History of Women in the Wei Dynasty

Prince Rencheng was patient and wouldn't bother to argue even when bullied by a junior at his gate. Prince Guangling, however, was unwilling to tolerate it. Since Yuanzhen had annoyed him, he would annoy her in return! After running back to his residence, he ordered his servants to quickly go to Xiao Qi to find Wang Su's wife and bring her to Luoyang.

The next day.

Princess Chenliu did not shy away from the gossip of others. She passed through the inner city to the south of the city and hurried to Yanxian Lane.

The name "Yanxian" was specially given to Wang Su by Emperor Xiaowen. Yuanzhenjun hadn't thought much of it before, but now it's different. Wang Langjun, who comes from the Langya Wang clan and is well-educated, will soon become her husband.

The official road south of the city was built during the relocation of the capital and has not been expanded in the years since. Yuanzhenjun noticed that the carriage had slowed down and lifted the curtain to look at the crowded streets and the even denser flow of people in the distance.

The maid, Diezhuang, had inquired beforehand and knew the princess's intentions. She immediately reported: "The Pei family, who have just surrendered, have been settled in Guizheng Lane, southwest of the floating bridge. The Pei family is a noble family of Xiao Qi. They have nearly a hundred relatives and famous officials. They all moved here together as a family. There are also aristocratic families who admire Pei Shuye and followed him to surrender. So recently, people who want to visit and befriend the Pei family and those famous people have been coming and going in the south of the city every day."

Yuan Zhenjun: "We could take this opportunity to suggest to His Majesty that the road be repaired and the pontoon bridge widened."

When the princess and her entourage passed through the roadside school, they encountered another traffic jam.

Butterfly Manor inquired carefully and reported, "A Confucian scholar surnamed Kong has built a study here to teach. Every day, Confucian scholars come from far and wide to learn about him. Master Kong has three direct disciples, among whom the female disciple is the most famous..."

Yuan Zhenjun interrupted with annoyance: "Alright, I know who it is." The congestion here was actually because of the elegant study where Wei Yao was staying. She really underestimated the Confucian scholars' desire for learning, and she also underestimated Wei Yao, this female scholar.

"Are there any Xianbei students here seeking knowledge?" Yuanzhenjun suddenly asked in the past when he was exhorting students to study.

Diezhuang: "Yes, I specifically asked. Wenya Academy currently has more than two hundred apprentices, more than half of whom are Xianbei students."

Yuan Zhenjun gave a soft "hmm" and then asked, "Does Li Biao have a daughter who is as famous as Wei Yao for her poetry?"

"Li Biao's daughter is named Yin. Last year, the two girls were equally famous, but now Li Yin is no match for the female officer."

"Who knows what will happen next year? Bring Miss Li to see me another day. If she is truly talented, I will give her a chance."

"Yes." Diezhuang was filled with envy, and felt even more that Zhao Changshi and her daughter were ungrateful. The Princess had no shortage of servants. She originally wanted the female official to follow her and learn the rules of the palace, to know the power struggles in the harem, and to wait for the right opportunity to promote her to a higher rank as a female official, or even a noble lady!
So, who knows what will happen next year? By then, Wei Yao's reputation will not only be unworthy of being on par with Li Yin's, but it will probably be trampled under Li Yin's feet.

Yanxianli.

Minister Wang Su was unsure whether Princess Chenliu's words yesterday were true or false. He had taken leave today and had been waiting since early morning, his heart filled with trepidation and complex emotions.

Two years ago, he had heard rumors that Princess Yuanzhen favored him. He did not dislike this princess. But after meeting her yesterday and confirming her feelings, he also began to have some fantasies.

However, the thought of his wife, A-Xie, and their children suffering far away in Xiao Qi immediately turned into shame.

Alas, it's all fate's fault! Back then, in order to conceal his identity and escape, he shaved his head and became a monk to successfully reach Wei territory. Now, His Majesty has severed his ties with A-Xie on the grounds that he became a monk and then returned to secular life.

