Chapter 64

The Emperor pondered for a while, then turned to the royal eunuch and said, "Take the children to the courtyard to play."

Eunuch Wang nodded and smiled at the Song family, saying, "Come, Dingdang, take the children to the garden to play. The flowers are blooming beautifully now."

Although the members of the Song family were somewhat nervous, they still let the children go out. Hutou stood up as well, saying, "I, I am also a child, I will take them out to play."

The Emperor smiled and said, "Go ahead, have them prepare some refreshments, and make sure they don't run around."

With Hutou, the older child, the younger ones were less afraid and followed the beautiful palace maid outside. Soon, the sound of children's laughter could be heard.

The Emperor sighed and said, "Actually, the words from before should not have been heard by the children. It was just a moment of anger on my part, and I overlooked these things. Xu Qiang has committed a grave offense against me, which cannot be tolerated. As for Song Taohong... do you know, even if you were to return home, it might not guarantee your survival?"

Song Taohong just hung her head, her whole demeanor becoming dull.

The Emperor continued, "The moment you leave, Xu Qiang will send a letter to your home. Even if you go back, it would lead to your death. He is so malicious, I have truly never witnessed such cruelty. Song Taohong, you schemed to enter into this marriage, and now you have harmed yourself and your children. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Song Taohong hesitated for a moment and then suddenly said, "Even if I had not married Xu Qiang, my husband would have been Zhou Tiezhu."

"Zhou Tiezhu?" The Emperor was taken aback, then chuckled, "I almost forgot, Zhou Aiqing, weren't you called by that name in the past?"

Zhou Yinuo smiled and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, yes. However, Dingxiang has given me a new name, which I am very fond of."

The Emperor chuckled twice and replied, "Well said, well said. It is often said that women without talent are virtuous, but if all women in the world were like Dingxiang from the Song family, then that would truly be great virtue."

Song Dingxiang quickly responded, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. In reality, many women excel in virtue and talent above ordinary women. It's just that because they are women, they are limited to being wives and mothers at home. If their family does not understand them, even if they have great talent, it may be overlooked. The praise for ordinary women is due to their families being supportive and understanding."

She had originally wanted to say that women are not inferior to men and that given the opportunity, they can certainly achieve great things. However, considering it was ancient times, she was afraid of offending the Emperor with her words, so after some thought, she refrained from expressing those thoughts.

The Emperor did not say anything further. It seemed he had forgotten about Song Taohong still kneeling on the ground.

He instead chatted with Song Xingyi and Song Dingxiang about some rural matters, such as whether the recent drought had truly eased and how the household's crops were faring.

When the conversation turned to fruit trees, Song Dingxiang also shared her method of making preserves. The Emperor was quite interested and had it noted down, saying, "This is indeed good. In winter, it is rare to have fresh fruits to eat. If I desire fresh fruit, it would require a significant effort and cost. With this method now available, even in winter, we can enjoy fruits."

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "Actually, no matter if it's the north or the south, there are plenty of fruit trees. It is said that even in the south, winter is not cold, and it's not difficult to find fresh fruits to eat. However, in the cold winters of the north, even the best fruits cannot be preserved. In winter, we can only taste frozen persimmons and pears, while other fruits easily spoil. So, I thought if pickled vegetables can be preserved, why not fruits? I discussed with my family, tried it out, and surprisingly, it could be stored for a long time."

The Emperor nodded and said, "Indeed, if one is willing to try, perhaps there will be unexpected gains. By the way, I also heard from your uncle, Song Zhixuan, that deep plowing and burning fields can prevent locust plagues. Is that true?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "It was just a sudden idea of an ordinary woman like me. The eggs of locusts are usually underground, and they often hatch and emerge as locusts after a drought. During drought years, when most land is left vacant due to reduced crop production, I thought that deep plowing and burning might kill the locust eggs. I once mentioned this to Wang Yuanwai, an influential figure in the town, and he found the idea feasible. He discussed it with the local officials and implemented it. However, there have been no locust plagues this year at home, so I am uncertain if this method is effective."

"Wang Yuanwai?" The Emperor looked at Wang Gonggong.

Wang Gonggong explained, "He comes from the Wang family of Suzhou, which is a branch of the main family. Due to certain reasons, he broke ties with the main family and moved to live in Weixian. He also bought an official position, but it is said that he is also known as Wang Shanren and seems to have a good reputation among the people."

The Emperor chuckled and remarked, "Seems like he is related to you. An ordinary village woman and a buyer of official positions like Yuanwai can think for the common people and for the state. Yet, my ministers who have studied and read books cannot provide any reasonable explanations for droughts and locust plagues. Humph, it disappoints me!"

