From cute to empress

The sun shone through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground. I hid behind Brother Zhen, my heart pounding.

"What are they talking about?" I asked in a low voice, curiosity scratching in my heart like a kitten.

Brother Zhen frowned slightly and whispered, "It seems to be about the war in the northern border."

War in the Northern Frontier! My heart trembled. This was a matter of national security. I focused even more, trying to hear their conversation clearly.

Minister Liu lowered his voice and said solemnly, "...The barbarians in the northern border have been making a fuss lately, invading the border repeatedly. The situation is not optimistic!"

General Li was a burly man with thick brows furrowed. He said in a deep voice, "Yes, I have submitted a memorial to the Emperor, requesting more troops and food supplies. We should make preparations early."

"Alas, I'm afraid the national treasury is empty and it will be difficult to support it!" Minister Liu sighed, worried.

Hearing this, something clicked in my mind. I've been studying the rise and fall of dynasties for some time now, and I have considerable experience in military and economics. I've especially carefully studied the relevant historical materials regarding the previous dynasty's wars in the northern border. I had a vague feeling that there seemed to be something wrong with the strategy they were discussing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Brother Zhen..." I couldn't help but want to say something.

Brother Zhen covered my mouth with his hand, shook his head, and signaled me not to act rashly.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I knew this was not the time to be impulsive, and that making hasty comments would only cause unnecessary trouble.

However, the historical knowledge about the war in the northern border and the ideas about economic strategies kept pouring out of my mind like a spring, and I felt like I could no longer hold it back.

Finally, I couldn't help but whispered, "Brother Zhen, I...I want to go to the bathroom."

Brother Zhen was stunned for a moment, then he understood what I meant, shook his head helplessly, and let me go.

I straightened my clothes, pretended to walk out from behind the tree casually, and then slowly walked towards the pavilion.

"Lord Liu, General Li, hello." I walked to the pavilion, bowed slightly, and had a decent smile on my face.

Minister Liu and General Li were obviously a little surprised by my appearance, but they still nodded to me politely.

"Who is this..." Minister Liu asked doubtfully.

"This is..." General Li was about to introduce me, but I said first, "My surname is Niu. I'm a doctor. Today I came to the palace to take the Empress Dowager's pulse."

As I spoke, I observed their reactions calmly.

"It's Doctor Niu." Minister Liu and General Li exchanged a glance, a flicker of surprise in their eyes. They obviously hadn't expected that a seemingly weak doctor would dare to approach them and talk to them.

I smiled, feeling secretly pleased with myself. It looked like my plan had worked, and now it was my turn!

I greeted the two adults gracefully, trying my best to behave like a lady from a noble family, but I was as nervous as if I had a rabbit in my arms.

Just as I was racking my brains to think of a natural way to bring the conversation to the war in Northern Xinjiang, a fragrant breeze blew from behind me, and a gentle voice rang out, "Hey, isn't that Lord Liu and General Li? What are you doing here, taking a break?"

I looked back and saw a graceful lady walking towards me with several maids. She was wearing a palace dress embroidered with peonies and her hair was full of pearls and jade. Although there were fine lines at the corners of her eyes, it could not conceal the heroic spirit between her brows.

"It's Mrs. Wu." Minister Liu and General Li quickly stood up and saluted.

I have heard a little about this Madam Wu. She is the wife of the current Grand Tutor and is quite influential in the court. It is said that even the emperor has to respect her.

Mrs. Wu smiled and exchanged a few words with the two adults. Then her eyes fell on me, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "This is..."

"Madam, my surname is Niu. I am a female doctor. Today I came to the palace to take the Empress Dowager's pulse." I answered respectfully.

"Oh? A female doctor?" Madam Wu looked me up and down, a meaningful smile on her lips. "I see that the young lady has an extraordinary appearance and good conversation. She is more than just a female doctor, right?"

My heart skipped a beat. This Madam Wu was truly remarkable; she'd spotted something unusual about me at first glance. I was about to explain, but she waved me off. Turning to Minister Liu and General Li, she asked, "What were you two talking about just now? It was so serious."

"Alas, it's all because of the war in the northern border." Minister Liu sighed and repeated his previous concerns.

Mrs. Wu frowned slightly after hearing this. Seeing this, I thought to myself, here comes my chance!

I took a deep breath and said casually, "Although I'm just a woman, I've heard that the war in the northern border is getting intense, and I'm very worried. I was browsing history books a few days ago and saw that the previous dynasty had encountered a similar situation. At that time..."

I paused deliberately, observing their reactions.

Minister Liu and General Li had originally been polite and didn't interrupt me, a "young doctor girl." But upon hearing this, their eyes lit up, especially General Li, who couldn't help but ask, "What happened then? Tell me about it!"

I smiled faintly and said confidently, "The situation back then was quite similar to today. The barbarians in the northern border repeatedly invaded, and the imperial court was in a difficult situation with insufficient food and fodder. Later, a counselor proposed to use a herb that was abundant in the northern border..."

