Chapter 53 Victory Report from Baiyue, Official Qin Gazette, Lü…
In early spring, Xianyang was still chilly, while Lingnan was already beginning to feel sultry.
After assisting Shi Lu in building the Lingqu Canal, Zhang Han and others immediately rushed to the battlefield.
Actually, the main factor was the gunpowder. The gunpowder manufacturer strictly controlled the weight, ratio, and throwing angle of the gunpowder.
Others were puzzled, but after witnessing the power of the gunpowder, they fell silent in amazement.
In an era when moving mountains, building bridges, and constructing roads relied solely on human labor, the immense power of gunpowder greatly reduced the need for manpower in excavation.
At the same time, it also strengthened the confidence of Zhang Han, Liu Ji and others in achieving a swift victory against the Baiyue.
After using the gunpowder brought by the group, the construction of the Lingqu Canal was accelerated considerably.
They left behind Mohist disciples to assist with the construction of the Lingqu Canal. The group reappeared in Baiyue, this time on the battlefield, awaiting victory.
That day, the continuous drizzle mixed with the miasma in the mountains and forests, weaving a thick, suffocating net.
The ancient trees in Xianyang are a rare sight, their canopies blocking out the sun, their vines coiling like pythons, and the shadows in the forest seem to hide countless vigilant eyes.
Water droplets condensed on the Qin army's black armor as the troops struggled along the muddy, rugged path. The atmosphere was tense, but there was no fear.
The new recruit Chen Jia gripped his halberd tightly, his fingers turning white from the force. He was originally from Chu, no, he was now a Qin citizen, which was why he had been conscripted as a soldier to fight against the Baiyue.
But as a new recruit, he was not only afraid of the elusive Yue hunters who were skilled at blowing arrows and setting traps, but also terrified of the pervasive heat and humidity.
Rumors circulated in the army that inhaling too much of this miasma would cause incessant diarrhea, weakness, and ultimately, death in a foreign land. A cloud of fear constantly loomed over his heart.
The general leading the troops was hard to spot in the forest, but when Chen Jia looked up, he could see the black armor representing the Qin Dynasty in front of him. He felt a little relieved, remembering that he had heard the general who had come south had a prescription to relieve malaria, and that the army also had a large supply of water chestnuts. His anxiety slowly subsided.
Ahead was a Yue people's fortified village built along the mountainside. Behind the wooden fence, figures could be vaguely seen moving about, and hostile whistles could be heard.
This was a fortified stronghold of the Yue people, carefully selected by Zhang Han to establish his authority.
The leader here is Yi Yusong. He is young, but because of his father's influence, he can also speak for himself among the other Yue tribes.
A captain spat out a mouthful of muddy water and complained to Zhang Han, "General, the terrain is too narrow, and the army cannot spread out. If we launch a direct attack, I'm afraid many of our brothers will be lost in this mud."
Zhang Han's face was cold and stern, his gaze sweeping over the enemy camp like that of a hawk.
He raised his hand, his voice steady and powerful: "There's no need for the soldiers to fill this ditch. Let the 'Thunderbolt Battalion' go forward and let these mountain people witness what the might of Heaven is."
The so-called Thunderbolt Battalion was a special force trained by Chi Su, a disciple of the Mohist school, within the Qin army, specializing in the use of gunpowder.
This is also the source of Zhang Han's confidence.
Under the cover of shields, several sappers quickly buried several heavy pottery jars under the gate of the village, leading out a hemp rope soaked in grease.
Chen Jia heard Chi Su repeatedly instructing several soldiers to pay attention to the angle at which the fire was started.
At Zhang Han's command, a soldier lit the fuse with a torch.
In an instant, a flash of fire tore through the rain curtain, and then—
"boom!!!"
A deafening roar, unlike anything in the human world, suddenly erupted, shaking the earth and mountains! The massive shockwave shattered the heavy wooden gate, sending flames and thick smoke soaring into the sky, with splinters of wood and stones raining down.
