northernbook Chapter 298 Consort Fucha
Chapter 298 Consort Fucha
Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed in Hongchang's eyes.
The reason he had previously thought of having Sister Shuhe and the others come forward was...
The idea was simply that the textile factories were mostly staffed by women, which presented an opportunity for the princesses to rise in status.
See if they can become his helpers
He was also familiar with the legendary stories of outstanding women throughout history.
For the time being, it was still not as comprehensive as what the Empress Dowager had thought of.
It was indeed the right thing to ask the Empress Dowager's opinion when something happened.
His mother's insights always gave him new ideas.
Hongchang had already begun to have other thoughts.
"Your Majesty, I also think this is a great opportunity!"
To get women out of their homes and involved in the work of the textile factory.
It can not only improve their social status, but also fundamentally change people's traditional views on women.
Moreover, this could inject new vitality into the economic development of the Qing Dynasty!
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly and continued:
"That's right. Involving women in economic activities can not only enhance their economic independence, but also..."
It can also give them more say in society.
In this way, outdated ideas, such as foot binding and chastity arches, will gradually lose their foothold.
As Fucha Peiyun spoke, she remembered something else.
"Actually, your mother had considered letting you travel among the common people when you ascended the throne."
Only those who have truly witnessed the hardships people face in their struggle for survival...
Only then can one truly understand the suffering of the people and thus better govern the country.
It's just a pity about your father's health...
Upon hearing this, Hongchang asked in surprise, "Why did Your Majesty suddenly bring this up?"
Fucha Peiyun said, "You grew up in the palace from a young age, and there are very few things you haven't experienced."
Take women for example, it was very difficult for women in rural areas to grow up.
Foot binding and forced chastity at least meant they were still alive; many girls were strangled or drowned at birth.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang's face instantly turned ashen, his eyes filled with shock and anger.
He never imagined that such cruel things could happen among the people of the Qing Dynasty.
He clenched his fists, his voice trembling slightly as he asked:
"Your Majesty, this...how is this possible? How could anyone do such a thing?"
Fucha Peiyun sighed, her tone tinged with helplessness and indignation:
"In the general public, especially in poor families, the idea of valuing sons over daughters is deeply ingrained."
They believed that boys could inherit the family business and provide for their parents in their old age.
Girls, who eventually grow up and get married, are considered "money-losing goods".
In times of famine or family poverty, some parents may choose to abandon their baby girls in order to ease their burden.
While such incidents are heartbreaking, they are quite common in many places.
Hongchang remained silent for a long time, feeling a sense of heaviness and responsibility he had never felt before.
He realized that, as the ruler of a country,
He faced not only the power struggles in the imperial court and the implementation of policies,
There are also these hidden, heartbreaking customs and sufferings among the people.
He should also find time to visit ordinary people and gain a deeper understanding of their hardships.
He raised his head, looking firmly at Fucha Peiyun, and said:
"Your Majesty, I absolutely cannot tolerate such a thing continuing to happen!"
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes:
“Hongchang, I’m very pleased that you have this thought in mind.”
But you must understand that changing these bad habits is not something that can be done overnight.
The Empress Dowager knows you harbor great ambitions; population growth is crucial for the long-term development of the Qing Dynasty.
If you want to expand your territory, but your population is insufficient, not only will it be difficult to defend your territory, but it will also affect the prosperity of the country.
These outdated customs, especially the preference for sons over daughters and the drowning of female infants, severely hindered natural population growth.
Hongchang nodded solemnly, "Your Majesty, I understand."
Fucha Peiyun said, "It's good that you understand. Be a qualified ruler."
There is still much for you to learn, but you must proceed step by step and take it slowly.
"Don't rush things. Let's continue eating; the food is getting cold."
The mother and son then focused on their meal and did not discuss court affairs again.
After the two finished their meal, the mother and son sat down in the warm pavilion and continued chatting.
Not long after, Ye'er came to report that Shuhe and the other princesses had come to pay their respects.
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun hurriedly instructed Ye'er to invite the princesses in.
Ye'er quickly invited Princess Shuhe and the others in.
The princesses entered the warm pavilion gracefully and bowed to Fucha Peiyun and Hongchang.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager, greetings to the Emperor."
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and said:
"Get up, we're all family, no need to be so formal."
What brings you here today?
Shuhe raised her head, a hint of expectation in her eyes, and said:
“Empress Mother, we heard that the Emperor is with you, so we thought we would like to come and pay our respects.”
