On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, long markets were set up on both sides of the great river. Almost all the men, women, elderly, and children of the entire city had come. Yang City’s shipyard sent out four large ships to anchor not far from the finish line for invited guests to board and watch the dragon boats from above.
This year’s dragon boats were all built by civilian shipyards, because the official shipyard concentrated all its efforts on warship manufacturing. However, this was also good—without official participation in the competition, there was one less formidable opponent. The five hundred taels prize money made many skilled rowers eager to try, so much so that there were too many dragon boats and the river wasn’t wide enough. In the end, they adopted Mo Zi’s suggestion of a qualifying round, semifinals, and finals advancement system.
On the ship, Yang Qiao looked at the seating chart and voiced her opinion. “Mo Zi, you clearly know that Liu Bao’er likes Prime Minister Yuan, yet you arranged her seat so close to you two? If you ask me, you should have her sit next to Jiang Shu.” She often participated in river tour activities organized by Mo Zi, so she could see clearly and plainly.
“In the hearts of the common people, she’s still a princess, and moreover, people on both banks today can see the situation on our ship. Doing this shows respect. Jiang Shu is the former empress’s elder brother. The two don’t meet easily, so sitting at neighboring tables allows them to chat about family matters. Liu Bao’er and Jiang Shu diagonally across from each other is also quite good.” They can exchange meaningful glances—but Mo Zi didn’t voice these words.
“The deposed emperor sitting at Prime Minister Yuan’s lower hand also gives him too much regard.” Yang Qiao hadn’t finished expressing herself.
“At this time, he’s still Nande’s emperor, just captured, that’s all.” Fang Zhan stepped forward and bowed to Mo Zi. “Greetings, Madam.”
Mo Zi said there was no need for excessive courtesy. Her judgment was truly excellent. Fang Zhan was not only proficient in mathematics and engineering but could also often hit the nail on the head regarding political affairs, proposing effective strategies with deep and far-reaching vision.
“He’s already a captive—what kind of emperor is that?” Yang Qiao nodded toward Fang Zhan. “We should question him about his crimes of bringing disaster to the country and people just like we did with Grand Tutor Wu, then publicly behead him.”
“To some with ulterior motives, his death would become a reason for restoration. Don’t forget, he came out of the palace and knelt to surrender himself, begging Prime Minister Yuan to spare his life. At that time, we couldn’t kill him to win hearts. Now that he’s behaving so obediently, we even less can kill him.” Fang Zhan glanced at Yang Qiao then quickly turned his gaze away.
“Win what hearts? The common people all wish they could cut him into a thousand pieces.” Yang Qiao ultimately lacked sufficient experience and perspective.
“Win the hearts of great landowners, great scholarly clans, and great financial magnates. This is a gesture of tolerance. These people can be indifferent about who becomes emperor, but the new ruler’s attitude in handling affairs will have a great impact on them.” Economics determines the superstructure—Mo Zi had believed this from start to finish.
Though Fang Zhan had already followed Mo Zi for some time and knew she was extremely intelligent, hearing these words he was still genuinely admiring. “What Madam says is absolutely right.” She and Prime Minister Yuan complemented each other, possessing the abilities of emperor and empress. Unifying the realm under heaven would not be a difficult matter.
Mo Zi smiled faintly. “Alright, don’t worry about where they sit. It’s just a tofu-block-sized space. Even if you’re at the very edge, as long as you don’t deliberately lower your voice, I can still hear what you’re saying.” This was considered the VIP section, placed on the platform of the three-story pavilion ship.
Yang Qiao pouted. Having heard so many reasons, she didn’t like it and just didn’t like it.
“It’s fine if you’re not satisfied, Official of Rites.” Mo Zi knew her character—gentle on the outside but firm within. “Just remember you need to give a speech in a bit.”
Yang Qiao cried out, “Oh no, I completely forgot about that.”
As the only female official, Yang Qiao had been selected to be responsible for the main event of the day—the dragon boat race activities. Also because of the government’s such actions, the women of Yang City were greatly encouraged and emboldened to leave their homes.
