mtl008 Chapter 276 I can't cook.
Chapter 276 I can't cook.
As dawn broke, the soft light of morning sun gently spilled onto the bluestone streets of the capital, casting a dreamlike veil over this ancient city.
Most of the shops along the street were not yet open, and occasionally a few roosters could be heard crowing in the distance.
At this moment, a young woman dressed in official robes was walking with firm steps towards the palace. She was Shi Wanxia.
Shi Wanxia felt both apprehensive and excited. Apprehensive because today was her first day officially serving as an official in the court, and she was filled with unease about the unknown life in the imperial court;
Excitingly, she finally realized her ambition and had the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities in the imperial court.
After entering the palace gate, Shi Wanxia was led to the main hall by a eunuch.
The palace buildings are magnificent and imposing, with red walls and yellow tiles appearing especially solemn under the morning light.
The towering palaces are arranged in a staggered pattern, with their flying eaves and brackets resembling a phoenix about to take flight.
Along the way, officials greeted her from time to time; these officials were all wearing gray official uniforms.
Although Shi Wanxia did not understand the rank and responsibilities represented by the colors of these official robes, she still responded politely.
"Good morning, Lord Shi. Have you just arrived?" an official said with a smile.
"Good morning, Lord Shi! You've arrived too!" another official echoed.
Shi Wanxia responded with a smile to each question, but after a while, her smile became a little stiff.
Moreover, she noticed that most officials would merely glance at her before turning away disdainfully, not bothering to speak to her at all.
She didn't take it to heart, after all, it was extremely rare for a woman to hold an official position in this era.
For these stubborn and unyielding ancient people, her appearance was undoubtedly a huge shock.
Finally, they arrived at the main hall. By this time, a number of officials had already gathered in front of the hall, chatting in small groups. When they saw Shi Wanxia approaching, many of them cast strange glances at her.
Shi Wanxia took a deep breath, straightened her back, ignored those gazes, and strode into the main hall.
The main hall was solemn and dignified, with a golden dragon throne high above and lifelike dragons carved on the pillars on both sides, as if they were about to take off at any moment.
Guided by the eunuch, Shi Wanxia found her place and stood still.
She waited quietly for the morning court session to begin, silently contemplating her plans.
After a while, the emperor entered the main hall surrounded by the crowd.
The officials knelt down and saluted, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Shi Wanxia followed suit, feeling a little nervous.
After the morning court session began, ministers submitted their reports on various matters. Some reported on local disasters and requested the court to allocate funds for disaster relief;
Some discussed military defense and proposed strengthening border defenses. Shi Wanxia listened attentively, occasionally pondering her own thoughts.
Finally, it was Shi Wanxia's turn to present her memorial. She took a deep breath, stepped forward a few paces, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."
"In our country today, women have very few opportunities to receive education, which is undoubtedly a huge waste of talent."
"I suggest that girls' schools be established in various places so that more women can have the opportunity to receive education."
Her words caused an uproar in the hall. Some officials showed surprise, while others shook their heads in opposition.
"Absurd! A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. How can women be expected to study?" an elderly official exclaimed.
“Yes, Your Majesty, this is utterly against the rules of our ancestors, it is absolutely unacceptable!” another official echoed.
Despite the opposition from the crowd, Shi Wanxia remained calm. She said composedly, "My lords, times are changing. Our dynasty is facing many challenges and needs more talented people."
"Women are not inferior to men; they are just as intelligent and capable."
“Educating women can not only improve their own qualities, but also cultivate more talents for the country.”
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, listening quietly to Shi Wanxia's words, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Your Majesty, I believe that what Minister Shi said makes sense. At present, our country is frequently at war on the borders, and the people's livelihood at home also needs to be improved. We need to recruit more talented people."
“There are many intelligent women among us. If they can be nurtured, they might make great contributions to the country.” A young official stood up to support Shi Wanxia.
Then, several more officials expressed their support. The hall was divided into two factions: one supporting Shi Wanxia's proposal, and the other vehemently opposing it. The two sides argued heatedly, their faces flushed.
Shi Wanxia watched the heated debate and felt a growing anxiety. She knew that to implement her plan, she had to persuade the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider. The establishment of girls' schools will not only cultivate talent but also enhance the reputation of our dynasty, allowing the world to see our enlightened nature," Shi Wanxia said again.
The emperor nodded slightly and said, "I will carefully consider what you have said, Minister Shi. Let's put this matter aside for now and make a decision after I discuss it with my ministers."
Although she did not receive the emperor's immediate approval, Shi Wanxia knew that she had taken the first step.
After the morning court session ended, Shi Wanxia walked out of the main hall. The officials who opposed her cast disapproving glances at her, and some even whispered among themselves.
"Hmph, a woman trying to stir up trouble in the court, she's simply overestimating herself."
"Exactly. If her proposal is actually approved, where will we men put our faces?"
Shi Wanxia pretended not to hear. She knew that changing these people's opinions was not something that could be done overnight.
Back in her office, Shi Wanxia began to organize her thoughts.
She knew that to ensure the smooth implementation of the girls' school plan, she needed to find more support.
On the official road, a swift horse galloped by like lightning, the dust kicked up by its hooves lingering behind it for a long time.
The person on horseback was Cui Jiu. His face was stern, and his eyes revealed anxiety and determination. He rode without stopping and finally arrived at the location set by his master, Cui Zhihao.
Cui Jiuli jumped off the horse with a swift movement, rushing towards the mansion without even having time to properly tie the reins.
This is a small mansion located in a relatively remote part of the capital city. The courtyard walls are somewhat mottled, and the lanterns at the entrance sway gently in the breeze, emitting a faint light.
At this moment, Cui Zhihao was picking vegetables in the yard. He was wearing coarse linen clothes, his hair was casually tied up, and he had a relaxed look on his face.
Looking up, I saw Cui Jiu rushing inside.
Cui Jiu was shocked by his master's disheveled appearance. In his memory, his master had always been a spirited and powerful figure.
Now, however, he lives a simple life here under an assumed name.
A wave of sadness washed over him, and he quickly walked up to Cui Zhihao and knelt down with a thud.
"I am late, please forgive me, Master!" Cui Jiu's voice was filled with guilt and self-reproach.
Choi Ji-ho waved his hand and said gently, "Get up! Did you bring your things? Come and help me pick the vegetables. You can cook tonight!"
Cui Jiu abruptly stopped in his tracks, his face filled with astonishment.
Cooking? He had followed his master for many years, braving dangers and bloodshed, but had never stepped into the kitchen. How could he possibly know how to cook?
"Master, my skills are subpar, and I've never been to a kitchen before. I don't know how to cook. I..."
Cui Jiu stammered as he explained, his eyes filled with embarrassment.
Cui Zhihao frowned, only then realizing that Cui Jiu, like him, had lived a life of luxury or travel in the past and had never cooked before, so how could he know how to cook?