The whistles behind the stockade walls turned into piercing screams and chaotic wails. The surviving Yue warriors stood frozen, staring at the horrific scene, their faces filled with primal fear. They could not comprehend this power and could only attribute it to divine punishment.
Chen Jia and the Qin soldiers around him were so frightened they could barely hold their weapons, but then a tremendous sense of security replaced their fear. He looked at Zhang Han and Chi Su's backs, his eyes filled with fervor and awe.
They knew that this thing called gunpowder was brought from Xianyang by Zhang Han and Chi Su.
They also knew that their survival rate had greatly increased in this war against the Baiyue people.
Zhang Han slowly lowered his hand, his voice still calm: "Give the order to attack. Those who surrender will not be killed."
This time, the Qin army's battle cries were filled with an unstoppable momentum.
After this battle, the Qin army had penetrated deep into the Baiyue territory, established a foothold, and built a strong camp.
Beyond the camp lay vast tracts of cleared land, where a plant locally known as "Zhe" was growing wildly in the warm, rainy summer, its green waves surging, brimming with life. The air was filled with a sweet, earthy aroma.
The young Xiou tribe leader, Yiyusong, was filled with inner conflict. He had witnessed the destructive power of the "heavenly thunder" and knew that resistance would only increase casualties. Yet, he was unwilling to let outsiders take away his ancestral lands, and he distrusted these conquerors from the north.
He came to negotiate with the determination to die.
Inside a newly opened meeting tent, there were no guards with swords drawn, only a few earthenware bowls and an earthenware pot bubbling on the stove.
Liu Ji, dressed in a simple dark robe, smiled warmly and personally poured a bowl of murky liquid for Yi Yusong.
"Chief, please have a taste. This is something we recently developed using 'Zhe' from your region," Liu Ji said with a smile, taking a sip himself first.
Zhang Han remained silent, only lowering his eyes slightly as he listened quietly to Liu Ji's performance.
Yi Yusong glanced at it warily, then took a sip. Instantly, a strong and pure sweetness assaulted his taste buds—an experience he had never had before.
His eyes widened involuntarily.
Liu Ji noticed his reaction and thought to himself, "As expected of a formula jointly created by the Divine Envoy and the Mohist School."
He smiled and said, “This substance is called ‘rock honey,’ and in the Central Plains, it is more valuable than gold. His Majesty has decreed that this substance be widely cultivated here and that sugar mills be established. However, we outsiders are unfamiliar with the local climate and soil, and we need to rely on heroes like our leader.”
He leaned forward slightly, his tone sincere: "We fight so that we may not fight. Enough has already died. What His Majesty desires is peace and prosperity for the people. If the chieftain is willing to lead his people to help, we can share the profits from this sugar mill. You will remain the tribal chieftain, and also the ruler appointed by our Great Qin, able to live in luxury and enjoy the fruits of your labor, protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people. Isn't that far better than hiding in the mountains, living in constant fear, and fighting against 'heavenly thunder'?"
Looking at the murky sugar water in the bowl, Yi Yusong recalled the loud noise and firelight of that day.
On one side lay destruction, on the other unprecedented wealth and status. His tense shoulders slowly relaxed, and after a long silence, he raised his head, his voice hoarse: "...How to share?"
Outside the tent, sugarcane leaves rustled in the summer breeze, and the atmosphere of peace, guided by the wind, swept across every inch of this land.
Six months have passed, and the former battlefield has changed dramatically.
The newly built Lingqu Canal was bustling with boats, transporting not only soldiers and provisions, but also baskets of coarsely made sugar.
The newly built market was bustling with activity, a mix of Qin and Yue people, who used gestures to communicate despite language barriers, trading salt, iron, cloth, and sweet sugar. The air was filled with the unique, sweet aroma of sugar being boiled, which even overpowered the smoke and blood of the past.
Those Yue children who were once hostile now chase after candy vendors, laughing and running around.
A investiture ceremony is being held in front of the makeshift government office erected by the Qin army.
Yi Yusong and several other Yue chieftains who had submitted to the Qin Dynasty wore official robes bestowed upon them. Although they looked somewhat awkward, their faces radiated pride.
