Chapter 56: Surprise! All monks in the country are required to hold certificates before taking up their posts! (2 / 2)
The term “official courtesan” refers to courtesans sanctioned by the state rather than government officials. Any entity or individual could apply to hire official courtesans, provided their application was approved by the government. Taverns could hire them to pour drinks and sell alcohol, literary gatherings could employ them for singing, dancing, and reciting poetry, and private residences could invite them to attend banquets and events. Even their family members could…
The emperor continued, “The remaining civilians only need to pay their owed taxes and serve their sentences before being released.”
As for the noblewomen involved, the emperor didn’t mention them at all. That was the end of the discussion. The officials, knowing the timing, promptly echoed in unison, “Your Majesty is wise!”
Following that, the customary session began: “Present your concerns; if there are none, court is adjourned.” The emperor addressed a few more state affairs before impatiently summoning Princess Qinghe and Ji Sui to Wuying Hall. Clearly agitated, he reprimanded them, “What on earth is going on with you two? Qinghe, especially you!”
The emperor was furious. “What’s the deal with that so-called Prime Minister? You’re a grown woman—how could you engage in such things?”
A sudden thought struck him, and his face turned pale. “Could it be… you have improper feelings for Dou Qing?!”
His shout echoed through the hall, shaking the ground. Princess Qinghe, who had been nervously fiddling with her fingers, immediately raised her head upon hearing this and nearly sprained her neck. “Father! Prime Minister Dou is 77 years old!”
But the emperor, consumed by his own train of thought, became increasingly convinced of his suspicion. After all, why else would she be playing these role-playing games?
As an old-fashioned individual, the emperor had no concept of “don’t mix fantasy with reality.” He simply lamented, “Exactly! My dear daughter, he’s 77 years old!”