Extra 3-19: Wonderful Life

After the Ministry of Gewu^[1]is a department that focuses on scientific advancements and inventions. was created, the Great Zhou developed rapidly. No one could have imagined that this dynasty would become even stronger, two hundred years after it was founded.

To record this success, Xiao Ze decided to hold a grand ceremony to mark the event.

Tao Sheng and Ji Yanming supported the idea of revising the historical records, and the decision was made.

On this day, Tao Sheng was reading through a collection of books when her younger brother Yu Sheng entered.

Yu Sheng had joined the army, helped their father in the firearms unit, and later worked in different military departments, where he did very well.

Tao Sheng was surprised to see him: “Weren’t you busy with rotation duty these past few days? How do you have time to come now?”

Yu Sheng explained: “I came to talk about something. Qing’er has been staying at our house these past two days.”

Tao Sheng replied, “I know.”

Qing’er and Yu’er were very likable and often stayed at their elders’ homes, whether it was with Luo Xin, Grand Master Luo, or Su Wan.

Clearly, something unusual was going on, so Tao Sheng asked, “What happened to Qing’er?”

Yu Sheng replied, “Qing’er wants to go on rotation duty this time.”

Tao Sheng frowned: “Why does she suddenly want to do that?”

Yu Sheng explained: “A young general, General Zheng’s grandson, came to the West Suburb Camp recently. Though he got in because of family connections, he has some skill from what he learned growing up. Two days ago, Qing’er beat him in a competition on the training ground. Now she’s asking me why she can’t do what General Zheng does if she’s more capable than him.”

Yu Sheng added, “It’s not our fault she’s like this. Qing’er has loved practicing with spears and sticks since she was a child, and she can even explain military documents clearly… Maybe she was born in the wrong body, not as a girl but as a boy.”

Tao Sheng sighed and said, “Why do you still think like this? Look around and see how many women hold important positions in the government.”

Yu Sheng mumbled in reply that those were civil positions, not military ones.

After thinking for a moment, Tao Sheng said, “You’re going to a very important military location this time. Bringing her along would cause criticism. You should talk to her and convince her not to go.”

No matter what, whether her daughter was a scholar or a warrior, she was still a commoner and shouldn’t interfere with official duties.

As Tao Sheng’s children grew up, they showed very different personalities.

Ji Yubai had made a name for himself, earning two titles in the imperial exams and becoming experienced in debates. In modern times, he might be called the best young debater.

On the other hand, Luo Qingyun wasn’t interested in music or literature but had a special passion for military strategy.

Tao Sheng didn’t believe in linking careers to gender. In the years Ji Yanming had been teaching, he never treated Luo Qingyun any differently from Ji Yubai just because she was a girl. But as a mother, Tao Sheng was still concerned about her daughter’s future career choices.

Later, when Ji Yanming came home, Tao Sheng told him what Yu Sheng had said and sighed, “No one in our family has ever gone into the military, so why is Qing’er like this? Is it because I read too many martial arts stories when I was pregnant with her?”

Tao Sheng remembered how, when Luo Qingyun was little, she often told her stories about Princess Pingyang Zhao Li Xiuning, who had achieved many military victories and helped her father, Li Yuan, conquer the kingdom. Tao Sheng wanted to teach her daughter to be strong and independent, and Luo Qingyun loved listening to these stories, always asking to hear them again and again. Maybe this influenced her.

Ji Yanming gently patted Tao Sheng’s hand and said, “Don’t worry about this. Qing’er must have her own reasons for acting this way.”

Tao Sheng was confused and asked, “What do you mean?”

Ji Yanming replied, “Have you forgotten what my father did?”

Tao Sheng was silent.

She had nearly forgotten that Ji Yanming’s father, who had passed away, had been a general in the court. He had died when Ji Yanming was very young, so his presence hadn’t been felt much over the years.

So, Luo Qingyun’s interest in the military might have been inherited from her grandfather.

After realizing this, Tao Sheng felt relieved.

That evening, after receiving Yu Sheng’s reply, Luo Qingyun came to see Tao Sheng and announced that she wanted to join the army and serve in the firearms unit, so it wouldn’t be considered interference when she accompanied her uncle in the future.

Tao Sheng hadn’t expected her daughter to be so determined.

Ji Yanming said: “This is no joke. You’re already fifteen years old and can make your own decisions, but have you really thought this through?”

Luo Qingyun replied, “I’ve thought about it carefully. Today, Aunt Lin invited me to meet the Queen in the palace. The Emperor was there too. When he heard that I was of marriageable age, he asked what I wanted to do in the future and whether I wanted to join the Imperial Music Bureau.”

The Emperor had recently conferred the title of princess on Luo Qingyun, and the Queen liked her cheerful personality, often inviting her to the palace for conversation and fun.

