Chapter 177 She wanted to make the country strong, so that all…
"Is it true that Cui Fang is dead?"
Xiao Qiluo's first reaction was disbelief; she even suspected that Cui Fang might have run away again.
The guards, however, said that Cui Fang was indeed dead, and a huge rock suddenly fell from the sky, hitting the cell where Cui Fang was.
"Have you seen his body?"
"No, the stone is too big to move. A large part of the prison has collapsed. Fortunately, the prisoner Cui Fang was being held alone, so no one else was injured."
Xiao Qiluo went to check on the prison. When she arrived, the prison guards were gathered around the stone and even tried to push it, but the boulder did not budge.
According to them, when the stone fell, the ground suddenly shook. The jailer ran out to check and saw a huge stone falling from the sky, which just happened to collapse the cell where Cui Fang was.
Cui Fang is physically disabled and blind in one eye. Although he didn't see it with his own eyes, the chances of him escaping are slim.
Xiao Qiluo looked at the boulder and frowned, "Is this the only rock?"
"Yes, we saw this huge rock fall from the sky with our own eyes."
Xiao Qiluo was certain that the large black rock was indeed meteorite iron.
She never imagined that this stone would one day fall on Cui Fang.
She ordered her men to move the stones, and underneath they found a mangled mass of flesh, its shape unrecognizable, but they could barely make out that it was Cui Fang's clothing from some of the fabric.
Xiao Qiluo heard something ringing in her ears, as if something had shattered completely. A warm current surged through her chest, and she felt completely relaxed.
"Mother, is he really dead?"
Having not witnessed Cui Fang's death firsthand, Xiao Qiluo still felt some unease.
[Dead. Utterly dead.]
The male lead's halo has been completely wiped out, and his life progress bar has disappeared. Cui Fang is utterly dead.
"Commander, how could Cui Fang be killed by a meteorite?" Xiang Bei was also confused about what had happened.
The system checked the data and then said, "The excessive manipulation of the world consciousness has affected the small world. If this continues, the small world will collapse sooner or later. Therefore, the Heavenly Dao has taken action to solve the problem at its root."
"What about world consciousness?"
"It was also resolved by the Heavenly Dao, and the Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart of the female lead was also taken back, so there will be no more legends of the Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart in the world."
Xiang Bei: "..." There was a feeling that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
In any case, it's a good thing, right? The thought of the male lead being like an unkillable cockroach, constantly reappearing and saying things that make people physically uncomfortable, and then being constantly protected, is disgusting.
Xiao Qiluo ordered her men to carry the meteorite away, and after returning home, she felt unusually tired.
She lay down on the couch and fell asleep, and in her dream she clearly saw the path leading to where her mother did not appear.
When she opened her eyes, it was already completely dark. The feeling of having her heart ripped out in her dream was so real that she felt like it wasn't a dream.
It's all in the past; let's learn from it and not dwell too much on unimportant things.
Looking at the scrolling text, Xiao Qiluo smiled and said, "Mother, thank you."
Xiang Bei reached out and hugged her.
As an emperor, there are bound to be many things beyond your control. Your mother only hopes that you will not forget your original aspirations and, within the bounds of what is possible, do what you want to do. Although you have little freedom, your mother still hopes that you will grow stronger and stronger. Even if your mother is no longer by your side in the future, you will be strong enough to be your own support.
Tears welled up in Xiao Qiluo's eyes without her realizing it, but she smiled and said, "Mother, this is what I want. Even though I am now the emperor, I still have the right to decide what I want to do and what I don't want to do."
She had relatively little freedom, but as her mother said, she was able to support herself, so she had nothing to fear.
She always kept in mind Master Jiu's teachings: the nation is more important than the emperor.
However, even a monarch is human, and she would occasionally show off her imperial power.
Xiang Bei was also very gratified. What you do is not important. The most important thing is to always stay clear-headed and know what your heart wants.
Follow your heart and live authentically; you will be the founding emperor of a prosperous era, and also the daughter of your mother.
"What my daughter wants most is for all women in the world to live their own lives. I hope they can break free from those outdated customs and realize their dreams. I want to be a supporter not only for myself, but also for those women who break free from constraints."
[Your mother believes you can do it.]
Xiao Qiluo felt that she had so many things to do.
She would also personally oversee the studies of the girls' school students.
The ship for the voyage was also built, and she prepared a lot of things for the sailors. In addition to the people initially assigned, there were many others who volunteered to go to sea with her.
After screening, Xiao Qiluo added a lot more manpower, and also brought a lot of dry food on the ship.
As the ship sailed away, Xiao Qiluo did not forget to do other things.
We should promote the cultivation methods for wheat and rice.
They made bicycles, soap, glass, and even gunpowder.
All the fear stemmed from insufficient firepower, frequent border raids, and even disrespect because she was a woman who ruled the country poorly. The tributary states that had previously paid tribute to her became arrogant.
After being attacked, the neighboring small countries that had been eager to cause trouble immediately became docile.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye. With the conclusion of the provincial examination, seventeen female students from the school passed the imperial examination and became Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination).
