the main courtyard.
Meng Fang happened to arrive upon hearing the news, and Du Qingtang ordered, "Clean up Cuiwei Garden next door, and prepare some food for Fu Ci when she wakes up."
I don’t know when the palace banquet will start, so I’ll eat something to fill my stomach.
After four years at sea, Fu Ci had lost a lot of weight.
Meng Fang responded respectfully and asked Fu Ci what his dietary restrictions were. After Du Qingtang left, he sent someone to the kitchen to pass on the message.
......
After settling Fu Ci, Du Qingtang went to the palace to report.
Emperor Qingyuan handed over a list: "I have just drawn up a list of officials for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What do you think, Lord Du?"
Du Qingtang took it and took a look. Fu Ci's name was clearly listed behind the word "Minister".
The deputy minister was an official named Yu Danchen, and Du Qingtang had no impression of him.
Fortunately, Emperor Qingyuan cleared her confusion in time: "The Deputy Minister was originally the prefect of Hejian Prefecture. Due to his outstanding political achievements, he was re-elected for nine years. This time he returned to the capital to report on his work. I was worried that there were no vacancies in the six ministries and five temples, and I had no place to place him. It just so happened that Du Aiqing proposed the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so I appointed him as a third-rank Deputy Minister."
Du Qingtang didn't care what rank the deputy minister was, and only asked, "Is the minister a second-rank official?"
Emperor Qingyuan nodded and said, "Since Fu Aiqing has made great contributions to the country by visiting various countries at sea, I will promote her to the rank of Minister of the Second Rank, with responsibilities equivalent to the six ministers."
Du Qingtang curled his lips and said, "I would like to thank Your Majesty on behalf of Zizhan."
Emperor Qingyuan stared straight at Du Qingtang, his tone inexplicable: "My dear Du, do you have anything to say to me?"
"I do have something I'd like to seek Your Majesty's advice on." Du Qingtang lowered his brows and eyes, saying obediently, "I think we can arrange a military parade tomorrow or the day after tomorrow to showcase the might of Great Xia to the overseas envoys."
Emperor Qingyuan: "...Lord Du, this is a brilliant plan. I will have the three camps begin preparations and put it on the agenda as soon as possible."
"Your Majesty is wise." Du Qingtang bowed. "There are still urgent matters to be attended to in the cabinet. I will take my leave first."
After Du Qingtang left, Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand, pinched his brows, and said in a deep voice: "Bring me the painkiller pills."
Fury opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing and took out a painkiller pill.
Emperor Qingyuan glanced at it and said, "Two."
Fu Rui paused for a moment, sighed in his heart, and did as he was told.
Emperor Qingyuan took a painkiller pill and continued to review memorials.
-
In the evening, Du Qingtang left the palace at the sound of the gong signaling the end of his shift and returned to Duke Wen's Mansion.
In the main courtyard, Fu Ci was sitting in the sunset, playing chess with Ruan Ran.
The other three girls each held a plate of snacks in their arms and sat together watching the chess game quietly. The atmosphere was extremely harmonious.
Du Qingtang walked forward. The chess game had already been decided, but he still did not interrupt. He sat next to Gu Yajun and ate her snacks.
Gu Yajun: “???”
The little girl pouted, but still generously put the small plate into Du Qingtang's hand, blinked her black and white eyes, and showed a well-behaved smile.
Du Qingtang rubbed her flower bud and started eating without any hesitation.
In just a cup of tea, Fu Ci put down the white piece, bowed and said with a smile: "Thank you."
Ruan Ran held the black piece in her hand and shook her head seriously, saying, "Sister Fu is a master at chess. I'm not as good as her."
"Actually, I used to be a terrible chess player. The days of drifting on the sea were dull and tedious, so I started playing chess with myself. Over time, my chess skills improved." Fu Ci stretched and looked sideways at Du Qingtang, "Xianyu, you're back?"
Du Qingtang held the candied fruit in his mouth, hummed softly, and swallowed it before speaking: "Pack up and go to the palace for the banquet in half an hour."
Fu Ci responded with a "yes" and patted the girls' hair in turn. "It seems I can't tell you about my overseas experiences today. Let's talk about it tomorrow."
Although the girls felt regretful, they were all sensible people. They packed up the chessboard and chess pieces and left together.
Fu Ci went back to the side room to tidy up his clothes. Du Qingtang leaned against the door and asked, "Have you met my elder sister and the others?"
"Yes." Fu Ci changed into his green official robes and adjusted his waist belt in front of the mirror. "But they were busy checking accounts, so they only talked for a while before leaving."
