mtl008 Chapter 171 Women Should Not Be Defined
Chapter 171 Women Should Not Be Defined
Lin Yu was busy in the small kitchen with a group of girls. Sunlight streamed through the window, creating a warm and cozy scene.
Lin Yu held a wooden mallet, vigorously striking the paper-making tools, while the girls skillfully stirred the ingredients for making soap and bar soap. A faint fragrance filled the air—the scent of hope and hard work.
Suddenly, Qin Xin ran in cheerfully and exclaimed, "Young Master Lin, Miss Shi is back!" Upon hearing this, Lin Yu's face instantly lit up with a joyful smile, and the wooden hammer in his hand involuntarily fell to the ground. He couldn't wait to drop what he was doing and quickly ran to the front hall.
In the front hall, a woman in a light blue dress sat quietly at the table, elegantly sipping tea. She exuded a gentle and tranquil temperament, and the subtle air of scholarly refinement made one feel as if they were in a beautiful painting.
Lin Yu rushed into the front hall, only to hear a woman's teasing voice: "Oh, Young Master Lin. What's wrong with you? Why are you in such a hurry? Dinner hasn't even started yet."
Lin Yu's face darkened instantly, and he muttered to himself: Why did this perfectly nice girl open her mouth like that? But he couldn't be angry with her, so he deliberately sat down next to her with a gruff expression, snatched the teapot from her hand, and rudely and forcefully gulped it down.
Shi Wanxia burst into laughter at Lin Yu's actions: "Hahahaha, no, Lin Yu, what's wrong? The usually well-behaved young master Lin is actually like this!" Her laughter was clear and melodious, echoing in the air like silver bells.
A moment later, Shi Wanxia's laughter attracted the attention of the people who were serving dishes. Since following Shi Wanxia, Shuying had become bolder. In the past two days, she had even pestered Shuyun to allow her to accompany Qinxin and Lin Yu in transporting goods.
"Sister Shi, what are you laughing at! What's making you so happy? Tell us all!" Shuying asked curiously.
Upon hearing this, Shi Wanxia choked for a moment, clearing her throat a few times: "Cough cough cough... Um, can we start eating now? I'm starving!" Shu Yun smiled slightly and nodded. Soon, everyone sat down obediently to eat.
As Shuying served the meal to Shi Wanxia, she quickly sat down beside her. The person she admired most in her life was Sister Shi. It was unbelievable that a woman could become an official. Many people didn't believe it when they told others these past few days, until the official document from the government office was issued, which shocked countless people.
Shuying excitedly shoveled food into her mouth, asking Sister Shi about her first day at the yamen. Shi Wanxia then humorously recounted the amusing incidents she had at the yamen.
Shuying and the others were stunned by what they heard. They all expressed that they would study hard, strive to participate in the imperial examination, and then enter officialdom to contribute to the country and bring benefits to the people.
Lin Yu, standing to the side, was so shocked he couldn't close his mouth. He used to think that a real man should not be outdone by a woman, but he never expected that Miss Shi and the others would be so spirited and pure-hearted, a rare sight in the world.
Looking at everyone's spirited expressions, Shi Wanxia felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that her choice was not only for herself, but also for countless women like Shuying who had dreams.
In this world, it is not easy for women to become officials, but Shi Wanxia has relied on her talent and courage to get to where she is today. She knows that the road ahead is long and full of difficulties, but she is not afraid.
Looking into Shi Wanxia's resolute eyes, Lin Yu's admiration for her grew even stronger. He secretly resolved to work alongside her for the sake of this country and its people.
His social standing was not low, but he did not want to accept his father's arrangement to marry a woman he had never met. Instead, he followed his family's arrangements and embarked on an official career.
That kind of life wasn't what he wanted. Ever since he met Shi and the others, he had been working alongside them, supporting himself with his own hands.
He had never imagined haggling with cunning merchants in the marketplace; he hadn't expected to have such a talent for business. However, his parents and family disapproved, hoping he would pursue a career in government.
But that kind of official career wasn't what he wanted. Miss Shi seemed naive, but she often had her own unique insights, something he rarely encountered in his otherwise unchanging life.
After dinner, Shi Wanxia was drinking tea in the main hall when Lin Yu showed her some money-making opportunities that he had compiled from his investigations over the past few days.
Looking at Lin Yu's meticulous demeanor, Shi Wanxia couldn't help but chuckle. She took the paper Lin Yu handed her, carefully examining the various ways to make money listed on it, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.
"These methods all look very good. You've worked hard," Shi Wanxia said softly, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Lin Yu smiled slightly and said, "As a dignified man, I can't just look at the present moment when I do things! Besides, Miss Shi is a female official! That's a prestigious title, and it gives me a lot of face."
Shi Wanxia looked up at Lin Yu, a surge of emotion welling up inside her. She knew that Lin Yu had been silently sacrificing for her, for her impoverished family, and for everyone's future.
"Lin Yu, thank you," Shi Wanxia said, her voice gentle.
Lin Yu glanced at Shi Wanxia, then quickly looked away, still feeling uncomfortable being stared at like that. However, he really liked his current life; it was a fulfilling one.
"Hey, why be so polite! I'm down on my luck, and if it weren't for you, I would have starved to death long ago," Lin Yu said, his voice tinged with a hint of mockery.
Shi Wanxia looked at Lin Yu and chuckled softly, covering her mouth. Her eyes were clear and bright, as if they held the most beautiful light in the world.
"By the way, Lin Yu, do you know anyone in the military? Preferably a pure soldier, someone solely dedicated to protecting their country and its people. I have a secret military ration recipe that I can sell to him. You can contact him first, and I'll discuss the details."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu's eyes flashed with surprise, and he immediately replied, "I do know some military personnel who are patriotic and genuinely care about the people. One of them is a general who enjoys high prestige in the military and is deeply loved by the soldiers. He often leads the soldiers in training to improve their combat effectiveness, and he also cares a great deal about their lives. He once said that soldiers are the backbone of the country, and only when they are strong can the country be strong."
"That's great!" the other party said excitedly. "I want to sell my military ration formula to this general so that he can promote it in the army. This will improve the soldiers' combat effectiveness and make things more convenient for them when marching and fighting."
Lin Yu nodded and said, "I will contact this general as soon as possible and tell him your idea. I believe he will be very interested."