Song Dingxiang hesitated but eventually said, "Your Majesty, there is something... I really want to say, hoping Your Majesty won't blame me."

The Emperor nodded, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Speak freely, I won't blame you."

Song Dingxiang bowed deeply and knelt down, saying, "It has never been easy for scholars, especially those from humble farming families. If someone in the family is able to study, it will require the whole family's effort to support them, or even the entire village's support. Not only in humble families, even scholars from wealthy families are the same. They focus solely on studying the classics, turning a deaf ear to outside matters. But scholars like this cannot bear burdens or understand the needs of the people and the state, nor do they understand social norms. Can such scholars truly consider the people's welfare when they become officials?"

The Emperor's expression darkened as he said, "Are you criticizing all scholars in the world? I just praised your uncle earlier."

After he spoke, the faces of everyone in the Song family turned pale, especially Song Xingyi, who almost knelt down but just trembled and looked at Song Dingxiang, hoping she wouldn't say anything to anger the Emperor.

Song Dingxiang continued, "Initially, when my uncle went to study, my grandfather only had the idea of 'knowing how to read and understand things' in mind for him to study. Even when my uncle studied, he would take leave during busy farming days at home and only continue studying after those days. Perhaps it was because my family had some surplus to afford my uncle's education, or perhaps it was because my uncle understood the importance of 'farming before everything else.' It was for this reason that my uncle could write articles that pleased the Emperor, isn't it?"

The Emperor's expression remained unfriendly as he said, "Go on."

Taking a deep breath, Song Dingxiang said, "Studying is a good thing, but one should not just study to the point of ignorance. Some people can study and pass exams, but apart from that, they know nothing else. Once they become officials, they do not know what they should do. Some people not only study but also truly understand the meaning of what they read, applying it to the livelihood and welfare of the people and the state. In my opinion, these are the true scholars."

The Emperor said, "How could I not know about these things? But based solely on exam papers, how can one determine if these individuals are indeed the true scholars you speak of?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "I have always had a habit of thinking wildly. One day, it occurred to me that some people are good at farming, while others excel in craftsmanship. If someone skilled in farming takes an exam meant for those skilled in craftsmanship, it would be a mess. The same applies vice versa. I thought, what if Your Majesty divides the talents needed into different sections, and during the final exam, each person receives the section they excel in? This way, the results of the exam will be clear to Your Majesty."

In fact, this is just a simple division of arts and sciences, but it was not yet reflected in the examinations of ancient times.

The Emperor's expression changed a few times as he said, "Clever, indeed very clever... It's impressive that a woman like you can come up with such a method. However, it may be difficult to implement this method widely."

Song Dingxiang replied, "It is always very difficult to promote something new. Farming is the same. Everyone is used to planting sweet potatoes and potatoes. Suddenly switching to something else, how can they not feel uneasy? Whenever I make a new dish, I don't just rush to sell it. Instead, I offer some for free as samples. If someone likes it, they will naturally pay to buy more. Once someone buys it, others will follow suit."

The Emperor certainly understood. He looked deeply at Song Dingxiang and sighed, "It's truly a pity..."

It was a pity that someone so intelligent was a woman. Fortunately, she had the support of her family; otherwise, she wouldn't have achieved so much.

And General Zhou Yinuo was lucky to have such a wise wife; otherwise, it would have been...

"Lady Zhou, please rise. Your words have touched the Emperor's heart deeply."

Song Taohong knelt on the ground, her thoughts in turmoil. She always thought she was better than Song Dingxiang - prettier, fuller figure, better luck.

But now, Song Dingxiang could converse with the Emperor and even receive praises that deeply satisfied the Emperor. And herself... she had lost her child and almost lost her life.

If she had not tried to get close to Xu Qiang but had obediently married Zhou Tiezhu, would she now also be called Lady Zhou?

And if so, Song Dingxiang would have suffered the same fate at the hands of Xu Qiang, with no chance of escape.

Why didn't she see it at first, how could Zhou Tiezhu have such a great achievement in the end?!

Regret, regret!

But she never thought about what she would face even if she married Zhou Tiezhu. Serving the Zhou family, bitterness and resentment, still jealous of Song Dingxiang who became the county magistrate's wife.

Song Taohong kept kneeling there, waiting to hear the emperor say it was time to bring food, she was then taken out by the eunuch.

Although they all have the surname Song, they can sit down and eat with the emperor, while she has to go back to the relief hall and eat dry bread and vegetable soup. One stroke cannot write two Song characters, what relatives.

When did they treat her as a relative?!