All of this had Mo Zi’s covert promotion behind it. When she was still a maid, she never mentioned anything about gender equality, because her own social status wasn’t sufficient. But now as the first wife of Song territory’s Prime Minister—this wasn’t self-proclaimed but spread by the common people—she was imperceptibly pushing women onto the social stage. Of course, she wasn’t naive enough to think she could change the status quo of male superiority and female inferiority—only making people no longer so resistant to women’s active participation. As someone who came from a thousand years later, it was very difficult to be compliant and law-abiding in this position. At the very least, she could lead by example and influence people subtly.
Mo Zi walked to a corner of the railing. Here stood two large tin horns with echo copper sheets in front of the horns, along with several tubes leading to other corners. She had a total of twenty large horns installed on the ship, attempting surround sound effects for the first time. She didn’t know if it would work.
She beckoned to Yang Qiao. “Come try it, specially prepared for you.”
Yang Qiao walked over. Very coincidentally, she faced the narrow opening of the horn Mo Zi had lifted and asked, “What is it?”
Her voice immediately amplified and came from all directions.
Yang Qiao covered her mouth, her eyes widening in terror.
But Mo Zi noticed that not many people from the market in the river bend looked over, so she was somewhat disappointed. Many things that seemed simple in theory weren’t simple at all when actually made, so any invention or creation was truly worthy of respect. However, several Ministry of Rites officials came running up from downstairs asking Mo Zi and Yang Qiao if they had any instructions, and quite a few people on the two neighboring ships were also paying attention.
After a while, Yuan Cheng came up and also asked, “Was that just Female Official Yang’s voice?”
Yang Qiao nodded stiffly with a forced smile.
Yuan Cheng gave Mo Zi a thumbs up. “This is good. Prince Jing will have something to say in a bit, and we can use it perfectly—”
“Voice amplifier.” More impressive-sounding than horn, Mo Zi smiled.
Prince Jing was the title Nande’s emperor himself had requested. Though not yet officially announced publicly, the cabinet of ministers led by Yuan Cheng had already approved his petition.
Nande’s emperor had just turned seventeen this year. He appeared to be a fair-skinned, pampered young gentleman who showed some timidity in Yuan Cheng’s presence, but his gaze didn’t yet know how to conceal itself. When he thought no one was paying attention, hatred would show. The empress, however, was only sixteen years old. At such a young age, she was more composed than the emperor. Unlike her husband’s disregard toward Mo Zi, she respectfully curtsied, clearly understanding what it meant to no longer be a nation’s most noble woman.
Yet Mo Zi returned the courtesy. Song territory still had no emperor, only cabinet departments, and she wasn’t the most noble either. When others respected her, she respected them in return—this was her propriety.
Beside the empress followed Liu Bao’er in pink and snowy elegance. With Yuan Cheng before her, she naturally wouldn’t look at anyone else, full of a young lady’s shyness. Only after Yuan Cheng went to look at the voice amplifier did she tug the empress’s sleeve.
The empress, that is, Princess Jing, pondered slightly then spoke to Mo Zi. “I want to discuss something with Madam. Would that be possible?”
“What a coincidence—I also wanted to tell the princess consort some good news.” Mo Zi smiled and glanced at Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi stepped back.
Liu Bao’er couldn’t quite contain herself, her heart pounding. “Please speak first, Madam.” It’s here, finally here.
Princess Jing frowned slightly. It wasn’t good to say she wasn’t, so: “Madam, please speak.”
“It’s like this—County Princess Bao’er is already past twenty. Her lifelong affairs shouldn’t be delayed any longer. It just so happens someone wants me to play matchmaker.” Emperor became prince, princess became county princess. Mo Zi began fulfilling her promise to someone.
Liu Bao’er’s face reddened as she secretly glanced toward Yuan Cheng’s back.
“Originally I shouldn’t be managing such matters, but he’s sincere and earnest, and he’s also our honored guest.” Mo Zi’s heart was as solid as a rock.
Princess Jing’s expression shifted.
Liu Bao’er was immersed in her own dreams, not yet coming back to her senses.
