Chapter Sixty-Five: Who Says Women Are Inferior to Men!

“Heh heh, Your Majesty, let me give you an example to illustrate my point. Take the first item I plan to launch in the commercial alliance—wine. It may seem insignificant, but its impact is actually immense. First, the raw material for wine is grain, which is the lifeblood of the nation. The quantity of wine produced will affect grain prices and, in turn, the livelihood of the people. Second, this wine is beloved by the northern barbarians. In the future, we may sell this strong liquor to them, and once business starts, there will be many opportunities to maneuver. Thus, this also touches upon issues of national security. And that’s only a part of it; economic matters are intricately intertwined, so my commercial activities must be under the control of the state. As for the Golden Cauldron Charity’s perfume shops, clothing stores, and so forth, they are not indispensable. Though they have some influence on the nation, they do not cause major upheaval and can even generate profits. That’s why I say this is the most suitable kind of business for a charitable foundation.”

“Then why not open a men’s clothing store?”

“I never said not to. I just think it’s easier to make money from women!”

Empress Changsun was taken aback, then smiled. “You sly boy. Still, you make some valid points. But this is a big undertaking—can Changle manage it?”

Li Yi’s expression grew serious. “Your Majesty, that is the fifth reason. People say that a woman’s lack of talent is a virtue, but I believe otherwise. Who says women are inferior to men? Women can hold up half the sky. There are so many women in this world—if all could serve the nation, what an enormous resource that would be! As for capability, one only needs to look at you, Your Majesty. Without exaggeration, among the men in the Great Tang, those who surpass you in ability can be counted on one hand. I believe women have never lacked talent—they only lack opportunity!”

A complex light flashed in Empress Changsun’s eyes. “Who says women are inferior to men? Women can hold up half the sky! Well said, very well said. Are women truly so useless? Heh, you rascal, have you considered the consequences of your actions?”

Li Yi smiled gently. “Your Majesty, which is more significant—this or the matter of the royal family engaging in commerce? The commercial alliance succeeded, so why fear adding a charity? Besides, I never intended to achieve everything in one stride. The Golden Cauldron Charity is merely a breakthrough point. Once there is a breach, possibilities open up. Many things are not hopeless; it’s just that people lack the courage to break through. Fortunately, what I have in abundance is courage!”

Empress Changsun’s eyes gleamed. “They say the Li family has a prodigy; today I’ve seen it for myself. Yi, do as you wish! Leave Changle and His Majesty to me—the rest is up to you. I hope to see the day you break through.”

Li Yi bowed solemnly. “I ask Your Majesty to wait and see!”

“Very well! You may withdraw.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave!” Li Yi turned to go, but suddenly heard Empress Changsun say, “Rascal, if you wish to enjoy the blessings of many, you must have the means to bear them. Take care of yourself.”

Li Yi glanced back at Empress Changsun’s teasing gaze, feeling embarrassed. He thought for a moment, said nothing, and left.

“Mother, why did Brother Li leave?” Empress Changsun was pondering the conversation when Changle’s voice suddenly came from nearby.

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“…You, are you so eager to see him?”

Changle’s face flushed crimson. “Mother—!”

“Heh heh, he came this time just for you!”

“For me?”

“Yes, for you! And for all the women of the world!”

…

When Li Yi left the women’s quarters, Li Er and his companions had already returned, while another group of nobles had been summoned for a lecture. Thus, Li Yi went straight over.

“Speak of the devil—here comes Li Yi!” As Li Yi approached, he heard Li Er’s deep, resonant voice.

Li Yi hurried over. “Uncle Li, you called me?”

“I hear you’ve become a gourmet lately. We, along with several ministers, caught some game—now it’s up to you!”

Li Yi had expected some good fortune, but instead was tasked with hard labor. How could they have known he’d brought barbecue ingredients today? A bunch of old rascals bullying a fifteen-year-old—what a sense of accomplishment!

“Uncle Li, just me?”

“Who said so? Aren’t there others over there?” Li Er pointed to Li Chengqian and the others. “Hurry along!” He gave Li Yi a meaningful look.

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Li Yi glanced at the people beside Li Er and suddenly understood—Li Er had advanced the spring hunt to help Li Yi build his reputation. After all, Li Yi was “the newcomer.” To accomplish the alliance and charity work, he needed connections. Well! Uncle Li was actually quite considerate. For that, I’ll use less salt when grilling later!

Li Yi agreed and went off to prepare the barbecue. Arriving, he looked closely—good heavens, two deer, over a dozen roe, and dozens of wild pheasants. Wait, was that a tiger? Isn’t it forbidden for the emperor to hunt tigers? How did Li Er pull that off?

“Brother Yi!” The young nobles greeted Li Yi as he arrived.

“Hmm! You’ve all been sent here as well?”

Li Chengqian looked aggrieved. “Exactly. We thought we’d celebrate Father’s return, but instead we were assigned here to wait for you!”

“Isn’t it said a gentleman stays out of the kitchen? Why did Uncle Li send you all?”

Li Ke rolled his eyes. “All because of you! Your talk about gentlemen staying out of the kitchen, about fostering compassion, has spread everywhere. Now the scholars are arguing furiously about your words. Father heard about it recently and laughed heartily, praising you over and over. He nearly cooked himself, but Mother stopped him!”

Li Yi looked at Li Chengqian in astonishment, seeing him nod with a wry smile. Li Yi couldn’t help but marvel—who says ancient intelligence networks are backward? Gossip spreads almost as fast as modern social media!

“All right, since that’s the case, let’s get started!” Li Yi began directing the group to set up grills, chop wood, and butcher the animals. He noticed that Li Ke and Li Chengqian were no longer so stiff; it seemed Li Ke had started to come around, though years of estrangement wouldn’t be eased overnight. As for the young nobles, they tacitly avoided mentioning the matter of becoming scholar-merchants—likely all planning to consult their family heads at home.

“Oh! Isn’t that my eldest brother? How come you’re doing such rough work? Where’s your princely dignity? If you don’t stop, I’ll tell Father on you!” Li Yi and the others were hard at work when a sinister voice rang out.

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