Song Taohong gnawed on corn bread while cursing angrily in her heart. She was unwilling!

After lunch with the Song family, the emperor sent them back to the inn, and then convened several ministers to discuss how to reward the Song family.

"In the past, the emperor could grant a decree to General Zhou's wife."

The emperor glanced at the minister who spoke and said, "In the past, which decree wife could do such things? Decrees are dependent on men, but General Zhou's wife's knowledge is not inferior to General Zhou's. What do you think, my lords?"

We think?

How do we think?

We just think the whole Song family is too annoying. Why do they have so many strange ideas?

Can't a woman just stay at home, take care of the family and educate the children?

Another minister said, "Since ancient times, a woman's rewards after marriage naturally come from her husband's family, which is not inappropriate."

The emperor just coldly snorted, but did not speak.

The ministers looked at each other, not knowing what to say.

Suddenly, another minister said, "Your Majesty must believe that a virtuous wife brings peace to the household. If all women in the world were as virtuous and clever as Lady Zhou, not only could they make men wise and brave, but they could also achieve great things themselves. Although she is a married woman, she can still maintain harmony in her family. The elders in the Song family are kind and understanding, the children are lively and sensible, setting a rare example in the world. I suggest that Your Majesty not only reward Lady Zhou but also reward the entire Song family."

After he finished speaking, he was immediately stared at by his colleagues.

The emperor laughed heartily and said, "Well said, how do you think we should reward them?"

"I believe Lady Zhou's deeds of sending rattan armor, gloves, woolen blankets to the Northern soldiers, and even sending two carts of drought-resistant seeds during the famine year to the North, are truly virtuous! With such great virtue, granting her the title of county princess is not excessive. It will also show women in the world that even as women, if they can do good deeds for the country and the people, they can receive rewards from the emperor even without relying on their fathers or brothers."

Another minister disagreed, angrily saying, "Nonsense, if that's the case, who among the women in the world will still serve their in-laws, bear and raise children, and manage their households virtuously?"

The minister who came up with the idea laughed and said, "Mr. Zhang, your words are wrong. Although Lady Zhou does not have in-laws to serve, she has served her grandparents, and parents. I heard that Lady Zhou also set up a workshop in the village, inviting women to work there, so that they can earn money to support their families in their free time. So, how can we say that Lady Zhou is not virtuous and capable of managing her household? As for bearing and raising children, Lady Zhou was only fourteen when she got married, and General Zhou was away at war in the North, so it was normal that they did not have children. Now that they are both in their prime, they will surely have a household full of children in the future."

Mr. Zhang sneered, "If all the credit goes to women, what do we men do then?"

The minister replied, "If a man is afraid that a woman's achievements surpass his own, then he must not be much himself, right? I believe that whether it is a man or a woman, as long as their actions are beneficial to the country, the emperor will naturally reward them. The more talented people we have, the stronger our country will become for generations to come, isn't that so?"

Mr. Zhang said, "Just doing some simple things, where is the worthiness of being a county princess? Mr. Li, don't elevate that woman too high."

Mr. Li said, "Just a rattan armor, so simple, yet it saved the lives of countless soldiers. I have been studying for so many years and still could not come up with such a solution, feeling ashamed. I wonder if Mr. Zhang has ever thought of any ideas to replace the iron armor?"

"You, you! I am just a civil official, how would I have such ideas!" Mr. Zhang was almost enraged.

Mr. Li said, "Lady Zhou is just a village woman, but she can think of so many ways to help her husband who is about to go to battle. I am far inferior!"

The emperor watched his ministers arguing with a smile, then said, "Lady Zhou also once suggested that during exams, the items needed by me should be divided into detailed sections, allowing students to choose the papers they excel in. That way, I can easily select talented individuals."

Mr. Zhang almost jumped up in anger, saying, "When hens crow at dawn, the country will be in chaos!"

Mr. Li remarked, "The civil service reform has been implemented several times, and each time it has benefited the nation. While this approach was suggested by Lady Zhou, it is indeed a sound one. So, if Mr. Zhang also came up with this idea, does that make him a hen crowing in the morning?"

"You're being unreasonable!" Mr. Zhang exclaimed, nearly spitting up blood.

Mr. Li then addressed the Emperor, "Your humble servant believes that any proposal that benefits the state, regardless of whether it comes from a man or a woman, an old person or a young one, should be implemented. However, the implementation of such measures requires the Emperor's careful consideration."

The Emperor nodded and said, "Aiqing's words are quite true. With the current shortage of capable officials in the court and the urgent need to fill positions in various departments, this proposal has indeed addressed my immediate concern. All of you are my trusted ministers, and I am confident that you have ideas for further refining this plan. But to get back to the main topic, have you all decided how to reward the Song family?"

