Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Elder: "Women working in factories have to leave early and return late. They are weak and vulnerable. If they encounter villains outside, it could ruin their lives forever. It's better to eliminate this potential danger from the start."

Meng Die chuckled. "Old sir, isn't your argument similar to throwing out the baby with the bathwater? Candles might cause fires, so should we ban candles altogether in this world?"

Elder: "That's not comparable. Without food, people will die."

Meng Die interrupted him directly. "Without candles, no one will die."

The elder choked, "Meng County Lady, I admit that what you say has its merits. But if women leave home early and return late, exposed to public view, how would they protect themselves if they encounter villains? Why not prevent such dangers from the start for the safety of many women?"

Meng Die responded, "Is Elder truly concerned for the women's safety, or do you have some hidden selfish motive?"

His disciple jumped to his feet, "You're the one with hidden selfish motives!"

Meng Die smiled. "I've always been open and straightforward in my actions. There's nothing I can't speak about in public. Elder keeps saying it's for the good of women, but I ask, do you know the rules and regulations of my factory?"

"Since candles emit smoke and there are many people inside, any neglect could easily spark a fire. Therefore, candles are forbidden in my factory. The working hours are set during daylight, meaning work begins when the sun is up in the morning. By then, it's already light outside, and women can safely leave their homes. Similarly, when they finish work, it's still daylight. This rule is well-known throughout the capital. If Elder had taken the slightest effort to investigate, how could you have made such an absurd statement?"

His disciple argued, "Evil-doers won't abstain from wickedness just because it's broad daylight. A gentleman doesn't stand beneath a crumbling wall, so why should women expose themselves to danger by leaving their homes?"

Meng Die laughed through her anger. "If it were the dead of night in some hidden corner, then perhaps your argument would hold. As you say, a gentleman avoids dangerous situations, and indeed, women should avoid walking alone at night. But if local officials can't protect their people even under the bright sun, what use are they? They only bring shame upon all officials."

"You speak as those who, unable to protect their wives and daughters, blame them when they're wronged, forcing them to take their own lives for losing their virtue. They blame the weak for their own vulnerability. Truly, a fine example of how a gentleman avoids danger."

The emperor's face darkened. Just as he opened his mouth, Chief Minister Qiao Wanming stood up. "Prime Minister Qiao?"

Qiao Wanming replied, "Your Majesty, I wish to address the court."

The emperor was taken aback. After all, Qiao Wanming had never expressed his stance on women's involvement in the factory affairs. "Minister, please take the stage and present your argument," he said. Gazing at Qiao Wanming, the emperor suddenly thought of someone.

Qiao Wanming descended gracefully from the imperial dais, surrounded by soldiers, and made his way toward the platform where the debate was to take place.

At that moment, the elder on the dais gazed upon Meng Die, who met his gaze with equal intensity and an unyielding sternness. Both were well aware of each other's hidden intentions.

From the moment Meng Die suggested that men should learn to cook, the astute ones already grasped her intention. Likewise, the elderly man's lack of sympathy for the woman's frostbitten hands revealed his true nature.

Meng Die's gaze was filled with undisguised disgust. If those who speak of the heavenly and earthly principles are brainwashed fools, and those who speak of the downfall of the state due to beautiful women as mindless imitators, then the elder before her was truly malevolent, harboring ill intentions.

He understands everything, so he uses the most disarming tactics to deceive you, pretending to act in your best interest while actually crushing you, imprisoning you, breaking the wings that allow you to soar, and crippling your legs that enable you to walk. His approach is no different from that of excessive flattery leading to ruin.

Qiao Wanming stepped onto the platform, and the elder was visibly taken aback. Qiao Wanming spoke first, "Brother Wei, it's been thirty years since we last met. I hope all is well with you."

Wei Qingyun fell silent for a moment before responding, "Thirty years indeed! Younger Brother Qiao."

Meng Die lowered her gaze, confirming her suspicion. Wei Qingyun and Qiao Wanming were once classmates, with a deep bond between them. They both excelled in the same imperial examinations; Qiao Wanming secured the runner-up position, while Wei Qingyun topped the list. In the literary exams, there was no definitive first place, as it often depended on the emperor's mood at the time. Despite their friendship, they never let this achievement create any strife between them.

