"The Queen speaks wisely! In my youth, I too defied social norms, which is why I went with my husband and fought in the battlefield. Back then, many voices questioned my choice, but I never cared. I thought to myself, if legendary heroines like Hua Mulan could take up her father's battles, and Mu Guiying could lead armies for her husband, why should I not step on to the battlefield?" Madam Lu spoke with deep nostalgia.
"Madam, you are a rare heroine. I admire you greatly."
Wei Ruo's words were not mere flattery. Her admiration for Madam Lu was genuine.
There were very few women in history who had led battles. Among those who survived today, only Madam Lu had the privilege of doing so, and she made remarkable contributions too.
Madam Lu answered with a smile, "I am old and useless now. On the contrary, Queen Rui, there are many aspects in which you excel that I admire."
"Why would you say that, Madam?" asked Wei Ruo.