The shop should have closed its accounts at the end of the year, but it was a turbulent time, so Du Qingtang sent them to a villa and they did not return until the first month of the lunar year.
After coming back, I simply took a few days off and did not reopen until the fifth day of the first lunar month. I also did not start checking the accounts until now.
Du Qingtang handed the officer's hat to Fu Ci and folded his arms: "The court is about to establish a Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have recommended you to His Majesty."
Fu Ci's eyes widened for a moment and blinked twice: "What?"
Du Qingtang raised his chin slightly: "Your appointment is expected to be issued tomorrow, and you will be a second-rank minister."
"ah!"
Fu Ci cheered, threw away his official hat and rushed towards Du Qingtang, hugging her tightly and rubbing his face against hers: "Xianyu, you are so nice, aren't you? I love you so much!"
Du Qingtang: “…”
After staying overseas for a long time, I become a weird person.
"Let go." Du Qingtang poked Fu Ci's arm. "You're almost strangling me to death. Are you trying to strangle me and replace me as the Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace?"
Fu Ci choked, stood up straight, and muttered, "I didn't."
After saying that, he grabbed Du Qingtang's wide sleeves and shook them twice, smiling with his eyebrows curved: "But I still have to thank you for the jade."
If Xianyu had not spoken well of her in front of His Majesty, she would not have been promoted four levels so smoothly and become a minister of the second rank.
Du Qingtang let her pull him, and said slowly, "If you really want to thank me, then strive to establish diplomatic relations with all the countries you visit, and don't let those old guys in the court take advantage of the opportunity and snatch your position."
Fu Ci said in a resounding voice: "Don't worry, Xianyu, I will definitely make all countries establish diplomatic relations with Daxia!"
......
At the hour of Xu, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci walked into the Bixiao Palace side by side.
As soon as the two of them appeared, all the princes and officials looked at them with extremely complicated expressions.
They have heard that His Majesty intends to promote Fu Ci to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Du Qingtang and Fu Ci are only in their early twenties, but their official positions are far higher than most people. How can they be willing to accept this?
But these were real achievements, and they could only watch them get promoted to higher positions and become dukes, but they were powerless to do anything.
Compared to the jealous and helpless mood of the princes and officials, the women in the palace were excited and proud from the bottom of their hearts.
"Duke Wen's purple robe is truly magnificent, truly bringing honor to us women!"
"Although Lady Fu's official position is lower, I believe that she will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Duke Wen in time."
"It's a pity that there are only two of them in the court. If there were more women serving as officials, Lord Du and Lord Fu wouldn't be criticized so much, and every step they take wouldn't be so difficult."
"Sister, what do you mean by this?"
The sudden clear female voice frightened the young ladies from official families. If they had not considered the occasion, they would have screamed.
Looking closely, the woman asking the question was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, revealing her smooth and powerful arms and calves. Her wheat-colored skin added vitality to her, and her baby face made her look young and harmless.
It turned out to be the princess of Nanzhao Kingdom, Changxia.
As soon as Changxia sat down at the women's table, she heard the conversation between these young ladies from official families.
She had studied Daxia Mandarin for a long time, and could basically understand it as long as it was not too complicated.
But now, what was clearly the simplest conversation made Changxia confused.
Chang Xia squatted beside the table, not caring about her image at all, her eyes wide open: "Ladies, in your Great Xia, women can't actually be officials?"
The main hall of Bixiao Palace suddenly became quiet, and the sounds of talking and laughing stopped abruptly.
Hundreds of gazes came from all directions, some unfriendly, some surprised, all fixed on Chuxia.
Although the young ladies from official families were not the focus of the crowd, they also felt like a thorn in their side and hurriedly pulled their handkerchiefs to cover half of their faces.
Chang Xia was even more puzzled when she saw this: "Sister, why are you covering your faces with handkerchiefs?"
Miss Guan: “…”
Others: “…”
There was a pedantic and conservative old man who couldn't stand Changxia's clothes and short hair. Although he tried his best to control himself, his face still looked unhappy and he couldn't help but speak out.
"My dear lady, in our Great Xia, women should follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. They should regard their husbands as heaven and their children as earth. It is their duty to support their husbands and raise their children. They should not wear revealing clothes or shamelessly expose their bodies..."
Du Qingtang had barely sat down when he heard these words. His face immediately darkened and he warned, "Lord Lu, be careful with your words. This is a distinguished guest of our dynasty, and you must not offend him!"
Lord Lu snorted coldly, put his hands in his pockets and said nothing.
