Heartstrings Resonance: The Beloved Princess of the Female Power

Mu Yunxi had already thought of everything when she was thinking about the gifts for Emperor Qing Zhao and the Queen.

Through Yongle, Mu Yunxi learned that the weapons used by Zhao State during the war with the Hucha were mainly bows and arrows, swords, lances, and spears. While skilled archers could shoot as far as fifty meters, such experts were few and far between. Therefore, she considered the crossbow, which Zhao State lacked. This weapon could fire arrows continuously, making it even more lethal.

Furthermore, when Mu Yunxi recalled the ships she had seen in Youzhou, she realized they were all similar, used only for carrying cargo. This gave her another bold idea: to build a warship! Once this idea came to her, more creative ideas emerged like a spring. She began drawing a warship design, refining it several times before finally successfully creating a model.

Mu Yunxi's excellent hands-on skills are due to her hard work during her university years. Back then, her design teacher required students to personally produce each of their designs, and it was this experience that cultivated Mu Yunxi's current dexterity.

She had considered making explosives, but ultimately rejected the idea. "Human hearts are uncontrollable. It's best if something this destructive doesn't exist." This thought lingered in Mu Yunxi's mind, leaving her feeling a tinge of unease. She knew all too well the complexity and unpredictability of human nature. If such a powerful weapon fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be disastrous. So, she abandoned the idea and sought other solutions.

At the same time, several important ministers arrived at the Imperial Study. These ministers were elite officials at court, possessing extensive political experience and wisdom. Of particular note were Prime Minister Lin and his two grandsons, Lin Wenyuan and Lin Wenyuan. Lin Wenyuan, Lin Wenyuan's elder brother, had served as Minister of Revenue for many years. His talent and integrity earned him the emperor's trust. Lin Wenyuan, on the other hand, was highly regarded for his exceptional literary talent and humble, gentle character.

After the ministers gathered, Emperor Qing Zhao explained Mu Yunxi's true identity in detail, but he kept silent about her special relationship with Emperor Yongle. He then raised Mu Yunxi's desire to serve in the imperial court, expressing his desire to hear their opinions. However, several of the older ministers present strongly opposed Mu Yunxi's proposal.

Prime Minister Lin's attention was drawn to the exquisite model boat. It was about two meters long and eighty centimeters wide. After circling it several times, Prime Minister Lin curiously asked Emperor Qing Zhao, "Your Majesty, can this boat float?" The Emperor Qing Zhao respectfully replied, "I haven't tried it yet. The girl said she needed to operate it herself."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Lin frowned slightly and asked again, "Why?" He stared at Emperor Qing Zhao, as if trying to find the answer from his face.

Emperor Qing Zhao smiled slightly and replied cheerfully, "The girl said there is a hidden mechanism in it and told me not to touch it casually, for fear that I would commit suicide." There was a hint of joking and ridicule in his words, as if he didn't care about Mu Yunchu's words.

Upon hearing this, the ministers present were speechless. They looked at each other, secretly muttering at Mu Yunxi's audacity. To be so disrespectful to the Emperor, she truly had no idea of her own limitations. However, they dared not express it openly, only sighing silently in their hearts.

"Oh, I'd love to meet this girl." Prime Minister Lin suddenly laughed, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. He had developed a strong interest in this young lady from the Mu family, who dared to speak frankly to the emperor, and wanted to know what kind of person she was.

Lin Wenyuan also echoed, "Grandfather, I have met the eldest daughter of the Mu family, the governor of Youzhou. She is not talkative, but you can see that she is smart. I just didn't expect that this girl has the ambition to become an official."

"A young woman should just stay home and get married. Being an official? That's child's play!" One of the second-rank officials who had dissented earlier frowned and spoke sternly. His voice was filled with disdain and doubt, as if he believed a woman was simply incapable of holding an official position.

Prime Minister Lin shook his head and retorted with a smile, "The scholar is wrong! Those who can serve and contribute to the State of Zhao, regardless of gender, should not be looked down upon simply because of their status." His eyes were firm, full of confidence in women's abilities. Then, bowing to the emperor, he suggested, "In my opinion, why not let this young lady give it a try? The Youdu spies have caused enormous losses to our country. Although some vacancies were filled during the Spring Examination, the position of Minister of Works remains unfilled. Furthermore, there are still many positions in the Ministry of Works that need to be filled."

He gazed at the model ship, his eyes revealing admiration. Then, turning to the officials who had objected, he continued, "This Miss Mu is truly remarkable. She's able to craft such exquisite bows and crossbows, and even warships. How can we assert that she can't create even more powerful weapons? If she truly possesses talent and can contribute to the success of our Zhao State, then why not grant her an official position?" His words were resounding and persuasive.