Then there are the upcoming provincial examination and palace examination.
Those students dared not be careless. In recent years, His Majesty has vigorously promoted women's education throughout the country, and the social atmosphere has changed greatly. However, for the first batch of candidates to participate in the imperial examination and women's competition, they still felt great pressure.
If they were to be outshone by women in the upcoming exams, how would they ever face anyone again? The imperial examinations were to be taken in the capital by candidates from all over the country, meaning there would be even more competition, and they dared not relax their efforts.
On the day of the exam, students from other regions were quite surprised to see women enter the examination hall. Although Emperor Qiyuan promoted girls' education and girls' schools were established in various places, seeing women enter the examination hall with them was still a different experience.
A little inquiry reveals that His Majesty the Emperor had already begun promoting girls' education before he ascended the throne.
Besides the students at the girls' school, wealthy families were eager to hire the girls who had learned their trades after they graduated.
Especially female doctors who specialize in women's diseases after completing their apprenticeships, whose medical skills are no less than those of the doctors who practice in pharmacies. Women are reluctant to talk about these diseases, so they all go to those female doctors.
The atmosphere in the capital was also different, and during this period, Xiao Qiluo carefully divided the school again.
The school was reorganized according to the kind of school she had seen.
Those who pass the imperial examinations at the age of seventy or eighty deserve praise for their spirit, but it is really unreasonable for them to not engage in production for so many years and only rely on their families to support their studies.
It was like the kind of school that Master Jiu showed her, divided by age group.
It was indeed difficult in practice, but Xiao Qiluo didn't hesitate much and made the decision directly. It was difficult, but difficulties are meant to be overcome.
Xiao Qiluo has not revealed these matters yet.
When the results of the imperial examination were released, everyone was stunned once again.
Seventeen female students were still on the list.
If they pass the imperial examination again, these women's names will be recorded and passed down through the ages. They've come this far; they have no choice but to accept it.
All the candidates' lists were sealed off. Even if they wanted to remove the women's exam papers, they couldn't, because to ensure that the examiners wouldn't tamper with them, His Majesty the Emperor would take the women's papers to look at after the exam.
Looking at the women standing in the palace examination hall, they were all quite uncomfortable. They had never imagined that one day they would be able to serve as officials in the same court as women.
Xiao Qiluo sat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping over the women, a smile involuntarily appearing on her face. These were all students she had personally trained; their presence here was her greatest pride.
Finally, the chief examiner presented the three best-answered exam papers, and the emperor personally selected the top scholar as the new top scholar.
One of the test papers was answered exceptionally well.
Xiao Qiluo smiled and said, "An excellent answer; you have the potential to be the top scholar."
When they saw the name, everyone realized that the top scorer's exam paper was actually written by a student from the girls' school.
If a woman becomes the top scholar, wouldn't that prove that men are inferior to women?
Before the results were announced, some people went to see the emperor and persuaded him to change the top scholar. They said they could accept a woman on the list, but they could not allow a woman to be the top scholar.
Xiao Qiluo's gaze swept over them, and she smiled, "Gentlemen, a bet is a bet, there's no need to say more."
If things go as they wish, wouldn't women be unable to become top scholars in the imperial examinations in the future? We can't keep making concessions step by step; we can't just let all the hard work of everyone go back to the way it was.
After the results were released, the top spots on the list were almost entirely occupied by female students.
The top scholar was even from a girls' school.
Many students were unconvinced, feeling that the girl had only studied for a short time and could not possibly be the top scholar, and demanded to see the exam papers.
But in the end, it turned out that the top scholar's paper was indeed answered exceptionally well. Everyone was extremely disappointed, never expecting that the woman would become the top scholar.
To their even greater surprise, His Majesty actually ordered a reform of the imperial examination system.
Although the matter was not completely settled, it was being discussed throughout the court and among the public. The court was in an uproar, with some agreeing with Xiao Qiluo's view that a different educational system would be best, while others disagreed, finding problems everywhere.
Xiao Qiluo watched their bickering, chin in hand. She wanted to change things, but there were still many problems. Telling these people was only to find the best solution through the argument; she, the emperor, couldn't do everything herself, she was supporting a bunch of freeloaders.
As a subject, one should act like a subject and do the work. Not allowing white-collar workers to enjoy so many benefits would make her very unhappy.
When she had nothing to do, Xiao Qiluo would go for a stroll outside the palace. She herself wanted to study, the female officials around her were studying, and of course, the ministers had to follow suit.
You can see people riding bicycles all over the road.
The shops on the street have also been fitted with glass.
Everything looks very different from before.
Xiao Qiluo knew very well that this was not enough. This was only in the capital. There were still many places where this level of achievement had not been reached, and she needed to continue to work hard.
The students who passed the girls' school exams were entrusted with important tasks, such as promoting girls' education in various places, so that women could also have access to education.
Those who excelled after completing their apprenticeships were also sent along, with their consent, because whether it was to study or learn a trade, one should always have a skill.
With each policy Xiao Qiluo introduces, the brilliance of her protagonist aura shines even brighter.
