80. Chapter 80
"none"
Since Qi You had promised Sabusu, he had to make sure this matter was done properly. He knew that his talk of freedom in marriage in this era was a bit unrealistic and too idealistic.
But if people have no ideals, what hope is there?
Qi You never raised a banner for the bondservants of the imperial farm. Besides the fact that he wasn't the banner master, no matter what banner they were in, they were all slaves before the banner master.
In his eyes, at least he did not really treat them as slaves. He could hold up an umbrella for them and give them some freedom as much as possible.
If a girl like Zhang Song were from another banner, she would first have to enter the palace for selection. However, unlike the bannermen, the only jobs they could do in the palace were the dirtiest and most strenuous.
If she was lucky, she would be favored by the most powerful lord in the palace, Kangxi, and perhaps become a concubine of low rank. If she gave birth to a child and endured for a certain number of years, she would be promoted to a higher rank.
If her son could grow up and leave the palace to set up his own household, he might be able to take her out to enjoy a few days of happiness after Kangxi's death. If, unfortunately, her son died first, she would have to return to the palace and live huddled with the other concubines, and her life would be like that for the rest of her life.
To be noticed by Kangxi, it was impossible for her to be so beautiful and famous except for her stunning beauty.
Eunuchs and palace maids on official duties were subject to strict rules and were not allowed to wander freely. If they needed to pass on messages or do any work, they had to travel in pairs.
Every evening, all the palace gates were closed and no one could get out.
When the emperor travels, the road needs to be cleaned. Before he arrives, the road has already been cleared. There is no need for accidental encounters in the imperial garden or other places.
Anyone who dares to walk around and intrude will be treated as an assassin and become an innocent soul killed by the swords.
If a woman was chosen in the selection, even her parents could not decide her marriage after she returned home. She had to consult the captain of the flag first, and only after the captain agreed could she get engaged.
For other ordinary bannermen, it was just a formality to get the consent of the captain, but for the bondservants, they were not treated as human beings at all. The captain in charge above them just randomly assigned them a marriage and that was it.
To thoroughly improve the status of women, several conditions must be met.
The first is the improvement of the overall quality of the people, which is in line with the development of productivity, political system, religion, etc., and none of them can be missing.
The second is the awakening of women's self-awareness. They can play to their strengths, step out of the harem, and do things the same as men.
In an agricultural society that relies solely on physical strength, women have to face a reality. Women are not naturally as strong as men, and physical work in the fields is basically done by men. Even serving in the military and fighting in battles are done by men.
Qi You was well aware of the difficulties he faced. Even though he was the emperor, he did not dare to say that the status of women could be improved immediately by issuing a decree. This was wishful thinking.
This is the significance of his reform. Letting Zhang Song and others study is nothing more than allowing some women to come to the public first and then lead others.
Qi You would not raise his arms and shout, "After you finish your studies, you will never be able to get married and you will have to devote your whole life to other women."
This is completely contrary to his original intention.
What he wanted was for them to have the freedom to choose, rather than being forced to become martyrs against their will.
Besides, family comes first. Speaking more practically, if these girls learn skills, they will never get married.
The situation Qi You will face is that no one will be willing to send their daughter to study abroad.
It has been a long time since Qi You had a good time eating and drinking with this group of friends, and he missed it very much.
When they were in Shunyi, they would sit together in the fields, or at night on the riverbank where there were fireflies, or under the big banyan tree at the entrance of the village, sharing a bag of pine nut candy and a few pieces of candied fruit.
That was his rare and only time to relax and enjoy himself.
It was autumn, so the nights weren't too cold. Qi You asked De Gao and his men to find Zhang Song and his men and build a fire in the yard. He was out of candy and preserves, so they all gathered around the fire, roasting sweet potatoes and yams.
After the sweet potatoes roasted for a while, their sweet aroma quickly filled the air, making Zhang Bai and the others' mouths water. Once the potatoes were soft, they were peeled and dipped in salt and pepper. They were so delicious that they almost made you want to swallow them.
Zhang Bai was greedy for the freshly baked potato soup. Even though it was so hot that he kept turning it over with his left and right hands, he was reluctant to put it down.
Zhang Song saw this and was filled with disdain. He took a clean cloth and handed it to him, "Take it and wrap it up. I just saw you eat two big bowls last night. Are you hungry so soon? Besides, no one is competing with you for it."
The little brats were eating their father out of money. Zhang Bai was always out and about, never feeling full. As long as there was food, he wouldn't talk back even if he was scolded. He grinned, took the cloth to wrap the potato, and began to peel it eagerly.
Lin Xiu Xiu was very polite. She rested her hands on her knees and waited patiently for the sweet potatoes to cool down.