Seeing that the old prime minister had no objection to Mu Yunxi becoming an official, but a few people still wanted to object, Emperor Qing Zhao interrupted and said: "The girl from the Mu family gave me the drawings. If you can understand them, my dear ministers, we will not let her become an official. Giving her the status of a county lord as a reward." After that, he gestured to Eunuch Fu and handed the drawings in his hand to the ministers present for them to circulate and read.

Everyone looked at the blueprint in their hands, their faces all bewildered, their brows furrowed, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment. Seeing this, Emperor Qing Zhao feigned distress and said, "Since none of you ministers can understand this blueprint, we can invite more ministers to study it together tomorrow when we hold court."

At this point, Lin Wenyuan stepped forward and offered a suggestion: "Your Majesty, I believe that professional matters should be left to professionals. We might as well invite the craftsmen from the Ministry of Works to participate. Perhaps they can understand this blueprint." A Bachelor of Literature nearby echoed, "Your Majesty, this item will be used in military camps. I think the Armory should also inspect it to ensure its feasibility and practicality."

After hearing this, Emperor Qing Zhao nodded slightly, expressing his agreement: "You two are absolutely right. Then, we can discuss this matter together during court tomorrow and invite officials from relevant departments to participate in the discussion. It's getting late now, so please return home and rest early!"

In reality, these ministers were as clear-headed as a mirror; they were all experienced officials with many years of experience. Emperor Qing Zhao had summoned them to the palace today for a single purpose: to get Mu Yunxi into the Ministry of Works. The so-called consultation was simply a way to test their stance.

At the palace gate, the scholar anxiously stopped the old prime minister and said worriedly, "Prime Minister, why don't you try to persuade His Majesty? If no one can understand that picture tomorrow, that little girl will end up in the Ministry of Works! She's a girl, and she's hanging out with a bunch of grown men every day. What a bad reputation she'll have!"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Lin paused, looked up at the direction of the Imperial Palace, and said slowly, "Master of Literature, you're probably overthinking it. His Majesty must have already met that person, and... he has some understanding of her character."

Then, he sighed deeply and said with emotion: "Master of Arts, what Zhao State needs most right now is talent! As for whether this person is a man or a woman, what does it matter?"

He patted the Bachelor of Literature on the shoulder and said earnestly, "If this person is truly talented, then I hope the Bachelor of Literature won't stop him!"

The Bachelor of Literature frowned, feeling somewhat dissatisfied, but he still nodded reluctantly, "But..." The Bachelor of Literature wanted to say more, but was interrupted by Lin Wenyuan, who was supporting the old Prime Minister Lin, "Master Wen, we should be able to see him tomorrow. Why don't we talk about it after we see him?"

Lin Wenyuan also echoed: "Yes! Master Wen, how can we talk about it when we meet people?"

The Bachelor of Literature opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but he didn't know how to say it. He glanced at Prime Minister Lin and found that he had a calm face and didn't seem to care about the matter.

The scholar sighed helplessly and thought to himself: "Forget it, since His Majesty and Prime Minister Lin have said so, I can only wait and see what happens." After thinking for a while, the three generations of the Lin family, grandparents and grandchildren, had boarded the carriage and left the palace.

The scholar was watching their receding backs at the palace gate, and suddenly he remembered what he was about to say. He couldn't help shouting, "No matter how human she is, she is still a woman!" But at this time, the three generations of grandparents and grandchildren had already walked far away. Even if they heard what he said, they would pretend not to hear it.

On the other side, the three generations of the Lin family, grandparents and grandchildren, were talking about Mu Yunxi in the carriage.

Lin Wenyuan asked, "Grandpa, why did His Majesty suddenly want to appoint a woman this time?"

Prime Minister Lin pondered for a moment and said, "I don't know the specific reason, but judging from His Majesty's attitude, he must be familiar with Mu Yunxi. Moreover, she must have some extraordinary qualities to have won His Majesty's favor."

Lin Wenyuan nodded, "Yes, Grandpa is right. However, this Mu Yunxi is so highly regarded by His Majesty. It seems that she is indeed not simple."

Prime Minister Lin smiled and said, "We just need to do our own thing and there's no need to worry too much. I believe that His Majesty knows how to handle things."

The three of them chatted along the way, but Prime Minister Lin knew that Mu Yunxi's ability to be favored by His Majesty was definitely not just due to her talent. As for other reasons, they would know in the future.

The next day, someone from the palace came to convey the imperial decree, asking her to come to the palace immediately to see the emperor. After she had dressed, she followed the messenger to the palace.