Yi Yusong recalled the finely stitched Xiangjun cloth worn by his clansmen, the candy in the mouths of the children in his clan, the countless gold and silver treasures that Liu Ji had brought him, and the terrifying weapons in the hands of the Qin army.
He thought to himself, "Father, I must be right."
Liu Ji stood aside and whispered to Zhang Han beside him, "General Zhang, the 'heavenly thunder' has paved the way for us. Now, we should use 'sweetness' to make this road go further. After all, neither the divine envoy nor His Majesty wants too many casualties."
Zhang Han's expression remained serious, but looking at the relatively harmonious scene before him, his gaze softened slightly: "The way of the king is to use both kindness and force. I admire Liu Gong's strategy of winning hearts and minds. Now, the casualties on both sides are indeed much less than expected. However... the matter of gunpowder must be kept absolutely secret, as this is the foundation of the empire."
Chi Su accompanied the accompanying farm disciples up and down the mountains and down to the fields, studying the rare and precious products of the Baiyue region. He had gotten quite tanned: "Of course, General Zhang has already seen all the people I chose. They have clean families, families in Xianyang, and are absolutely loyal to the Qin Dynasty. Speaking of which, the Baiyue are quite good too. The farm disciples went crazy searching for them as soon as they heard that the Yue people could grow two crops of rice."
“Double-cropping rice, who can rival it?” Liu Ji looked at the bustling market and said meaningfully, “What people want is actually very simple. If they can live a good life, who would want to risk their lives fighting every day? This sweetness is more effective than any grand principles.”
The early summer sun shone on everyone, warm and bright.
The sugarcane fields are lush and green, and wisps of smoke rise from the sugar mills. A brand new, sweet Lingnan is quietly being born on the ruins of war.
Thus, Zhang Han, Liu Ji, and Chi Su completed their mission with the secret recipe for sugarcane sugar transformation, a prescription for treating mild miasma, and an improved version of gunpowder.
-
Along with the report of good news from the Governor of Agriculture, there was also information about the war situation in the Baiyue region to the south.
At that time, the Xianyang Palace was peaceful, with only the soft rustling of paper turning and the faint pecking of a parrot. Meng Yi knew His Majesty's temperament well and never bothered him with trivial matters. He waited quietly for a moment, until the First Emperor finished reviewing the scroll in his hand, before stepping forward and bowing in greeting.
"Your Majesty," Meng Yi's steady and clear voice broke the silence in the hall, "I hereby present Your Majesty with the first issue of the 'Great Qin Official Gazette,' produced by the Xianyang Academy using the new techniques, and respectfully request Your Majesty's perusal."
His voice was steady, but he was actually a little uneasy inside.
This was a novel thing. Although it was endorsed by a divine messenger and carefully considered by Prime Minister Li Si and the scholars of the academy, His Majesty's intentions were unfathomable. He wondered what His Majesty's opinion would be on this form that combined so many state affairs into one document. He lowered his head and waited, his peripheral vision catching the sight of His Majesty putting down his vermilion brush and raising his head.
The official gazette of the Qin Dynasty.
Yes, newspapers.
Proposed by Lin Fengzhi and approved by the First Emperor, the project was spearheaded by Chancellor Li Si, supervised by the Imperial Censor, and implemented by Meng Yi and lecturers from various schools of thought at the Xianyang Academy.
The disciples of the Mohist school tried and tried again, and finally managed to mix a suitable pulp ratio and also developed a complete set of suitable printing tools.
Because it was the first newspaper to announce the news to the whole country, the articles were selected round after round. Those that did not meet the First Emperor's expectations or the actual conditions of the Qin Dynasty were rejected and those that criticized the First Emperor or made offensive remarks about the Qin Dynasty were held accountable.
The First Emperor raised his head, his gaze sharp as lightning, and fell upon the stack of light objects in Meng Yi's hands. They were neither as bulky as bamboo slips nor as expensive as silk scrolls; they were white and crisp.
