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Chapter 436 New Year (Part )

Everyone knew that the princess had promoted and employed several female officials. On weekdays, they were either in the military camp or in Ye County, and people only heard of them but never saw them.

Today, all the female officials gathered at the Nanyang Palace and appeared openly at the New Year's banquet, which was considered a collective appearance.

Among them, Chen Jinyu was the most well-known. Sun Zelan was an excellent doctor and was known as Dr. Sun in the Imperial Guards. Li Ying was the wife of County Magistrate Cui and the headmaster of the girls' school. Everyone had seen her. Cui Wenxiu and Kong Qingwan were both showing up in public for the first time.

Cui Wenxiu is elegant and refined with a dignified temperament, while Kong Qingwan is beautiful and graceful, both of whom are eye-catching.

Out of manly instinct, the officials and the county magistrate couldn't help but take a glance or two.

The talkative Zou County Magistrate lowered his voice and said to Wu County Magistrate with a smile: "It is only in our Nanyang County that a woman can be an official."

Magistrate Wu raised his wine glass to cover up the situation: "Shh! Keep your voice down, don't let the princess hear."

Magistrate Zou had drunk a lot of wine today, and he was much bolder than usual. He laughed and said, "There are so many people making noise, and we are so far away. How can the princess hear what you and I say? Look at you, you are such a coward. I didn't say anything bad."

"Under the rule of the princess, Nanyang County is getting better and better. It is not uncommon for women to become officials. Who knows, there may be a female county magistrate in the future! The princess's words are law in Nanyang County. Who can stop her?"

County Magistrate Wu wanted to cover County Magistrate Zou's mouth.

The princess, who was sitting at the head of the table, glanced over.

Magistrate Zou: "..."

Magistrate Zou felt a chill on his back, and his head suddenly sobered up. He picked up the wine glass awkwardly and drank. Under the table, his right hand frantically pulled at Magistrate Wu's sleeve: "The princess was looking at me, why didn't you remind me?"

Magistrate Wu did not move. When the princess looked away, he quietly rolled his eyes and said, "I reminded you, but you pretended not to hear me and insisted on talking nonsense. What can I do?"

Magistrate Zou wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, then closed his mouth tighter than a clam shell and dared not say another word.

While Magistrate Zou was muttering like this, there were naturally people who supported the princess.

For example, County Magistrate Chen, looking at the high-spirited Chen Sheren, was filled with pride as a father. For example, County Magistrate Cui, looking at the smiling Li Shanzhang from time to time, was filled with pride.

No matter what, the female officials' first official collective appearance left a deep and indelible impression on everyone.

After the banquet, everyone said goodbye and left.

Jiang Shaohua left a group of female officials to drink tea and chat, and asked casually, "How do you feel about attending the New Year banquet at the palace today?"

Chen Jinyu was the first to respond with a smile: "I also attended the banquet a few years ago, but it was boring to be alone. This year, the ladies had a separate banquet, and I stood up straight."

These words were humorous and interesting, and all the female officials laughed.

Sun Zelan smiled and continued, "I don't like to join in the fun. But today I feel pretty good. I will come every year in the future."

"I just hope that more and more female officials will come to the banquet in the future." Li Ying also smiled and said, "Today, several county magistrates were whispering, and it was obvious that they were not convinced. We must do our work well in the future and do better than them. Let them be convinced and have nothing to say."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "This day will definitely come." Then, he looked at Cui Wenxiu and Kong Qingwan who had been silent the whole time: "Master Cui and Master Kong, why are you silent all the time?"

There was a hint of joking in her brisk tone. Cui Wenxiu pursed her lips and smiled, "This is my first time in the palace, and my first time in such an occasion. I'm not afraid of being laughed at by the princess. I'm really a little scared. I don't know what to say for a moment."

"Once is new, twice is familiar. You'll get used to it if you come here often." Jiang Shaohua comforted Cui Wenxiu with a smile.

Cui Wenxiu smiled and nodded.

Kong Qingwan mustered up her courage and said, "Princess, I have something to tell you, but I don't know if I should tell you or not."

Jiang Shaohua raised his eyebrows and smiled: "Whatever you want to say, just say it!"

Kong Qingwan has been in the military camp for more than four years, teaching the guards to read and write. Now, all the soldiers in the guard camp can read and understand simple books, and those who are good at studying have already started reading military books. Its influence is not in the present, but in the future.

It can be said that Kong Qingwan is a real hero. However, Kong Qingwan never takes credit for it and keeps a low profile. This is the first time she has given advice to the princess in public.

"The princess has placed great importance on female officials like us, opened a girls' school, and enlightened the people. Her intentions are profound." Kong Qingwan said softly, "Today, we are able to attend the banquet with the officials of the royal palace and a group of county magistrates. It is all the princess's grace."

"The princess is someone who wants to do great things. We are all willing to follow her, even if it means going through fire and water."

"I was thinking that since the princess intends to use female officials, they should have official titles and ranks. Even if the court does not recognize them, Nanyang County will always recognize them. Over time, everyone will gradually get used to it."

Jiang Shaohua's eyes sparkled: "In fact, this princess also has this plan."

"Moreover, this princess also wants the court to recognize the female officials of Nanyang County and to obtain official official status and documents from the Ministry of Personnel."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the female officials looked excited.

Chen Jinyu's dark eyes sparkled: "Does the princess want to submit a memorial herself?"

"That's right. This county lord will write the memorial himself." Jiang Shaohua smiled slowly, "However, this matter cannot be rushed. With the efficiency of the court, buck-passing and verbal disputes are inevitable. To accomplish this important matter, you must be patient."

Sun Zelan's eyes also gleamed: "This is really great. I just can't accept it. Why can men be imperial physicians, but women can't? Obviously my medical skills are better than my brother's, and he is now a seventh-rank medical officer, but I don't have a formal official status."

"You are Dr. Sun!" Kong Qingwan smiled softly and said, "In the hearts of the guards, you are a true miracle doctor."

This is true.

Sun Zelan smiled and relaxed his brows: "Anyway, I am not convinced. Since the princess intends to establish a formal female official rank, I can't lose to my brother."

Li Ying laughed: "According to what Dr. Sun said, I have to ask the princess for a favor, preferably a higher official position than my husband. Then I can speak more confidently and louder at home in the future."

Everyone laughed out loud.

County Magistrate Cui and Li Ying were a well-known loving couple. County Magistrate Cui had one advantage that other men did not. He never restricted his wife from doing things, and was even proud of her achievements. Therefore, Li Ying was particularly confident when she joked.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "I know what you want. Do your job well, and I will never treat you badly."

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