Chapter 487 The Green Hills Remain
This princess showed extraordinary intelligence and decisiveness from a young age. Zhao Huajing withstood enormous pressure and overcame all opposition, and made her the Crown Princess on the grounds of "appointing only the talented".
Ultimately, this princess successfully ascended the throne, becoming the first and, to date, only female emperor in the history of the Celestial Empire. During her reign, she further improved the laws, elevated the status of women, and truly achieved a situation where "men and women served in the court on equal footing." Her civil and military achievements are recorded in history.
The current emperor is the fourth emperor raised by Zhao Huajing, the offspring of that empress. He is young and full of vitality, and he reveres the Holy Ancestor Empress Dowager, who has served four dynasties and raised four emperors including his own mother, as a deity.
Each of the four power transitions seemed fraught with undercurrents, yet Zhao Huajing's strategic planning and exceptional political wisdom ensured a smooth and successful transition.
With a stable court and smooth government administration, the Great Zhou Dynasty did not experience major upheavals due to changes in the imperial throne over the past few decades. Its national strength continued to rise, and the people lived in peace and prosperity.
The atmosphere at court influences the entire society.
It is commonplace for women to serve as officials, from local to central levels, where they can be seen working alongside men, each contributing their strengths to govern the country.
The Women's Academy has long been a sacred place in the hearts of women all over the world. Its branches are spread throughout the states, and the women it has trained have gone on to become officials, run businesses and schools, or study skills, shining brightly in various fields.
Social attitudes are becoming increasingly open-minded. Although some old ideas still remain, an unprecedented vitality and inclusiveness permeate the air of this land.
The day was clear and crisp with autumn air.
The imperial carriage of Empress Dowager Zhao Huajing, the Holy Ancestor, was spotted outside Jing'an Garden on the outskirts of Beijing, a rare occurrence.
This was the place where Yuan Hongqu lived in seclusion in her later years. It was a garden bestowed by the emperor and had a quiet environment. It was adjacent to the main campus of the Women's Academy, so that she could occasionally go there to listen to lectures and see old friends.
The ceremonial guard stopped outside the garden, and Zhao Huajing, accompanied only by two personal female officials, slowly entered.
She refused to be helped and walked step by step on the path covered with fallen ginkgo leaves. Her figure was already hunched, but she still maintained the dignity of royalty.
In the warm pavilion deep in the garden, Yuan Hongqu was leaning against the soft couch by the window, covered with a thin blanket, with an open book on her lap, but her gaze was fixed on the fiery red maple tree outside the window, as if she were lost in thought.
Sunlight streamed through the window, dancing on her silvery hair and casting a soft halo around it.
Zhao Huajing paused at the door and watched quietly for a moment.
Every time she saw her husband, she had the illusion that time seemed to pass by exceptionally slowly around him.
The gentleman's eyes were still so clear, as if they could see through all the superficiality and chaos, reaching the essence of things.
“Sir,” Zhao Huajing called softly, her voice slightly hoarse.
Yuan Hongqu snapped out of her daze, looked at her, and smiled gently, patting the edge of the couch beside her: "Hua Jing is here. Sit down and rest, you've traveled such a long way."
This ordinary greeting was just like it was back in the small courtyard in Yangzhou.
Zhao Huajing felt a warmth in her heart and sat down as instructed, shedding the imposing presence of the Empress Dowager and seemingly transforming back into the student who relied on her teacher.
"I'm relieved to see that you look well." Zhao Huajing carefully examined Yuan Hongqu's complexion.
"I'm doing very well. I just read books, admire flowers, and listen to birds chirping every day. I'm very relaxed and carefree."
Yuan Hongqu smiled, her gaze falling on the weariness and deeper wrinkles between Zhao Huajing's brows, a trace of heartache flashing in her eyes, "But you, worrying again? Didn't I say that children and grandchildren have their own blessings? The current emperor is doing a good job, you should let go more and enjoy your old age."
Zhao Huajing gave a wry smile and shook her head:
“I’m used to it. I always want to take better care of things and make things more secure… This country was entrusted to me by His Majesty, and it was also thanks to your help back then that it was able to be stabilized. I dare not slack off in the slightest.”
She paused slightly when she mentioned "back then," and glanced cautiously at Yuan Hongqu.
That was an unspoken taboo between master and disciple, concerning Yangzhou and that tragic event.
Yuan Hongqu's expression did not change much, but a very faint sadness, like sand sinking to the bottom of water, flashed across her eyes so quickly that it was impossible to catch.
She gently patted Zhao Huajing's hand and changed the subject: "I've heard about it. They've already sent officials to govern the newly discovered large island in Southeast Asia, and they've even brought new rice varieties."
When national affairs were mentioned, Zhao Huajing perked up slightly and nodded, saying:
"Yes, it is reported to be growing very well. If it can be promoted, it could save countless lives."
She paused, looked at Yuan Hongqu, and spoke with genuine emotion.
"Sir, do you see? The principles you spoke to me about 'open source,' 'enriching the people,' and 'making the best use of everyone's talents' back in Yangzhou are now gradually becoming a reality. The idea that women can hold up half the sky is no longer just empty talk."
Yuan Hongqu smiled and nodded, her gaze once again fixed on the vibrant autumn colors outside the window, her voice calm and melodious:
“I saw it. It’s great, even better than I imagined. Hua Jing, you did a great job, much better than me.”
“No,” Zhao Huajing grasped Yuan Hongqu’s wrinkled but still warm hand, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Without you, sir, there would be no Huajing today, nor the magnificent scene we enjoy today! You gave me a new life and a different possibility for this world."
Yuan Hongqu simply smiled gently and said nothing more.
The warm pavilion fell into silence, with only the rustling of autumn wind through the maple leaves.
After a long silence, Zhao Huajing whispered:
“Sir, sometimes I think, how wonderful it would be if Mr. Wakabayashi could have seen this day.”
The name, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, creates a shallow ripple in the heart of the Red Lotus Heart Lake before returning to calm.
She was silent for a moment, then gave a soft "hmm," so softly it was almost inaudible.
She said no more. That name, that person, along with the deepest pain in her heart and the unspoken love that ultimately cost her her life, were sealed away in the deepest part of her soul.
That was a memorial service that belonged only to her, and there was no need to tell outsiders.
Zhao Huajing realized she had spoken out of turn and did not bring it up again.
The master and apprentice then began chatting about everyday matters, mentioning the letter Daiyu had sent a few days ago, the new great-grandson of the Tenth Prince's household, and the several talented young women who had recently emerged from the Women's Academy...
As the sun set, Zhao Huajing got up to say goodbye.
Looking at her husband, whose face was serene and whose eyes were clear in the afterglow of the setting sun, she suddenly felt that perhaps this was also a kind of fulfillment for him.
She witnessed the worst of times and also participated in creating the best of times. The students she nurtured changed the destinies of countless people. Her ideas, like seeds, took root, sprouted, blossomed, and bore fruit on this land, benefiting all people.
She herself, after experiencing hardships, finally found peace.
The green hills remain, and the setting sun has reddened them many times.
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