Divorced by her husband's family and rejected by her own! She defiantly turned her life around

Liu Siyue leaned closer to Madam Su, "Madam, I've heard rumors circulating that the county magistrate of Lingshui County is a bad person who preys on the people and oppresses the innocent. Is that true?"

Madam Su nodded. "That's true. I don't know how many times they've tripped up the master behind his back, but who can blame them when the prefect is protecting them?"

The master wants to do something truly good for the people, but there are some people who just can't stand to see you doing well.

The previous magistrate was so badly bullied that he couldn't be transferred and had no choice but to resign and return to his hometown. Guo Changfeng thought he had the magistrate's position in the bag, but who knew that the higher-ups would send him here instead.

"Why doesn't the magistrate collect evidence against Guo Changfeng and bring him to justice?"

"You don't understand the affairs of the imperial court. If you appeal to higher authorities, your memorial might not even reach the proper place and will be intercepted. They will then directly inform your superiors, and you'll have even less of a good life after that."

Unless one uses a private relationship to have someone else relay the message to the emperor.

Only by achieving remarkable political achievements can the master bring down Guo Changfeng and ensure a smooth career path for himself.

"How easy is it to achieve political success? I might just end up like the previous magistrate." Madam Su sighed as she spoke.

Liu Siyue thought to herself, what's the use of just thinking? You need to cultivate your own people and use iron-fisted methods. As long as you can stand firm, what can the prefect do to you? They can resort to underhanded tactics, and you can do the same, as long as you don't harm the common people.

"Madam, I have only expressed my humble opinion in April. If I am wrong, please do not laugh at me."

A person in a high position cannot work alone; they need to cultivate people who can work for them. Otherwise, no matter how good the method is, if it cannot be implemented, it is just empty talk.

Having your own people is essential to better counterattack enemies lurking in the shadows.

As long as you are in the right and your actions are reasonable and well-founded, you can arrest and prosecute the person directly, and no one can find fault with you. The people have discerning eyes.

Even if the prefect has absolute power, he still has to think carefully; if things escalate, it won't do him any good.

"The master had thought of this before, but alas, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake; it's difficult!"

"The magistrate is the highest authority in Lingshui County, yet he can be suppressed by a mere county clerk. The magistrate should demonstrate his authority and use an iron fist to deter those petty scoundrels."

Madam Su chuckled softly, "I never expected that April, who looks so delicate, would have such a masculine spirit."

What you say makes a lot of sense. I will pass it on to you, sir. Perhaps we have been too cautious and hesitant in the past, which may have become our weakness, giving others an opportunity to take advantage of us.

Through her conversation with Madam Su, Liu Siyue gained a general understanding of the magistrate and his wife's character. They were of good character, but lacked decisiveness, which was not a big deal.

"Madam, you said that the lord should make political achievements. What do you think counts as political achievements and can make the court pay attention?" Liu Siyue asked deliberately.

"Any action that benefits the country and its people is a significant political achievement!"

Liu Siyue pondered for a while longer, "Wouldn't increasing grain production and improving farming tools count as achievements?"

"Of course it counts as a political achievement. Anyone who can come up with a way to increase grain production will have made a tremendous contribution. Do you think there's a way in April?"

"I am a peasant girl, and I am very familiar with farming. I have seen the hardships of people pulling plows in the fields, sweating profusely, and how difficult it is for oxen to plow the land and how inefficient they are."

I've seen those plows, and I always felt something was off. I've talked to the villagers about it, but they all said that I'm just a woman who doesn't know anything, so I shouldn't talk nonsense and dare to question what our ancestors left us.

Bringing this up again today reminded me of it.

Madam Su's eyes lit up; she hadn't expected Liu Siyue to have such a clever idea.

"Does April have any unique insights into farming?"

"I dare not presume to offer my opinions; I merely have some ideas. I do not know whether they are feasible; we will only know after testing them."

The most important thing right now is to ensure that people have enough to eat; that's the most important thing.

So I wanted to try and see if I could increase grain production.

"Do you have a concrete idea?"

"I have some initial ideas, but I don't know if they're right or wrong. I'll share them with you, and I hope you can consider them."

"Madam, you are knowledgeable and discerning; surely you can judge the feasibility of my ideas?"

"Tell me, and I'll help you analyze it."

"The factors that affect grain production are nothing more than a few: fertile land, good grain seeds, farming methods, and the right weather."

Madam Su's eyes grew brighter and brighter. "April, if only you were a man, you could have pursued an official career, become a high-ranking official, and bring blessings to all people."

"Madam, I don't think there's anything wrong with being a woman. As long as you have a heart that cares for the country and its people, why should you distinguish between men and women?"

Throughout history, there have been female generals who fought bravely and defended the country, as well as empresses whose names have been remembered for eternity. Their achievements were no less than those of men, and they left a significant mark on history, worthy of emulation by future generations.

Women are mediocre because their steps are confined, their thoughts are bound, they cannot step out of the small world of the inner quarters, and their talents cannot be developed.

They entrusted their fate and lives to men, making their husbands their everything, and losing their independent personalities.

These words struck Mrs. Su's heart like a heavy hammer.

Su Manzhi clapped excitedly, "Sister, what you said is so true, it really hit the nail on the head."

My mother always taught me about traditional female virtues, how to be a good wife and mother, and how to be filial to my parents-in-law, but I didn't like any of it.

Madam Su smiled sheepishly, "I had completely forgotten that I am also a woman, and I dared to belittle women."

Liu Siyue knew that since Madam Su had connections and resources in the capital, her identity must not be simple. Women like her had been raised with this kind of education.

It is commendable that Mrs. Su was able to bravely admit her mistakes and showed no resentment towards her own remarks.

Liu Siyue sensed the atmosphere was a bit heavy, and she quickly steered the conversation back on track because she had steered the topic astray.

"Madam, do you think what I said makes sense?"

"You're absolutely right. Apart from angels, which we can't control, everything else can be improved through certain methods."

China's grain production has always been low, with a maximum yield of no more than 250 jin per mu. Improving grain production is of paramount importance and cannot be delayed.

The officials of the State Administration of Grain have been researching for decades, but they haven't come up with a way to increase grain production. Your words today are truly enlightening and have cleared my mind.

Although I've never farmed, I think what you said makes sense.

"I plan to conduct the experiment next spring; if I don't do it, I'll never know the answer."

"Alright, I will inform the master of this matter. If you need any help, please feel free to ask."

If you succeed, the emperor will have political achievements, and the people will benefit.

"This is what we call killing several birds with one stone, sharing benefits, and achieving win-win cooperation."

"Your words are so apt."

"Madam, this matter can only be carried out secretly. If bad people find out, they will either steal the credit or sabotage us."

"If we get things done properly, no one can get their hands on them."

"You're so thoughtful. I got a little carried away with my joy."

"Madam, the people are already suffering enough, and now the price of grain has gone up. They really can't survive."

I heard people in the county town say that the imperial court has increased taxes. Is that true?

"It's true. It shouldn't be long before the master calls a meeting with all the village chiefs to explain this matter."

Liu Siyue sighed; this was going to be a harsh winter with both hunger and cold.