*

Currently, Song Dingxiang, immersed in the imperial grandeur, is savoring precious moments with her family in the heart of the capital. Meanwhile, Zhou Yinuo, driven by a deep love for his wife, has taken a well-deserved break to indulge her every desire. Their days together are filled with laughter, affection, and the sweet luxury of shared experiences in this enchanting city.

Song Dingxiang bought some beautiful fabrics that they didn't have at home, purchased some mosquito repellent packs, and tasted a variety of street snacks, all the while thinking about how to create new sauce recipes to enhance the taste.

She has many sauce recipes in her hands, waiting for the right opportunity to slowly unveil them.

However, things in the capital city are just too expensive. A small shop costs at least five hundred taels of silver, and a narrow courtyard can fetch five to six hundred taels, leaving Song Dingxiang speechless.

The money she had in her pocket was considered comfortable back in her hometown, but here she felt like a poor person. She completely abandoned the idea of moving to the imperial capital and just focused on developing her family business.

"The emperor has bestowed upon me a grand estate within this very county, though I confess I have yet to lay eyes on it," Zhou Yinuo said, setting down a plate of dumplings on the table and savoring the meal with his cherished wife. "Once, I'ma man without a home or a trade. Now, we have a sanctuary of our own, a place where you can find peace and contentment comfortably and happily."

Song Dingxiang laughed, "We can't possibly live in so many houses. It's a hassle to constantly clean and manage them, especially if we decide to rent them out."

Zhou Yinuo said, "Don't worry. We'll all live in the General's mansion together. Let's see who dares to bully us. You can keep your house as a workshop, it's our property, no need to rent it out."

"Your mind has been working overtime," Song Dingxiang couldn't help but pinch Zhou Yinuo's cheek, a playful gesture that seemed out of place given the intensity of her gaze.

His face had lost its usual softness, replaced by a determined sharpness that was both alluring and unfamiliar softness she remembered.

"Hehe," Zhou Yinuo chuckled, saying, "I'm just following your lead, that's what family does."

With his days off, he could now spend nights with his cherished wife, a woman he had longed for. Yet, he hesitated to burden Song Dingxiang with the weight of their first intimate encounter. He yearned for a homecoming filled with the warmth of their shared space, a sanctuary where their love could blossom unhurried.

To squander such a precious moment in the impersonal confines of an inn would be a regret he could never bear. He envisioned a future where they would be together, free from the constraints of their journey. Their love, a delicate flower, needed to be nurtured in a place that reflected their shared history and their hopes for the future.

Sipping on her wonton soup, Song Dingxiang said, "I don't care about what the emperor rewards us with, I just want our family to be united and live peacefully. Money can be earned slowly, but if we are not united, then earning money doesn't mean much."

Zhou Yinuo said, "I know you're very capable, but when I get home, I can help you. Whenever I hear in the opera about 'husband and wife working together to build a home,' my heart warms up. Now, the two of us have finally managed to build our home together."

Song Dingxiang just smiled and handed him a wonton, saying, "Eat your food."

After a few days, the emperor's decree arrived.

The eunuch who delivered the decree was the Emperor's trusted Wang Gonggong. He arrived at the inn holding the imperial edict, smiling warmly and instructing the Song family to receive the decree.

Ancient imperial decrees were written in a complex and difficult language. Song Dingxiang knelt and listened for a while before finally understanding, feeling both shock and joy.

She was surprised that the emperor had granted such a substantial reward, and delighted that she had received a noble title of her own merit, not just as a result of Zhou Yinuo's achievements. This distinction was crucial because a title received solely through her husband's merit would imply she was merely benefiting from his abilities.

A personal reward from the emperor signified genuine recognition of her own accomplishments.

Accepting the position, Song Dingxiang was still in a state of astonishment.

The Grand Eunuch Wang smiled as he helped Song Dingxiang, Song Xingyi, and Li shi up, saying, "Congratulations to Madam Zhou, Elder Song, and Elder Madam Song."

Song Xingyi was completely bewildered, "Grand Eunuch Wang, did I hear that right? Do I also have an official title? I don't know anything!"

The Grand Eunuch Wang smiled as he personally helped Song Xingyi sit in the hall and said, "Elder Song, this position of 'Yuanwailang' is merely an honorary title. The Emperor, greatly impressed by your and Elder Madam Song's ability to raise such an exceptional son and granddaughter, has specially bestowed upon you this title, far more prestigious than those obtained through personal expenditures. Moreover, the Emperor has directly granted Elder Madam Song the title of 'Ruren', allowing both of you to enjoy a comfortable retirement at home. No one would dare to mistreat either of you."