Their relationship took a turn when the founding emperor passed away, and the former emperor ascended the throne. The former emperor was an ordinary ruler, and it usually takes time for anyone, let alone an emperor, to accept their mediocrity. He didn't see himself as average and frequently had ideas that were both amusing and absurd. He also had some bad habits, such as extravagance.

Wei Qingyun was a man who could not tolerate even the slightest grain of sand in his eye; he repeatedly offered candid advice to the late emperor, often provoking the monarch's fury to the point of near execution. Qiao Wanming advised Wei Qingyun to soften his approach when advising the emperor, suggesting that there was no harm in taking a more circuitous route, as the late emperor was not the sharpest tool in the shed and would eventually be swayed. Yet, why confront the emperor head-on?

Wei Qingyun, instead of appreciating Qiao Wanming's counsel, flew into a rage, perceiving him as a sycophant. The two had a fierce argument and parted ways on bad terms. Despite various attempts to soothe the late emperor, he continued to make life difficult for Wei Qingyun, who eventually resigned from his position and traveled, enjoying nature and teaching students. There was no further communication between Wei Qingyun and Qiao Wanming.

After their initial exchange, a long silence ensued. Finally, it was Wei Qingyun who broke the quiet: "Congratulations to you, Brother Qiao, on your appointment to the cabinet as prime minister."

Qiao Wanming replied, "And I congratulate Brother Wei on your countless disciples and renowned reputation in the scholarly world over the years."

Another prolonged silence followed. Meng Die glanced alternately at Qiao Wanming and Wei Qingyun, relieved that she didn't have the tendency to feel awkward on others' behalf, or else she'd be digging herself an entire apartment complex by now.

Wei Qingyun spoke again, "Brother Qiao, are you stepping onto this stage to recreate the scene of our joint intellectual debate against all scholars in the past?"

Qiao Wanming gently shook his head. "This time, I wish to engage in a clear and thorough debate with Brother Wei."

Wei Qingyun was taken aback, as was Meng Die. After so many days, Qiao Wanming had never shown any support for women entering the factories. Now, he was openly standing on her side?

Wei Qingyun's face flushed with anger. "You also believe that women should enter the factories?"

Qiao Wanming didn't answer this question directly but countered with another, "Why did we study in the first place?"

Wei Qingyun: "Of course, it is to learn the wisdom of the world, distinguish right from wrong, assist the sovereign, and work for the well-being of the people across the land."

Qiao Wanming cast his eyes down, his voice soft yet profound. "Truly? You genuinely wish to assist the sovereign and work for the well-being of the people across the land? Not merely to secure your own place in history, to be remembered and revered for all eternity?"

Wei Qingyun's expression turned grim. "Are you also going to emulate Lady Meng and casually accuse others without basis?"

Meng Die pricked up her ears, attentively listening.

Qiao Wanming's expression was indifferent, and his voice was still kept extremely low: "What she said is all the truth, with substance, and does not arbitrarily impose guilt on others. When you resigned from your official post, although I did not agree, I understood. Now that the current emperor has ascended the throne, I wrote to you, asking you to come back, why did you not return? Could it be that the current emperor is not a diligent and benevolent ruler who loves his people?"

Wei Qingyun opens his mouth.

Qiao Wanming: "There's no need to say something like you want to immerse yourself in nature and ignore politics."

Wei Qingyun shuts his mouth.

Meng Die: As expected of an old friend.

Qiao Wanming: "And regarding today's matter, don't you see the benefits it brings to women by allowing them to work in factories? For the country, it can curb smuggling and prevent influential families from interfering. The true benefits will then fall into the hands of the state and its people." A slow smile curves at the corner of Qiao Wanming's lips. "I almost forgot, Brother Wei comes from the Weiyuan Family of Qinhuai, a renowned family since the previous dynasty, even longer ago. The floating light brocade is a unique skill of the Wei family."

Wei Qingyun's face twitched slightly, and the students around him watched him in astonishment.

Qiao Wanming continued his tirade: "For these women themselves, entering the factories means they won't freeze in winter. Once inside, free from merchant exploitation, their earnings will accumulate, swiftly demonstrating to the world that women's hands can also contribute to national prosperity and people's well-being. In times of peace, they won't be mere appendages to men."