He Ye broke off two branches, wiped them with a handkerchief, and used them as chopsticks. She picked up the sweet potato, peeled it bit by bit, stuck the branches into the potato, dipped it in salt and pepper, and ate it with a smile on her face.
Lin Xiuxiu saw He Ye's movements and imitated her in picking up the sweet potato. She muttered, "He Ye becomes very smart when it comes to eating."
He Ye wrinkled her nose, shook her head proudly at Lin Xiu Xiu, and said, "I am always smart."
Lin Xiuxiu was not convinced and started arguing with her. The two girls often laughed and joked, sometimes arguing fiercely, and then making up in the next moment.
Zhang Song was already used to this, so he ignored the two of them. He picked out a roasted sweet potato, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and handed it to Qi You, who had been watching them quietly from the side. He said, "Seventh Prince, please try some. Otherwise, it will be eaten up by these greedy people in no time."
Qi You took the sweet potatoes and said with a smile: "There are still many, they can't finish them. You should eat some too, don't just focus on taking care of them."
Zhang Song agreed, sat down on a small stool, picked a small sweet potato from the roasted sweet potatoes, peeled it, and started eating it in small bites.
Qi You turned the teacup, his eyes swept over the greedy people, and said to Zhang Song in a gentle voice: "I have something to tell you."
Zhang Song paused, looked up at Qi You, and nodded in agreement.
Qi You saw the obvious uneasiness in her eyes and hurriedly comforted her: "Don't be nervous. What I tell you is okay whether you like it or not. No one will force you."
Seeing Qi You's gentle expression, Zhang Song breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Seventh Prince, just tell me. I will agree to anything."
Qi You then told Zhang Song about Sabusu's proposal for Chang Chun. Zhang Song's face gradually turned red as he heard it, and he lowered his head shyly.
Seeing Zhang Song's shyness, Qi You also felt embarrassed. He stammered and said, "Uh, well, you need to think about it carefully. Don't rush to answer."
Zhang Song exhaled quietly, mustering his courage and saying, "My father and mother have urged me many times, saying that I am getting old, and asked you to find me a marriage."
Qi You said solemnly: "I have said long ago that marriage must be approved by you. If you like it, then it will be done. If you don't want to get married, then it won't be done. As long as I am here, I can still protect you. Even if I am gone, I will make sure you are properly settled."
Zhang Song was stunned for a moment, his eyes red with anxiety. He hurriedly said, "Seventh Prince, you are a good person and will live a long life... I don't want you to protect me... I just want you to live in peace..."
Qi You understood clearly that Zhang Song's real intention was that she hoped he would live a hundred years, just a hope, not because he would live a hundred years so that he could protect them.
These friends have lived together for many years and are closer than the brothers in the palace. Qi You felt warm in his heart and said with a smile: "I understand what you mean, you don't need to explain."
Zhang Song's shoulders suddenly relaxed, and he let out a long breath. He whispered, "Seventh Prince, when Ama Enie urged me to get married, I was thinking about this. It's not that I don't trust you to protect us, but I want to get married myself. Because I want children."
Qi You was surprised for a moment, but he didn't say anything. He looked at Zhang Song with a smile and encouraged her to continue.
Zhang Song had thought about the following words countless times before, and they came out fluently: "What kind of life did we lead before, and what kind of life have we led since you came? Anyone with eyes can see the difference. But that's not all. The main thing is that we girls can follow you around the country, be respected, and work like men like Zhang Bai. To be disrespectful, even the princesses in the palace don't have as free a life as we do."
She looked directly at Qi You with a rare boldness, a firm and confident light in her eyes, and said, "In the Qing Dynasty, there are still tens of millions of girls like me, who are still imprisoned in the harem. Seventh Prince, you have done your best. Leave these matters to us and our descendants. This is why I want children. I will leave the things I haven't finished to them. Whether she marries Changchun or Changxia, I don't care."
Qi You's chest swelled with emotion and warmth. He thought of Dai Jiashi in the distant capital and said seriously, "I don't ask anything of you, nor do I ask your descendants to do anything. First and foremost, you need to think about living a good and happy life. This is a choice you made willingly. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You are just girls. It's not that I think you are insignificant and can't accomplish great things. It's just that you already have too much to bear. The rules of the world are too unfair to you."
Zhang Song's nose felt sore, and his bright eyes were gradually covered with a layer of mist.
Zhang Song had never thought about these things before. At that time, they were still struggling to survive and lived on instinct.
Later, after studying and following Qi You, she saw another world and realized that she was no different from the nobles, no worse than Zhang Bai and other men, and even learned better than him.