On one hand, he cannot defy the emperor's will; on the other, he is his wife of many years. How can this knot be untied? If he pleads with the princess, will she help him?
Wang Su was pondering the various rumors about Yuan Zhenjun's character when he suddenly saw a servant rushing over. Soon, the steward of the manor led the way, and Yuan Zhenjun appeared.

"Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness, for not coming out to greet you..."

Yuan Zhenjun's smiling eyes were filled with affection, making Wang Su's voice gradually soften in embarrassment.

"Would you like to walk with me, Su Lang?"

"Yes."

"Is Su Lang afraid of me?" "No. Not at all."

"Would Su Lang accompany me for a walk?"

Wang Su paused for a moment, then changed his response: "Okay."

The residence was bestowed by the late emperor. It had both solemn pavilions and connecting halls, as well as simple and natural lush forests and rocky streams. The two walked silently on the stone path lined with exotic fruits and trees, listening to the chirping of birds and smelling the fragrance of the flowers.

As they entered the depths of the garden, Yuanzhenjun gestured to the maid Diezhuang, who then led the other maids to retreat.

Wang Su also told his servants to stand far away.

Yuan Zhenjun finally spoke, but what she said had nothing to do with love: "When my lord was harassed by the Prince of Rencheng and imprisoned in the Court of Justice, it was the Grand Commandant who saved him?"

"Yes, Sikong was also helping me. Later I learned that the two princes arrived in time because Zhao Zhi, the Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, told them about my imprisonment."

"In this matter, whose kindness do you remember most, my lord?"

"General."

Whose kindness do you least remember?

"If I have to make a comparison... it's Zhao Zhi. She followed Prince Rencheng into my residence. I misunderstood that His Majesty suspected me, so I didn't resist, thinking I would argue my case after I entered the Court of Justice prison."

Yuan Zhenjun: "Yes, Zhao Zhi did evil deeds and then pretended to be a good person. At most, her merits and demerits cancel each other out, and she is not worthy of gratitude. I have a question: the Sikong's residence is close to the Tingwei Office, while the Taiwei's residence is far away. Why was it the Taiwei who rescued the young master, and not the Sikong?"

"Zhao Zhi first went to the Grand Commandant's residence to inform him, and then returned to inform the Minister of Works. One trip and one return..."

Wang Su paused, speechless.

Zhao Zhi was a fierce warrior, and her fierceness wasn't just in strength. When she rescued the Seventh Prince, she carried the tall Physician Cui back and forth between the inner city and the west of the city, her speed as fast as the wind. Logically speaking, even if Zhao Zhi had turned back and told Sikong, Sikong Yuanxiang should have arrived at the Tingwei prison before the Grand Commandant.

Yuan Zhenjun: "My lord is always on southern expeditions, exhausted from the journeys. Naturally, he cannot ponder the people's hearts as well as I can. My lord, think carefully. The late emperor valued you for the sake of revitalizing civil administration, not military administration. It was only because you never forgot your family's grudges that the late emperor gave you military power and allowed you to lead the army to conquer the island barbarians."

"The heavy responsibility of implementing the education policy can only be temporarily entrusted to Prince Rencheng."

“The Prince of Rencheng was the most supportive prince of the late emperor in promoting rites and education. His support did not stop after the late emperor’s passing. As far as I know, he helped with the petition to build the Four Gates Elementary School. So I don’t understand why, whether it was for the late emperor’s long-cherished wish or because the Prince of Rencheng wanted to take over all the government affairs of Cao Province, he should have relied on you more and returned the task of the education commissioner to you.”

"Why would he suddenly act so stupidly, risking mutual destruction to harm you?"

"What I don't understand is that the Grand Commandant and the Minister of Works have always been fond of martial arts and dislike literature, yet they always praise you. Whenever news of a conflict between you and the Prince of Rencheng spreads, there are always rumors that the Grand Commandant and the Minister of Works will come to your rescue."

"Those in high positions only engage in self-interest; there is never any unwarranted assistance. Why have the Grand Commandant and the Minister of Works repeatedly shown favoritism towards you?"

Wang Su looked somber. He overturned his goodwill toward the Grand Commandant and Minister of Works in the past, and recreated scene after scene according to his doubts.

Soon, sweat beaded on his forehead, and his heart began to race. (End of Chapter)