“Jiang Shu—that is, the princess consort’s elder brother—wants to marry the county princess as his wife. I wonder what the county princess thinks?” Mo Zi’s eyes were waveless, her lips curved in a smile. “I think it’s quite suitable, and moreover, relatives marrying relatives, knowing each other’s roots.”
This time Liu Bao’er heard clearly. Her face instantly turned deathly pale.
“My elder brother has this intention? How come he didn’t mention it to me but troubled Madam instead?” Princess Jing’s question was reasonable and appropriate.
“It’s inconvenient for him to enter and exit Prince Jing’s manor, but Prime Minister Yuan and I often host him, so he mentioned it to us. Of course Prime Minister Yuan wouldn’t be appropriate to step forward in this matter, so he had me ask and see.” Mo Zi also spoke reasonably and appropriately.
“I’m unwilling.” Liu Bao’er clenched her fists. “Madam clearly knows I like Prime Minister Yuan, yet you propose marriage on Jiang Shu’s behalf. What’s the reason for this?”
“Elder Sister Bao’er!” Princess Jing rebuked her to stop.
“Could it be that Madam’s kindness toward me these days was all an act? Magnanimous and virtuous before others, but actually a jealous wife!” Liu Bao’er had liked Yuan Cheng for many years. After waiting bitterly, finally thinking it would bloom and bear fruit, she discovered it was all empty. How could she still be rational, even though her nature was gentle and weak?
Yu Xiang had her face lowered from start to finish, not guiding her mistress as usual.
Mo Zi saw that Jiang Shu’s face behind Xiao Yi was extremely ugly. Heard it, didn’t you? She raised her eyebrows. Very good.
“The county princess likes Prime Minister Yuan? Though there are indeed some rumors in the marketplace, I didn’t take them seriously, and the county princess has never mentioned it to me. Perhaps I was slow to perceive.” Mo Zi wasn’t angry but rather surprised. “If the county princess’s heart isn’t with Young Master Jiang, then forget it.”
Her casual dismissal stunned both Liu Bao’er and Princess Jing.
Liu Bao’er stammered, “You won’t force me to marry?”
Mo Zi smiled. “Marriage matters should be mutually willing. How can one force it? I’m merely a messenger. Having delivered the message, my task is complete. I’m not your parents or elders—how could I arrange a marriage? What kind of person do you take me for?”
Jiang Shu flicked his sleeve and walked over to Yuan Cheng’s side.
Liu Bao’er had no idea Jiang Shu had heard everything. Suddenly arising courage made her pursue what she wanted. “Madam, then about me and Prime Minister Yuan—”
Mo Zi withdrew her smile. “Then it’s my turn to say I’m unwilling.”
Liu Bao’er’s heart seized. “Why… why? I’m willing to serve as a concubine to Prime Minister Yuan and you, Madam, absolutely never overstepping my proper bounds.”
Mo Zi shook her head. “I’m unwilling.”
“You… aren’t you afraid others will accuse you of being a jealous wife?” Liu Bao’er forgot she herself had just scolded Mo Zi this way.
“Jealous wife?” Mo Zi was dismissive. “A so-called jealous wife refers to a legitimate wife who, when her husband already has three or four wives and concubines, doesn’t allow her husband to favor them or cruelly suppresses them—such a woman burning with jealous fire. County Princess, you’re an unmarried young lady. My husband has never mentioned to me that he wants to marry you. Since you’re not a member of the Yuan family, when I honestly refuse your request, where does the jealous wife accusation come from?”
If Princess Jing weren’t related to Liu Bao’er, she would have wanted to say “splendid.”
Liu Bao’er held it in for a long time, then coldly uttered, “You mean as long as Prime Minister Yuan agrees to marry me, it’s fine?”
Mo Zi suddenly smiled brilliantly. “County Princess, no matter whose agreement you seek, the final decision rests with me.”
This was confidence!
Liu Bao’er only felt her hands and feet go numb and cold. Even the corners of her lips were bitten through.
“The banquet is starting. Let’s go.” Mo Zi stepped forward and linked arms with Princess Jing, not sparing Liu Bao’er another glance.
Then her gaze met Yuan Cheng’s directly ahead. She nodded lightly, as if saying: the matter is handled.
Yuan Cheng smiled indulgently.