bookcurios Chapter 287 Consort Fucha
Chapter 287 Consort Fucha
Fucha Peiyun's words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, giving the princesses a vague direction for their future paths.
Upon returning to the princess's residence, the first thing they did was to peruse the history books that Fucha Peiyun had sent them.
These historical records were all carefully selected by Fucha Peiyun.
All that is recorded are the stories of outstanding women who have left a significant mark on the long river of history.
From Fu Hao to Ba Qing...
Fu Hao was one of the earliest female generals in Chinese history with written records, and she was the queen of King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty.
The princesses' previous knowledge of the Shang Dynasty was largely limited to the legends of King Zhou and Daji.
Who would have thought that the Shang Dynasty had such a heroic and valiant female general?
She was not only an outstanding military strategist, but also an exceptional politician.
She personally led large armies on many occasions, achieving remarkable military exploits and making great contributions to the prosperity and stability of the Shang Dynasty.
Her name was solemnly engraved on the bronze vessel.
This story has been passed down to this day and serves as a model for women who made great contributions on the battlefield.
Fu Hao not only excelled in military affairs, but also played an important role in the political arena.
She was frequently commissioned to preside over various sacrificial ceremonies, including those for worshipping Heaven, ancestors, and sacred springs, and also served as a diviner.
Sadly, Fu Hao, this outstanding woman, passed away from illness in her early thirties.
This brought endless grief and devastation to King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty.
Wu Ding deeply regretted Fu Hao's passing and missed her dearly for many years.
After Fu Hao passed away, Wu Ding posthumously honored her with the title "Xin," which was a high praise and a deep remembrance of her.
The descendants of the Shang Dynasty held Fu Hao in high esteem.
She was respectfully addressed as "Mother Xin" or "Later Mother Xin" to express respect and admiration for her.
Wu Ding placed Fu Hao's tomb in the palace area, rather than the royal mausoleum area.
This action undoubtedly highlights Fu Hao's special status.
Her tomb is adjacent to the palace.
It seems to be telling the story of the deep emotional bond between her and Wu Ding, as well as her important position in the Shang Dynasty court.
This was the first time the princesses had learned about Fu Hao's story, and the legendary experiences of this ancient female general deeply captivated them.
Princess Shuhe couldn't help but exclaim, "I never imagined that there would be such a powerful female general during the Shang Dynasty!"
Fu Hao was truly remarkable!
Princess Jinghe shared the same sentiment, saying:
"Fu Hao not only made outstanding contributions on the battlefield,
He demonstrated exceptional military talent and also played a significant role in the political arena.
With her wisdom and courage, she broke down traditional perceptions of women.
This proves that women also possess enormous potential.
After reading Fu Hao's story, the princesses' interest in other outstanding women in history was also completely ignited.
They eagerly flipped through history books, wanting to learn more about the stories of these women.
Princess Wenyi turned to the record about Ba Qing, and she read it softly:
"Ba Qing, a female merchant from the Qin Dynasty, was the wealthiest woman in the land..."
Princess Shuhe leaned closer, her face full of curiosity, blinking her big eyes, and asked eagerly:
Who is Ba Qing?
Princess Wenyi smiled slightly and patiently explained:
"Ba Qing was a legendary woman from the Qin Dynasty!"
She's a very capable businesswoman!
"Businesswoman?"
Princess Shuhe was clearly somewhat surprised by this identity.
"She must be very capable, right?"
"Of course!"
Princess Wenyi said excitedly, "Baqing, with his intelligence and tireless efforts,
They have accumulated enormous wealth.
Her business empire spanned the entire country, making an extremely important contribution to the economic development of the Qin state!
"Wow, that's amazing!" Princess Shuhe exclaimed.
"Besides being good at making money, does she have any other special qualities?"
Princess Wenyi nodded and continued:
"Ba Qing is more than just a successful businessman!"
She is also very patriotic!
She actively supported the unification of the country and contributed her efforts to the prosperity and stability of the Qin state.
It's fair to say she was a truly remarkable woman!
At this moment, Princess Wenwan, who had been listening quietly, interjected:
"Yes, it is said that 'scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants' are social classes, and merchants are indeed not as well-regarded as scholars and farmers."
But Ba Qing broke through this traditional concept with his wisdom and hard work.
She became an incredibly wealthy businesswoman, leaving a significant mark on history!
Princess Shuhe said thoughtfully, "Doesn't this tell us that no matter what we do,
"If you do things to the extreme, you can leave your own mark on history, right?"
“Yes!” Princess Wenyi and Princess Wenwan responded in unison.
