CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 80: BURNING THE BOOK

Qin Yao closed the book, feeling a brief moment of bewilderment.

The walls of the house slowly crumbled before her eyes, revealing a broader world unfolding before her.

The book might be fictional history, but no matter how it is arranged, in this male-dominated society, no one would write about the Emperor and Empress sharing power, the Empress nearly becoming king, and the Princess wanting to become Crown Princess from thin air.

Who is the author of this book?

Qin Yao reopened the novel, only to find the word ’Anonymous’ at the end.

Actually, there have been stories circulating among the people about the Emperor and Empress’s family; the tales in teahouses are no more than about their deep feelings and how the Emperor’s palace only has the Empress.

People discuss only the Emperor and his two Princes, saying the Emperor was born poor and most hates corrupt officials, while the Princes tour various places, bringing clarity, reducing labor and taxes, and granting amnesty.

But no one has ever mentioned what kind of person the Empress is and what contributions she has made to Sheng Country.

Qin Yao recalled the various information she had received during this period; actually, compared to the last dynasty, the restrictions on women are now much more relaxed, as women can be seen on county streets, and female vendors are present.

Shop owners also show the presence of many women, and even in Miss Ding’s study, it’s filled with various fictional novels.

So among the new generation, restrictions on women have already become more relaxed.

All these clues tied together give Qin Yao a feeling that women’s status is quietly improving.

Perhaps, in places unseen to them, powerful women who have gained power are striving for their rights.

Thinking of this, Qin Yao couldn’t help but feel a bit excited.

After all, she could not go back, so naturally, she hoped the constraints on women would become less and less.

As for farming, Qin Yao now had a new idea—she would change her fate through reading!

However, the one reading was not her, but Liu Ji.

He had some foundation and was an adult, so there was no worry about his survival.

After interacting for a time, Qin Yao found although Liu Ji was lazy, he was smart and especially aware of opportunities.

Previously, no one could control him, idling most of the time, but she had experienced ’three years of entrance exams and five years of simulation’.

Her expectations for Liu Ji were not high, merely being a scholar was enough.

Furthermore, compelling him to study diligently, surely he could at least pass as a Scholar?

It would exempt from taxes and labor, which would count as contributing to the family.

Plus, he was shameless and had a good-looking face, perhaps effective in social occasions.

If he could land a clerk job in the county town, it would be a step up in social class.

Coming to Ding Mansion made Qin Yao realize that to achieve a better life, one must adhere to the social rules.

As long as you have a reputation, you can live a leisurely life like Mr. Ding, with people delivering money and land without going farming yourself.

In her past life, she fought and struggled; in this life, Qin Yao only wants to enjoy life more.

It’s just that this living standard is slightly higher compared to the average person in Sheng Country.

Qin Yao thought things through well and planned, when the bodyguard mission ended, to press Liu Ji to resume reading upon returning home, but she still sighed in displeasure.

If she could take the imperial exams, how great it would be, fame and fortune all hers!

Sadly, it can only be a pity...

Miss Ding turned around seven or eight times in the courtyard, feeling time was about right, excitedly ran into the study.

"Miss Qin, have you finished reading?"

Qin Yao nodded, placed the book on the desk, and advised the girl before her, "I’ve finished reading the content, I suggest burning it."

Miss Ding’s expression changed, "Is it that serious?"

Qin Yao nodded; if in the modern era, it wouldn’t matter, but here, with the prevailing royal authority and hierarchical society, even in teahouses, talking about the Emperor is done cautiously.

If the content of this book is misunderstood as a slight against the Emperor, it would be troublesome.

Therefore, Qin Yao’s advice is to burn it.

"I can tell you the content of this book later, but I think it’s better to burn the book first, better safe than sorry, as Mr. Ding and Young Master Ding will be pursuing official careers, keeping this book could invite trouble."

Seeing Qin Yao’s serious expression, Miss Ding felt uneasy, "Do we really have to burn it?"

Qin Yao saw her reluctance and suggested she open the book and look herself, "I’ll go outside and keep a lookout for you."

Saying this, Qin Yao was about to leave, but Miss Ding quickly stopped her, saying fearfully: "I dare not read it."

Not reading it, she wouldn’t reveal anything later in her words and actions.

But if she did read it, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t inadvertently give it away later; her father was discerning and would surely notice.

"Don’t worry, there’s nothing major in the content, just different understandings depending on the reader."

Qin Yao gave her a gentle smile and stepped outside to stand under the veranda.

Miss Ding hesitated for about two seconds, curiosity ultimately prevailed, and she sat at the desk to open the book.

The story wasn’t long, only thirty to forty thousand words, and Qin Yao finished reading it in half an hour.

But in the study, Miss Ding stayed the entire afternoon and didn’t come out until it was time for dinner.

After dinner, the first thing she did was rush to find Qin Yao, asking her help to burn the book.

Though before burning, she said regretfully: "This is the first time I’ve seen such an exciting book; if it didn’t talk about the sage, how great it would be."

Qin Yao understood her sentiment, "Usually the protagonists are men; having women as main characters is indeed rare."

Miss Ding smiled playfully, "But I’ve memorized the content; I wonder if my brother has read it."

Qin Yao speculated, "He probably hasn’t, otherwise he wouldn’t have given it to you."

With Young Master Ding’s character, if he discovered the book’s content was so explosive, he would most likely burn it immediately.

Despite reluctance, the book had to be burned.

Qin Yao went to an empty space in the backyard, ignited a pile of leaves, threw the book in, and it soon disappeared.

To ensure no trace, she burned it again, ensuring no page remained.

Then she clapped her hands, ready to return to the mansion to rest.

It was already dark, Qin Yao entered through the side gate, Zhang Ba opened the door for her, saw her in, closed the door, secured the latch, then went into the small side room to rest.

The entire inner yard was quiet without a sound, even the lights in Miss Ding’s room were extinguished.

Sleeping so early, huh? Qin Yao stretched lazily, lay in her single room, looking at the moonlight outside the small window, not feeling sleepy at all.

Outside the Ding Mansion were vast fields; the sound of frogs from the fields had a white noise effect, and Qin Yao narrowed her eyes, gradually feeling a bit drowsy.

A light "click" sound emanated from behind the house.

Qin Yao’s eyes snapped open, instinctively rising from bed, her hand landed on the long blade on the bedside table.

Listening intently, someone was outside the courtyard, rustling, seemingly trying to place something on the perimeter wall.