Chapter 1700 – The Conclusion of Hua Yuan (Part Nine)
Mi Hua’s first question on the examination paper was presented by Feng Zhen, asking how to handle a collapsed riverbank in a certain area.
Some candidates gave shallow responses, merely addressing the collapse itself, while others had wild and fanciful ideas.
Mi Hua’s answer was exceptionally detailed and practical. She not only described how to repair and dredge the riverbank but also speculated on various scenarios—for instance, whether the collapse was caused by human factors and how to address it if it was. She considered how to assist the common people affected by the flood and how to restore local livelihoods after the disaster. She even calculated the disaster relief costs for each step.
Mi Hua fully immersed herself in the fictional role posed by the question, thoughtfully considering all angles.
Two pages for one question were filled densely, making it enjoyable to read.
Feng Zhen and others weren’t creating these questions to select talented scholars merely good at answering tests; they aimed to find people capable of governing various regions.
Clearly, Mi Hua’s response was the correct approach.
Her answer stood out distinctly from the flashy, superficial responses of others.
In addition to this question, she also performed well on the other eight, with the best being the final essay.
While others’ papers contained five to six sheets, or at most eleven to twelve, hers had an impressive twenty-three.
Having more pages didn’t imply fluff; rather, her content was almost entirely substantial.
With her credentials and being recommended jointly by Wei Ci and Feng Zhen, naturally, Jiang Pengji would add her to the recruitment list.
If she achieved notable accomplishments, she could be further cultivated as a key talent in the future.
However—
Why did she come under the pseudonym Xu Chong when her real name was Mi Hua?
Was it simply because a woman’s identity was less convenient than a man’s?
Jiang Pengji felt a hint of curiosity and decided to have someone investigate the matter to uncover any underlying details.
Feng Zhen was given the directive and then took the opportunity to rest for the night, planning to continue the shift the next afternoon.
“A woman like her should be quite famous,” Jiang Pengji remarked. “But how did Zixiao know her true name?”
Though she asked with a smile, Wei Ci, with a strong survival instinct, sensed a slight tinge of jealousy in his lord’s tone.
“Isn’t it obvious, my lord? Naturally, it’s because of past connections that he recognizes her in this life.”
Jiang Pengji replied with a smile, “Go ahead, I’m listening. I have a feeling she will surprise me.”
Such an exceptional woman, if nothing had gone wrong during her journey, it was unreasonable she wouldn’t have made an impact in Wei Ci’s previous life.
Wei Ci responded, “Yes.”
In the early days of Jiang Zhao, there weren’t many female officials, but each was quite formidable. This strength wasn’t purely martial; for instance, Mi Hua was not physically strong, yet very few dared to confront her directly at court. Besides, her focus wasn’t on the political arena.
Entrusted by the emperor, she oversaw the salt administration of the Sanjiang and Liuhai regions while juggling multiple roles, inspecting local officials for corruption and misconduct, wielding a “special sword” that gave her the power to execute first and report later. Whether dealing with salt issues or corrupt officials, both were incredibly thankless jobs.
Not only was she ruffling feathers, but she was also at risk of being secretly plotted against and killed, with a line of people wanting her out that could stretch across the Sanjiang and Liuhai.
However, Mi Hua’s character was exceptionally tough; she was not one to back down. Those officials ousted by her could gather a hundred tables of mahjong in the underworld.
With such impressive accomplishments, her reputation naturally soared.
Bai Yuexia rose to the position of Minister of Works and, before retiring, sent her portrait into the Golden Scales Pavilion’s Engineering Rankings, while Mi Hua was conferred a marquis title and sent her portrait to the Civil Minister Rankings. The competition among the three ranking lists—Civil Ministers, Military Generals, and Engineering—was intense, and her securing a place in the Civil Ministers’ list, especially not at the bottom, was a testament to her capabilities. If Mi Hua hadn’t made her own appearance, Wei Ci might have sought her out himself.
Meanwhile, the audience had accepted Wei Ci’s reincarnation as the female lead and eagerly listened to the gossip.
Old Driver Comments: This Miss Mi Hua is so tough!
Can’t Think of a Name: I’m going wild supporting her, can’t wait to see her!
East Wind Express: Suddenly jealous! If our history had such a dynasty, women’s survival would not be so hard.
Burning Snow: No need to envy others; our ancient history had many strong women too; it’s just that few are promoted. But Mi Hua is one of a kind; there’s no comparison. Eager to see her in real life!
Hahaha: It’s all good, but I still think my lord is the best.
Aside from these comments, many were also warning Jiang Pengji to keep an eye on Wei Ci.
Indeed, the signs of a man developing feelings for another woman come when he shows a keen interest and admiration for her.
The viewers’ worries were somewhat unnecessary; Jiang Pengji didn’t take them to heart.
After listening to Wei Ci, even though she was somewhat prepared, she was still taken aback by Mi Hua’s accomplishments.
“Does Zixiao know why she presents herself in male attire?” Jiang Pengji asked.
Wei Ci replied, “My lord, you may not be aware that the female officials in her previous life shared a common feature.”
Jiang Pengji frowned and asked, “Could it be marriage?”
Wei Ci nodded; this was indeed unfortunate.
For women, family holds a special significance; to rise above societal pressures and family constraints to reach heights unattainable by many takes immense strength and an equally robust heart, or else one would crumble long before.
Bai Yuexia married Shi Zhong and eventually divorced, while Mi Hua’s situation was similar, although she was more decisive.
Jiang Pengji said, “Continue.”
Wei Ci explained, “Mi Hua is from the Nansheng Ningzhou region, born into wealth, with parents that were renowned talents in Ningzhou—a delightful legacy. But they unfortunately met misfortune when Mi Hua was only seven or eight years old, falling victim to an epidemic. Mi Hua was then entrusted to other relatives for care. However, being an orphan, regardless of her good lineage, she faced neglect. After coming of age, she married her first husband according to her father’s wishes. They did enjoy some harmonious years, but sadly, this husband was frail and succumbed to a cold illness within two years. After being a widow for two years and with family intervention, she remarried. This scholar was Mi Hua’s final husband, but the two had incompatible personalities and often clashed…”
The first marriage was blissful, while the second turned into a tormenting hell for both spouses.
Her second husband, coming from a prestigious family, turned out to be a good-for-nothing with no ambition, indulging in vice.
In contrast, Mi Hua was a talented person; her first husband respected her greatly. They had mutual interests and could converse on a plethora of topics. The second husband? Just a pile of mud that couldn’t be molded, oblivious to any form of progress.
How could Mi Hua possibly have any admiration for him?
That good-for-nothing mocked her, and the result of his mockery was Mi Hua’s ultimate backlash, leading to a strained relationship between the couple.