"This is... a 'report' made of paper?" The First Emperor's voice was deep and devoid of emotion, but those familiar with him could detect a hint of inquisitive interest.
“Indeed.” Meng Yi presented the newspaper with both hands. The palace servants carefully took it, checked it to ensure it was correct, and then respectfully spread it out on the First Emperor’s desk.
The First Emperor did not immediately read the contents. Instead, he first extended his slender fingers and gently touched the surface of the paper. The delicate texture, the clear ink marks, and the unprecedented format brought a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction to his eyes. He had been using paper for official business for some time now, but he had never considered expanding it to make it his mouthpiece.
This object is a hundred times lighter than bamboo slips, and the speed and capacity of information transmission will be incomparable. Efficiency is one of the things he values most.
His gaze began to sweep over the masthead—"The Official Gazette of Qin," four solemn small seal characters.
Then comes the content.
According to Lin Fengzhi, the content of the newspaper should not use overly complicated or difficult words, but should be close to the people and easy for them to understand.
His expression remained unchanged when he saw the recruitment notice. This was originally a policy he had given to Li Si; the newspapers were simply disseminating it more widely and quickly.
Although his heart-to-heart talk with Lin Fengzhi turned what he had anticipated as psychological comfort into torture, he was not the same person who would later refuse to listen to advice. He would reflect on his actions, which led Li Si to issue a nationwide call for talent.
He nodded slightly and muttered to himself, "Excellent. This is the way to bring all the talents in the world into my grasp."
His fingers traced the detailed explanation of the new performance evaluation system, and he nodded slightly. This method aimed to strengthen governance and make officials aware of what to do and what not to do.
Ying Zheng read at an incredibly fast pace, yet with unwavering focus, as if every single word was subject to his scrutiny. Meng Yi could feel that scrutinizing gaze, as if His Majesty was not looking at the words themselves, but rather at the efficiency and loyalty that the Qin Dynasty represented behind them.
His finger paused on a particular clause. “Here, ‘agricultural management and grain yield increase/decrease’ and ‘proficiency in laws and regulations’ are listed together for evaluation, which is very much to my liking.”
Law, agriculture, and warfare were the foundation of his prosperous and powerful nation, and also the foundation of the Qin Dynasty. It was quite remarkable that he was able to accept Lin Fengzhi's suggestions and revise some of his own opinions and insistences.
The newspaper publicly announced the evaluation criteria for officials, which could both deter lazy officials and encourage talented people to strive for advancement. He realized that in the future, this newspaper could regularly publish the list of those who performed well in the evaluations and the punishment of those who committed misconduct, and its deterrent and incentive effects would far exceed those of an imperial edict.
He nodded: "Not bad."
He then gestured to the palace servants to show Meng Yi the two memorials on the imperial desk.
One document was a report from the Minister of Agriculture, stating that the winter wheat had ripened abundantly, yielding a total of 100,000 shi (a unit of dry measure), filling the granaries and bringing peace of mind to the people. There was also a statement regarding Zhang Cang's achievements.
Another report came from the Baiyue. General Zhang Han reported that thanks to gunpowder, the Qin army had broken through the Baiyue's stubborn resistance, captured several strongholds in their heartland, beheaded three thousand, and captured countless others. Furthermore, thanks to the sugarcane recipe, Liu Ji acted as a mediator, and the Qin army conquered the Baiyue with almost no casualties.
"With sufficient grain, the world is at peace. Your Majesty is pleased to have gained another capable minister," Meng Yi said softly after reading the report.
Zhang Cang, Zhang Han, Liu Ji, and Chi Su.
Who isn't a capable minister?
The two reports, one written and one written, were both good news for the foundation of the Qin Dynasty.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng did not show any obvious joy on his face, but the corners of his tightly pursed lips seemed to soften slightly.
He was silent for a moment, then his gaze returned to the newspaper on the table. Suddenly, he reached out, picked up a vermilion pen, and began to scribble quickly and forcefully on the newspaper.
