usatvline Chapter 317: People's Livelihoods Are Difficult
Chapter 317: People's Livelihoods Are Difficult
At dawn on this autumn day, the magnificent court welcomed the presence of female officials for the first time. They, like bright pearls, lightly touched the pages of history, injecting new vitality and color into this ancient court.
Although they are women, they have the same passion and ambition as men.
Today, they stepped into this solemn court for the first time. Although they were a little nervous and uneasy, their eyes were shining with determination. They chose this path, which meant they chose the challenge and responsibility, and they moved forward fearlessly.
Among this group of women, Shangguan Yuan stood out. She was the best among the female officials, and despite her distinguished family background, she was not spoiled. Instead, she understood her ambitions and responsibilities early on.
Her aura is like a plum blossom in the snow, unique and outstanding. Her colleagues are like little birds, following her closely, drawing courage and strength from her.
When the court officials saw the women coming, they could not help but feel a ripple in their hearts. Although they could not deny the emperor's wise decision, they still had doubts and prejudices about women serving as officials in their hearts.
Their eyes revealed a complex array of emotions: surprise, confusion, and an indescribable contempt.
However, Shangguan Yuan was as firm as a rock. She knew that their mission was to be loyal to their duties, to contribute to the court, and to benefit the people. She held her head high and faced the eyes of the court officials, as if to tell them: We women are not weak, we also have strong will and outstanding talents.
"Sir Shangguan, look at their eyes. They clearly look down on us women."
A female official sighed softly, her voice revealing a hint of helplessness and grief.
Shangguan Yuan smiled slightly, her voice soft but full of power: "Don't mind. Since we have chosen this path, we must have the courage to face everything. It may take them some time to adapt to and accept our existence, but as long as we do our best, they will see our value."
The other ladies nodded after hearing this. They clasped their hands tightly, as if to cheer themselves up. They knew that today was just the beginning and there was still a long way to go. But as long as they united as one and moved forward courageously, they would definitely be able to leave their mark on this court.
The atmosphere in the court gradually became solemn. The Queen's voice echoed in the hall: "Today is a great joyous event for our court. The addition of the ladies-in-waiting will inject new vitality into the court. I hope that all the officials can work harmoniously with the ladies-in-waiting and create a prosperous era together."
The queen's words flowed through the hearts of the female officials like a warm current. They understood that they were shouldering not only honor, but also the future of the entire court and the country. They would use their wisdom and talents to prove their own value and write their own glorious chapters.
……
In this solemn and dignified court, on the throne, Emperor Li Zhen had a solemn expression and frowned. The news of the drought in the northern part of Dasheng Dynasty was like a cold wind, piercing the hearts of every court official.
The treasury was empty and the people were starving. Under such circumstances, every court official was thinking of a way out. Suddenly, a male official spoke in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I think the only way to solve the urgent problem at this time is to collect taxes from the people."
His words were sonorous and powerful. Although they were not elegant, they revealed a sense of helplessness and heaviness.
Hearing this, the court was immediately filled with ripples. This strategy was a temporary solution, not a fundamental solution. Everyone's brows tightened. The female official said worriedly: "Droughts have occurred frequently in various places this year. If taxes are increased again, the people will surely complain."
Her words were like a sharp knife pointing directly at the pain point of the court. Everyone knew that this was indeed worrying, but there was no other way at the moment. Another male official said coldly: "Women are too kind-hearted to know the big picture."
Although his words contained contempt, they also revealed helplessness and anxiety.
"Women's kindness?" The female official heard this, a trace of anger flashed in her eyes, "Don't we care about the lives of the people? Don't we want to find a better solution?"
Her words were full of doubts about her colleagues and worries about the future.
In such a confrontational situation, the atmosphere in the court suddenly became tense. Should we just use some temporary solutions? Or should we dig deep into the root of the problem and solve it from the source? Which of the two is better? This is a question that bothers everyone.
However, this was not the time for discussion, and a practical decision had to be made. Just as everyone was struggling with this, an old and respected official stood up. He looked at everyone and said in a deep voice: "Instead of arguing endlessly, it is better to unite as one and discuss a countermeasure together."
His words were like the light of dawn, illuminating everyone's hearts. Standing in this cold wind, the Great Sheng Dynasty really needs everyone's unity and wisdom. Although the current taxation may be a temporary solution, it is by no means the best solution. The court should continue to delve into the fundamental problems and combine local wisdom to find more and better solutions.
This moment of silence seemed to last for a long time. Every court official was secretly calculating and thinking about the long road ahead. Seeing all this, the emperor silently nodded slightly on the throne, indicating that he should continue to move forward and pursue higher realms and better decisions for the sake of the people.
Finally, a court official spoke up again: "Your Majesty, I think we should first send officials to the disaster area to investigate the disaster situation and the people's sentiments." His words revealed his respect for facts and his concern for people's livelihood. The emperor nodded in agreement and said: "That's right! The court should send capable people to the disaster area."
Shangguan Yuan also said: "Your Majesty, why not gather good people from the public to donate money? If those who have surplus food donate money and food, the government will give them plaques to show their appreciation. Although this method cannot solve the root problem, it can slightly alleviate the situation of food shortage. After the adults have evaluated it, we will take other measures."
Li Zhen nodded: "Yes!"
In the days that followed, after constant exploration and discussion, they finally decided on a reasonable plan that also took people's livelihood into consideration to rescue the people of the Great Sheng Dynasty from distress.
This time, we need not only external aid to rescue them, but also the collective strength of our dynasty, and the wisdom of all people to move forward together on the road to revival... In the end, we will ensure that every citizen in the northern land can have a new life...
Although the current days are a bit difficult and tortuous, just as the hardships of winter make people feel the vitality, the coming of spring will be the time when spring flowers bloom.
……
The autumn of the Dasheng Dynasty should have been a harvest season. Golden ears of wheat swayed in the wind and farmers' faces were filled with the joy of harvest.
However, the weather was not good and drought ravaged the fields, leaving only withered grass roots and very little harvest.
In the palace, Empress Xu Jiaoran frowned, and her heart was filled with worry. The people's food and clothing problem concerned her.
Since she came to power, at first she just wanted the power to do more things, but now that she has become the real person in power, she knows how difficult people's lives are and wants to do more.