Chang Xia's expression was blank for a moment, and it took him a long while to find his voice again: "So in your Great Xia, women's role is only to bear children for men, and they can't hold official positions or become kings?"
No one responded.
Chang Xia got the answer from many people's faces. She tilted her head, and a small tuft of her short hair lifted up playfully: "But I think Duke Wen and Master Fu are very powerful."
The faces of many officials turned pale and blue, and then turned red after a moment, and they were obviously very angry.
Du Qingtang and Fu Ci looked at each other and almost laughed out loud.
Chang Xia wrinkled his nose and said, "Since Duke Wen and Master Fu are so capable, you should appoint more women, both civil and military officials, so that they can play to their strengths and achieve great things."
"They are not sows. How can you only let them give birth to babies?"
Many officials' faces turned purple and looked like they were about to explode.
The women's faces turned pale, and they lowered their brows and clenched the handkerchiefs in their hands.
Chang Xia shook his head with a look of disapproval on his face: "Da Xia is good in every way except this one thing."
"In our Nanzhao, women can serve as officials and fight in wars. If you defeat your competitors, you can even sit on the throne and become a queen worshipped by all the people."
Chang Xia said this, with her head held high and chest puffed out, not without pride: "Before coming to Da Xia, I defeated thirty competitors, including my brother Chang Xiao, and became the next queen."
Chang Xiao: “…”
It would be fine if you just praised yourself, but why did you step on him?
The young ladies from official families beside Changxia stared at her blankly. For a moment, they felt that the future queen was glowing all over.
It's confidence.
It's also pride.
She has reason to be proud because she is the heir to a country.
Unlike them, who were accompanied by the female rules and regulations every day, their mothers and the nannies around them also reminded them every day to always remember the Three Obediences and Four Virtues and not to exceed them in the slightest.
Compared to the dazzling long summer, they seemed like the dimmest stars in the night sky, and a feeling of inferiority arose spontaneously.
Unlike the female members of the family who were dejected and disappointed, Changxia's words easily aroused the wrath of the princes and officials.
"A woman serving as an official and fighting in wars? A queen? Ha! This is simply the biggest joke I've ever heard in my life!"
"Women are born to bear children, support their husbands and raise them. To become an official or a king is to go against the will of heaven and is the greatest ridicule in the world!"
General Xuanwei had just had a few drinks, and in a fit of rage, he slammed the table and said, "You said you defeated thirty competitors, but with real swords and guns, with real fists?"
Changxia looked at the middle-aged man with a sturdy build and arms as thick as her waist, brushed away the hair by her ear, and replied crisply, "Yes."
General Xuanwei laughed heartily, his laughter full of contempt: "It seems that your competitors are not very good, Your Highness."
Chang Xiao: “???”
Chang Xia tapped his chin with his finger. His wheat-colored skin was stained with a bright honey-like hue under the candlelight. His voice rose at the end, as if he was very excited. "Uncle, do you want to spar with me?"
Although General Xuanwei retired due to injury and lived in Xiajing for a long time, holding only a fourth-rank honorary title, he had also fought his way out of a sea of blood and corpses, and believed that he was more than capable of dealing with a little girl.
As soon as Chang Xia asked, he strode forward, his voice like a bell, so loud that it hurt his ears: "I do have this plan. I wonder if Your Highness Princess would like to challenge me?"
Chang Xia clenched his right fist and tapped the palm of his left hand. The corners of his mouth slowly lifted up, revealing a pair of playful little canine teeth. His eyes sparkled, "Yes! Why not?!"
Chang Xiao did not miss the strange light in Chang Xia's eyes. His heart skipped a beat. It's over!
As soon as Changxia said this, there was an uproar in the hall.
"General Zuo was a notorious madman back then. This Nanzhao princess has skinny arms and legs. I'm afraid she wouldn't last a single blow from him."
"General Zuo, you are drunk. Don't offend our distinguished guests."
General Xuanwei turned a deaf ear and charged towards Changxia like a fighting bull.
Changxia raised his hand to block, and the two began fighting in the hall.
Exclamations rang out one after another.
"Prince Changxiao, please quickly ask Princess Changxia to stop. If she gets hurt, it will definitely affect the friendship between the two countries."
Chang Xiao, however, kept his head down and said nothing, concentrating on tasting the wine.
"Prince? Prince!"
Chang Xiao tutted his words and said, "Don't worry, although Chang Xia is a little crazy, she is not a reckless person. She knows what to do and what not to do."
At the civil officials' table, Fu Ci quietly moved to Du Qingtang's side and whispered, "Xianyu, who do you think will win?"
