Chapter 368: Good Minister and Good Minister Ji
"ah?
…ah!
Yes, yes, yes, I remember that! Well, that’s what my dad said, right?
Li Chengxiu, who was suddenly given a script by his wife, was stunned for a moment. Then he nodded as if he had suddenly understood, and after taking over the lines, he began to perform on the spot.
"Old Ji, you also know that my father was a man who refused to submit to anyone. Who did he ever submit to when he was alive? Besides my mother, the only one who submitted to him was you, Old Ji!
When I was little, I often heard my father say that the military advisor was as good at predicting things as a god and killing enemies like flies. He was as smart as a monkey and could fly if he got some hair on him. Moreover…"
"Not only did Father praise you, but Mother did too! She said Ji Qing was a virtuous minister, and that it was Father's great fortune to have such a good minister.
This is my opinion, too. The Emperor has you, Lord Ji, as his Prime Minister, which is truly a great gift from Heaven. It is easy to find a ruler, but it is hard to find a virtuous minister. This relationship between ruler and minister should be cherished!"
Knowing that his roe deer was not very good at speaking, Jiang Wan quickly accepted his random compliments and tried to smooth over his words.
She knew clearly that the Queen was just trying to trick her with nice words, after all, she had been good at this since she was a child. But then again, who wouldn't like to hear nice words?
Anyway, the beard on Ji Xun's lips couldn't control its trembling back and forth.
"Ah, Your Majesty, I am deeply ashamed of your praise. Only by devoting myself to assisting Your Majesty can I repay the late Emperor's kindness.
Your Majesty, I wonder what instructions you just gave me? Regarding marriage law?
You may as well speak frankly, and I, an old minister, will listen attentively."
Look, look, who said that chicken soup is useless? After drinking such a huge bowl, the Prime Minister's attitude towards asking for instructions softened a bit.
Jiang Wan blinked her beautiful, sparkling eyes, and her voice was very gentle and easy to talk to.
"Master Ji, the Minister of Rites is probably very clear about the marriage law, so there's no need for me to interfere for now. I just have some suggestions for you to hear.
First, in order to quickly increase the population, shouldn’t the imperial court encourage women not to cling to tablets?
The situation where a woman must remain a widow in her husband's family after her husband dies is also a major malpractice. Of course, I'm not saying that women should be forced to remarry, but if they are willing to take the next step and build a family with another man, it's best not to stop them.
Sir Ji, you should be able to imagine the benefits of this, right?"
"Yes, I understand your considerations and will discuss this matter with my colleagues."
"Well, there's one more thing."
The Queen sighed.
“I’ve seen some of the ladies from wealthy families who are clearly talented and knowledgeable, but they are trapped in the small courtyard of the backyard, wasting their talents.
Take your daughter Jingshu for example. She has been very talented in mathematics since she was young. If she had the opportunity to compete with men, your Ji family might be able to produce another Jade Unicorn!"
Ji Xun could not agree with this point.
"Jingshu is already married. She is no longer a member of the Ji family but a wife of the Yang family. Even if she can really make a name for herself, it will be the reputation of the Yang family that will be highlighted."
"How is that possible? Ji Jingshu's last name is Ji. If she really becomes famous, everyone in the world will only know that she is from the Ji family!"
Looking at the silent prime minister, Jiang Wan decided to stop while he was ahead.
"Of course, that's all in the future. The most pressing issue right now is resolving the plight of the people.
So, secondly, next year, many businesses affiliated with the Ministry of Revenue will gradually start to establish their platforms. Whether they are looking for managers or workers, the Ministry of Revenue will accept the most capable candidates, regardless of gender, and will provide equal pay for equal work."
"Yes, this matter can be handed over to this old minister. I will discuss it carefully with the court officials."
"The last one,"
Jiang Wan looked at him deeply.
"Today, the Emperor received letters from Linyue and several other small nations. They all expressed their willingness to travel to Dayu together in the spring of next year.
By then, the capital will surely be bustling with activity."
Ji Xun's expression remained unchanged, though his eyelashes twitched slightly. He raised his eyes to look at the Emperor and Empress, then fell to his knees with a thud, shouting slogans.
"I am the wise minister and good minister that the late emperor promised me. I will devote my whole heart and soul to assisting the monarch, and will serve him until my death!"
"Old Ji, just keep talking. Why are you kneeling down again? You're so old, how can your body handle kneeling all the time? You just recovered from your illness not long ago, don't let yourself faint from anger again, get up quickly!"
Li Chengxiu was smart enough to go over and help the man up.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. I am deeply moved and speechless..."
"Clouds, clouds, clouds, it will be cloudy..."
The emperor and the prime minister performed a live performance of friendship between the monarch and his subjects, while the empress just sat quietly and smiled, without saying anything else.
After Old Ji was sent out of the palace crying, Li Chengxiu turned around and looked for his wife for answers.
"What's the point of you telling Ji Xun all that?
When my father was alive, he said more than once that although Ji Xun was as smart as a devil, the word "ambition" was almost hitting his forehead!
I don’t think it’s possible to be tricked, right?”
"I want him to be smart and ambitious. If he lacks any of those, I won't look for him!"
Jiang Wan sat back at his workstation and explained nonchalantly while flipping through the memorials.
"It's almost universally acknowledged that Ji Xun is very capable, otherwise he wouldn't be able to hold on to his prominent position as the head of all officials.
As long as he wants something, he has to find a way to side with us. Otherwise, who can satisfy his ambitions? Can he rely on those aristocratic families who want to share the benefits?
The Emperor and the Prime Minister are like grasshoppers tied to the same rope. Who of the other grasshoppers would dare to jump out and hop around? "
"...What should I do, wife? I don't seem to understand what you're saying! What should I say during the court meeting tomorrow?"
Li Chengxiu was so anxious that he scratched his head.
This is the pain of a poor student and a top student sharing a room. They're both working on the same test paper, but one person is eager to come up with eighteen different solutions. The other person can only follow closely, copying their own approach, and if nothing goes wrong, they'll end up with a horrible result.
Jiang Wan didn't want to trouble him any further with his limited political brainpower, so he gave him the standard answer directly.
"Don't say anything, just sit on the dragon throne and watch.
Minister Liu is leading the charge, with Prime Minister Ji providing the rearguard. Minister Chu and Lord Qin are also there to lend their support. My father and your uncle certainly wouldn't stand by and do nothing. Even if Big Brother disagrees, he certainly won't openly oppose it.
This matter will definitely have a satisfactory outcome in the end, as long as you don't speak carelessly and don't fall into the trap of those old foxes. "
"Really? Fine then, isn't it just playing dumb and dumb? Don't worry, these are my strengths!"
"Bah, what a success!"
The queen gave the emperor a cold look. The emperor scratched his head and chuckled. His pretending to be honest and simple made the queen laugh again.
"Stop talking nonsense and get to work."
"Hehehe, alright!"
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