Afterward, Lin Xiu Wen announced the matter in the court.
"Gentlemen," he surveyed the Ministers, "the remnants of the former dynasty have already faced justice. However..." He shifted his tone, "I must thank someone. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have been able to uncover these traitors so quickly."
The officials exchanged glances.
Lin Xiu Wen continued, "This person is none other than Empress Su Wanqing. She risked her life to ensure that I could..."
Su Wanqing quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, this is what I should do."
Lin Xiu Wen took her hand, saying, "No, this is your achievement. Therefore, I have decided..."
He announced a shocking decision that reverberated throughout the court: the establishment of a Female Chancellor, to be jointly held by Su Wanqing, Liu Rumei, and Ashide.
On the first day of the Female Chancellor's establishment, the court was in an uproar.
"Your Majesty," an elderly official trembled as he stepped forward, "this action may violate the Ancestral System..."
Lin Xiu Wen coldly interrupted him, "Ancestral System? Wasn't it breaking the Ancestral System when the Former Emperor established the cabinet?"
The old official was left speechless.
Lin Xiu Wen continued, "I establish the Female Chancellor to recruit talented individuals widely. If anyone is dissatisfied..." He surveyed the Ministers. "They are free to resign and retire."
At these words, silence fell over the court.
After dismissing the court, the three Female Chancellors gathered in the imperial study.
Su Wanqing spread out a scroll of memorials. "This is a report regarding the Northwest Drought; we need to allocate funds for disaster relief immediately."
Liu Rumei frowned. "But the National Treasury is empty; where will we get the silver?"
Ashide suddenly spoke up, "I have an idea."
Both women turned to her. Ashide explained, "The Northern Border produces a wealth of medicinal herbs; we can trade these herbs for gemstones from the Western Regions and then use those gemstones to acquire silver for disaster relief."
Su Wanqing's eyes brightened. "Good idea! But..."
"But someone needs to oversee this in the Western Regions," Liu Rumei interjected. "I'll go."
Su Wanqing shook her head. "No, you can't. You are the Minister of War; we need you here in the capital."
"Ashide volunteered, 'I will go. It’s a good opportunity to investigate the local conditions in the Western Regions.'"
Thus, Ashide set off with a team, secretly heading towards the Western Regions.
Upon arrival, Ashide discovered that the situation was even worse than reported.
"These corrupt officials!" Ashide exclaimed in anger. "They are actually withholding disaster relief funds!"
She immediately ordered a thorough investigation, and soon a number of corrupt officials were apprehended.
The news returned to the capital, and Lin Xiu Wen was overjoyed. "Ashide truly lives up to expectations!"
Ten years later, in the Imperial Garden, Lin Xiu Wen was admiring the flowers with the Three Female Chancellors.
"Your Majesty," Su Wanqing said with a smile, "look how beautifully the peonies are blooming."
Lin Xiu Wen nodded. "Indeed, just like our nation, flourishing and prosperous."
Liu Rumei added, "Thanks to Your Majesty's wise decisions and the assistance of the Three Female Chancellors."
However, Ashide shook her head. "No, all of this is Your Majesty's achievement. We are merely doing our duty."
Lin Xiu Wen looked at the three women with affection in his eyes. "No, this is our achievement. Without you, there would be no peaceful and prosperous era today."
At that moment, the Crown Prince ran over. "Father, Mother, Aunt Liu, Aunt Ashide, look at my poem!"
Lin Xiu Wen took the poem from him and saw it read:
"Spring breeze caresses with fragrant flowers,
Peace reigns across the seas as all people thrive.
Father and Mother govern together with care,
May peace endure forever in this land."
Lin Xiu Wen laughed heartily. "Wonderful! What a great line: 'May peace endure forever in this land!'"
The three women exchanged smiles.
As the sun set, golden rays bathed the four of them, as if gilding them with a layer of gold.
In that moment, the nation was picturesque, and time stood still in tranquility.
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