CHAPTER 436: CHAPTER 436: NEW YEAR (PART 2)

Everyone knows about how the Commandery Princess employs several female officials, spending their days either at the military camp or in Ye County. People only know their names but haven’t seen them in person.

Today, all the female officials are gathered at the Nanyang Prince Mansion, openly appearing at the New Year’s banquet, making a collective debut.

Among them, Chen Jinyu is the most well-known. Sun Zelan, with her outstanding medical skills, is acclaimed as the Divine Doctor Sun at the Personal Guard Camp, enjoying a high reputation. Li Ying, being the wife of County Magistrate Cui and the Mountain Master of the women’s academy, is also known. However, this is the first time Cui Wenxiu and Kong Qingwan are appearing before people.

Cui Wenxiu, with her graceful and scholarly demeanor, and Kong Qingwan, with her elegant appearance and graceful bearing, both leave a lasting impression.

The male officials and county magistrates, following their natural curiosity, couldn’t help but take a glance.

The talkative County Magistrate Zou whispered to County Magistrate Wu with a smile: "Women serving as officials, such a grand sight can only be seen in Nanyang County."

County Magistrate Wu raised his wine glass to cover up: "Shh! Keep your voice down, lest the Commandery Princess hears."

Having drunk quite a bit today, County Magistrate Zou, feeling bolder than usual, chuckled: "With so many people chattering, and us sitting so far, how could the Commandery Princess hear us? Look at you, all scared like a coward. I’m not saying anything disreputable."

"Under the Commandery Princess’s governance, our Nanyang County is flourishing. It’s not surprising for women to serve as officials; one day, there might even be a female County Magistrate! The Commandery Princess reigns supreme in Nanyang County, who could stand in her way?"

County Magistrate Wu wished he could cover County Magistrate Zou’s mouth.

The Commandery Princess, seated at the head of the table, cast her gaze over.

County Magistrate Zou: "..."

Cold sweat broke out on County Magistrate Zou’s back, and his mind snapped to attention. He awkwardly picked up his wine glass to drink while frantically tugging on County Magistrate Wu’s sleeve under the table: "The Commandery Princess is looking at me, why didn’t you warn me."

County Magistrate Wu didn’t move. Only after the Commandery Princess looked away did he quietly roll his eyes and replied: "I did warn you, but you chose not to listen and continued babbling, what could I do?"

County Magistrate Zou wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve, and kept his mouth shut tighter than a clam, not daring to make another sound.

Besides the likes of County Magistrate Zou who murmured, there were certainly those who supported the Commandery Princess as well.

Like County Magistrate Chen, who watched the spirited Chen Sheren with a paternal pride. Or County Magistrate Cui, who occasionally glanced at the smiling Master Li, filled with pride.

Regardless, the first formal collective appearance of the female officials left a profound and indelible impression on everyone.

After the banquet dispersed, everyone took their leave and departed.

Jiang Shaohua stayed behind with the female officials for tea and casual conversation, and with an easy smile asked: "How did you feel attending the Prince Mansion’s New Year banquet together today?"

Chen Jinyu was the first to respond with a smile: "I’ve attended in previous years, but I was always by myself, which felt quite lonely. This year, with a table just for the female officials, I sat as straight as a rod."

This humorous remark made all the female officials laugh.

Sun Zelan chimed in with a smile: "I usually don’t like to join in the hustle and bustle. Today was quite enjoyable; I’ll have to come every year from now on."

"Let’s hope that more female officials can attend the banquet in the future." Li Ying also said with a smile: "Today, a few county magistrates were whispering amongst themselves, obviously appearing unwilling to admit it. We must strive to perform better than them in our duties, so they have no choice but to accept it."

Jiang Shaohua smiled gently: "One day, it’ll certainly be so." Then, looking at Cui Wenxiu and Kong Qingwan who hadn’t spoken, she teased: "Why haven’t Mr. Cui and Mr. Kong said anything?"

The cheerful tone carried a teasing note.

Cui Wenxiu smiled, her lips pressed together: "It’s my first time at the Prince Mansion, and the first time seeing such an occasion. I must admit, and I hope the Commandery Princess won’t laugh, but I’m a bit overwhelmed and unsure of what to say."

"You get used to it with time," Jiang Shaohua comforted Cui Wenxiu with a laugh.

Cui Wenxiu nodded with a smile.

Kong Qingwan gathered her courage and said: "Commandery Princess, there’s something I’d like to say, but I’m not sure if I should."

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow with a smile: "Speak freely of whatever’s on your mind!"

Kong Qingwan had been in the military camp for over four years, teaching the guards to read and write. Now, in the Personal Guard Camp, every soldier is literate, able to understand simple texts, and those with better skills have begun reading military books. Its impact may not be immediate but will be significant in the future.

One could say Kong Qingwan is a true contributor. However, she never took credit, keeping a low profile. This was the first time she spoke to the Commandery Princess in public.

"The Commandery Princess has employed us female officials and established a women’s academy to enlighten the populace, with deep foresight." Kong Qingwan spoke softly: "Today, by the grace of the Commandery Princess, we were able to attend the banquet alongside the Prince Mansion officials and county magistrates."

"The Commandery Princess is destined for great achievements, and we are all willing to follow her, through fire and water without hesitation."

"I was thinking, since the Commandery Princess intends to use female officials, there should be formal ranks and titles. Even if the court doesn’t recognize it, Nanyang County will. Over time, people will gradually adapt."

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes shone: "Actually, I have this plan as well."

"Moreover, I want the court to also recognize the female officials of Nanyang County, to have formal ranks and documentation from the Ministry of Personnel."

These words brought a look of excitement to all the female officials.

Chen Jinyu’s dark eyes sparkled: "Could it be that the Commandery Princess plans to submit a memorial herself?"

"Indeed, I will write the memorial myself," Jiang Shaohua smiled slowly: "But, this matter cannot be rushed. Given the court’s efficiency, delays and arguments are inevitable. To accomplish this significant task, one must be patient."

Sun Zelan’s eyes also gleamed: "This is wonderful. I find it hard to accept that men can become Imperial Physicians, but women can’t. My medical skills clearly surpass my brother’s, yet he holds the Standard Seventh Rank position as a Medical Officer, while I have no official status."

"You are the Divine Doctor Sun!" Kong Qingwan said with a soft laugh: "In the eyes of the guards, you are truly a divine doctor."

That’s true.

Sun Zelan relaxed her brow and laughed: "In any case, I am not satisfied. Since the Commandery Princess plans to establish official ranks for female officials, I can’t let my brother surpass me."

Li Ying laughed: "Based on what Divine Doctor Sun said, I should ask the Commandery Princess for a favor, ideally having a rank higher than my husband’s. It would give me more confidence and a stronger voice at home."

Everyone burst into laughter.

County Magistrate Cui and Li Ying were renowned as a loving couple. County Magistrate Cui had an unmatched trait among men. He never restricted his wife’s actions, and even took pride in her achievements. Therefore, Li Ying spoke with extra confidence.

Jiang Shaohua laughed: "I understand well what each of you desires. Serve well, and I won’t treat you unfairly."

"After the New Year, I will write the memorial."