Promotion
Li Zhi's illness actually improved significantly under Wu Zetian's careful treatment.
For over a month, the disease did not recur, which amazed even the most stubborn old doctor in the Imperial Medical Bureau.
On this clear autumn day, after reviewing the memorials, Li Zhi looked out at the clear blue sky and suddenly became interested.
"Meiniang," he put down his vermilion brush and looked at Wu Meiniang, who was tidying up her desk, "how about accompanying me for a stroll in the Forbidden Garden today?"
Wu Meiniang looked up and saw a long-lost gleam in his eyes, and her heart leaped with joy: "Where would Your Majesty like to go?"
"Hunting," Li Zhi said with a smile. "I remember you're quite skilled at horsemanship."
(Inner monologue: The boss is organizing a team-building activity? Or an outdoor sport? This is a good opportunity to test the effectiveness of my rehabilitation.)
Half an hour later, at the Forbidden Garden Hunting Grounds.
Wu Zetian changed into a neat Hu-style riding outfit, her black hair tied up high, which made her neck look even longer and gave her a heroic and valiant appearance.
She tested the bow in her hand; it was quite heavy, but still within her control.
Li Zhi looked at her attire, a look of amazement flashing in his eyes: "This is the first time I've seen you like this."
"Your Majesty, please don't underestimate me." Wu Meiniang mounted her horse with fluid movements. "Back in my hometown of Bingzhou, I also learned riding and archery from my brothers."
The autumn sunlight filtered through layers of ginkgo leaves, casting dappled light on her.
The horse paced restlessly, and she gently stroked its mane with a composed demeanor.
Li Zhi laughed and mounted his horse.
He was dressed in ochre hunting attire today, looking radiant and showing no signs of illness.
The horn sounds, and the hunt begins.
Li Zhi took the lead, with Wu Zetian close behind.
The autumn wind blew across her face, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, and she felt a long-lost sense of freedom.
(Inner monologue: This is so much more comfortable than looking at the ledgers in the office! No wonder the boss likes to come out for team building.)
Suddenly, a muntjac darted out of the forest.
Li Zhi immediately drew his bow and nocked an arrow, but because he moved too hastily, he aggravated his old injury. His arm trembled slightly, and the arrow deviated by an inch, only grazing the hind leg of the deer.
"What a pity." Li Zhi rubbed his arm, looking annoyed.
Wu Meiniang observed this without showing any emotion, and calmly rode forward, saying, "Your Majesty, please look after me."
She squeezed her legs tightly around the horse's belly, her body bent like a full moon.
Sunlight filtered through the golden ginkgo leaves, dancing on her focused profile.
With a "whoosh," the arrow shot through the air and accurately struck the fleeing deer.
"Good!" The accompanying guards cheered in unison.
Li Zhi looked at her with delight: "Mei Niang, what excellent archery skills!"
Wu Meiniang sheathed her bow and smiled slightly: "It was Your Majesty's arrow that wounded its leg, which is why I was fortunate enough to succeed."
(Inner monologue: Workplace rule: Always give your boss face.)
Li Zhi knew her thoughts perfectly well, and his love for her only deepened.
The two rode side by side, strolling slowly through the golden ginkgo forest.
"I haven't felt this carefree in a long time," Li Zhi said, gazing at the distant mountains ablaze with autumn colors. "Ever since I fell ill, I've felt constantly uneasy."
"Your Majesty is much better now," Wu Meiniang said softly, "You can come anytime you wish."
Li Zhi suddenly remembered something: "I remember, your father once served as the Governor of Jingzhou?"
"Yes." Wu Meiniang's heart skipped a beat. "Why did Your Majesty suddenly ask about this?"
"I was thinking," Li Zhi said, his gaze distant, "that it would be a real waste for someone with your insight and talent to remain just a woman confined to the inner palace."
Wu Meiniang's heart suddenly raced, but her expression remained calm: "Being able to accompany Your Majesty is already my greatest blessing."
"It's more than just companionship." Li Zhi reined in his horse, looking at her earnestly. "Meiniang, I want you to truly help me."
As the autumn wind blew, golden ginkgo leaves fell like rain. Amidst the swirling yellow leaves, Wu Meiniang saw the undisguised trust and expectation in Li Zhi's eyes.
(Inner monologue: Is this... a promotion, a raise, and some real power for me?)
She lowered her eyes, her voice soft yet firm: "I will obey Your Majesty's command."
On her way back to the palace, Wu Meiniang looked at the magnificent sunset on the horizon and had already made up her mind.
As they passed through the ginkgo forest, he deliberately slowed his pace: "I've noticed you've been working on account books late into the night lately. Are your eyes holding up? Have you started using the new eye-brightening tea from the Imperial Hospital?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. All the money has been used." Wu Meiniang seized the opportunity to get to the point. "I was just about to report that if we could streamline the expenses of the six palaces, we could save tens of thousands of strings of cash each year, which could be used for military expenses."
She explained the reform plan in detail, and Li Zhi was increasingly delighted as he listened: "This method is excellent! However..." He hesitated for a moment, "I'm afraid you'll have to bear some criticism."
Three days later, at the Double Ninth Festival banquet, just as Wu Zetian proposed the reforms, Consort Xiao slammed her hand on the table and stood up: "Is Consort Wu trying to cut our expenses?"
"Sister Shufei, you've misunderstood." Wu Meiniang ordered several boxes to be brought in. "The money saved can be used to buy winter clothes for the soldiers at the border." She then unfolded the blueprints for an orphanage. "It can also help abandoned infants. Isn't that more meaningful than extravagant pleasures?"
Just as the argument reached a stalemate, Li Zhi suddenly arrived.
He walked straight to Wu Zetian's side and announced to everyone: "Consort Wu is virtuous and intelligent. Effective immediately, she is promoted to the rank of Second-Rank Zhaoyi and will assist in managing the affairs of the six palaces."
(Inner monologue: They skipped the Nine Concubines and went straight to Zhaoyi! That's a high-ranking second-rank official!)
The entire assembly was astonished. Amidst the complex gazes of the crowd, Wu Meiniang calmly bowed: "This concubine will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."
In the evening, she accompanied Li Zhi for a walk in the palace. The setting sun intertwined their shadows.
"I know I've put you in a difficult position today," Li Zhi said softly, "but only by granting you a formal title can you act with complete freedom."
Looking at his profile bathed in the glow of the sunset, Wu Meiniang suddenly realized that this promotion was not only an appreciation, but also a form of protection.
Three days later, the imperial edict was officially issued:
"Your Lady Wu, gentle and wise, virtuous and wise, are hereby promoted to the rank of Zhaoyi, a second-rank official, and granted the authority to assist in the management of the six palaces..."
Amidst the envious gazes of the palace servants, Wu Meiniang accepted the imperial edict, knowing that it was not only an honor but also a heavy responsibility.
The autumn wind swept across the steps, carrying fallen leaves. She gripped the imperial edict tightly, her gaze resolute.
(Inner monologue: Now that the boss has given me enough authority, it's time to get started.)
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