Things are going well at the textile factory recently, and we would like to report this to you and His Majesty.
Upon hearing the words "textile factory," Hongchang's eyes lit up, and he smiled slightly, saying:
"Sister Shuhe, how is your textile factory progressing?"
I heard from the Empress Dowager that you've almost finished your preparations?"
Shuhe nodded, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes:
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The location for the textile factory has been decided; it will be on a vacant lot in the suburbs.
The area has relatively convenient transportation and abundant water resources, making it very suitable for building a factory.
Moreover, we have already recruited some female workers, and they are all very excited about this job.
Fucha Peiyun then said, "Let's talk about everything after we sit down."
Seeing this, Hongchang finally realized, "Sister Shuhe, Sister Wenyi, and all the younger sisters..."
Sit down before you speak.
Princess Shuhe and the others then sat down together.
Shuhe smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Empress Dowager."
She paused, then continued:
"Actually, besides reporting on the progress of the textile factory, we came here this time..."
We would also like to ask the Empress Dowager and the Emperor for some guidance.
After all, this was the first textile factory of our Great Qing Dynasty.
We hope it will be a success and a good start.
Hongchang said with satisfaction, "Sisters, you've put in so much effort, I believe you can definitely run the textile factory well."
"If you have any specific questions, please speak them aloud. Your Majesty and I will give you our advice."
Shuhe frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty's Mother,"
We encountered some management challenges during the preparation process.
Although many female workers were recruited, most of them came from impoverished families.
"Since they've never operated a textile machine before, the training is progressing rather slowly."
Wen Yi then added, "Moreover, most of the female workers are illiterate."
Limited comprehension skills pose significant challenges to training.
We are worried that this will affect production efficiency and may even delay the project schedule.
Fucha Peiyun then spoke up, "The first batch of female workers can then teach the newly arrived female workers."
Nature is of utmost importance, so why not teach them some simple characters?
It will be more convenient to do things in the future.
Hongchang nodded upon hearing this, "Your Majesty's idea is excellent."
This will make subsequent training go more smoothly.
Sister Shuhe, you can choose some of the more intelligent women from among the female workers.
First, teach them to read, then let them teach the other female workers.
Shuhe felt relieved when she saw that Hongchang didn't mind teaching the female workers to read.
Shuhe nodded hurriedly in agreement: "What the Emperor and Empress Dowager say is absolutely right. We will make arrangements as soon as we get back."
However, to teach the maids to read, we need to find suitable teachers. I wonder if His Majesty and His Majesty have any recommendations?
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and said slowly:
“It is naturally more appropriate for women to teach female workers to read.”
"Leave this matter to me. I will have Ye'er arrange it properly."
Hongchang's lips curled into a slight smile as he said:
"With the Empress Dowager personally making the arrangements, everything will be foolproof."
Sister Shuhe, you can rest assured and take care of it.
If you encounter any difficulties, please report them to the Empress Dowager and me at any time.
Shuhe quickly nodded in agreement, indicating that she would do her best to complete the task.
Seeing this, Fucha Peiyun nodded in satisfaction and then said:
"You have come at the right time today. The emperor intends to establish a gazette for all the people of the land."
Do you have any good suggestions on this?
Let's discuss together how to make this official gazette even better.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask for their opinions.
"Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me." It's best to pool our wisdom and ideas to get things done perfectly.
Therefore, the purpose of this official gazette and the general content of the previous discussion with Fucha Peiyun were explained.
I explained it in detail.
Finally, Hongchang concluded: "I think the Empress Dowager's idea is excellent."
The official gazette not only publicized the court's policies but also guided the people's thoughts.
This is truly a move that achieves multiple benefits in one fell swoop.
However, the specifics of how to proceed require collective wisdom and suggestions from everyone.
Princess Shuhe and others discussed with Hongchang for a long time, with Fucha Peiyun occasionally interjecting a few words.
The general content of this official report was quickly finalized.
Finally, Wenyi asked curiously, "So what's the name of this official gazette?"
Fucha Peiyun pondered for a moment, then slowly said:
"Since this official gazette is intended for the general public..."
Therefore, its name should be easy to understand.
Its function and significance are immediately apparent. Moreover,
The name also needs to sound familiar and welcoming to the people.
That way they will be more willing to read.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang also began to think seriously.