If the exchange between Wei Qingyun and Meng Die could be described as a silent battle of glances without fully exposing their intentions, Qiao Wanming had just ripped away that veil and upended the table.

Qiao Wanming pressed on: "You obstruct such beneficial endeavors for the people, which seems at odds with your claim to work for their welfare. Why is that? Or do you believe that women are unworthy of being counted among the people? I know, in your heart, whether women or men, they are all merely the people, nothing more."

"You are the one manipulating the game, where kings and commoners alike are mere pawns in your quest for eternal fame in history. If they fit within your constructs, they are wise rulers and good subjects; if not, they become tyrants and troublemakers."

"In a society where men are the breadwinners and women stay at home, your opposition to women working outside reflects a stark contrast with your idealized vision," Qiao Wanming explained. "The founding emperor deemed you overly idealistic, which is why he appointed me as the top scholar. I supposed it was because your concepts were too flawless."

"Emperor Taizu was indeed sagacious, with an eye for talent," Qiao Wanming continued with a sigh. "The one thing Emperor Xian did right was forcing you to resign from your official position."

Wei Qingyun's face turned ashen. Qiao Wanming had exposed him utterly.

The students of Wei Qingyun stared in disbelief, their faces a mix of confusion, helplessness, and incredulity. They looked to their revered teacher, hoping for some words of wisdom or defense.

Unfortunately, they were destined to be disappointed. Wei Qingyun could only manage a grim expression, remaining silent.

Meng Die cast a swift glance at Wei Qingyun, and her intuition had proven correct. This Wei Qingyun spoke of righteousness and morality as if advocating for the people and the world, but in reality, he was indifferent to the true suffering of the common folk. All he sought was to use their plight to forge his own illustrious reputation, to secure his eternal fame. Such a person posed a greater threat than corrupt officials.

The sound of galloping hooves grew louder until a guard ascended the dais where the emperor sat, kneeling on one knee. "Your Majesty, an urgent military report from the frontlines."

The emperor responded promptly, "Hurry and bring him up."

A soldier, escorted by the guard, climbed onto the dais, also kneeling on one knee with a resounding voice. "Your Majesty, our forces have achieved a great victory. Khan Zhuo Yanke of the Mongol tribe has renounced his alliance with Mu Kesu."

The emperor's eyes lit up. "Tell me more about this development."

Soldier: "Khan Zhuo Yan had already been contemplating retirement after years of continuous warfare. Worried that he would leave, Mu Kesu had his eldest son killed and framed us for it. Lieutenant General Li Ai ventured alone into the enemy camp, braving blades and swords to meet Khan Zhuo Yan. The khan promised that if Li Ai could defeat his warriors, he would grant him a chance to explain."

The soldier took a deep breath. "Lieutenant General Li faced off against five Mongolian warriors and emerged victorious. Impressed, Khan Zhuo Yan allowed Li Ai to present his evidence, leading the khan to renounce his alliance with Mu Kesu."

"Excellent!" The emperor's face lit up with joy as he smiled at the empress and others. "Li Ai vowed to emulate our ancestors in protecting our nation, and today, he has fulfilled that promise."

Meng Die, listening from her vantage point, raised an eyebrow. Wasn't Li Ai's solo infiltration of the enemy camp something that happened at the end of last year? How come they're only recognizing his achievement now? Was she too far away to hear some crucial details back then?

The soldier didn't stand to take his leave but continued with a normal tone. "Your Majesty, I have a request."

Emperor: "My dear minister, speak your mind freely."

Soldier: "Today is the debate assembly, and I've heard that General Li's wife, County Princess Meng, is also present. I wish to express my gratitude to her in person."

The emperor was taken aback for a moment, then his lips curled up slightly. "Very well, go ahead."

The soldier promptly knelt on both knees and bowed deeply. "This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your gracious favor."

Descending from the high platform, the soldier, accompanied by a young eunuch, ascended the dais where Meng Die was situated. The eunuch introduced, "This is County Princess Meng, the wife of Deputy General Li."

The soldier first made a fist salute to Meng Die and then bowed deeply, "Today, on behalf of five hundred thousand brothers on the frontlines, I express our gratitude to County Master Meng for the various supplies you've sent us over the years, especially the alcohol that has saved countless lives. Your great kindness will never be forgotten by our army."