I combined the historical records I'd read with modern economic knowledge and elaborated on my ideas. I proposed that we could trade the abundant medicinal herbs in northern Xinjiang with neighboring countries in exchange for needed food and fodder. This would solve our immediate difficulties while also generating long-term profits—killing two birds with one stone.

I spoke incessantly, and Minister Liu and General Li nodded repeatedly. Even Mrs. Wu, who always looked down on others, couldn't help but show an admiring look.

"Great! Miss Niu is so smart. This method is unheard of, but it is feasible!" General Li couldn't help but applaud.

Minister Liu also clapped his hands and laughed, "Yeah, why didn't I think of that? Miss Niu really helped us a lot!"

I smiled modestly, but my heart was filled with joy. I knew my chance had come!

Minister Liu and General Li's praise bolstered my confidence. I stole a glance in Zhen Youcai's direction. He was standing not far away, his eyes fixed on me, a proud smile on his face. My heart suddenly felt as sweet as honey, and all my nervousness and anxiety vanished.

"Miss Niu, your words really hit the nail on the head!" Minister Liu said excitedly, "I will report this to the Emperor right away. I believe the Emperor will definitely adopt your suggestion!"

General Li also echoed, "Yes, Miss Niu, you are truly as brave as any man! If you were born a man, you would definitely be a fierce general!"

I quickly said a few humble words, saying that I was just doing my bit and didn't deserve such praise.

Mrs. Wu had been listening quietly. Suddenly, she said, "Miss Niu, you are very talented and courageous. I admire you very much. If you are willing, I can recommend you to the palace as a concubine. With your talent and intelligence, you will surely become a good wife to the emperor in the future."

I was shocked. I never expected Mrs. Wu to make such a suggestion. Although I longed to realize my ambitions in the court, I didn't want to achieve them by becoming the emperor's woman. Moreover, I already had Zhen Youcai in my heart.

I was about to politely decline when Minister Liu spoke up first, "Madam Wu, Miss Niu is still young, and she's not interested in this. I think we should just forget about it."

General Li also said: "Yes, Miss Niu is a rare talent. She should be allowed to shine in a position that suits her better."

Seeing that they both objected, Mrs. Wu stopped forcing them. She just gave me a meaningful look and said, "If that's the case, then forget it. But, Miss Niu, if you need any help in the future, just come to me and I will do my best."

I nodded gratefully, then found an excuse to say goodbye to the three of them.

When I left the Imperial Garden, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment. I successfully attracted the attention of important officials in the court and gained their recognition. This was a huge progress for me.

However, I also know that the real test is yet to come. Whether my suggestions will be accepted by the emperor and whether the war in the northern border can be alleviated is still unknown.

But I won’t give up, I will continue to work hard. For my goal and for Zhen Youcai, I will try my best!

As I left the Imperial Garden, I felt my steps lighten, like a happy bird. Thinking back to my conversation with Minister Liu and General Li, I felt a surge of accomplishment. I had actually earned their approval with my wisdom!

I know that whether my suggestion can be adopted by the emperor and whether the war in the northern border can be eased is still unknown. But at least, I have successfully taken the first step, right?

"Mengmeng, you are so awesome!" Zhen Youcai's voice came from behind, with undisguised admiration and joy.

I turned around and saw him walking towards me quickly, his face filled with a sunny smile. I couldn't help but smile too, and my heart felt like it was filled with honey.

"I'm just doing my best," I said sheepishly. "Besides, I couldn't have done it without your help."

"No, Mengmeng, this is your own hard work," Zhen Youcai said seriously. "You are really smart and brave. I am very proud of you."

His eyes were so intense and sincere that I could feel my cheeks heating up. We walked side by side along the path in the Imperial Garden, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on us as if we were covered in a golden veil.

"By the way, Madam Wu just said that she wanted to recommend you to the palace as a concubine. What do you think?" Zhen Youcai suddenly asked, with a hint of subtle nervousness in his tone.

I was stunned for a moment, then I understood what he was worried about. "What are you thinking!" I smiled casually. "How could I possibly agree to her? Not to mention that I've never thought about entering the palace. Even if I did, you're the only one in my heart!"

Zhen Youcai was visibly relieved upon hearing my answer, a relaxed smile playing across his lips. "That's good," he whispered. "I just... don't want to lose you."

There was a hint of fragility and uneasiness in his tone, and my heart softened, and I reached out and held his hand. His hand was warm and strong, giving me an infinite sense of security.

"Silly," I said softly, "I will never leave you."

We walked hand in hand in the Imperial Garden, enjoying a moment of peace and sweetness. However, I didn't know that a greater test was quietly approaching.

That same evening, we received an invitation from the imperial palace, inviting us to attend a palace banquet three days later. It was said that this banquet was held to celebrate the victory in the war in the northern border, and that important officials and celebrities from all walks of life would be in attendance.

"It seems that our chance has come." Zhen Youcai looked at the invitation in his hand, his eyes flashing with brilliance.

I nodded, but a faint sense of unease welled up in my heart. I didn't know what awaited us, but I had a feeling that this banquet would be a turning point in my destiny...