After a while, Hongchang's eyes suddenly lit up, and he tentatively said:
"Then let's call it 'The People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty'!"
The name is simple and straightforward; the people immediately know that this is a newspaper specifically for them.
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun couldn't help but nod in approval:
"Yes, that's a good name. It's both direct and clear."
It's immediately clear that this is for the common people.
It's also very down-to-earth, making it easy for people to feel close to it.
Princess Shuhe and others also thought the name was very good.
Seeing that the Tai family all thought the name was good, Hongchang said...
"Since everyone thinks this name is suitable, then it's settled."
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly and said:
"Now that the name has been decided, the next step is to make good preparations for the launch of the 'Great Qing People's Daily'."
Your Majesty may appoint a reliable person to handle this matter and issue the official gazette as soon as possible.
Hongchang pondered for a moment and said, "Shuhe is leading the textile factory team."
Shujing, Shujia, and Jingya (younger sister) together
This "Great Qing People's Daily" was led by Sister Wenyi.
Bringing Wen Yan, Jing, Wen Ting, and Wen Wan along.
With Your Majesty's personal oversight, I am confident that the *Great Qing People's Daily* will be run successfully.
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun pointed at Hongchang and said, "You certainly know how to add burdens for your mother."
"The previous dynasty had so many ministers, you didn't use them, and now you're bothering me again."
Hongchang smiled and grasped Fucha Peiyun's hand, saying:
"Your Majesty, you know my thoughts best. Those ministers in the court are too self-serving. I can only feel at ease with you overseeing things."
And the younger sisters can also get some exercise from this.
Fucha Peiyun smiled helplessly:
"Never mind, what can I do? I'm your mother."
The princesses were filled with excitement upon hearing this, and they were very grateful to Hongchang for giving them this opportunity.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes, and said:
"Since that's the case, then I'll reluctantly help you with the selection."
However, you young girls also need to work hard and not embarrass me.
The princesses replied in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty, we will do our best."
Wen Yi stood up, her eyes shining with determination:
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will lead my sisters to prepare the 'Great Qing People's Daily' well."
We will definitely make it a newspaper that the people love to read and find useful.
Hongchang also stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his tone carrying a hint of encouragement:
"Everyone has worked hard. This textile factory and the 'Daqing Baixing Bao' (People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty) are new attempts by the Qing Dynasty and are of great significance."
I believe that with the Empress Dowager's guidance and your hard work, we will definitely succeed.
Fucha Peiyun nodded and said:
"Okay, then let's split up and go our separate ways."
Shuhe needs to take good care of things at the textile factory to ensure everything goes smoothly.
As for the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty), Wen Yi also needs to hurry up with preparations and strive for its early publication.
The princesses nodded in agreement. Fucha Peiyun then added:
"Running a newspaper is not an easy task. The content must be truthful, close to people's lives, and easy to understand."
You need to visit people's homes more often to understand their needs and thoughts; only then can you run a good newspaper.
Shuhe continued, "Empress Mother, we understand."
We have already assigned people to collect stories and news from the public, striving to make the newspaper's content more diverse and engaging.
Hongchang added, "By the way, Wenyi, when you were preparing the newspaper,
You could talk to the female workers in the textile factory more often. Their experiences and thoughts are great material.
Wenyi smiled and nodded slightly, indicating that she understood the Emperor's instructions.
She replied firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will pay extra attention and will not dare to be negligent in the slightest."
Then, Wen Yi continued:
"Furthermore, we can also publish the latest developments of the textile factory and the touching stories of the female workers in the newspaper."
So that the general public can know about it.
In this way, they can witness firsthand the important role women play in economic activities.
This would change ingrained perceptions about women.
Fucha Peiyun's lips curled into a slight smile, revealing a hint of relief. She said softly:
"That's excellent. This will both promote the achievements of women and..."
This would also promote social acceptance of women, truly achieving two goals at once.
After a brief pause, Fucha Peiyun looked around and said loudly:
"Since that's the case, then it's settled."
You should all go back and prepare for the relevant matters as soon as possible. If you have any questions or difficulties, please feel free to come and ask me at any time.
As soon as she finished speaking, the princesses rose and bowed to Fucha Peiyun to take their leave.
Upon seeing this, Hongchang quickly stood up and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I will also return to the palace now."
If there is anything important, please do not hesitate to summon me.
Fucha Peiyun smiled and nodded, watching the others leave.