Chapter 105 Determined to Go Against the Tide, Anchored to the Zhenguan Era
After yet another turbulent board meeting, Wang Yi stood alone before the floor-to-ceiling window of her top-floor office, overlooking the bustling city below, its neon lights shimmering. Her still-refined profile, yet one that betrayed her weariness, was reflected in the glass. The dazzling lights outside, at this moment, seemed to her like countless watchful eyes, gleaming with calculation and ill intent.
Fifteen-year-old Qingyun had already been semi-forced to sit in on several high-level meetings by her side. The girl's intelligence and keenness were beginning to show, but precisely because of her youth and gender, she attracted more subtle doubts and probing. At today's meeting, a senior male vice president, seemingly earnestly, suggested that "for the long term, we should consider bringing in a more mature team of male managers to assist, so as not to put too much pressure on the little princess (referring to Qingyun)." His words implied that he felt that a woman (even her daughter) was not capable of handling this family business, let alone a minor girl.
Wang Yi refuted her claims on the spot with data and future plans, maintaining a superficial balance. However, the deep-seated gender bias and sense of power exclusion clung to her heart like cold vines. Back then, she was able to break through the encirclement not only because her father (despite his mediocre abilities, gender itself was a kind of "legitimacy" shield at the time) shielded her from some of the open attacks, but also because of her own desperate efforts and hard work, far exceeding that of her male counterparts. Now, with her daughter's turn, the thorns on this path seem even more hidden and more stubborn.
She wasn't afraid of competition, but she began to worry about time. Qingyun needed time to grow, space to make mistakes and learn. And how much longer could she hold out for her daughters? Ten years? Perhaps. But what about ten years from now? What would happen when her potential rivals realized she was truly "aging," while her heirs remained "naive"?
A young, capable, and "gender-correct" male heir… This thought resurfaced uncontrollably, tinged with sharp irony and helplessness. She could certainly try other methods—finding a reliable professional manager, establishing a more robust trust and oversight system, even considering marriage into another family (a thought she instinctively rejected) to bolster external support. But none of these were as direct and effective as a natural, powerful male backing from within the family—in this reality where male-dominated power structures still prevail.
Ironically, this "ideal" male support was nowhere to be found in her meager network of relationships. It seemed that her world had never truly accommodated a male partner or relative whom she could completely trust and who was capable of shouldering this responsibility.
Then, that name came to mind once again—Li Shimin.
This time, it's no longer a weak emotional crutch when no one is around at night, but a cold, weighed-down assessment of possibilities.
If only Li Shimin could be brought to the modern era.
With his abilities, wisdom, imperial shrewdness, and that innate sense of responsibility and desire for control that might arise from his bloodline (even if it's controversial in this era's ethics) (something she deeply understands), dealing with the current power struggles and gender discrimination in the business world would likely be akin to a game-changer. He could clear obstacles for his daughters, deter those who would harm them, and, with his visionary approach and methods, pave a path for them that is far broader and more secure than anything she could have provided herself.
More importantly, he was a "father." A father who, in another time and space, had already proven his ability to cultivate and protect an heir. Although his methods may have been harsh and calculating, it is undeniable that he successfully shaped and protected his imperial successor (Li Chengqian had already demonstrated the qualities of a qualified crown prince when she left).
Is this idea crazy? Yes, it's utterly crazy. Bringing emperors from over a thousand years ago into modern society? It sounds like the most absurd science fiction.
But… she herself is a time traveler. She has personally experienced the anomalies of time and space. Since she can go, why… can't she bring people back?
The risks are enormous, and there are even more unknowns. She still doesn't understand the principles of time travel, and forcibly bringing back a historical figure could lead to unpredictable consequences, whether it's disrupting the flow of time itself or impacting the fates of the two individuals involved (Li Shimin and herself, and even their daughters).
But... for the sake of my daughters.
This reason outweighs all the risks and uncertainties in any rational assessment.
Wang Yi's gaze gradually hardened, even carrying a hint of desperate resolve. She could no longer wait passively, nor could she place her daughters' future entirely on her waning energy and the slow-moving gender norms of society. She had to take the initiative and fight for that sliver of possibility that might rewrite their future.
Help Li Chengqian ascend the throne smoothly as soon as possible, stabilize the situation of the Tang Dynasty, and then... at the right time, try to take Li Shimin away.
This requires meticulous planning, an accurate assessment of the situation in the Tang Dynasty, and... the courage to once again delve into that power vortex.
She walked back to her desk and opened a hidden, encrypted folder. Inside were not business documents, but rather scattered notes, fragments of memory she had brought back from the Tang Dynasty, and... some deductions and analyses about the political situation in the later years of the Zhenguan era.
She needed to recalibrate her time. Modern time was out of sync with the time she had spent in the Tang Dynasty; she needed to recall where the Tang Dynasty was at this moment. Li Chengqian had secured his position as crown prince, and the purge of the powerful clans was underway, but how was Emperor Li Shimin's health? Was the court completely stable? Did Li Chengqian already possess the ability to independently control the situation? These were all crucial questions.
As for how to "bring Li Shimin back"... that was the most difficult part. She had no clue. Perhaps, she could only rely on the still unclear mechanism that had sent her back.
This is a high-stakes gamble. The stakes are her and her daughters' future security, and perhaps even the stability of both timelines.
Wang Yi closed the folder, leaned back in her chair, and let out a long breath. The city outside the window was still bustling, but her heart was filled with an unusual peace. Now that she had a direction, she was no longer lost.
The Tang Dynasty, the Zhenguan era. It's been so long; perhaps it's time to go back and visit.
This time, the goal is no longer survival or a mission, but to bring back a thousand-year-old imperial shadow that can shelter her princesses from the wind and rain.
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