Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 166 A Woman in Official Position (1)

Shi Wanxia gently closed the drawer, making sure the official documents were properly placed. She stood up, straightened her skirt, and then opened the door. Outside, Shuyun was waiting for her with a smile, her eyes filled with warmth and concern.

"Wanxia, ​​dinner is ready. Let's go to the main hall together." Shuyun's voice was gentle and pleasant.

Shi Wanxia nodded and replied, "Okay, Shuyun. Thank you for calling me."

The two walked side by side through the corridor toward the main hall. Along the way, they chatted quietly, sharing their day. Shi Wanxia felt grateful and warmed by Shuyun's companionship.

The main hall was brightly lit, and the dining table was laden with delicious food. After Shi Wanxia and Shuyun took their seats, they began to enjoy their dinner. They savored the dishes, occasionally expressing their admiration.

Because not many people returned from the brokerage today, Qin Xin bought two tables and set them aside. Fortunately, the main hall is quite large; otherwise, there wouldn't have been enough space.

Lin Yu had long forgotten the rules his parents had taught him since childhood: not to talk while eating or sleeping. He looked at Shi Wanxia with curiosity, wondering how she could support so many people!

"Miss Shi, why did you buy twenty servants today? Can you support them all? How can you manage so many people?"

Shi Wanxia rolled her eyes at the boy, finished her soup, and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.

“I couldn’t bear to see these people reduced to government slaves because of their families’ sins, so I bought them all back!”

In ancient times, the social hierarchy was very strict. Ordinary slaves could simply change their household registration by going to the government. But how could government slaves change their household registration?

"Hey, Lin Yu, do you know how to change the status of a government slave to that of a free person?"

Lin Yu looked at the girl with great confusion. Why did she ask such a question? But he didn't think too much about it and told her what he knew: "These government slaves are divided into two types: one type is those who have fallen into poverty due to their father's crimes, and the other type is hereditary."

Shi Wanxia frowned slightly, seemingly deep in thought. Lin Yu continued, "Most of these government slaves suffered tragic fates, forced to perform all sorts of arduous labor."

A hint of pity flashed in Shi Wanxia's eyes as she said softly, "They are so pitiful."

Lin Yu sighed: "Yes, but some government slaves have changed their fate through their own efforts."

The girl looked up at Lin Yu: "Really? How did they do that?"

Lin Yu smiled and said, "Those who have fallen into poverty due to crimes can apply to the local government officials to be removed from the register."

"As for the hereditary type, they can only be removed from the register when the emperor grants a general amnesty."

After listening, Shi Wanxia fell into deep thought. It seemed that these people's identities couldn't be revealed for the time being; for now, she was just a minor county official. When the time was right, she could ask Magistrate Cui for help. He was from the Cui clan of Qinghe, and most officials would give him some face.

After dinner, Shi Wanxia and Shuyun sat together in the living room and continued chatting. They talked about their future plans and dreams, encouraging and supporting each other.

Qin Xin looked at the people who had finished washing up and nodded in satisfaction. Their spirits were noticeably better, and their eyes held a bit more vitality. Qin Xin turned to them and said, "Alright, now go and pay your respects to Shi Wanxia and the others."

Upon hearing this, everyone headed towards Shi Wanxia's location. Their steps were synchronized and powerful, demonstrating a firm resolve.

After the main hall was cleaned up, Qin Xin led the twenty people she had bought that day, all neatly and respectfully, to pay their respects to the young lady.

Shi Wanxia smiled when she saw the newcomers. She stood up and went to greet them.

The people knelt down in unison, performing the grand ceremony of three bows and nine kowtows. Shi Wanxia was startled and quickly bent down to help them up.

However, Qin Xin stopped Shi Wanxia, ​​saying, "Sister Shi, they are government slaves, guilty of crimes, and should not perform this ritual."

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanxia was somewhat displeased; Qin Xin's words were inappropriate. They shouldn't have been said that way. While they weren't entirely innocent, they shouldn't have been looked down upon.

"Alright, get up now! I am the head of this household. I redeemed you not to make you slaves."

"In my eyes, there are only men and women, no slaves. All people are born equal. You were also descendants of the powerful and wealthy. You understand what I'm saying, but I hope you understand that from now on, I am officially hiring you all to work for me."

"I will give you two taels of silver every month. As for what you do, Miss Shuyun and Miss Qinxin will be in charge of arranging it."

This is Miss Shuyun, who is in charge of managing the household's money and supplies.

"This is Miss Qinxin, who is in charge of the family business."

"From now on, you can just listen to her and work five hours a day. I will provide you with food and lodging. As long as you work for six months, I will change your status to good citizenship."

The people present were overjoyed. They hadn't expected the host to be so kind, offering wages for working only five hours a day. They were very happy.

Shi Wanxia interrupted them, "I won't treat you badly if you work for me, but let me make this clear: if anyone tries to cheat or shirk their duties, I will not let them off easily!" Everyone nodded, indicating that they would definitely work hard.

"Also, here, your status is the same as ours. From now on, you are no longer servants. Remember, I am your master. In the future, you can call me Sister Shi or Boss, just like Shuyun and the others."

Shi Wanxia disliked the old-fashioned way of kneeling all the time, and she also disliked being called "master." As a modern young woman, she preferred to be called "boss," which she found more down-to-earth.

"Welcome to us," Shi Wanxia said. "From today onwards, we are family. I hope we can help each other and work together."

Everyone responded in unison: "Yes!"

Shi Wanxia smiled with satisfaction, "Alright, everyone go and get back to work."

The crowd dispersed and began their own work. Watching their busy figures, Shi Wanxia felt a surge of hope. She believed that as long as everyone worked together, they would definitely be able to run the workshop well.

Qin Xin watched this scene with a sense of satisfaction. She knew that these people would become Shi Wanxia's capable assistants, helping her achieve their goals.

Lin Yu was a little confused about what this girl was up to, but her novel management style was indeed rare.

Suddenly, he remembered that when he returned earlier, Shuyun told Qinxin that the girl was going to work at the county government office tomorrow; she was now the registrar of Xinyang County.

A woman holding an official position is truly unheard of! However, what happened to this young woman is not surprising.

As time passed, the night deepened. Shi Wanxia felt a little tired, so she stood up and said goodnight to Shuyun. Shuyun returned the goodnight, and then the two went back to their respective rooms.

As Shi Wanxia lay in bed, reflecting on everything that had happened that day, her heart was filled with happiness and contentment. She knew that with a friend like Shuyun by her side, her life would be even better.