Zhang Song nodded heavily and hummed, his voice unconsciously taking on a thick nasal tone. He said, "These are all thoughts deep in my heart, and they are what I want to do with all my heart. I know that the Seventh Prince will not stay here and will go somewhere else, back to the capital. After you leave, this place will need people, it will need teachers. I think I have learned something over the years, and I want to stay and become a teacher in the academy. I will lead the students to survey and measure this vast territory, and as you said, depict the beautiful mountains and rivers."
Qi You couldn't help but smile at the corners of his eyes and eyebrows.
This is probably the meaning of his running the school.
In addition to improving various technical levels and cultivating real talents, the traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
He was not doing this for the Qing Dynasty, but for the people living on this land, so that they could live a good life and live with dignity.
Qi You solemnly promised: "Okay, as long as you want to do it, I will do my best to support you. However, you still can't just pick someone casually. You must meet Chang Chun. If your ideas are inconsistent, you will encounter a lot of trouble in the future."
In the past, when Dai Jia and Qi You chatted, they often talked about trivial things in life.
When the Grand Empress Dowager was still alive, the concubines were naturally respectful in front of her. After the Grand Empress Dowager passed away, there was still the Empress Dowager above her.
Although she was not her biological mother-in-law, the Empress Dowager was there, so they still had to pay their respects and greet her, and be as respectful as they would in front of the Grand Empress Dowager.
There are many rules in the palace, and although everything seems to be done according to the rules, in fact, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is not much different from that in ordinary families.
The Queen Mother would be more enthusiastic towards people she liked, and would ignore those she disliked.
The concubines in the harem were idle, and they spent their days thinking about trivial matters. Even if they said one more word or a glance, they would pay attention to it for a long time.
Qi You recalled what Dai Jiashi had said, trying to learn from it. He said softly, "It's not enough to just look at Changchun. You also have to look at Changchun's father and mother, and whether the sisters-in-law get along well with each other. The brothers haven't separated yet, and you all live under the same roof. It's not so convenient for you to go out and do things. If you don't know how to find out, I'll go and find out for you."
Zhang Song listened attentively, smiled, and said, "Thank you, Seventh Prince. I will consider it carefully."
Qi You confessed: "I don't understand either. The key days are up to you. Good or bad is in your hands. If you are not doing well, just come and tell me, and I will find a solution."
Zhang Song nodded continuously and responded with a smile. Qi You was infected by her bright smile and started laughing too.
In his eyes, their skin was not smooth due to long hours of running around outside, and they had no makeup on their faces, but they were more beautiful than the most gorgeous autumn scenery.
He Ye's cheeks were puffed up from eating, and her big round eyes moved around smartly. Seeing Zhang Song and Qi You talking, she came forward curiously and asked, "Sister Song, why are you laughing and crying?"
Zhang Song quickly wiped his eyes and denied it, "I wasn't crying, don't talk nonsense."
He Ye tilted her head, sizing up Zhang Song, and said confidently, "You cried. But your face is also red... Hey, are you talking about your marriage? Have you read it carefully? Who did you tell me about?"
Zhang Song was a grown-up girl after all, so she felt a little embarrassed to talk about marriage. She gently pushed He Ye aside and said to her sideways, "Where did you hear all this? You're so shameless, young lady, to talk about marriage."
He Ye curled her lips nonchalantly and said, "I've heard your mother and mine gossiping together for a long time. Besides, what's there to be ashamed of getting married? If you were embarrassed, why would you go to such a grand ceremony and let everyone know?"
Zhang Song couldn't argue with He Ye, so he glared at her and said, "You have so many ideas!"
He Ye shook her head proudly. "Of course. But Sister Song, you are beautiful and a good person. Most importantly, you are very smart and your homework is often praised by the teacher. If you want to get married, you must choose carefully. Ordinary men are not worthy of you."
Zhang Song was choked and subconsciously looked at Qi You. Although he didn't look in their direction, he had a smile on his face, so he knew he had heard everything.
She suddenly became a little anxious and almost reached out to cover He Ye's mouth. She lowered her voice and warned, "Seventh Prince is listening, shut up now."
He Ye quickly glanced at Qi You and lowered her voice, but still quickly added: "Don't marry randomly."
Zhang Song knew that He Ye was concerned about her. Although he was angry, his heart still warmed. He said, "I know. You are the only one who always worries about me."
Lotus Leaf smiled and said without hesitation: "Anyway, when I grow up, I won't get married. I just like to travel around. It's so free, how wonderful!"
Zhang Song chuckled, poked her chubby cheek with his finger, and said, "You're still young, and you're thinking about marriage so early?"