Meng Yi's heart stirred, and he slightly raised his eyes to look. He saw that the First Emperor had added a line of concise and powerful small characters to the blank space of the "Agricultural Affairs" column on the second page of the newspaper: "[Good News from Guanzhong] This year's winter wheat is plentiful, the granaries are full, and the world is at peace."
The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, exuding an air of unquestionable authority.
Next, he turned to the "Military Report" section and, next to the existing content about the northern Xiongnu, wrote again, his vermilion ink as thick as blood: "[Great Victory in the Southern Expedition] General Zhang Han conquered the Baiyue, beheaded over a thousand, and expanded the southern frontier. Zhang Han's report is interesting; let's attach it to the newspaper."
After doing all this, the First Emperor put the vermilion brush back on the brush holder, leaned back slightly, and examined once more the newspaper, now with his own additions, which contained the freshest and hottest news from all over the world.
A deep sense of satisfaction finally surfaced in his eyes.
This newspaper could quickly spread news of victory to every corner of the Qin Dynasty, especially to the army and border regions, playing an immeasurable role in boosting morale and deterring villains. He was already planning how to make the most of this newspaper next time he received a victory report.
This paper, this academy, this newspaper, are just like the power in his hands, capable of transmitting his will and the dynamics of the Qin Dynasty to every corner of the territory with unprecedented speed and efficiency, deeply penetrating the hearts of the people.
The hall was eerily quiet. Meng Yi stood with his hands at his sides, able to clearly hear his own heartbeat. He knew that His Majesty was weighing every detail of this new undertaking, its advantages and disadvantages, its present and future. He firmly believed that whatever decision His Majesty made would bring benefits to Great Qin.
Finally, the First Emperor raised his head and turned his gaze to Meng Yi once more. His gaze no longer held only inquiry, but also a gleam of control over the entire situation and insight into the future.
He raised his head and looked at Meng Yi, who was still waiting respectfully. His voice was steady and carried an undeniable determination: "Excellent. Immediately print these two additional documents based on this version. Send copies to the official residences of all prefectures and counties in the country to inform the officials. They may also be circulated among the scholars of the academies so that the whole world knows: if we follow my will and continue farming and fighting, then reports of abundant harvests and victories will never cease!"
"Yes, sir!" Meng Yi felt a huge weight lifted from his heart and bowed even deeper to accept the order. He stepped forward and took the first issue of the newspaper, which had been personally selected by His Majesty and given a "soul".
He knew that these two imperial edicts, written in vermilion ink, would become the most eye-catching highlights of this issue of the newspaper, showcasing His Majesty's military prowess and virtuous governance, and would spread throughout the land by fast horse.
"This report is excellent." The First Emperor's tone remained calm, but it carried immense weight.
"By imperial decree: First, this report shall be overseen by the Prime Minister's Office and its contents verified by the Censor-in-Chief's Office. Anyone found to have leaked information or made errors shall be severely punished. Second, skilled clerks shall be recruited to perform this duty and ensure timely printing and distribution without delay. Third, the postal system shall prioritize the delivery of this report, ensuring that even remote counties receive it within ten days. Finally, all those involved in the research and development of this report will be richly rewarded."
I learned the term "research and development" from a memorial submitted by Lin Fengzhi requesting credit for others.
The First Emperor paused, then tapped his finger heavily on the newspaper. "The content is not limited to this. From now on, we can add detailed explanations of my important edicts, legal Q&As, and... evaluations of the performance of officials in various regions. We must let all officials in the world know that although I am in Xianyang, their actions are clearly revealed in this newspaper."
"Your Majesty, I obey!" A huge weight lifted from Meng Yi's heart, leaving him deeply shaken. In an instant, His Majesty had already seen the far-reaching purpose of this tool. It was not merely a mouthpiece, but a powerful instrument that would allow the First Emperor to strengthen his rule, monitor officials, and unify thought.
The First Emperor waved his hand, signaling Meng Yi to step down.
His gaze returned to the newspaper, but this time, a very faint smile seemed to appear at the corners of his mouth.