The aura that Xiang Bei had bestowed upon Xiao Qiluo was taken back when Cui Fang died, and Xiao Qiluo's protagonist aura increased to 200%.
She was a teacher worshipped by all the girls in the school, and a deity in the hearts of the women who had escaped the mire.
Being an emperor meant dealing with many things, which was tiring, but she felt very fulfilled.
Xiao Qiluo wanted to be a wise ruler. Although she had to fight wits with those old foxes in the court every day, it didn't stop her from doing what she wanted.
Even an old fox has its uses.
She always kept in mind her mother's teachings, and the deeds of those emperors served as her role models. Knowing people well and appointing them to suitable positions, governing the country according to law, and promoting the virtuous and capable are all things that a qualified emperor must do.
She wanted to make the country strong and the people live in peace and prosperity.
What's really annoying is that those old foxes always like to have someone by her side, talking about having children and offspring, which is really irritating.
Although the Empress Dowager said that one should not have men in one's heart, but it is acceptable to have men by one's side, she was preoccupied with state affairs and had no desire to seek out any men.
As for her offspring, she had already made up her mind. To prevent anyone from having any bad intentions, Xiao Qiluo only told her mother and did not reveal it to anyone else.
There were simply too many national affairs that required her attention.
Civil and military officials, as well as meritorious families, who made contributions naturally deserved rewards.
As an emperor, one must know how to use people and treat those around him well. After a series of rewards, his private treasury was significantly depleted.
Those who made mistakes naturally had to be severely punished. Xiao Qiluo investigated a few troublemakers with wealthy families, confiscated their property, and reaped a considerable reward.
However, this tactic couldn't be used many times. In order to prevent her from finding any fault with them, those people obediently put away their thorns and dared not act rashly in front of her.
She then started with the Ministry of Revenue, uncovering many years of bad accounts. It's no exaggeration to say that she traced them back to the time when her grandfather was on the throne, and she brought down quite a few people.
Xiao Qiluo then appointed several more imperial envoys, who took her to various places to inspect the situation.
Despite the heavy rains that had lasted for several days, Xiao Qiluo remained vigilant. The rain was so intense that while the capital city was relatively safe, other areas were at risk of flooding and breaching the dikes.
He summoned his court officials overnight to discuss countermeasures.
Some even volunteered to go and control the flood.
Floods have always been a major concern for dynasties throughout history.
Xiao Qiluo naturally agreed and selected a few more people to go and assist if there was a flood.
He personally determined the disaster relief methods and even appointed several ministers with disaster relief experience to go to the disaster area.
Fearing that someone might embezzle disaster relief funds, Xiao Qiluo implemented strict checks at every level, and if any signs were found, she would make an example of them to deter others.
The heavy rain stopped, and the thing Xiao Qiluo had imagined didn't happen, which was great news for her.
Rewards should be given where appropriate, and punishments should be imposed where necessary.
Rice and wheat production also increased, and many people had enough to eat. They were very grateful to her, and it is said that people in various places spontaneously created golden statues of Xiao Qiluo to worship her.
Xiao Qiluo was very modest about this.
The people who went to sea earlier have also returned. In addition to finding the potatoes and sweet potatoes that Xiao Qiluo mentioned, they also brought back many things they had never seen before.
On the other side of the sea, there were many people and things she had never seen. The more she learned, the greater Xiao Qiluo's ambition became, and the more places she wanted to conquer.
Xiao Qiluo felt that they could open a maritime trade route to connect with the outside world and not remain stagnant.
Xiang Bei's task is also complete.
"Commander, after I leave, nothing uncontrollable will happen, right?"
The system said, "No, the world's consciousness is now collapsing, and the Heavenly Dao is very pleased. The next few decades will be blessed with favorable weather and abundant harvests. Your precious daughter will also live to be a hundred years old and usher in a prosperous dynasty."
Xiang Bei immediately felt relieved.
Xiao Qiluo knew that her mother would leave sooner or later, but when she actually saw the farewell words, she was still a little confused.
"Mother, are you really leaving?"
Seeing you like this, your mother is very pleased. Qiluo, your mother only hopes that you will not forget your original aspirations, that you will enable the people to live in peace and prosperity, and that you will become a good emperor whose name will be remembered for all time. In the future, when your mother is not by your side, please take care of your health!
The scrolling text disappeared before my eyes.
After a long while, Xiao Qiluo finally spoke, "Mother, have you left?"
The scrolling text will no longer appear before my eyes; it seems that the Empress Dowager is truly gone.
Xiao Qiluo remained silent for a long time before laughing at the sky. "Mother, rest assured, I will remember your words and will not let you down. And Master Jiu, I am truly grateful for your guidance. You must all take care."
Xiang Bei heard this, and although she had experienced so many separations, she still felt a little reluctant to leave.
She clutched her chest and said, "In every world, I was sincere. Why do I have to go through such a painful separation?"
"Host, saying that makes you sound really scummy."
Xiang Bei smashed the system flat, "Shut up, don't question my sincerity."
After saying that, he immediately started the next world.
The big screen flashed, and a new scene appeared.
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