Chapter 186 – Life Without Hope (Five)
Xu Ke sighed. Dongqing also had post-war recovery laws, but some influential families and gentry continuously exploited and obstructed their implementation.
Currently, tensions between nations remained, with the Southern Barbarians and Northern Frontiers eyeing each other cautiously, war lurking just around the corner.
Those with wisdom throughout the land shared a consensus: this world has barely enjoyed stability for a few years, and turmoil is likely on the horizon again.
Thinking back to the chaotic history of the Sixteen Kingdoms, Xu Ke glanced at the five nations, each unwilling to yield, feeling increasingly powerless within.
People were like floating duckweed, drifting without a home.
In his ears, a clear youthful voice continued to resonate, seemingly possessing a strange charm that could calm troubled hearts and steady restless souls.
“When strong young men fall in battle, if the remaining women lack the ability to protect themselves or establish their own foundations, do they not risk being taken back by the Southern Barbarians and suffering endless humiliation? It’s either giving birth continuously or being treated as livestock, slaughtered when hunger strikes!”
“The Young Master means…”
Although Xu Ke was a man, he long admired the incredible women of the previous dynasty and wholeheartedly respected them.
His admiration even influenced his choice for a future wife.
His mother had a significant impact on him; she was a strong woman. Even after losing her husband young, she grit her teeth to raise Xu Ke, teaching him moral principles and providing for his education, much like the most ordinary wild grass—standing tall against the wind and rain, trampled by passersby but never easily yielding.
He couldn’t imagine marrying a delicate and gentle woman who was sweet and wept at the slightest provocation, panicking at snakes, insects, and vermin… If disaster were to befall him, who would his wife and children rely on? Who could they depend on?
Thus, despite her somewhat crooked views, Xu Ke found himself in agreement with Jiang Pengji’s words.
He vaguely sensed that this person possessed the qualities of a wise leader.
However, he would soon realize that those feelings of inspiration were merely illusions.
“Why should women, who can achieve such accomplishments, be bound like caged canaries, their wings clipped, existing only as decorations? Aside from being admired as a part of wealth, giving birth and raising children, what other value do they have?”
Meng Hunyun didn’t interject but shook his head in disagreement.
Everyone has daughters. If one were to raise a daughter only to have her become a servant for another man, who could accept that?
Meng Hunyun said, “As a father, one naturally dislikes seeing his own flesh treated so despicably.”
Xu Ke was still inexperienced, but envisioning his future, he found it somewhat unacceptable.
A husband and a father are two entirely different identities, and their perspectives on matters differ significantly.
“I think that’s not the point—the real issue is that it’s a huge waste of labor resources! Not only are people raised to uselessness, but we also waste excellent fighting strength! If women have equivalent combat ability to men, why let men fight while women stay at home? Wouldn’t it be better for all to go together?”
Xu Ke and Meng Hunyun were left speechless, astonished. This was not some melodramatic trope.
In the end, after all that build-up, was it simply to express that women at home were wasting their combat potential?
This was truly the authentic move—treating women as men!
Meng Hunyun cleared his throat, intending to say something to ease the awkward atmosphere.
“The Young Master is still young and doesn’t understand many things.”
He chuckled, and Xu Ke immediately understood, turning away in embarrassment.
“Then why don’t you explain to me what I don’t understand?”
Jiang Pengji felt that they weren’t following her script, and it was going to be awkward for her!
“Women are, um… more likely to stay within the household due to their inherent differences from men…” Meng Hunyun stuttered awkwardly.
How could he explain to their Young Master that women’s physiology is different, that after reaching maturity, they have monthly cycles, become weaker during pregnancy for over nine months, and that childbirth is akin to crossing the gates of hell?
The Young Master was still young and naïve. Would he even understand if told?
This was quite awkward.
Meng Hunyun glanced at Xu Ke, hoping the talented scholar could say something!
Alas, Xu Ke was gazing into the sky and ground, unwilling to meet Meng Hunyun’s pleading eyes.
Jiang Pengji: “…”
The two men assumed Jiang Pengji didn’t understand, but in reality, she had already grasped the meaning expressed in their secretive glances.
Was it destined for men to go out and women to stay in due to biological structures?
Would the latter’s social status decline as society developed?
These points held true to ancient times, but saying them in front of her was completely unconvincing.
“There’s nothing in this world that can’t be achieved…”
Jiang Pengji’s lips curled into a mysterious smile as she suddenly interjected.
Xu Ke and Meng Hunyun stopped their silent exchanges, looking at her, perplexed by her meaning.
Jiang Pengji clearly had no intention to clarify.
“Anyway, the maid Nong Qin will temporarily train with the troops at the farm. As for her training tasks, there’s no need to treat her with any special consideration, nor to relax the standards. Just do it as it should be done; when her training is about right, I’ll make other arrangements.”
Jiang Pengji was determined; she wouldn’t believe that her personalized guidance couldn’t trounce a bunch of useless fighters.
Meng Hunyun nodded, but still intended to look out for her a bit since the Young Girl was different from the rough men.
“That’s no problem. It’s good for the maid by the Young Master’s side to learn martial arts; at least she can ensure the Young Master’s safety. However, those are rough men, and they may occasionally speak inappropriately; if she feels wronged…”
Meng Hunyun hesitated, not daring to promise complete avoidance of such situations.
Jiang Pengji replied nonchalantly, “It’s fine. If anyone gets mouthy, we’ll have Nong Qin knock out a few of their teeth.”
It’s better to get physical than to just argue with words.
Meng Hunyun: “…”
If a subordinate held such violent thoughts, he would absolutely have something to say. However, since the one who stated it was the Young Master, he could only…
Whatever you say, Young Master, we’ll follow your lead!
Just as Meng Hunyun was about to leave, Xu Ke suddenly seemed to think of something and asked abruptly.
“Does the Young Master desire women to go to battle merely because it’s a waste of combat strength?”
He emphasized the word “merely.”
Jiang Pengji shot him a sly smile, “Only one who knows me, Xiaoyu.”
Xu Ke: “…”
He suddenly didn’t want to hear what Jiang Pengji would say next, fearing it would shatter his worldview, but it was too late.
“The world favors sons over daughters; when a daughter is born in a household, many are cast aside, allowing those children to be carried off by wolves. Even if the children are raised, they are often treated harshly. When a male member of the family needs money for marriage or building a home, they often sell their daughters cheaply…”
Xu Ke felt that he needn’t listen further.
Jiang Pengji insisted he hear, “For the same amount of silver, one strong man can buy two women, sometimes even more.”
The key point was, it’s a bargain.
With the same amount of silver, she could assemble two troops!
Xu Ke: “…”
It turned out to be true.
Life without hope.