In his mind, what appeared was no longer a simple newspaper, but an invisible, intricately woven map covering the entire Qin Dynasty. Through it, his will, his laws, and his achievements would penetrate mountains and rivers with unprecedented speed and density, reaching every corner of Qin.
“Paper…academy…newspaper…” he murmured to himself, “In the end, all the people under heaven will only know one voice, one will, and one emperor.”
At this moment, this emperor of all ages felt a power far more profound than when he conquered the six kingdoms—the power to conquer time and information.
-
Pei County, Liu Family.
The interior furnishings were simple, suggesting a somewhat impoverished lifestyle.
Having just finished her chores at home, Lü Zhi returned from her father Lü Gong's place, bringing back a copy of the *Great Qin Official Gazette* that Xiao He had allowed her to read. She sat down at the desk and, by the light from the window, carefully read it. Every word in the newspaper struck a chord with her.
When she first saw Liu Ji's military achievements in the official report, she was not without surprise and doubt: "Liu Ji? Made meritorious contributions?"
Her first reaction was that it was absurd.
How could her newlywed husband, who was more than twenty years older than her, who spent his days hanging out with friends and was generally idle, have earned military merit on a battlefield thousands of miles away? The image that came to her mind was his usual carefree and irresponsible demeanor, which was completely at odds with the dignified image of the "hundred generals" leaping off the page in the newspaper.
It turns out that what Fan Kuai said after returning from Pengcheng about Liu Ji climbing the social ladder to a powerful figure in Xianyang was indeed true.
He was away from home for more than half a year, yet he still managed to earn military merit.
After the initial surprise, an extremely pragmatic and cold-blooded calculation quickly replaced the emotion.
"Use stratagems to seize territory, and be promoted to a hundred generals..." This meant a title, a reward, and a salary. Her gaze swept over the somewhat impoverished house. Liu Ji's family was not wealthy, at least far less so than the Lü family. After Lü Zhi married into the family, she still had to work in the fields.
If the news is true, the family's situation will improve, and her status as a wife will rise accordingly.
However, a calmer voice resonated in her heart: "In the land of Baiyue, life is a matter of life and death. Today you are a general, tomorrow you may be nothing but bones. Fame and fortune are ephemeral and fleeting, and distant water cannot quench immediate thirst."
When her gaze fell upon the words "Regardless of background, only talent matters, and women are eligible to participate" in the recruitment notice, she felt an unprecedented shock.
It was as if a ray of light had cleaved through the world before her, a world filled only with the stove, farm work, and the uncertainty of her husband's fate. Her heart raced, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around the edge of the paper.
Her husband's military achievements were the result of life-or-death struggles, a glory belonging to Liu Ji and a man. The "exam" before her, however, was a clear, planned ladder of advancement based on intelligence and knowledge—a path she, as a woman, could also take.
A path she can control herself!
A thought began to grow wildly in her mind.
I can go! I can go!
She was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, far surpassing that of ordinary men, and her father often lamented that she was not born a boy. Now, this constraint seems to have been broken by the First Emperor's edict.
She recalled Liu Jilin's words about prosperity before he left for Pengcheng, and she finally remembered how she felt at that time.
It's jealousy, it's envy.
At that time, there was no hope.
Now, hope is in front of her.
But immediately, the pressure of reality hit them hard.
She is now Liu Ji's wife. This identity is like a shackle. Social etiquette, her parents-in-law's opinions, her husband's wishes... Can she abandon all of this to pursue a slim chance in Xianyang, thousands of miles away?
In the evening, while Liu Taigong and Liu Ji's elder brothers and sisters-in-law were having dinner together, Lü Zhi seemingly casually mentioned:
“Father, I heard from Chief Clerk Xiao today that the newly printed newspaper in Xianyang has arrived. It’s quite a rare item. I was only able to get a copy of the newspaper because Liu Ji and Chief Clerk Xiao have a close relationship. It says that... Liu Ji has made military achievements in Baiyue and has been promoted to the rank of general.”
A commotion immediately broke out on the table.
