Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 31 - 30: Only Miscalculated Song Qianfan

Su Juan fled from the Imperial Study and went to the Ministry of Revenue to take on her duties. She was busy for most of the day and was still a bit dazed, but fortunately, her colleagues were there to help, and she quickly got the hang of it.

Before she even returned to Prince Jing’s Mansion, Li An, the guard beside Song Qianfan, came to find her, saying Song Qianfan had urgent matters to discuss with her.

As a result, Su Juan didn’t return to Prince Jing’s Mansion for dinner but went directly to the Mansion of the Minister of the Secretariat.

Don’t think she didn’t know; that old thing Marquis Guangping and Song Qianfan had some dealings. Today, with Marquis Guangping in trouble, with Song Qianfan’s foul temper, he would definitely come to vent at her.

Only a fool would return at this time to be someone’s punching bag.

Liu Miaoying invited Su Juan to a banquet in her own courtyard, "I usually keep my meals simple, with only a few dishes. If it’s not enough, I’ll have them bring more."

While eating, Su Juan waved her hand, "No need, it’s already plenty."

"I was just on duty today and didn’t have time to eat, I’m very hungry."

At this, Su Juan recalled being called to the Imperial Study by the Old Emperor to stand as punishment, feeling angry, with the thought, "This Old Emperor, really too full of himself."

"I didn’t do anything wrong and didn’t say a word this morning, what was the punishment for?"

Listening to Su Juan’s words, Liu Miaoying couldn’t help but smile and didn’t ask why Su Juan wasn’t returning to the mansion for dinner. It seemed her day at court wasn’t going smoothly either.

But anyway, being appointed as Vice Director of Revenue is a good thing.

"I haven’t congratulated you yet. Our dynasty hasn’t had a woman serve as an official for decades."

Su Juan sighed slightly; getting a Sixth Rank Official position was actually not bad at all, just a little unfamiliar, "So there were women serving as officials before?"

Liu Miaoying nodded, "During the reign of Empress of the previous dynasty, it wasn’t rare for women to serve as officials in court, you probably have heard a bit."

Su Juan recalled that last time at the Baihua Building, Xie Xun and Song Qianhang had mentioned it briefly.

She really didn’t know much about the previous dynasty’s Emperor, only knew she was a woman, but how she ascended the throne, and many other things, she didn’t understand.

Now that Liu Miaoying brought it up, she was indeed a bit curious.

"Miaoying, how much do you know about the previous dynasty?"

Liu Miaoying: "Just some."

Su Juan blinked, "Can you tell me about it?"

Liu Miaoying nodded slightly, and told her about the previous dynasty’s Emperor.

During the Wu Guang Period, the Emperor had three sons and a daughter. The Eldest Prince was weak and nourished by medicine for years, thus missing the chance to be the Crown Prince.

The Second and Third Princes fought for over a decade. The Third Prince was harmed, the Second Prince overly ambitious, colluded with foreign powers, causing chaos in the court, angering the Emperor into serious illness.

Foreign forces took the opportunity to harass Jin, causing war to break out.

The Princess, fearless in the face of danger, took on the mess. Initially, some questioned her, believing women to be unfit for great responsibilities. Gradually, it was realized that this Princess excelled far more than the Second and Third Princes.

Gradually, there were more voices in court supporting the Princess. Later, the Princess was made the Crown Prince and moved into the Eastern Palace, which also drew much criticism.

But then, the Emperor was seriously ill, the Eldest Prince was in poor health and needed constant rest, the Third Prince was dead, and no heir in the Eastern Palace was in no way a good thing.

The 23-year-old Princess ascended the throne, broadly accepting advice, repairing policies, opening customs, and appointing capable people regardless of gender.

At that time, the Capital City bloomed with diversity, everyone was equal, and women could also take charge.

Unfortunately, the Empress was worn out by political affairs, reigned for only eighteen years, and after her death, the succeeding Crown Prince took the throne, who is the current Emperor. Afterward, women on the court encountered setbacks and suppression, gradually withdrawing, creating the current situation.

Su Juan suddenly felt it was a pity, "What a pity..."

"It’s really hard for women in this world. Clearly serving in the court and yet, being women, they’re treated differently and suppressed by colleagues."

"Utterly unfair."

Liu Miaoying looked at Su Juan with gentle eyes, "But you appeared, breaking the stalemate."

Su Juan: "?"

Liu Miaoying smiled, "I believe when there’s one, there will be a second, and in the future, more women like you will join the court, bringing back the flourishing scene during the Empress’s reign, providing a space for women in the world."

Su Juan found that when Liu Miaoying spoke, her eyes were full of light and longing.

Could it be...

"Miaoying also wants to join the government?"

Liu Miaoying was slightly stunned, realizing Su Juan had seen through her.

She looked at Su Juan intently, her voice firm, "Ah Juan, who says women can’t match men, I think you’re excellent, and you’ll definitely make an impact in court in the future."

Her father strongly recommended Su Juan to join the court, seemingly to alleviate the Emperor’s worries, but actually, it was breaking the stalemate of women’s difficult entrance into officialdom.

The women of this world have hard lives; she didn’t want to be confined to the home, to merely be a caged bird. That seemingly male-dominated world, she, Liu Miaoying, also wanted to set foot in.

Though born in the wrong time, as long as one has the will, there’s always a way to pave a path.

And Su Juan’s appearance gave her hope.

She admitted she had fathomed the heart of the Emperor, thus using Su Juan, asking her father to recommend Su Juan to pave the way for her future entry into the court.

Once the first person appeared, breaking the decades-long silence, then when a second, a third appeared, there would be no great controversy about it.

Su Juan lowered her eyes, recalling the scene in the Imperial Study with the Chief Secretary and the Old Emperor echoing each other’s words, suddenly understanding.

"So the Chief Secretary recommended me to the court, actually for the sake of his daughter."

"But why did the Old Emperor agree?"

"Why didn’t he recommend his own daughter?"

Su Juan couldn’t understand, and found the food on the table tasteless.

She knew she hadn’t known Liu Miaoying for long, not enough for deep bonds, but they had treated each other sincerely. Now discovering she had been used, her heart was somewhat uncomfortable.

Liu Miaoying’s eyes darkened slightly but she didn’t regret it, "Ah Juan, I’m sorry."

Su Juan quickly shoveled two more bites of rice; anyway, she couldn’t waste food. When the bowl was empty, she put it down, "It’s late, I won’t disturb you further, rest early."

Saying that, she got up to leave.

Behind her, Liu Miaoying rose to call, "Ah Juan! Whether you believe it or not, I’ve never intended to harm you."

"Really."

She genuinely admired Su Juan, wanted to befriend her, and never wished her harm.

At this moment, Su Juan couldn’t listen.

Liu Miaoying’s thoughts were truly deep; perhaps her getting close to Liu Xuan wasn’t out of the pure affection as she thought, but because Liu Xuan’s talent and reputation were beneficial to her.

She plotted step by step for her entrance into officialdom.

Su Juan felt both admiration and a sense of being used, coupled with anger and later, couldn’t help but pity her.

"But no matter how much you calculate, you overlooked Song Qianfan. Without even mentioning the future tyrannical deeds once he ascends the throne, with his arrogance and disdain for women, how would he permit you to tread in the court?"

"Miaoying, you’ll eventually be trapped in the deep palace by him, withering away..."

Liu Miaoying’s expression was frozen on her face.

How could it be Song Qianfan...