Extra 3-9: Forced to make Progress

That night, when Tao Sheng returned home, as soon as she closed her eyes, she imagined Xiao Ze nagging her to make progress, which caused her to have trouble sleeping.

Luckily, the next day was a day off, so she could rest at home and catch up on some sleep before going on an outing with her best friend.

However, Lord Ji still had unfinished business at the yamen. He couldn’t join her, so Zhang Xinyue made plans with Tao Sheng to first visit the suburbs of Beijing for sightseeing, then eat vegetarian food at Hanguang Temple.

Zhang Xinyue got married a year ago. She is the same age as Tao Sheng but married a year later. In the context of women’s lives in the Great Zhou Dynasty, both of them were considered to have married late.

After getting married, Zhang Xinyue went on a sea trip with her husband Wei Chen and her father. They did overseas business while enjoying their honeymoon. This made Tao Sheng, who only had a short honeymoon and was kept in the room by Ji Yanming, feel envious.

When Zhang Xinyue was younger, her father, Mr. Zhang, always wanted her to marry into a wealthy family to improve her social standing and avoid being labeled as a “merchant’s child.”

Later, seeing how his nephew, who married the princess’s daughter, was living a stressful life, Mr. Zhang decided it was better for Zhang Xinyue to avoid the hardships of marrying into a wealthy family. He focused on his own business, made friends with noble people, and secured a better future for his children.

In the end, the Zhang family selected Wei Chen as Zhang Xinyue’s husband. He was seen as a good match for her.

Wei Chen, the young master of Hengdong Escort Agency, traveled widely from a young age. One family engaged in trade while the other managed escorts, and their businesses cooperated closely.

The two were well-matched in all aspects.

Zhang Xinyue had just returned from the sea. When she met Tao Sheng, she had a lot to share, mainly about her new husband.

She first told Tao Sheng about the interesting things that happened after her trip with Wei Chen, then asked, “What do you think of Wei Chen?”

Tao Sheng had met him a few times before and after the wedding, but they were always in group settings, and Zhang Xinyue often pulled her aside to talk. Thus, Tao Sheng didn’t know him well, only as an acquaintance.

Tao Sheng had heard from Mr. Zhang and Zhang Xinyue that Wei Chen was mature and reliable.

After thinking for a moment, Tao Sheng said, “Master Wei seems calm and dependable. He looks like someone who could be relied on during critical moments.”

Zhang Xinyue wasn’t satisfied with this response: “That’s what you said last time… Is there anything else? Like some more specific traits?”

“Now that you mention it, I think Master Wei seems a bit… uh, expressionless when he speaks or acts.” 

Maybe he has a stiff face?

At this point, Tao Sheng turned to her best friend: “Is it easy to get along with someone like that?”

It shouldn’t be boring at home, either.

“Not bad,” Zhang Xinyue commented, “He’s busy during the day, but he’s quite caring when he comes home at night.”

“How does he take care of people?” Tao Sheng became curious. “Give me some details so I can evaluate.”

Zhang Xinyue blushed: “Do I have to explain in detail? I’m just strong. I can help out after I turn off the lights at night.”

Strong… helping out in the room at night.

Tao Sheng suddenly remembered a scene where Ji Yanming picked her up after she was tired and bathed her in a basin.

She understood what Zhang Xinyue meant.

Although they were close friends, they were both newlyweds. Since it was daytime, they didn’t continue discussing it.

The two went on their outing, starting at the Zhang family’s newly bought garden in the suburbs of Beijing.

Mr. Zhang loved elegance. After traveling all over the country, he met many garden designers. The garden he built was ingenious, fresh, and elegant, reminding Tao Sheng of the famous southern gardens she had seen in her previous life. It was quite different from most northern gardens.

Zhang Xinyue’s courtyard had another style. It incorporated many Western elements in its decorations and paintings, with a strong foreign influence.

Tao Sheng looked around and sighed, “Your things here are much more complete than before. Uncle Zhang really loves you and knows what you like. He always finds a way to get things for you.”

“I bought these from merchants when I saw two Western ships in Siam recently,” said Zhang Xinyue.

“According to the foreign merchant in charge, these items are popular overseas.

He told me they have many things that are different from ours, like food, clothes, and daily necessities. Although they’re not better, they are at least new to look at. For example, this clock and fan. If used in colleges and exam halls, they would be very helpful for students. And their tools and methods could reduce the workload in fields and homes, benefiting the people.”

Due to Japanese pirate invasions in previous years, past emperors were not enthusiastic about maritime trade, which had slowed down trade between local and foreign markets.

Tao Sheng nodded in agreement.

After Mr. Zhang returned from a voyage years ago, he opened a shop in a good location in Beijing, selling items his employees brought back from sea trips.

The palace concubines were interested in these new items and often asked Tao Sheng to buy some for them to bring back.

The people of the Great Zhou Dynasty thought alike. If the concubines liked these Western things, the common girls likely did too.

However, since these items were rare, they were expensive. While the concubines could afford them, many common girls had limited access and couldn’t afford such prices.

Developing trade exchanges plays a key role in improving quality of life. Our priority now is to expand procurement channels and lower prices.

Xiao Ze has always wanted to become an official, but Tao Sheng is confused. She feels that besides her talent in music, she has no other skills for an official role.

After listening to Zhang Xinyue, Tao Sheng suddenly realizes her advantage in this world – her understanding of new things is far better than others here, even better than Ji Yanming’s.

