Chapter 180

Chapter 180

An urgent dispatch from Taiyuan to the capital took only a day by horse.

Su Yu opened the box, which contained a letter and some calligraphy practice sheets.

Su Yu was speechless.

She opened the letter first. In it, Cui Xuan detailed the entire process of Xin Jianshui's rebellion and mentioned that the assets confiscated from Xin's residence might be equivalent to the wealth of the three Hebei provinces.

Su Yu couldn't help but inhale sharply. She knew Xin Jianshui was adept at amassing wealth, but she didn't realize the extent of his skill. She silently calculated that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, even if she were no longer the emperor, she would still be the wealthiest person in Great Qi.

Who would have thought she was once a penniless emperor?

She couldn't help but laugh a couple of times, then continued reading. At the end of the letter, Cui Xuan finally mentioned the calligraphy practice sheets.

He said that when he was held captive by Xin Jianshui, he had prepared for the worst-case scenario. However, thinking of the many unfinished tasks, he felt deep regret, especially knowing that the Emperor still couldn't write well, which he considered his own failure. Despite the harsh conditions during his captivity, he was still able to write. He thought that even if he were to die, Xin Jianshui wouldn't care about these practice sheets, and they might even reach the Emperor. So, he wrote so many practice sheets, doing his last bit of effort. Now that he was safe, he sent these practice sheets to the Emperor for her to decide what to do with them.

Su Yu was speechless. Harsh conditions? These practice sheets were clearly written on the finest rice paper!

She didn't realize Cui Xuan could use such reverse psychology, making it seem like these practice sheets were written with a sense of impending doom. If she were to discard them, it would truly hurt his feelings.

Su Yu wrote back to Cui Xuan. In addition to addressing official matters, she also sent him a belt. In her letter, she mentioned that the belt she had previously lost to Cui Xuan was her own and not suitable for him, so she had this new belt specially made for him.

Upon receiving the belt, Cui Xuan immediately put it on. The belt only retained a jade pendant symbolizing his status, along with the dagger Su Yu had given him.

Liu Wushi and Cheng Heyuan were still sorting through the assets from Xin's residence and didn't notice him.

Cui Xuan strode ahead of them and said, "The Emperor has written to say that the fertile lands originally under the Xin family will, after re-surveying, continue to be managed by the bank. As for the silver, one-third will remain with the Taiyuan government, and the rest will be transported to the capital."

As he spoke, he rested his hand on his new belt. His long, pale fingers complemented the jade belt, making it hard not to take a second look.

Both Liu Wushi and Cheng Heyuan noticed that the belt on his waist was different from before, but they didn't give it much thought. After all, Cui Xuan could change his robes three times a day, so swapping out a belt was completely normal and not worth making a fuss over.

Thus, after a glance, they immediately averted their eyes and continued their discussion, not bothering to ask Cui Xuan why he had changed his belt.

They remained in Taiyuan for another half month before setting off back to the capital.

Gao Lan seemed somewhat distracted on the journey, mainly because she hadn't completed the task the Emperor had assigned her, feeling somewhat ashamed to return and face the Emperor.

Cui Xuan calmly asked her, "General Gao, are you feeling down because you didn't complete the task the Emperor assigned you?"

Gao Lan, lost in her thoughts, sighed deeply, "Isn't it obvious?"

"How did the Emperor know I wrote those practice sheets?" Cui Xuan asked again.

She suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing she had been talking to Cui Xuan. She hesitated, saying she didn't know, and evasively replied, "Perhaps it's because the Emperor knows you so well..."

Cui Xuan was momentarily stunned, then softly asked, "General Gao, are you saying the Emperor and I share a deep connection?"

Gao Lan: "?" That wasn't what she meant...

Cui Xuan suddenly tensed up, though the tips of his ears inexplicably turned red. He nodded slightly, "General Gao is right. I suppose the Emperor also hopes we return to the capital soon. Let's hurry and reach the capital within three days."

Gao Lan: "?" What was Cui Xuan doing? Suddenly full of energy?

They rushed and arrived at the capital on the morning of the fourth day.