Tears streamed down Song Xingyi's face as he cried, "I never expected the Emperor would value us so much. I... I must kowtow to the Emperor." He then slid to the ground and respectfully knelt in the direction of the palace, leading the entire Song family to kowtow three times with loud thuds.

The Grand Eunuch Wang helped Song Xingyi up again and said, "Congratulations to Madam Zhou, Elder Song, whether it's your son or granddaughter, the Emperor is delighted with them all. Madam Zhou is now granted a special title of County Princess (Xianzhu), Countess of Weinin, a rank even higher than General Zhou's."

Fang shi was also stunned. She knew Zhou Yinuo was a fourth-rank general, but now her daughter-in-law had a higher rank than a fourth-rank general?

The Grand Eunuch Wang explained, "The Emperor values capable individuals, regardless of gender. As long as they contribute to the state, it is considered a great achievement in politics. The Emperor is pleased to have such talents. Countess Weinin, we hope you will not disappoint the Emperor's kindness."

"Thank you for the Emperor's recognition, and thank you for the Grand Eunuch's guidance. I, as a humble servant, will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to serving the state, without any other intentions." Song Dingxiang tightly held the imperial decree, too excited to speak.

Apart from the rewards, the Emperor also bestowed two hundred taels of gold, three thousand taels of silver, twenty pieces of various silks and brocades, and a jade ruyi. There were also various other rewards, piled up in the entire courtyard.

After rewarding the Song family, the Emperor issued a decree to severely punish the Xu family.

Xu Qiang's misconduct and greed led to a direct death sentence and confiscation of the Xu family's assets. The Xu family was also banned from government service due to Xu Qiang's involvement.

As for Song Taohong, she was originally a pitiful person, but unfortunate people always have their faults. With a stroke of his pen, the Emperor allowed Song Taohong to return home and live the rest of her life in a nearby hometown nunnery, seeking redemption for herself and her children.

Song Taohong went almost crazy upon hearing this news.

She not only lost her position as a county magistrate's wife but also her children, and now she couldn't even return home. The opportunity to remarry into another family had vanished.

"Better to die than live as a nun!"

But she didn't let it bother her, just the thought of it made her shiver uncontrollably, cold sweat pouring down.

The emperor understood what was on her mind, and he was in a great mood, looking at everyone with a much kinder eye. While he was sleeping with his charming concubine in his arms, he suddenly had a dream.

"I dreamt of my eighth uncle." The emperor asked Eunuch Wang after morning court, "How has my eighth uncle been recently?"

Eunuch Wang replied, "The eighth prince is still the same, but he just submitted a request for his son to be named Shizi (the Heir Apparent for the Prince position)."

The emperor sighed, "I remember, my eighth uncle had a son, but he lost him because of... because of me."

Eunuch Wang quickly asked, "How could it be your fault, Your Majesty?"

"Because my eighth uncle supported me, it must have offended someone. At that time, I was still young, and although my mother was the empress, she was almost suppressed by the noble consort." The emperor recalled the past, his face turning slightly ugly.

Worried about the emperor's well-being, Eunuch Wang quickly changed the subject and suggested, "Maybe you dreamt of the eighth prince because you saw the request for his son to be named Shizi? Perhaps you should invite the eighth prince to the palace for a gathering..."

The emperor suddenly slapped his thigh, "Wang Deng'er, do you think Zhou Yinuo looks like my eighth aunt?"

Eunuch Wang exclaimed, "This, how can that be said? But if Your Majesty says so, this servant does think there is a bit of resemblance... especially when smiling. This servant remembers that the eighth princess had a dimple on her left cheek when she smiled, although very shallow. It seems that General Zhou also has one."

"If I remember correctly, Zhou Yinuo was also found by someone? Go, fetch the report from when Zhou Yinuo was investigated. If he is truly the eighth uncle's son, wouldn't he also be my brother?" The emperor became somewhat excited.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty... you have forgotten, the eighth prince just submitted a request for his son to be named Shizi, if General Zhou is truly his son, then the Shizi position..." The court official became anxious.

Upon hearing this, the emperor was taken aback, "Yes, if he truly is... what should we do?"

Eunuch Wang thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps Your Majesty should first inquire with the eighth prince about his intentions, and then ask General Zhou. General Zhou has gained recognition through his own abilities, and if this matter is not handled properly, he may face slander. Your Majesty, please consider carefully."

After hearing this, the emperor's expression turned solemn.