Poverty Alleviation in Qin: A Sky-High Review of "I Am the Female Prime Minister of All Time&qu

The sky fell silent, and the golden light and melodious singing all vanished.

The rift that stretched across the sky slowly closed, returning to its former appearance.

The people in the streets and alleys of Peixian County remained prostrate on the ground, not daring to get up for a long time. Many people kowtowed continuously for the entire morning, their foreheads red and swollen.

Song turned and strode into the courtroom, his steps a few paces faster than usual.

Xiao He followed closely behind. As soon as he stepped inside, he saw her sitting upright at her desk, holding a charcoal stick as if about to write. After writing two strokes, she suddenly put it down, looked up and ordered, "Go, order all the officials of the county court to assemble in the courtyard immediately."

Xiao He was slightly taken aback: "Summon them now?"

"immediately."

Within half an hour, the county government compound was filled with officials.

Xiao He, Cao Can, Xiahou Ying, and Ren Ao stood at the front, each performing their duties. All the officials and servants from each department were present, and even Lao Zhao, who was in charge of miscellaneous affairs, rushed over.

Song Ye stood on the steps, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd, and said in a deep voice: "Today, strange phenomena have occurred from the sky, and the people in the countryside are all frightened. You will go to your respective villages to comfort them. Give them a unified message: this is an auspicious omen from heaven, protecting the fate of the Great Qin and indicating the future. Advise the people not to be afraid."

Xiao He cupped his hands and asked, "If the villagers keep pressing for details and ask about the sky curtain, how should we respond?"

"It is said that the secrets of heaven cannot be revealed. You and I are mere mortals, unable to comprehend the ways of heaven, so there is no need for wild speculation and interpretation." Song paused slightly, emphasizing his words, "Let's calm the villagers down first, and not make any unfounded statements that would only create more chaos."

Everyone bowed in unison to accept the order, and were about to leave in different directions.

Liu Ji, who was squatting at the end of the line, said sarcastically, "The legendary female prime minister on the screen has achieved great success and still has someone by her side. On the other hand, you, sir, are already twenty years old and still single. If this gets out, you'll inevitably be laughed at by others."

After he finished speaking, the courtyard fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone turned to look at Liu Ji.

Liu Ji looked completely oblivious and innocent, as if he were just casually chatting about everyday things.

Upon hearing this, Song's face darkened, as if a storm was brewing.

"Liu Ji, say it again."

Only then did Liu Ji belatedly realize the awkward atmosphere, and he gave an embarrassed laugh: "N-nothing important, I was just joking around..."

"Just kidding?" Song Ye gave him a faint smile.

The smile sent a chill down Liu Ji's spine. The earth-shattering celestial phenomenon just moments before paled in comparison to the dread that this single glance evoked.

"Sishui Pavilion has plenty of manpower, and there are several silted-up ditches in the countryside that you need to clean. They must all be finished by sunset tomorrow."

Liu Ji's face turned pale instantly, and he cried out in distress, "Sir! Those ditches are filthy and stinking; the work can't be done by one person alone—"

"Isn't that a perfect opportunity? You'll have to handle this alone, and you're not allowed to ask anyone for help," Song added casually, putting an end to his idea of ​​seeking assistance.

"I know I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong!"

"It's too late."

Before everyone had completely dispersed from the courtyard, Xiao He hurriedly turned back from the gate, his expression revealing something unusual.

"My lord, Lord Lü has come to request an audience."

Song was slightly taken aback: "Lord Lü? What brings you here at this hour?"

The timing of Lu Gong's visit at this particular juncture is truly peculiar.

"Lead him to the main hall to wait; I will be there immediately."

Xiao He accepted the order and quickly left.

Song had only taken two steps when he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Old Zhao: "Where are the three little ones?"

Old Zhao shook his head: "This old servant did not see Young Master Zhang; I did not see him just now."

Song had no time to investigate further and stepped into the main hall.

Lu Gongzheng sat upright in the guest seat, with tea prepared in front of him. His expression was solemn and serious, as if he had come to discuss a matter of great importance concerning the survival of both families.

Upon seeing Song Ye enter the hall, he immediately stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and put on a friendly smile: "Lord Song, I apologize for disturbing your work by coming here so abruptly."

"Lord Lü, there's no need for such formalities."

After a long pause, Lord Lü cleared his throat and looked earnestly at Song Ye: "Lord Song, I have come here today specifically to ask you what you think of the little pheasant, and what you think of her character?"

Song didn't think much of it and commented truthfully: "Miss Lü is intelligent and insightful. She will definitely not be someone who is confined to the inner quarters and manages household affairs in the future."

Hearing this, Lord Lü's brows relaxed, and he nodded repeatedly, unable to hide his joy: "Then, in your opinion, is my daughter worthy of you?"

Song Ye: "???"

"...What does Lord Lü mean by that?"

Lu Gong decided to stop beating around the bush and said with utmost seriousness, "I have come to your door today to betroth my daughter, Lü Zhi, to Lord Song. All dowry, land, and servants will be provided. If you agree, our two families can choose an auspicious day to finalize the marriage agreement."

Song didn't hear a single word that followed.

"......"

Why would Lord Lü want to marry Lü Zhi to him?

Lü Zhi! She should have been the wife of Emperor Gaozu of Han and the future Empress of the Han Dynasty. Historical records clearly state that Lü Gong, after examining Liu Ji's face, chose him and married his daughter to him. How could things have turned upside down and she ended up with Song Ye?

A wave of dizziness surged to the top of my head, my mind was buzzing, and a thin layer of sweat quietly seeped out from my forehead.

Now, Song felt completely overwhelmed, caught in a dilemma, unsure of how to react.

Amidst the chaos of thoughts, a single idea suddenly emerged, like ice water poured over my head.

Tianmu tells the story of the powerful woman behind Tianmu's success: the "wife".

Could it be that they're talking about Empress Lü Zhi?

"......"

Upon realizing this possibility, Song Ye could no longer maintain his composed demeanor.

Seeing that she remained silent for a long time, Lu Gong assumed that the young woman was shy and embarrassed to agree, and his smile grew even more enthusiastic, so he quickly added:

"My lord, please rest assured. My daughter is well-educated, polite, and capable. She will only help you after we marry and will certainly not hinder your career."

Is this a matter of jeopardizing one's future?

Song also tried his best to keep his voice steady and maintain his composure: "Master Lü, marriage is not a child's play. Is Miss Lü willing to do this? We absolutely cannot force her—"

"My daughter is willing; there is no coercion involved."

"...Let me consider this for a few days before giving Lord Lü my reply."

Lu Gong was not in a hurry. He stood up with a smile, cupped his hands in farewell, and left completely satisfied.

Song was left alone, questioning the meaning of life.

It's a complete mess, let's drink it while we can.