"As long as we are willing to work hard, we will definitely be able to create our own glory!"
The princesses listened and nodded repeatedly.
At this moment, Princess Wenting suddenly clapped her hands and exclaimed excitedly:
"Since these women have achieved so much, we, as princesses, must not fall behind."
The princesses sat together, chattering away.
After a while, their voices gradually subsided, and they began to focus intently on the history books in front of them again.
Their eyes darted between the pages, carefully searching for stories that could inspire their fighting spirit and courage.
Princess Wenyi's finger stopped on a page, and she read it softly:
"Cai Wenji was a talented woman during the Eastern Han Dynasty. She was not only proficient in music, but also skilled in poetry."
Her life was full of twists and turns, but even so,
She remains steadfast in her love for culture and is committed to passing it on.
The other princesses also gathered around to read the records about Cai Wenji together.
They were captivated by the talent and resilience of this ancient woman, and a sense of admiration welled up in their hearts.
Princess Wenyi's finger stopped on a page, and she read it softly:
Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.
With extraordinary wisdom and courage, she initiated the "legacy of the Zhenguan era," laying the foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
The princesses were all captivated by the empress.
Listen attentively as Wen Yi continues her reading.
Wu Zetian was born at the end of the Sui Dynasty and the beginning of the Tang Dynasty into an official family.
Her father, Wu Shihuo, was one of the meritorious officials in the early Tang Dynasty.
When Wu Zetian was 14 years old, she was selected by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, to enter the palace and was given the title of Cairen (a low-ranking concubine).
But at that time, Consort Wu was not favored and thus faded into obscurity in the harem.
The princesses all grew up in the palace and knew what it was like for the concubines who were out of favor in the harem.
Hearing this, the princesses were all worried about Wu Zetian.
Wen Yi continued reading
"After Emperor Taizong of Tang passed away, Wu Zetian entered Ganye Temple as a nun, following custom."
However, she did not accept her fate. Later, Emperor Gaozong of Tang summoned her back to the palace and made her a Zhaoyi.
Through her intelligence and cunning, she gradually gained a foothold in the imperial harem and eventually ascended to the position of Empress.
The princesses listened intently, their eyes filled with amazement.
"After becoming empress, Wu Zetian began to participate in court affairs and demonstrated outstanding political talent."
After Emperor Gaozong of Tang died, she deposed her two sons from the throne and eventually declared herself empress, changing the dynasty name to Zhou.
Princess Wenyi continued reading.
"Wow, she's really amazing. She went from being an unfavored concubine to becoming an empress."
How many difficulties must be overcome in the process?
Princess Jinghe couldn't help but sigh.
They went from Fu Hao to Ba Qing in this way.
From Cai Wenji to Empress Dowager Deng, and then to the only female emperor in history.
Especially this empress
In an era of male dominance and female inferiority, relying on their wisdom and courage,
Step by step, they climbed to the pinnacle of power and became figures who wielded great authority.
What an amazing achievement!
In that male-dominated society, women were able to stand out.
It is truly remarkable that he has demonstrated such outstanding talent and leadership.
These stories in historical records made the princesses deeply realize that women's potential is limitless.
They can shine in various fields and create their own brilliance.
After reading these stories, the princesses all set their own goals.
Some people dreamed of going to the battlefield like Fu Hao and Qin Liangyu.
Some aspired to go into business like Ba Qing, while others wanted to enter politics.
Some aspired to be talented women like Cai Wenji and Li Qingzhao.
Their hearts were filled with hope and anticipation for the future.
Hongchang, the newly enthroned emperor,
Although he was busy handling state affairs every day
But he never forgot to go to Kunning Palace to pay his respects to Fucha Peiyun.
Fucha Peiyun was his biological mother, and Hongchang had great respect and love for his mother who gave him birth and raised him.
In Kunning Palace, Hongchang overheard Fucha Peiyun's arrangements for the princesses.
He grew up alongside these princesses and developed a deep bond with them.
Apart from Princess Shu and Princess Wenyi, who were two or three years older than him, the other princesses were only one year younger than Hongchang.
Hongchang knew that, according to custom, Qing princesses were often sent to Mongolia for marriage alliances, and would eventually die far from home.
He really didn't want his sisters to suffer the same fate.
As an emperor, he believed that if it was necessary to rely on the marriage alliances of princesses to stabilize the court,
That was undoubtedly a demonstration of his incompetence as emperor.
Of course, he wasn't saying that the Emperor and his father were incompetent.
Hongchang knew that in the hearts of his father and the emperor, the princesses' happiness was not that important.