"That's the case. It's not like I haven't seen this before." He Ye blinked, turned to look at Qi You, and said, "Seventh Prince, I don't want to get married in the future. Please don't arrange a marriage for me, okay?"
Qi You listened to their conversation and found it quite interesting.
He Ye is cheerful, while Zhang Song is calm. Their different personalities lead to completely different ideas. There is no right or wrong in their choices; they are only suitable for themselves and cannot be generalized.
Now they are all growing up quickly and have to face the problem of starting a family and a career. After getting married, it is not suitable for them to travel around, especially with the current inconvenient transportation and the hardship of traveling.
Surveying is a hard job, which requires climbing mountains and wading through water in the wilderness. If a woman is pregnant, she cannot do this job.
People like Lin Xiuxiu and He Ye will be old enough to get married in two years.
Lin Yicheng was promoted to Tongzhi of the North Road Office of Changping Prefecture at the beginning of the year. Gong Huacheng was originally the seat of the North Road Office. Due to the development of Shunyi, the court moved the provincial capital to Shunyi.
Lin Yicheng was promoted but remained in Shunyi. He often wrote to Qi You, often mentioning Lin Xiuxiu in his letters. He had no sons, only two daughters, the youngest of whom was also attending Shunyi School.
According to custom, she planned to marry Lin Xiuxiu off to a man. As the eldest daughter, she also shouldered the heavy responsibility of continuing the Lin family's lineage.
Since Lin Xiuxiu had followed Qi You to the north, he would not ignore her. Although Lin Yicheng was not a bannerman, Qi You believed that he could still speak a few words for her. If she did not want to, Lin Yicheng would not dare to force her.
These are all secondary. What Qi You is about to face is that this group of students will be dispersed before they have even grown up, and he has to find ways to fill the vacancies.
Seeing He Ye's eyes wide open and her request solemnly, Qi You also replied solemnly: "Okay. Anyway, it's up to you. Just think about how you want to live in the future."
He Ye smiled until her eyes narrowed into slits, and said, "I have hands and feet. I will save the money I earn in the future. When I am old and can no longer walk, I will give money to people to serve me."
Zhang Song was in a state of confusion, and Qi You couldn't help laughing. He said, "It's up to you. I hope you can make a lot of money soon."
He Ye's eyes sparkled, and she said without any modesty, "I have learned a skill and am not afraid of hard work. I will definitely make a lot of money in the future. The Seventh Prince said that people with skills should make a lot of money!"
Zhang Song and He Ye were laughing together, while Qi You was smiling without saying a word.
He is actually suffering.
A capable person doesn't necessarily make a lot of money. For example, he is very poor.
The school requires a steady stream of silver investment. The silver that the North can earn from the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been used to fill the food gap in recent years, and the rest is just a drop in the bucket.
Qi You knew that he couldn't rely on his own money to maintain the school. The money he took out was for emergency use, and he would find a way to find money from other places to cover the school's expenses later.
I wonder if Kangxi will curse when he receives the letter.
You can curse him all you want, as long as you give him money.
Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City.
When Kangxi received the letter that Qi You hurriedly handed back to him, he was shocked at first, thinking that something big had happened in the north again.
After opening the letter, Kangxi was so angry that he blew his beard and glared, and cursed, "You little bastard!"
The next spring, a selection would be held. The capital was far from the north, so Kangxi calculated the distance and sent a letter to Qi You first. Since it wasn't an urgent matter, he sent it via the regular imperial courier service.
Even though this son was thousands of miles away, Kangxi still kept him in his heart. The other princes already had servants around them, but Qi You was still a virgin.
Kangxi was even more attentive in selecting servants for him than he was for his other sons. From the list of concubines, he carefully selected a princess and a concubine for him. He planned to go through the formalities of the selection after the New Year and then send the concubines to the north.
Unexpectedly, this bastard didn't appreciate it and wrote in the letter that he was too young and not fully grown, so he was not suitable for marriage.
This sentence is a slap in the face of his father.
Back then, he got married when he was only twelve years old!
This alone was not enough. Qi You did not want to get married and did not want anyone to serve him, so Kangxi was too lazy to take care of him and saved himself the trouble of taking care of him.
What made Kangxi most angry was the other requests made by Qi You.
After reading it again and again, I realized that the words on the paper were definitely written by Qi You. His handwriting became better and better. You couldn't see the mountains, but you could see dangerous peaks everywhere.
Kangxi was proud for a moment, but the smile on his face quickly disappeared. He waved the letter in his hand with disdain, swearing through gritted teeth: "You little bastard! You thought I would give you the money for setting up the government and the farm first. You really have a good plan. You're always thinking about money, you're too naive!"
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