Old Master Liu was stunned at first, then his face flushed. He, who had always complained about his good-for-nothing son, spoke with surprise and uncertainty for the first time: "Really? That good-for-nothing son... has actually become so promising?"
The eldest sister-in-law's tone was sour: "Oh my, that's great news! My third brother will be an official from now on, and you're going to enjoy a life of luxury."
Empress Lü smiled slightly, unperturbed by praise or criticism, and dropped the second bombshell: "Yes, thanks to His Majesty's good fortune. The newspapers also say that His Majesty has opened an academy in Xianyang, recruiting talents in accordance with ancient methods, saying that regardless of background, even women can take the exams and be selected as officials. It is truly an unprecedented event in history."
The dining table fell silent instantly.
Old Master Liu frowned: "A woman as an official? What kind of behavior is this!"
The elder sister-in-law scoffed, "Is the palace short of maids? Sister-in-law, with your delicate skin, do you really want to take the exam for that?"
Empress Lü did not refute, but simply said, "I just think that Your Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition, and this move must have a profound meaning. If a woman is truly chosen, it will bring glory to the family, which would be good."
She carefully observed everyone's reactions, her heart growing cold—in this family, no one understood her, only mocked her. And surely no one would support her.
The following day, Lü Zhi found an excuse to return to her parents' home.
Upon returning home, she would calmly analyze the pros and cons for her father, Lü Gong: "Father, this is a golden opportunity for the Lü family to rise to prominence. If I go to Xianyang, whether I pass the imperial examination or not, the name of the Lü family will reach the ears of the emperor. This move carries minimal risk, but the potential rewards are boundless."
She knew that this was the only chance to change the fate of her family and herself.
Lu Gong frowned, his lips trembling, "E'xu, you..."
Empress Lü paused, her gaze clear and firm, no longer concealing her wisdom and desire: "Liu Ji's military achievements are an unexpected joy. However, the battlefield is dangerous, and life and death are unpredictable. As a woman, it is not a long-term solution for me to stay at home and worry about him every day."
She abruptly changed the subject, getting straight to the point: "His Majesty's opening of this imperial examination system, allowing women to participate, is a wise move. I have talent, so naturally I must do my best to test my abilities. If I pass, it will not only be a way out for my daughter, but she will also be able to protect our family in the future. Can a son-in-law be as reliable as a daughter?"
Her words were exceptionally eloquent and practical, expressing both concern and ambition, while also promising Lu Gong benefits. This made her request no longer merely a personal ambition, but a worthwhile investment.
Lu Gong looked at his daughter intently. This father, who was skilled in physiognomy, seemed to be getting to know his daughter again, and seemed to see "the aura of nobility" in her.
Lu Gong's tone became more solemn: "E Xu, His Majesty's decree is no child's play. The academy is newly established and needs role models. Your ambition is truly commendable. I will borrow the laws and classics for you. If you have any questions, I will take you to Xiao He for clarification. However..."
He hesitated for a moment, then said, "E'xu, this matter is extremely difficult. It requires more than just talent; it also demands perseverance. You..."
“I understand,” Lü Zhi replied resolutely. “Whatever the outcome, I am willing to bear it all without regret. I only ask that my father grant me this opportunity to try.”
She will devote all her energy to her studies. The focus of her studies will be Qin law, arithmetic, and current affairs policy.
She will make full use of all the resources that Lü Gongneng can provide.
The information from the newspaper was like a flash of lightning, illuminating her suppressed ambition and talent.
In her life plan, going to Xianyang and relying on her talent to gain fame and fortune had become her top priority and absolute goal.
Compared to this, marriage has become secondary.
She would be one of the earliest and most steadfast advocates of this policy. She knew that the first person to take the plunge faced enormous risks, but also the greatest rewards.
She, Lü Zhi, would never miss this opportunity.
She would no longer dwell on her identity as "Liu Ji's wife," but would instead strive to become one of the first female officials in the Qin Dynasty and even a close advisor to the First Emperor.
She wants to compete with men for power and profit.
Including her husband.
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