Du Qingtang rested his chin on his hand while watching the battle. Upon hearing this, he raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "You are most familiar with Princess Changxia, so you should know more than me."
Fu Ci's attempt at keeping the secret failed. He rubbed his nose and simply sat down next to Du Qingtang, muttering softly, "It's better to teach them a lesson. Let them know that we women are not to be trifled with."
In the hall, Changxia and General Xuanwei fought, and several rounds passed in a blink of an eye.
Everyone was surprised to find that compared to General Xuanwei's disorganized behavior, Changxia seemed to be at ease in every move he made.
"This Princess Changxia is indeed quite capable."
"Master Fang is wrong. No matter how powerful she is, she is still a woman. How can she defeat a battle-hardened general?"
As he spoke, Changxia jumped lightly like a little deer and landed on General Xuanwei's shoulder.
Many officials covered their faces with their sleeves and angrily denounced the shamelessness.
At this moment, Changxia hooked her leg and jumped, and General Xuanwei fell heavily to the ground with a "bang", while she herself jumped lightly, flipped in the air, and landed steadily.
The exclamations and scolding stopped abruptly.
Chang Xia placed his right hand on his left shoulder, leaned forward slightly, and winked playfully: "Thank you."
General Xuanwei stared with his eyes as big as copper bells, then rolled his eyes and fainted on the spot.
Princes and officials: "......"
There was dead silence in the main hall, and everyone stared at Changxia blankly, as if they were looking at a monster.
The envoys from Nanzhao Kingdom laughed silently.
She is worthy of being their little princess, their future queen. She is still as outstanding as ever, as brave and agile as an eagle!
Shi Zishan was the first to come back to his senses. He coughed lightly and said, "Come here, General Zuo is drunk. Help him to the side hall to rest."
A eunuch came forward and carried General Xuanwei, who had fainted from anger, to a side hall.
"Your Majesty has arrived—"
The eunuch's shrill voice interrupted the deathly silence in the hall, and the princes, officials and overseas envoys stood up and bowed to greet each other.
Emperor Qingyuan sat on the high throne, raised his hand slightly, and said in a clear voice: "Everyone, please stand up. Today is a welcoming banquet for distinguished guests from overseas. You can drink and chat freely without being too formal."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Everyone sat back in their seats in a trance, their eyes wide open, their gazes occasionally drifting past Chang Xia.
Emperor Qingyuan keenly noticed something was wrong and frowned subtly: "What's going on?"
Chang Xia stood up, bowed gracefully, and said frankly: "Before you came, I had a sparring match with your country's warriors."
Emperor Qingyuan raised his eyebrows: "Who wins and who loses?"
Chang Xia raised her chin, her smile looking harmless and innocent, but no one dared to look down on her anymore: "Of course I won!"
Emperor Qingyuan: “…”
Du Qingtang: “…”
Everyone: “…”
After a brief silence, a smile appeared on Emperor Qingyuan's round and elegant face: "It seems that overseas countries are blessed with outstanding people and treasures everywhere, which is why they can give birth to a wonderful person like you."
His ministers think highly of themselves, and it's time someone woke them up and made them realize that women are no less capable than men.
Emperor Qingyuan was in a good mood and waved his hand: "Come here, I will give you a jade ruyi and two pieces of floating luster brocade."
A palace maid brought the jade ruyi and floating brocade and presented them to Changxia.
Changxia looked at the lustrous jade ruyi and the mirror-like floating brocade, and immediately smiled. He bowed to Emperor Qingyuan and said, "Thank you for the gift, Your Majesty. If you have the chance in the future, you must come to Nanzhao Kingdom to visit!"
Emperor Qingyuan responded with a smile, Changxia sat back down, and the palace banquet officially began.
However, no matter how beautiful the singing and dancing were, or how rare the gifts presented by the overseas envoys were, the princes and officials of Daxia were absent-minded throughout the whole process.
If a princess is so powerful, if the whole country joins forces, Daxia will have a chance of winning.
as well as--
Are there really women serving as officials or kings overseas?
When this news reaches Daxia, will it cause the women of Daxia to have any restless thoughts?
Everyone's eyes turned to the women's seats.
The women were all talking and laughing, with graceful manners, and no trace of strange expression on their faces.
This made them very satisfied.
As a woman, you should abide by the law and not have any inappropriate thoughts.
Little did they know that flames of hope were burning silently in the women's hearts.
yes.
Men can be officials, why can't women?
In terms of breadth of mind and knowledge, they are no worse than men.
Perhaps one day, they will be able to defeat men like Princess Changxia.
Looking at the anxious man opposite them, the women suddenly felt that—
They are no more than that.
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