Although they had sent a letter to the emperor the day before their arrival in the capital, both Gao Lan and Cui Xuan, who had served as Su Yu's close guards, knew that she was not an early riser. Therefore, they did not expect the emperor to personally welcome them.

Thus, when they saw Su Yu in a rosy dress under the morning light at the city gate, they were momentarily struck by her presence.

Su Yu leaned lazily against the carriage, one leg propped up and the other swinging, resembling a carefree and dashing young man.

Her posture was never formal, and her ponytail was somewhat disheveled, with a few strands of hair fluttering in the morning breeze. Seeing her like this, Cui Xuan's expression softened, realizing that the emperor was even more lively than he remembered.

"Your Majesty—" Gao Lan's loud voice boomed.

Su Yu winked at her with one eye and placed a finger on her lips, signaling her to lower her voice.

Su Yu jumped down from the carriage and walked up to them, her eyes curving into a smile. "Today, I am here as a friend to welcome you. Surviving the ordeal in Taiyuan means that good fortune is on the horizon."

Cui Xuan couldn't help but smile, while Liu Wushi gazed at Su Yu with intense admiration.

Cheng Heyuan also felt an involuntary surge of emotion. He had always thought the new emperor was extraordinary, but only by getting closer did he realize that she was not just extraordinary but also someone who inspired unwavering loyalty—

She should no longer be referred to as the new emperor. Su Yan had only reigned for four years, and Su Yu would undoubtedly hold the throne for a long time, at least longer than his own life, Cheng Heyuan thought.

Cui Xuan smoothly dismounted and handed his horse to a subordinate. "I will accompany Your Majesty in the carriage."

Gao Lan, Liu Wushi, and Cheng Heyuan: "..." Cui Xuan, you have no shame!

They watched as Su Yu smiled and agreed, naturally entering the carriage with Cui Xuan. They bit their lips, regretting not acting as swiftly as Cui Xuan.

Cui Xuan glanced at Su Yu's smiling face and pursed his lips, ultimately deciding not to bring up Gao Lan's apparent prior knowledge of the calligraphy practice. Some questions, once asked, could jeopardize the harmonious relationship between ruler and subject. He lowered his eyes, deep in thought.

After welcoming them, Su Yu was in no hurry to execute Xin Jianshui and the Pei family members involved in the rebellion. She was different now compared to when the Lu family rebelled. Having been emperor for four years, her foundation was stable, and her imperial guards were no longer just for show. She no longer needed to rush to a verdict out of fear of implicating too many officials.

Now, she could take her time, waiting patiently for the outcome she desired without having to say a word.

She had Xin Jianshui imprisoned in the Censorate prison, with Cheng Heyuan in charge of the interrogation.

Cheng Heyuan had become famous after the counterfeit banknote case, and the entire capital knew that this seemingly frail scholar was ruthless. No one who fell into his hands could avoid confessing.

Officials who had previously been associated with Xin Jianshui were trembling with fear, worried that Cheng Heyuan might implicate them. They hoped the emperor would quickly reach a verdict, but this time, Su Yu was not as decisive as usual.

The officials couldn't help but wonder: Was the emperor cautious of Xin Jianshui's influence? That shouldn't be the case. No matter how wealthy Xin Jianshui was, his influence could not compare to the former Lu family.

So, what was the emperor waiting for...

The officials sought answers, but Cui Xuan's expression revealed nothing, and Xie Yiguan knew nothing. They then turned their attention to Liu Wushi, thinking that as a merchant, he might be swayed by money.

They offered him silver, but Liu Wushi not only declined but also gave them a tour of his home. The jade ruyi, southern pearls, and glassware on his antique shelves all displayed the former wealth of Great Qi's richest man.

Liu Wushi smiled and said, "Although I have retired from business to serve the emperor, I still have some modest savings. There's no need for my colleagues to support me."

The officials: "..." You call this modest savings? What does that make us? Paupers?

Failing to get any information from Liu Wushi, they turned their attention to the Li and Wang families. However, Li Jianzhang, the most favored member of the Li family, was not in the capital, and the Wang family had already suffered significant losses.

Some officials took a different approach, thinking that the Wang family, now in decline, would need their support more than ever to regain their former status. Thus, they visited the Wang family.