Meng Die suddenly realized why the frontline troops had suddenly reported their victory at this moment. It was clear that they were supporting her, not Li Ai. She returned half a bow and, looking at the soldier's dusty robe and muddy shoes, her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, "You all have dedicated yourselves to the stability of our nation, shedding blood and sweat. As someone protected by your efforts, it is my duty to do what I can to provide you with supplies."

Wei Qingyun's already grim expression darkened further. He slowly closed his drooping eyelids. He was confident that he could argue effectively against Qiao Wanming with his own knowledge and talent, but now it was utterly unnecessary. With the frontline troops openly taking a side, no one in the court or the public would dare to refute or be swayed by him.

Wei Qingyun glanced subtly at the emperor seated on the high platform. Wouldn't the emperor be suspicious of the military's interference in domestic affairs? Wasn't he worried about the stability of his throne?

Qiao Wanming swept a glance at Wei Qingyun and sighed deeply. Indeed, different perspectives yield different insights. The little eunuch had accompanied the soldier, indicating the emperor's permission, if not encouragement, for his visit. How could the emperor entertain suspicions towards the frontline troops?

Those seeking fame were discouraged by Meng Die's sharp tongue and abandoned their plans to take the stage. Fame was desirable, but not at this cost – it was something they couldn't afford.

The debaters who had intended to argue logically closed their eyes, acknowledging defeat. Meng Die had already gained the upper hand in the verbal exchange, and with the frontline troops openly supporting her, the emperor would undoubtedly respect their stance. The admittance of women into the factories was now a certainty, unalterable by any means.

In the following moments, no more moralists dared to ascend the platform. Occasionally, scholars appeared to inquire about the welfare of the people. Meng Die responded politely and disclosed what she could.

These scholars were astonished, never imagining that the notorious shrew could be so dignified and refined when not scolding others. Many found it hard to reconcile this new image with their previous perception.

There were also common folk, whose concerns were personal. Seeing Meng Die's kind demeanor restored, they mustered the courage to ask their questions. Meng Die, with great patience, explained complex matters in the simplest terms, much to the delight of the crowd. They praised her warmly for her gentleness and kindness.

Stunned onlookers, mostly scholars, finally wiped imaginary sweat from their brows. "Even Sichuan Opera's face-changing isn't this dramatic, is it?"

Someone nearby chimed in, "Do you think County Master Meng has a twin sister?"

"A valid point, Brother Li. How else could she appear so different?"

The leading instructor playfully scolded them, "Nonsense. Those who approached had genuine questions, not trying to provoke trouble. County Master Meng holds a sense of justice; thus, she naturally offers detailed explanations."

The students glanced at their teacher, remembering when County Master Meng had torn down Scholar Shi Huanli's gate and called him nothing more than a creature crawling out from under a woman's skirt. How had their teacher criticized County Master Meng back then? He'd called her the world's first and only unparalleled shrew, unmatched in history before or since.

The tutor cleared his throat discreetly, concealing his flushed cheeks, "As they say, rumors cannot be trusted; one must see with their own eyes to know the truth."

"I understand~"

Throughout the rest of the day, no one else attempted to cause trouble on stage.

At the height of the afternoon, the emperor, accompanied by his family, withdrew from the event. The others respectfully bid them farewell. Once they had left, the remaining guests also dispersed.

Meng Die returned to her residence. The matriarch had sent word that a feast would be held in the evening to celebrate Meng Die's triumphant first battle. Although it was called a celebration of her initial victory, everyone knew that from tomorrow onwards, there would be calm and no one would dare to refute Meng Die's words.

According to the imperial decree, the debate was scheduled to last for three days. Initially, everyone expected it to drag on, considering three days was already a relatively short duration. Nobody anticipated Meng Die's bold oath to intimidate the crowd, followed by her formidable debating skills. Moreover, no one foresaw the rapid return of the military officers to support Meng Die, ending the dispute well before the end of the first day.

During the session, the matriarch beamed with delight. "Your words today truly resonate with me. All those rules and etiquette – they're the ones who make a fuss about them. Have they been adhering to their own rules?"

Madam Ning curled her lip. "Them? They'll talk about how true gentlemen overlook trivial matters, about being guided by their emotions."