These issues relate to the national economy and people’s livelihood. If she could achieve her goals, she might not only reach the first rank but also possibly establish a Prime Minister’s Yamen and aim for the third rank.

Tao Sheng feels confident about her future.

After parting with Zhang Xinyue, she went to Xuanzheng Hall to speak with Xiao Ze. Xiao Ze was delighted to see her. Ever since he asked her to work towards a promotion, Tao Sheng had seemed to avoid him, so her initiative today made him happy. He warmly invited her to sit down and talk.

Tao Sheng first chatted about family matters, then asked about his thoughts on introducing bird guns and forming a firearms battalion. What did His Majesty think?

Xiao Ze approved: “It’s a good idea, but you know how unreliable the court is. I don’t trust them, and Ji Yanming is busy. How about you handle it for me?”

Xiao Ze seemed paranoid after being tricked for years, even as emperor. He distrusted his ministers and preferred Ji Yanming and Tao Sheng to personally handle everything.

Xiao Ze thought Tao Sheng would refuse, but she didn’t: “It’s not impossible, but we need to think carefully.”

The first step was approval, then selecting people, solving funding issues, and finally introducing and arming the army with firearms.

However, they got stuck at the first step.

The next day, after the court session, Xiao Ze gathered several decision-makers to discuss forming the firearms battalion. Previously, he had generals try out the bird guns, but due to mishandling, two soldiers were injured while using them.

General Wang, Commander-in-Chief of the Beijing Guard, objected. He argued that the bird gun was too dangerous. Soldiers being injured in battle was one thing, but being hurt by their own weapons was unacceptable.

Tao Sheng: …

So, they would rather use swords on the battlefield than safer firearms? Which one was more dangerous?

Then, a member of the Imperial Observatory objected, saying the injuries could be due to heavenly punishment. Forming a firearms battalion could shake the dragon veins ^[1]refers to mythical power source of the empire. and cause bad luck. Even the previous emperor had bird guns but never considered forming a battalion. 

Tao Sheng: …

That’s because the previous emperor was obsessed with spiritual practice and didn’t care about it, not because of serving the people.

Mr. Ma from the Ministry of Revenue was concerned about trading with Western countries, claiming they were poor and untrustworthy, likely to scam their national treasury.

Tao Sheng: …

China has exchanged porcelain and tea for muskets. How do they know we won’t be the ones to profit?

Despite wanting to debate fiercely, Tao Sheng restrained herself, knowing she had to work harmoniously with these colleagues.

After the meeting, Tao Sheng realized the path to progress was harder than expected. She thought technology would naturally drive change, but it was a tough first step.

Ji Yanming wasn’t at the meeting but heard about it. That evening, he came home early to comfort Tao Sheng: “His Majesty said you were upset today, so I came back to cheer you up.”

Tao Sheng sighed: “After the emperor talked to me, I thought seriously about it. If I stay at the Imperial Music Bureau, I won’t meet his expectations. To fulfill his wishes, I have to change my career.”

“I’ve had smooth sailing in the government, but I see now that’s because I haven’t challenged any core interests yet.”

When Xiao Ze likes someone, he’ll do anything to help promote them. But instead of relying on favoritism, Tao Sheng decided it was better to advance steadily on her own terms.

Tao Sheng originally planned to stay in her comfortable role at the Taiyue Ling until retirement, but the new emperor’s push made her reconsider her future.

She reflected on Ji Yanming’s work and how she might adjust her career path going forward.

“I just want to promote firearms and create a firearms camp. This isn’t too outrageous. Your Majesty supports me, but there are many opposing voices. It must be hard for you to manage this normally, right?”

He had indeed faced a lot of such challenges. He spent almost half of his time on duty and the other half dealing with political struggles. This is why it’s said that each cabinet member must be cautious.

“It’s not that difficult, actually. Once you get used to it, it’s not so bad,” Ji Yanming said. “Do you need my help with anything?”

Tao Sheng shook her head. “No need, you are already a great help just by standing where you are.”

At least now, there was no opposition from the Cabinet, the Ministry of Personnel, the Censorate, and the Provincial Surveillance Bureau (where Ji Yanming had worked before), which was already a significant help to her.

The path Xiao Ze chose for Tao Sheng is very difficult. She can’t rely on others for help. She must work hard to find her own solution. Otherwise, she could be pushed away from her goal.

Tao Sheng leaned on Ji Yanming’s shoulder and sighed softly.

In her previous life, Tao Sheng’s mother always wanted her to be the class leader or compete for a position like the student union president. But Tao Sheng never cared, always finding reasons to convince her mother.

Now, to fulfill Xiao Ze’s wish, she was working hard to become a third-rank official.

Tao Sheng silently gave herself a thumbs up. This is what a loyal minister does.

“In fact, their opposition isn’t all bad,” Ji Yanming suggested. “Because there are so many opponents, it opens up other opportunities.”

Tao Sheng nodded.

This opposition is because they are afraid of taking responsibility or putting their subordinates in danger. From Tao Sheng’s historical perspective, this can be an opportunity, but to others, it is uncertain.

Tao Sheng quickly understood Ji Yanming’s point: “You want me to support my own people?”

“Your father has been a sixth-rank official in the military for a while, and Yu Sheng seems likely to become a soldier. Now is the time to make moves.”