Wang Rui was well aware of their intentions, but he was indeed eager to restore the Wang family's glory. However, among his children, Wang Kun, who was clever but fond of shortcuts, had passed away, and Wang Mo, who was gentle and steady, had been sent away. The remaining children were not very capable, and he had no one to consult.

After much thought, he had a servant summon Wang Ruo.

Wang Rui hesitated in front of his married daughter, struggling to speak, but Wang Ruo saw through her father's dilemma and considerately took the initiative: "Father, is this about the recent visits from officials in the capital? To be honest, some of them have also approached my husband."

Wang Rui's expression darkened. He was a proud man and felt that Wang Ruo's words had placed him on the same level as Shang Guanyi. Regardless of Shang Guanyi's status, he was both a junior and from a modest background—how could he be compared to Wang Rui?

Wang Ruo continued unhurriedly, "These people are now like headless chickens, disregarding hierarchy and approaching anyone they can find. However, such individuals are likely beneath the Emperor's notice. What the Emperor wants to see is how we, the prestigious families, react."

Wang Rui's expression eased slightly, and he asked, "What reaction does the Emperor want to see from us?"

Wang Ruo glanced at her father, carefully considering her words before speaking, "He wants to see how we guide these aimless individuals."

Wang Rui was confused but feigned understanding, looking at Wang Ruo with an air of profundity.

Wang Ruo continued, "The Emperor is not a cruel person. He probably doesn't want to kill those who merely sought to befriend Xin Jianshui, but he also doesn't want them to have an easy time. The Emperor has kept the Western Expeditionary Army in Yuanzhou for over half a year without taking action, likely waiting for the right opportunity."

This much Wang Rui already understood, but he didn't see how the Western Expeditionary Army was relevant to them. Even if the fifteen western provinces were reclaimed, the Emperor's stance would not allow prestigious families like theirs to extend their influence there, especially given the current state of the Wang family.

Wang Ruo calmly suggested, "Father, you could lead these people to donate money to the Western Expeditionary Army again."

Wang Rui exclaimed, "Donate again?! Didn't we already donate under the pretext of reclaiming the fifteen provinces?"

At that time, the Cui family had donated a million taels. Wang Rui, always mindful of appearances, had strained to match them by donating eight hundred thousand taels, fearing that others would think the Cui family far surpassed the Wang family. This was also why he felt remorseful about his eldest son, Wang Kun. If the Wang family hadn't been so financially strained, Wang Kun wouldn't have taken such risks.

Wang Ruo had quietly calculated the Wang family's finances. The family's large estate came with equally large expenses, and there truly was no extra money to donate. If Wang Kun were still alive, Wang Rui might have tried to stretch the family's resources again, but with Wang Kun gone, Wang Rui had become more cautious. Seeing Wang Rui's obvious refusal, she spoke again, "Then, Father, you could suggest something else to the Emperor. If you propose this, it will surely earn you the Emperor's favor, and perhaps even hasten the return of your eighth son. But it carries significant risk."

Wang Rui remained silent for a moment before asking, "What is it?"

Wang Ruo clenched her fists, her expression growing even more composed. "Propose to the Emperor that the imperial examinations, like the Military Examination, should be open to both genders."

"Ridiculous!" Wang Rui jumped up again, feeling that Wang Ruo was indeed a rebellious daughter. How could she suggest such an outrageous idea? The Emperor allowing Xie Yixin to take the imperial examinations was already unconventional enough. Fortunately, the Emperor had only permitted Xie Yixin, a single woman, to take the exams, while other women were barred. Now, Wang Ruo was suggesting that he propose allowing all women to take the imperial examinations—utterly absurd!

Wang Ruo sipped her tea, waiting for Wang Rui to calm down after his outburst and scolding before speaking again, "If Xie Second Sister can take the imperial examinations, why can't other women? In terms of talent, would we, the daughters of prestigious families, be inferior to Xie Second Sister? If we don't allow other women to participate and curb Xie Second Sister's influence, Father, aren't you afraid that the Xie family might replace the Wang family? The Xie family is currently at its peak, the rising star of the capital."