"Ha ha..." Everyone laughed, creating a lively atmosphere.

On the second day of the debate, neither the emperor nor the empress personally attended. The emperor was preoccupied, and it was already commendable that he managed to join for one day. Besides, he knew in his heart that the matter had essentially been settled. The crown prince and the crown princess, however, did attend. The couple enjoyed listening to Meng Die engage with the common people.

Meng Die was well aware that no one would refute her anymore. As more commoners approached with questions, she decided to inquire about their everyday lives, seeking a deeper understanding of the current conditions of the people.

Three days later, the emperor issued another edict: weaving factories were to be established in all northern provinces with mulberry trees, allowing women to work within them. The northern provinces erupted in cheers.

With the decree announced, the emperor exhaled deeply and, unusually, displayed a hint of curiosity. "Minister Qiao, when I first mentioned the idea of women working in factories, you seemed hesitant. Why did you change your mind?"

Qiao Wanming fell silent for a moment before heaving a sigh. "Your Majesty, at first, this subject of openly engaging in commerce on such a grand scale worried me, as it might set a poor example for the people."

The emperor nodded. If not for the pressing need caused by poverty, he wouldn't have been so hasty in implementing this plan; he would have proceeded with greater caution.

Qiao Wanming: "After visiting Lady Meng's manor, Your Majesty, my intentions have changed entirely."

Emperor: "Oh? It wasn't a factory, then?"

Qiao Wanming curved his lips. "The factory is just one aspect. It was the manor that ultimately altered my plans. Does Your Majesty know that Lady Meng has a confectionery shop?"

Emperor: "Yes, I do. They serve several delightful desserts, which Mother Empress particularly enjoys."

Qiao Wanming: "All the raw materials for those sweets are produced in the manor. For Lady Meng, the investment must be minimal. Judging from the tax records of the Ministry of Finance, that seemingly insignificant little shop earns at least 100,000 silver taels annually. If it doesn't amuse Your Majesty, I must say, if I had an enterprise that could yield such an income, I would undoubtedly devote a portion of my attention to it."

The Emperor spoke with profound understanding, "I believe that the vast majority of people would divert some of their attention to such matters."

Qiao Wanming's voice was filled with admiration, "Your Majesty speaks the truth. But County Master Meng is among the few exceptions. When she saw the shepherd tending his flock and listened to the village head's explanations, she merely smiled it off. Then, when she entered the room where women were raising silkworms, she discussed the subject with expertise. At the fishery, she organized the incubation ponds and devised strategies to entice merchants with profit. Reflecting on the well-constructed workshops, Your Majesty, I cannot help but feel regret."

"If County Master Meng were a man, in twenty years, she would be a loyal and capable statesman in our Great Yi Dynasty, assisting the sovereign and improving the lives of the people."

Being a loyal and capable statesman was the highest praise one could bestow upon a civil servant.

The Emperor's voice also echoed with sentiment, "She has the welfare of the people in her heart."

Qiao Wanming nodded repeatedly. "With such a person, Your Majesty, I trust she would never engage in actions that undermine the foundation of our dynasty. Later, I realized that it doesn't matter if she's a woman; she can still devise ways to enrich the people and strengthen the nation."

After this heart-to-heart talk, the emperor became even more dedicated to the silk carpet project. The affairs related to it were dealt with promptly in the Diligence Hall. The wages for the workers could temporarily be replaced by compulsory labor, but what about the materials needed to build the factory? That would require money.

The Minister of Finance had already prepared an answer. "Your Majesty, I have consulted Lady Meng. Aside from the expensive and rare Ming tiles, the other materials required are not overly difficult to obtain. These materials can be purchased on credit from merchants, and we will repay them with interest next year."

The emperor pondered for a moment. He knew very well that he couldn't delay the workers' wages, as they might face starvation without them. However, large merchants were different; most of them had substantial assets, so delaying their payment for a year wouldn't cause significant harm. "Approved."

What? You're saying that the government owing money would damage the emperor's prestige? Prestige was not a concern for the emperor. Wei Qingyun didn't consider the current ruler a wise king precisely because he didn't adhere to conventional norms. The emperor loved the idea of change leading to progress and sustainability. As long as the people could prosper and the nation could flourish, he was willing to set aside his pride and even step on it if necessary.