Chapter 1245 - 1155: Female Prime Minister 93
"Child, what are you talking about?" Upon hearing Shuangshuang suggest that they have another child, Mrs. Wang’s face immediately turned red. She chided Shuangshuang before turning her head away without saying more.
However, Yin Zheng stroked his chin and looked at Mrs. Wang with longing in his eyes. He hadn’t wanted a second child before because of Shuangshuang, not because he was opposed to having more children.
Just like Shuangshuang said, now that their daughter has grown up and is about to spread her wings and fly, and he and Mrs. Wang are still young, it’s time for another one. Whether it’s a son or a daughter, he would love them both.
Yin Zheng reached out and held Mrs. Wang’s supple hand, now soft and fair from not having to do chores. "Dear, our daughter’s suggestion is quite good. Why don’t we try our best to have another child?"
"If it’s about having a child, then yes, but why are you getting so close? It’s broad daylight; have some decency." Mrs. Wang said with a girlish demeanor, playfully punching Yin Zheng’s chest.
Shuangshuang watched the two suddenly start flirting as if no one else were around, treating her as invisible. Feeling awkward, she stood up and left; she didn’t want to play the third wheel.
After leaving, Shuangshuang began to ponder Luo Linlang’s future. She originally intended for Luo Linlang to be a female manager, to become a businesswoman.
But Luo Linlang’s beauty often attracted unwanted attention, making it unsuitable for her to be in the public eye. Moreover, Luo Linlang preferred to stay by Shuangshuang’s side, so Shuangshuang considered letting Linlang be her female steward. This way, if Shuangshuang were ever alone, someone would manage her household affairs.
Although she was determined to compete alongside men and join the court, ignoring some societal constraints on women, it didn’t mean she wanted a man managing her household, being in close contact with her daily.
To have Luo Linlang manage the household, since Linlang knew little about such matters, Shuangshuang planned to seek out the steward of County Magistrate Bai Hengru to teach Linlang what a manager should do. Meanwhile, she’d also reach out to Mrs. Chu, who has her stewardesses to learn from.
Given her future unique status, whether it be the outer or inner courtyard, Linlang had to master them both. These are areas Linlang must learn.
For situations that strictly required a man’s involvement, Yan Yi could step out to handle them. This arrangement might help foster a closer bond with Linlang.
Over time, Shuangshuang noticed Linlang had no romantic interest in Yan Yi, but she didn’t dislike him either, indicating Yan Yi still had a chance.
Yan Yi was a good man, and Linlang was a strong, independent woman capable of enduring hardships. If these two eventually became a couple, it would be a pleasing outcome for Shuangshuang.
The county seat had grown prosperous, with newly refurbished houses and two-story pavilions appearing everywhere. The attire of the common people bore few patches, their faces were rosy, and they wandered about with smiles, rarely showing distress.
This prosperity arose thanks to the matchsticks. Now the county’s matchsticks were renowned nationwide. Almost every household had set up various sizes of matchstick workshops, and merchants flocked here for supplies. Their influx stimulated the local economy. The County Magistrate’s political performance this year was excellent, a promotion seemed inevitable.
When Shuangshuang arrived at the county government, the gatekeeper warmly smiled and quickly greeted her, eagerly running inside with no expectation of a tip to announce her arrival.
Soon enough, the County Magistrate and Magistrate’s Wife personally came out to greet Shuangshuang warmly, inviting her into the inner quarters. They hospitably entertained Shuangshuang, acknowledging her as their esteemed guest. Without her, Bai Hengru wouldn’t know how much longer he’d stay in his current position.
Now everyone knows Shuangshuang is a favorite of the Emperor. Despite being sent away, she had the privilege of an elaborate carriage and was attended by the Imperial Physician, clearly indicating the Emperor’s continued protection; it was only a matter of time before she’d return to the Capital City.
Such a noble person naturally needed to be befriended. After some polite exchanges, Shuangshuang smiled and said, "To be honest, I came to seek help from the County Magistrate and Lady. I’m about to be appointed to Qinglin County, and having a male manager with me is inconvenient.
This Miss Luo Linlang is quite smart; I intend for her to manage my household. However, she has no experience in this field, so I hope the County Magistrate and Lady could have their steward and Aunt oversee her lessons, teaching her the skills needed to ease my responsibilities."
"That’s easy. I’ll have my steward teach Miss Luo thoroughly for half a month and guarantee her success," Bai Hengru readily agreed.
Mrs. Chu also smiled, "My most capable stewardess is Aunt Bai; she manages all my business dealings. I’ll ensure she shares all her knowledge with Miss Luo."
"In that case, thank you both for your assistance," Shuangshuang expressed gratitude, and Luo Linlang stepped forward to thank them before leaving with Mrs. Chu’s maidservant.
"County Magistrate Bai, Lady Chu, I wonder what you two think about the current relationships between the aristocratic families and the Emperor?
As I understand, both the Bai and Chu families are new aristocratic families, having risen through commerce with less than a century of family history. The old aristocratic families don’t recognize the Bai and Chu families as equals, constantly sidelining them, with resources primarily consumed by the older families, leaving little for the smaller ones.
Therefore, even though County Magistrate Bai is the legitimate heir of the Bai Family, he can only serve as a minor magistrate in such a remote location. Since the Bai Family is associated with aristocratic ties, the Emperor doesn’t favor them either. Small families live between the cracks of large ones and the Emperor, which must be difficult."
After Linlang left, Shuangshuang finally addressed her main purpose for visiting Bai Hengru. Indeed, finding a mentor for Linlang was secondary; her true intent was to assist the Emperor in garnering support from families like Bai Hengru’s and Mrs. Chu’s.
Bai Hengru and Mrs. Chu’s expressions turned serious, as Shuangshuang had touched on the most significant challenge these small families faced. The larger aristocratic families didn’t accept them, constantly scheming to swallow up the smaller ones whenever possible.
These large families were like voracious snakes, continuously consuming smaller families to grow stronger.
Meanwhile, the Emperor had no fondness for these minor aristocratic families. Living in precarious conditions between unsupportive larger families and an indifferent Emperor meant they were perpetually on thin ice, with no way out.
After a long silence, Bai Hengru sighed and looked at Shuangshuang, "The aristocratic families and the Emperor are almost at odds now. You, Mr. Yin, as His Majesty’s confidant, must understand how challenging the path is for families like ours. Since you’ve broached this subject, might you have any guidance for us?"