Wang Rui was taken aback and stopped his rant. After a moment of thought, he realized Wang Ruo's words weren't entirely without merit. If only Xie Yixin were allowed to take the imperial examinations, it would make the Xie family seem uniquely exceptional.

The daughters of prestigious families were carefully nurtured, and their talents might not be inferior to Xie Yixin's. If they could compete on the same stage, it might help suppress the Xie family's rising influence.

However, if he proposed this in court, he would likely be mocked by others.

Wang Ruo said, "Father, you could rally those who don't want to be targeted by the Emperor to support this proposal. I've prepared the arguments to persuade them, written here on this paper. You can review it. You could also suggest that only unmarried women be allowed to take the imperial examinations. This way, other prestigious families might also be swayed."

Other families might see this as an opportunity to present their daughters to the Emperor, perhaps with ulterior motives, such as the Emperor selecting female officials.

Wang Ruo handed Wang Rui a stack of papers from her sleeve.

Wang Rui glanced at them and found the arguments quite persuasive, even to himself.

When Wang Ruo left the Wang residence, Shang Guanyi personally came to pick her up. After giving birth to their daughter, her health had deteriorated, and she could no longer walk far.

Upon arriving, Shang Guanyi, without concern for public decorum, carried her directly to the carriage. The other members of the Wang family secretly scorned Shang Guanyi, thinking him uncouth and lacking in manners, while Wang Ruo was seen as willingly degrading herself by allowing Shang Guanyi to embarrass her in public.

When the carriage arrived at the Shangguan residence, Shang Guanyi still couldn't bear to let Wang Ruo walk too much. He carried her into the house.

Nestled in his arms, Wang Ruo whispered, "Husband, I proposed to my father that women should be allowed to take the imperial examinations."

Shang Guanyi's steps faltered for a moment. He wasn't entirely in favor of women taking the imperial examinations.

A glimmer of light finally appeared in Wang Ruo's calm eyes. "My life is already set, but I must do something for my daughter. I will likely only have this one daughter. You..."

Shang Guanyi said with great determination, "I have only this one daughter in my life!"

Wang Ruo smiled subtly, "Since she is the only heir of the Shangguan family, how can you bear to confine her to the inner quarters? How can you bear to let the official path of your Shangguan family end here? If women can become officials, we can find a live-in son-in-law in the future..."

Shang Guanyi instinctively retorted, "Our daughter is still so young; talking about a son-in-law is way too early!"

Wang Ruo let out a soft chuckle.

Shang Guanyi looked down at her smile and sighed deeply, "I'll listen to you."

To Su Yu's surprise, the proposal to allow women to take the imperial civil service exams was actually brought up by Wang Rui. He teamed up with several officials to petition, arguing that since Xie Second Sister had passed the exams and become an official, it was unfair to show favoritism. As a ruler, Su Yu should treat everyone equally and allow all women in the country to take the exams.

Su Yu wanted to test these officials but was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

She instead acted reserved in court, feeling that one Xie Second Sister was already enough, and other women should forget about it.

Wang Rui added that some thresholds should indeed be added, suggesting that only unmarried women should participate, preferably with some age restrictions.

His words resonated with other observing noble families. They calculated and also stepped forward to support Wang Rui. Since they couldn't stop Xie Yixin from taking the exams, they absolutely couldn't let the Xie family take all the spotlight!

Thus, Su Yu reluctantly agreed.

Xie Yiguan glanced at Su Yu and quietly watched her play her part. It must be said, the emperor's performance in front of the ministers was quite adorable.

Before they knew it, summer had ended, and the heat of July had faded. The western border remained quiet, and the officials in the capital speculated that the emperor's plan to attack Luosuo would likely be postponed to the next year. Indeed, with Great Qi thriving, the outcome of this battle was uncertain, so it was better to wait.

The King of Luosuo, far to the west, thought the same. However, with Yu Chiyi watching over Yuanzhou, he dared not move against Yuanzhou and decided to head south to plunder Nanzhao for winter preparations.

But what the King of Luosuo didn't expect was that as soon as he led his troops south, Yu Chiyi infiltrated Luosuo!