He was different; from a young age, his mother, the Empress, taught him to be close to his sisters.
Don't underestimate women; respect women.
His mother, the Empress, only gave birth to him, so he cared deeply for the princesses.
Hongchang pondered to himself that his sisters each had their own unique strengths.
He didn't expect Hongshi and Hongzhou to offer him much help in court.
Why not let the princesses enter the court and share his burdens?
Just thinking about that sign that read "The empress dowager must not interfere in politics,"
Hongchang's brows furrowed tightly.
The old-fashioned officials in the imperial court gave him a headache.
These old ministers were all stubborn and inflexible, believing that women should remain secluded in the inner palace.
A wife should be devoted to her husband and children, and absolutely must not get involved in matters of the court.
Hongchang knew very well that breaking this deeply ingrained traditional mindset would not be something that could be accomplished overnight.
But he also deeply understood that the princesses' talents and potential were so great that they should not be buried in the harem.
They were fully capable of playing an important role in the court and contributing their strength to the prosperity of the country.
That morning, Hongchang, as usual, sat upright in the court early.
Listening to the ministers' memorials
Hongchang, however, was already thinking about how to involve the princesses in politics and give full play to their talents.
Zhang Hude (Little Tiger) shouted loudly
"If there is something to discuss, then summon Qin; otherwise, dismiss the court."
Minister of Revenue Xiande stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:
"Your Majesty, the tax collection situation in various regions this year is quite good."
However, with the growth of population and the reclamation of land in various places,
Water conservancy facilities in some areas are aging and require funding for repairs.
Furthermore, the military supplies reserves on the northern border also need to be replenished; we humbly request Your Majesty's gracious decision.
Hongchang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Xiande's suggestion is very correct. The matters of water conservancy facilities and military supplies are related to the national economy and people's livelihood and cannot be delayed."
After the retired emperor purged the bondservant class, the national treasury was still relatively full, but it was still necessary to be careful with the money and not waste it.
Xiande, go to the Ministry of Revenue to do a detailed calculation and see how much silver is needed, then allocate that amount.
In addition, the amount of cement needed for repairing the water conservancy facilities must also be calculated accurately to ensure the smooth progress of the project.
Xiande cupped his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, I understand. I will arrange for the Ministry of Revenue to conduct an audit as soon as possible and report the details to Your Majesty."
Hongchang nodded slightly upon seeing this:
"No matter what kind of money it is, I hope it can be used effectively."
"If anyone dares to lay a hand on me, I will not be more merciful than the Emperor Emeritus. Those who deserve it, have their property confiscated; those who deserve it, have their heads chopped off!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the ministers in the court like a sword, his tone exuding an unquestionable authority.
"My beloved ministers, I hope you can all understand my intentions."
Although the national treasury had a surplus, the people were not having an easy time.
I hope these funds will truly be used to improve people's lives.
The court was silent. All the ministers were intimidated by Hongchang's imposing manner and bowed their heads in agreement.
The Minister of War stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I guarantee..."
The allocation of military supplies will be strictly carried out in accordance with regulations, and any acts of corruption will not be tolerated.
Hongchang nodded slightly, believing no one knew: "Alright, the Ministry of War also needs to speed things up."
Ensure the border troops have no worries about their rear. Xiande, after you've clarified the details at the Ministry of Revenue...
List out the required silver amounts and present it to me for my review.
Xiande hurriedly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will go and do it immediately."
Hongchang then looked at Zhang Hude
Zhang Hude reiterated, "If there is anything to report, speak now; otherwise, the court may adjourn."
Seeing that no one else was stepping forward, Minister of Works Fucha Honghan slowly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:
"Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Hongchang saw that it was his Guo Luoma and hurriedly said...
"Lord Fucha, what do you wish to report?"
The words conveyed a sense of closeness
Fucha Honghan bowed slightly and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty,
When the emperor contracted smallpox, he survived thanks to the protection of the Eternal Heaven.
However, the Empress Dowager remembered this matter all along, and had instructed the Lady of the Imperial Household Department to do so when she entered the palace.
I have always kept in mind the need to find a cure for smallpox among the common people.
This matter has been attracting attention for years, and this year it has finally made some progress.
Through experimentation, I finally found a way to combat smallpox.
"I have already prepared my memorial; please review it, Your Majesty."
Hongchang was slightly startled upon hearing this. He had personally experienced the severity of smallpox back then.
If there really were a way to combat smallpox, that would be fantastic news.
Hongchang unconsciously stood up and hurriedly said, "Lord Fucha, please bring it here quickly."