“I told the Emperor that my zither skills were average and I might not be fit for the Imperial Music Bureau, but I had some experience in military tactics and always wanted to join the army.”

Tao Sheng hadn’t expected her daughter to move so quickly. “And then?”

“Then His Majesty invited His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, to come over and test my knowledge of military tactics. His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, also praised my answers. The Emperor was very happy and ordered a banquet with wine.”

At this point, Luo Qingyun blushed: “The Emperor said… that our dynasty hasn’t had a general for many years. He asked the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to observe, and they said that one might appear soon, and maybe it will be me.” 

Tao Sheng: …

This is a really quick association. Xiao Ze seems to be particularly superstitious recently, even more so than when he first became Emperor.

Luo Qingyun noticed Tao Sheng’s disbelief, so she held her hand and smiled: “Maybe it’s because I’m the daughter of my father and mother that His Majesty trusts me so much.”

Tao Sheng felt a bit helpless from her shaking. It must be said that Luo Qingyun was very good at acting first and reporting later, but arguing with her wasn’t easy.

Luo Qingyun added: “Anyway, I’m not going anywhere else, just to the Firearms Camp. It’s not about brute force. When it comes to shooting, I’m better than my uncle.”

That was true. Luo Qingyun was talented in these areas. Not only was she skilled in using cold weapons, but her marksmanship was also extremely accurate. Once, the Third Prince was held hostage, and it was fourteen-year-old Luo Qingyun who shot the criminals and rescued him.

Since Xiao Ze had approved it, Tao Sheng had nothing more to say and allowed Luo Qingyun to meet Yu Sheng and Luo Xiu to handle the procedures.

After Luo Qingyun left happily, Tao Sheng said to Ji Yanming emotionally: “Yu’er will work in the government after the Spring Examination, and Qing’er will join the army. The children have grown up and are starting their own paths…”

Although she knew this day would come, she never expected it to be so soon.

Ji Yanming gently patted Tao Sheng’s hand and said, “Don’t worry, they will do well.”

The Firearms Battalion was originally meant to form a new army. Later, due to its special functions, it was split into three departments, cooperating with the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Internal Security. Even in peaceful times, this organization could easily shine.

The highest leader of the Firearms Battalion was Tao Sheng, the Minister of the Ministry of Investigation. Her direct leader was Luo Xiu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. Luo Qingyun had the Emperor’s and Crown Prince’s support, excellent military skills, and good luck. Soon after entering the Firearms Battalion, she solved several difficult cases and was promoted to the seventh rank.

After the death of the Regent of Ling State, the northwest region enjoyed a few years of peace. However, a new tribal leader suddenly appeared named Huai Yong.

This man used his military strength to unify the tribes, then annexed the lands of several nations, including the vassal states of Great Zhou like Jiang and Dai. As a result, war spread to the borders of Great Zhou.

Huai Yong’s tribe descended from the nomadic Xiongnu, whose fighting style was cunning and fierce. In addition to the regular army, Great Zhou also sent the Firearms Battalion to assist, and Crown Prince Xiao Lang personally led the troops north.

After Luo Qingyun left with the army, Xiao Ze repeatedly asked Tao Sheng to pray for the children’s safety.

Tao Sheng refused. As head of the Gewu Department, which was at the forefront of science, this behavior would hurt her credibility.

Xiao Ze sighed: “You don’t understand. These things are actually useful. Last time I prayed sincerely, and it worked… Never mind, I’ll go by myself.”

Those joining the army included his student Xiao Lang, his father Luo Xiu, his brother Luo Yusheng, and his daughter Luo Qingyun… Tao Sheng was very concerned about the battle at the northern border.

News reports and letters came frequently to the capital. The two sides fought fiercely, with victories and defeats, though not all news was good. But without exception, reports on Luo Qingyun praised her bravery, resourcefulness, and leadership, making her seem like the reincarnation of Wu Quxing ^[2]is a star associated with martial success in Chinese astrology..

Tao Sheng wondered if Luo Qingyun was truly performing this well or if Yu Sheng and the others were only reporting the good news.

However, she trusted Xiao Lang’s judgment. As Xiao Lang’s teacher, Tao Sheng knew that her student always spoke objectively, and she read his letters as factual reports.

In his letter, Xiao Lang first praised Luo Xiu, saying that Lord Luo was excellent at lifting spirits. After defeats, he could boost morale with just a speech.

Tao Sheng felt Xiao Lang’s words were true. As a father, Luo Xiu was indeed suited to the role of a political commissar, capable of supporting the troops emotionally.

Next, Xiao Lang mentioned his brother Luo Yusheng, describing him as a unique general.

Though sometimes timid in battle, even saying things like “War is terrible,” it didn’t affect his efficiency in combat. He killed enemies swiftly and accurately, like a genius warrior.

Then came Luo Qingyun.

