Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 926 - 923: Gradually Planning It

Chapter 926: Chapter 923: Gradually Planning It

When Lu Jin received Bai Qingyan’s decree to gather evidence of the sins of the Imperial Family’s clan, he guessed that Bai Qingyan aimed to weaken the vassal kings... and deliberately created a deceptive appearance to them, which is why he didn’t act against the Jin Dynasty’s Imperial Family clan.

Moreover... Lu Jin suspected that the rumors claiming Bai Qingyan refrained from targeting the Jin Dynasty’s Imperial Family clan out of consideration for the Eldest Princess were spread by Bai Qingyan’s orders.

"Implementing new policies is beneficial for the livelihood of future generations..." Bai Qingyan raised her weary eyes, which were filled with red veins, to look at Lu Jinxian, "To push for new policies, weakening the vassal kings is imperative. However... if we were to weaken them through warfare, it would be the simplest method, yet it would inevitably harm the people and drain the nation’s strength. Weighing the pros and cons... during the early days of the Zhou Dynasty when all is in disarray, stability rather than haste is our goal! Therefore, after the enthronement ceremony, Minister Lu’s implementation of new policies will be much smoother."

Prime Minister Lu and others nodded repeatedly, acknowledging Bai Qingyan’s thorough consideration.

"Since Minister Lu claimed that the implementation of new policies in Hancheng was smooth, why then did the old clans of Daliang stir up chaos? I remember... the previous reports sent back to Dadu City suggested that the old clans of Daliang were willing to sacrifice their family wealth... just for survival." Bai Qingyan inquired again, her voice hoarse.

Bai Qingyan received this information rather late, as she had not yet departed Luohong City for Dadu, and the details were scant, leaving her unaware of the reasons behind it.

When questioned, Lu Jinxian instinctively glanced at his father, seeing his father calmly sip tea. Thus, he didn’t conceal for Bai Jinzhi and responded in a low voice: "Initially, it was so, but Commandery Princess Gaoyi discovered that the former dynasty’s clans were transporting large boxes when they left Hancheng, despite claiming they had handed over all their wealth to survive. Commandery Princess Gaoyi stopped all of them, imprisoned the entire families of those clans, causing panic among the rest of the clans, leading to chaos! But fortunately... the chaos has been quelled, though Commandery Princess Gaoyi suffered some injuries. When news and the grain and money confiscated by Commandery Princess Gaoyi in Hancheng were sent to Dadu, the messenger said... Commandery Princess Gaoyi is no longer in serious condition."

On hearing about Jinzhi’s injury, Bai Qingyan’s heart immediately tightened.

Bai Jinzhi is the kind of person who reports good news but hides bad news, was she really no longer in serious condition after getting injured? It’s doubtful...

After she returned from Daliang, Bai Jinzhi was the eldest in Hancheng; it’s likely that neither Cai Ziyuan nor Zhao Sheng could persuade Bai Jinzhi.

The incident was sudden before, and Bai Qingyan trusted only Jinzhi, which is why she placed her there. However, now with the critical implementation of new policies, Jinzhi’s reckless nature suggests... she can’t stay in Hancheng.

In Bai Qingyan’s view, those who can handle this matter could only be Bai Jinxiu or Bai Jintong...

But now Bai Jintong is far away in Xiliang and Bai Jinxiu hasn’t seen Brother Wang for too long. Even if, after the enthronement ceremony, Bai Jinxiu and Qin Lang head to Hancheng together, such a small child as Brother Wang may not withstand the ordeal.

Seeing Bai Qingyan bow her head in contemplation, Lu Jin guessed that she was considering changing Commandery Princess Gaoyi’s position. Commandery Princess Gaoyi’s impulsive nature might be exploited by people with ulterior motives in Hancheng, hindering the implementation of new policies.

Actually, through King Liang’s rebellion, Lu Jin realized that Bai Jinxiu is much more capable than they imagined. But her gentle demeanor makes her appear frail, even though everyone knows Bai Jinxiu is formidable, it’s presumed to be within the confines of domestic affairs.

Not until such critical moments... during a major battle, would people remember that Bai Jinxiu had once been on the battlefield, engaged in warfare, and was a resourceful lady of the Bai family.

"I believe Mrs. Qin can go to Hancheng to take charge of the situation, and although Qin Lang lacks thunderous measures, he’s worthy of use, Your Majesty could send Qin Lang and Mrs. Qin to Hancheng together." Lu Jin remarked timely, "This way, it would avoid separating the couple, and... it serves as a foreshadowing for the future employment of women as officials by the Emperor."

Bai Qingyan looked up at Lu Jin, his words were completely aligned with Bai Qingyan’s thoughts, as if he was a worm inside Bai Qingyan’s stomach.

"Let’s discuss this further." Bai Qingyan decided to consult Bai Jinxiu, Qin Lang, and Aunt first, then she began talking about the enthronement ceremony for the Zhou Dynasty, "As the Zhou Dynasty is initially established, a general amnesty can be announced during the enthronement ceremony, and next year an imperial examination will be held to recruit talents for the court. The court plans to open academies in various regions, and women... may also enroll, taking part in the imperial examination."

Prime Minister Lu perked up, indeed... Bai Qingyan intended to elevate women’s status after the reform.

As a man and someone immensely knowledgeable since childhood, Prime Minister Lu didn’t think that allowing women to enroll and participate in the imperial examination posed a threat to men. Women like Bai Qingyan... would undoubtedly be no inferior to any man, otherwise, he wouldn’t willingly submit.

Even Prime Minister Lu’s own granddaughter, having learned some literacy in the family’s academy, later... involving the imperial examination, left the clan’s school to study with a female tutor at home. Prime Minister Lu dared to say... his granddaughter would certainly not be inferior to her two brothers.

But just because Prime Minister Lu could think this way doesn’t mean that every scholar in the nation would think likewise. Women entering academies... participating in imperial examinations was revolutionary to Confucian norms.

Bai Qingyan’s thinking was far too advanced, the Empress’s ascension had already shaken the nation’s perception of male superiority, and Prime Minister Lu privately thought... that women’s participation in the imperial examination should proceed gradually.

"Your Majesty... this matter ought to be considered slowly!" Prime Minister Lu spoke sincerely, "The concept of male superiority didn’t form overnight, to eradicate it... requires a gradual process, I’m afraid this sudden decree... would definitely shake the nation’s scholars’ minds and cause dissatisfaction."

Bai Qingyan leaned her elbows on the cushion, forced herself to perk up, and reasoned with Prime Minister Lu, "I understand Prime Minister Lu’s concern, but... Bai Qingyan believes this cannot be delayed. After weakening the vassal kings... and implementing new policies, this matter should be carried out. Prime Minister Lu, the early Zhou Dynasty desperately needs talents, Bai Qingyan being a woman herself... employing individuals regardless of gender, as long as they can serve the people and provide benefits, they are valuable talents. If scholars in the nation have questions... I will personally go to explain!"

Bai Qingyan bowed to Prime Minister Lu: "In this matter, Bai Qingyan wishes to act independently. If a mistake is made... assistance from Prime Minister Lu would be necessary."

Prime Minister Lu pressed his lips together, internally quite disapproving, but what more could he say since Bai Qingyan had stated it so?

"But Your Majesty, seven-year-olds should not sit together, isn’t co-ed schooling inappropriate?" Prime Minister Lu wanted to make a final attempt.

"The academies the Emperor intends to establish in various locations could be divided into... girls’ academies and boys’ academies, thus addressing Father’s concerns..." Lu Jinxian seriously proposed solutions, frowning completely unaware of his own father’s gaze on him.