Chapter 13 – Off to Make Money

Mu Nanjin nodded in satisfaction at the words of the General Who Conquered the West.

【No wonder the Western General has won so many battles. His wife deserves much of the credit. Most of his victories were achieved thanks to her strategies. She even ventured deep into enemy territory to rescue captured soldiers. If he doesn’t support the Emperor’s plan to establish a women’s academy and open the Imperial Examinations to women—allowing his wife to earn a military title—wouldn’t that be a disservice to her?】

Everyone turned in astonishment toward the General of the Western Campaigns.

Meeting the Emperor’s questioning gaze, the general nodded sheepishly, admitting that what Mu Nanjin said was true.

If not for his wife, he would probably still be a fifth- or sixth-rank official. The title of Third-Rank General of the Western Campaigns would have been far beyond his reach.

Intrigued, the Emperor could barely contain his eagerness to meet this remarkable woman. If she was truly as capable as Mu Nanjin claimed, he would personally see to it that she was promoted—perhaps even to the rank of female general.

“General,” the Emperor said with a faint smile, “come to the Imperial Study after court.”

The General of the Western Campaigns nodded in acknowledgment.

The Emperor’s gaze swept over the assembled officials. “What about the rest of you? Does anyone else support my proposal?”

Before anyone could answer, Mu Nanjin’s inner voice echoed once again—clear as day in everyone’s ears.

【Anyone who doesn’t support the Emperor’s decision is just an old fool who thinks he’s smarter than women. If you’re so capable, why don’t you try spending a few days in the harem and see how long you last among those concubines? I guarantee you’ll start doubting your own intelligence. If you were thrown into the palace power struggles, I’d bet my head you wouldn’t survive three days.】

A collective shiver ran through the officials as they recalled the countless concubines who had perished in the palace—and the many princes who’d died before their first birthday.

The harem’s methods were terrifying beyond imagination. Just look at Concubine Song—caught in scandal, accused of cuckolding the Emperor. She likely died without ever realizing she had been deliberately set up by Consort Xu. Both their families were quietly executed afterward.

The palace seemed peaceful on the surface, but in truth, both the Song and Xu families had already been erased in secret.

【It’s a proven fact—when a woman is ruthless, even men fear her. And when she’s smart, there’s no room left for men to compete.】

Mu Nanjin’s thoughts grew increasingly agitated.

【Damn it! Having to curse these old geezers only in my head is so frustrating. I just want to storm into the hall and give them a good tongue-lashing until they’re too ashamed to show their faces.】

The ministers: “…”

There was no need for her to actually rush in—she’d already verbally destroyed them without stepping foot inside.

Mu Nanjin exhaled sharply.

【Still, His Majesty is truly wise. He doesn’t belittle women. The women of Great Qian are truly blessed… Long live the Emperor—uh, wait, no mortal can really live forever. Let’s make it ‘five hundred years.’ If the National Preceptor can refine Longevity Pills, maybe the Emperor really could enjoy a long and prosperous life.】

Longevity Pills…

Both the Emperor and the officials widened their eyes, shock and excitement flashing within them.

The National Preceptor could refine Longevity Pills?

Mu Nanjin, oblivious to the weight of her own thoughts, kept thinking to herself.

【Eh? Why has Tai Jin Hall gone silent again? Honestly, teaching women to read and write is clearly a good thing—why are they acting like it’s some unforgivable crime? Don’t any of them realize they have daughters too? Especially those without sons—if their daughters could pass the examinations, wouldn’t that bring honor to their families just the same? And if they’re worried about their daughters marrying out, they could just recruit a husband into the family. I’m sure plenty of men would be happy to marry in.】

The Minister of Justice—who happened to have ten daughters and no sons—suddenly lit up with excitement. He stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, this humble official supports the establishment of a women’s academy—and the opening of Imperial Examinations to women!”

Soon after, more officials began stepping forward in agreement. Even the Left and Right Ministers, who had been the most vocal opponents earlier, hesitated… then reluctantly followed suit.

What choice did they have?

Stay silent and risk Mu Nanjin exposing every embarrassing secret in their family history?

Seeing the court finally in full support of his proposal, the Emperor couldn’t hide his delight. He waved his sleeve grandly. “Court is dismissed!”

The ministers, eager to escape further embarrassment, quickly dispersed from Tai Jin Hall.

【Finally! Court dismissed before the hour of chen (around 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.). Time to go home and sleep till I can’t see straight.】

Mu Nanjin had barely taken two steps when Captain Liu called out to her.

“Mu Nanjin.”

【Damn it. Nothing good ever comes from him calling me. He’s definitely got another task lined up for me. I’m not going!】

Captain Liu’s mouth twitched. “Mu Nanjin.”

【Can’t hear you, can’t hear you, la-la-la, I can’t hear a thing. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.】

Veins throbbed on Captain Liu’s forehead. He strode up and grabbed her shoulder. “Mu Nanjin, I need to speak with you.”

【You always ‘need’ something from me! Can’t live without me, huh? What, the Jinyiwei will collapse if I’m not around?】

“I don’t care what it is,” she said before he could speak, “but let me make this clear—aside from knowing where to collect my monthly salary, I’m completely useless.”

Captain Liu’s jaw tightened.

Who on earth…

Who was the bastard that assigned her to his command?

Whoever it was must hate him deeply—to the point of sending someone to slowly drive him mad.

Mu Nanjin blinked in confusion. “Why so quiet? Don’t tell me it’s nothing again. If it’s nothing, I’m leaving.”

“It’s something,” Captain Liu ground out through clenched teeth. “And if you handle this well, your reward will be even greater than yesterday’s.”

At the mention of money, Mu Nanjin’s eyes lit up instantly. “How much?”

“That,” Captain Liu said meaningfully, “depends on how much you can… collect.”

“Collect?” Mu Nanjin frowned. “What do you mean?”

“This isn’t the right place to talk. Follow me—we’ll discuss it elsewhere.”

Considering her thoughts were audible to half the capital, Captain Liu wouldn’t risk saying anything sensitive in public.

Mu Nanjin tilted her head. “So mysterious? Where exactly are we going?”

“Just follow me.”

But before they could take a step, an elderly eunuch appeared before them—Eunuch Shou, the head steward from the Empress Dowager’s palace.

“Greetings, Eunuch Shou,” Captain Liu said politely.

“Greetings, Lord Liu.” Eunuch Shou returned the gesture with a smile before turning to Mu Nanjin. “Lord Liu, the Empress Dowager wishes to see Guard Mu.”

Hearing that the summons came from the Empress Dowager herself, Captain Liu immediately slipped a silver ingot into Eunuch Shou’s hand. “Might I ask what Her Majesty wishes to see her for?”

Eunuch Shou tucked away the silver with practiced ease and replied with a grin, “It concerns Princess Xueyu. I’m sure Guard Mu knows the details.”

Captain Liu shot Mu Nanjin a sharp look.

Mu Nanjin said nothing.

【Tch. Can’t beat me in an argument, so now she’s calling in her elders to back her up. Some princess she is.】

Unaware of the full story, Captain Liu grew anxious. He leaned in, lowering his voice. “What did you do to Princess Xueyu?”

“I merely told the truth.” Mu Nanjin patted his shoulder reassuringly. “Relax, I’ll be fine.”

【What perfect timing—just last night I was wondering how to make money, and now someone’s delivering an opportunity right to my door. Excellent. Time to go make some silver!】

Captain Liu: “…”