Xiao Lang didn’t hold back his praise, using many flattering words to describe her talent, character, and abilities. He made Luo Qingyun sound so perfect that Tao Sheng wondered if she was reading a biography of a famous general instead of her daughter.

After reading the letter, Tao Sheng thought long and hard about whether the person Xiao Lang described was really her own child.

Ji Yanming once critiqued Xiao Lang’s writing, saying that while his words were precise and meaningful, they lacked rhetorical flair. Now, after spending time with the army, it seemed the Crown Prince’s literary skills had improved quickly.

Great Zhou hadn’t fought a foreign war for many years. The older generals leading this battle were cautious, and their progress was slow. After the commander-in-chief, General Fu, was injured, Luo Qingyun—who had made significant contributions early on—was given command under Crown Prince Xiao Lang’s orders.

Luo Qingyun’s fame had grown, and as a woman, she had stronger empathy than other generals. She cared deeply for her soldiers and earned their trust and support.

After Luo Qingyun took office, he changed his strategy by increasing firepower and combining the flexible tactics Tao Sheng mentioned in her writing, “On Protracted War” ^[3]which is a book that discusses prolonged military strategies.. This quickly confused Huai Yong’s subordinates.

The situation reversed, and good news followed. Though there were local uprisings after the city-states were recovered, Luo Qingyun suppressed them all.

Later, the victory became certain. After hearing this, Xiao Ze automatically understood that as long as Luo Qingyun was there, the northern border would be safe. Mentioning her name guaranteed control in the northwest.

The Northwest had faced ongoing conflict recently. It was time to find someone both virtuous and talented to bring peace and stability to develop the area.

In the end, the army returned victorious, and the Northwest was unified. Luo Qingyun was awarded the title “King of the Northwest,” commanding all the tribes and controlling five cities.

_

After Mr. Zhang became an imperial merchant, he met many scholars. He was fortunate to buy an authentic painting by Wu Daozi ^[4]is a famous painter in ancient China. and asked Tao Sheng to deliver it to Grand Master Luo.

After receiving the painting, Grand Master Luo praised it several times and asked Tao Sheng, “Where is Qing’er?”

Tao Sheng replied, “She went to the Ministry of War early this morning.”

Grand Master Luo clearly had another reason for asking, but just wanted to bring up the topic.

Next, Tao Sheng heard her grandfather sigh, “Qing’er is such a good child!”

Tao Sheng felt alarmed—it started again! Ever since Luo Qingyun began winning battles in the northwest, Grand Master Luo became extremely proud. No matter who he spoke with, he would boast about how accomplished his child was.

Tao Sheng thought her grandfather was being hypocritical.

In the past, Grand Master Luo always told her that they were different from military generals and nobles. Their family was built on knowledge, which was the “right path.” Only noble families like theirs could last for generations.

But after Luo Qingyun’s military success, Grand Master Luo changed his tone. He now said Luo Qingyun was like him in his youth—bold, hardworking, and extraordinary. Only people like her could lead the family to prosperity.

After praising Luo Qingyun, Grand Master Luo then praised Ji Yubai. He praised how smart Ji Yubai had been from a young age and how he had made significant contributions to managing resources during the battle. He said Ji Yubai had a bright future and was now the backbone of the court.

Tao Sheng had come only to deliver a painting but was kept until noon before being allowed to return home.

When Tao Sheng returned, Ji Yanming was already home and asked where she had been.

Tao Sheng sighed and said, “I heard Lian Chuan say you were going to the government office, so I went to deliver a painting to my grandfather. But he was in a good mood and only let me out just now.”

Ji Yanming, knowing Grand Master Luo’s personality, shook his head and smiled. “What did you talk about?”

“It’s about the children. Qing’er will head north soon, and Yu’er has been ordered by the prince to inspect the local area. They will travel together. The emperor has been tired and resting in Xuanzheng Hall, while the prince serves as regent. Xiaolang will probably be busy next.”

Indeed, seeing the children grow up and become independent was a gratifying thing.

Twenty years ago, after Tao Sheng’s parents passed away, she went to Beijing to seek refuge with her aunt. She learned from Wenyuan Marquis Shen Yu that she was just a supporting character in the book, destined for tragedy after returning to the Marquis Mansion.

At that time, she had been confused, but luckily, she made the right decisions over the years. Now, things have gone smoother than expected.

Ji Yanming probably understood Xiao Ze’s intentions: “The emperor mentioned a few days ago that he was tired from governing. He’s over 50 now, and his health isn’t as strong as before. The southern tour after the New Year has been decided, and he asked us to accompany him. Do you want to go to Jiangnan to relax?”

It seemed Xiao Ze was not only planning to rest but also offering them a long vacation.

Tao Sheng felt her life was complete.

“As long as we’re together, everything will be fine.”