In a corner of a bustling market, several women sat together, their faces beaming with hope and anticipation for the future. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, dappling their bodies and adding warmth to the cozy scene.
One of the women, named Cui'er, gently stroked the handkerchief embroidered with peonies in her hand, her eyes gleaming with determination. She turned to her friend Hong'er beside her, her voice filled with admiration: "From now on, I too will emulate Lady Shen, earning the respect of all through my own efforts!"
Upon hearing this, Hong'er nodded. Recalling the elegance of "Lady Shen" in the court, a sense of respect welled up in her heart. She continued, "Yes, women are not necessarily confined to the home; they can also enter the court. Lady Shen is the best example."
At this moment, Xiaomei joined the conversation. Although she was young, her eyes revealed extraordinary intelligence. She raised her head and said proudly, "From now on, women can also run the household! We should be like Lady Shen and demonstrate the strength and wisdom of women."
Cui'er and Hong'er smiled approvingly at Xiaomei's words. They knew that although Xiaomei was young, her ambitions were far from small. They believed that with hard work, women could also stand on their own and become the backbone of society.
Just then, a cheer erupted from the market. It turned out that someone had mentioned the name "Shen Yiyi" and the stories about her that had been passed down.
"Lady Shen has recently been making great strides in the court, and even the King has to listen to her!"
“When the king’s relatives caused trouble before, it was she who punished them! The king didn’t say a word and left all the matters to her to handle.”
"Since she entered the palace, many strange things have happened in the palace, big and small, but in the end, Lady Shen has been able to resolve them all properly!"
"Many of the beneficial policies of our Dongsang Kingdom were implemented by Lady Shen. Everyone should be very grateful to Lady Shen!"
...
Cui'er and the others also heard the news, and their faces lit up with excitement. Cui'er exclaimed excitedly, "Have you heard? Shen, the female official's deeds are truly admirable! She proved with her actions that women can also accomplish great things!"
Hong'er and Xiaomei nodded repeatedly, filled with respect for Xu Yuehuai. They knew that Shen Yiyi's story would inspire them to pursue their dreams and goals, and to demonstrate their wisdom and strength.
As the sun began to set in the west, the women's conversation grew even more animated. They encouraged each other, imagining their bright futures. They knew that as long as they had dreams and beliefs, women could shine just like men in all walks of life.
And so, in a corner of this hopeful market, the women's conversations became a beautiful sight. Through their words and actions, they declared to the world: women would no longer be mere appendages of men; women, too, could hold their own in public!
Xu Yuehuai was unaware of the influence she had had on so many women in Dongsang Kingdom, and she continued to face all sorts of intrigue and deceit within the palace.
The power games in the palace are like a bottomless dark sea, with undercurrents surging and the possibility of unleashing a storm that could devour everything at any moment.
At the heart of this turbulent vortex, Wang Shangbaiyu, an ambitious ruler, is constantly seeking an opportunity to test Xu Yuehuai's bottom line, like a cunning cheetah eyeing its prey.
One day, in the imperial court, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the magnificent hall, but it failed to dispel the oppressive atmosphere.
Bai Yu deliberately introduced an extremely harsh policy in an attempt to provoke this female official who was known for her composure.
A smug smile played on his lips, his gaze sharp as a hawk's as he stared at Xu Yuehuai, seemingly waiting for her anger to erupt, like waiting for prey to reveal a weakness.
The atmosphere in the court instantly became tense, and everyone seemed to freeze.
All eyes were on Xu Yuehuai, and every little movement she made touched everyone's hearts.
However, Xu Yuehuai showed no panic or anger in the face of Bai Yu's provocation. She stood there quietly, her blue dress appearing particularly serene in the sunlight, like a majestic mountain peak, unmoved by wind and rain.
Her eyes gleamed with a sharp light, as if they could see through all hypocrisy and conspiracy. She took a deep breath, slowly stood up, and said in a firm and powerful voice, "Your Majesty, this policy is indeed inappropriate. If it is forcibly implemented, it will surely cause public resentment and pose a great threat to the stability and prosperity of the country." Her voice echoed in the court, like a clear stream, cleansing the hearts of everyone present.
Bai Yu frowned, clearly surprised by Xu Yuehuai's response. He hadn't expected this female official to handle his provocation so calmly.
However, Xu Yuehuai did not give him a chance to refute.
She continued, "Your Majesty, I would like to propose a more reasonable and feasible solution that can meet the needs of the country and also take into account the interests of the people."
As she spoke, she took out a prepared memorial from her sleeve, which detailed her reform plan. Each point was carefully considered, aligning with the interests of the nation while also gaining the support of the people. Her voice echoed in the court, each word like a sharp blade, piercing to the heart of the matter.
The young eunuch handed the memorial to Bai Yu, who looked down and examined it.
Immediately, the surrounding atmosphere quieted down, and everyone was watching Bai Yu's expression.
After an unknown amount of time, Bai Yu finally made a decision.
"Then let's do as Lady Shen says."
He withdrew the controversial order and announced that he would adopt Xu Yuehuai's solution.
"Lady Shen is truly a blessing to me, Dong Sang!"
"Congratulations, Lady Shen, you have won the King's favor once again!"
"Lady Shen, you're becoming more and more adept at handling things!"
"Lady Shen is truly a role model for all of us!"
The court immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers, and people cast admiring glances at Xu Yuehuai.
She won the challenge with her wisdom and ability, and also earned the respect and trust of the officials present.
From then on, Xu Yuehuai's position in the imperial court became more secure, and her wisdom and ability became a popular topic of conversation among officials.
Behind the magnificent imperial court, officials chatted in small groups, their voices low but remarkably clear in the empty palace corridors.
Xu Yuehuai was dressed in an elegant official robe, followed by several palace maids. She walked with light steps and a calm expression, as if she had not been affected by the turmoil of the previous dynasty.
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