So, is she admitting that there are things even she can't accomplish? That's unexpected! After all, she's been fiercely determined all along.
Grace poured her a cup of tea. "Your Majesty, don't be too hard on yourself. At least you've achieved what others couldn't!"
She's been referring to herself as "this palace" already, so let's keep it quiet.
"What do you mean by being too hard on myself?" Empress Dowager Lu asked. "Didn't you come here through time travel? Haven't you thought about changing something?"
"..."
This topic is too distressing.
Grace just wants to take a breather and adapt to her new identity as a noble lady in the Marquis's mansion.
"I agree with every word you say," Grace said sincerely, but she feels a bit inadequate.
"Of course, we can't really achieve everything," Empress Dowager Lu's tone turned sad. "Feudal society has been ingrained for thousands of years. Even now, society is mostly dominated by men, and many people believe that oppressing women is justified. Even many women themselves believe in this ideology."
Grace was taken aback. "Does Your Majesty intend to emulate Empress Wu Zetian and establish a new dynasty?"
"Not to that extent," Empress Dowager Lu glanced at her. "I don't want to become a murderous tyrant. Besides, my sons are adorable, my husband loves me dearly and remains faithful. I'd like to catch up with him in the afterlife."
Grace suspected her of being too lovey-dovey, but she had no evidence.
"So, what's Your Majesty's current ideal?"
"Dreams are necessary. Modern society has changed rapidly in just a few decades due to favorable conditions. Establishing the Flower Moon Society during the founding of the country was a stroke of luck. After the country was established, it became difficult to break through. But at least we should maintain and consolidate the existing decisions. People's thoughts change with the environment. If we can continue to provide sufficient conditions for women to awaken, we will have succeeded."
Grace agreed with her.
"But wait, did you include me in the 'we'?" Grace asked.
Empress Dowager Lu glanced at her. "Isn't following me in building a career better than working as a salesperson at a food company?"
"..."
Can they even be compared?
Working as a salesperson at a food company pays, at least! Working for Empress Dowager Lu means going against some of the ruling class, and there's no guarantee she'll even survive. What could she possibly gain?
Furthermore, working for someone like Empress Dowager Lu would surely grind her bones to dust!
"Your Majesty, I'm not talented..." Grace started.
Empress Dowager Lu shot her a cold glance. "I remember clearly, you said you wanted to follow me yesterday. Are you playing me?"
"..."
Grace was speechless. She wished she could bite off her tongue! Yes, she did say that yesterday, but can't she take it back now?
"I don't even mind that you're useless, and you're playing tricks on me?" Empress Dowager Lu said coolly. "Tired of living, are you?"
"I dare not!" Grace hastily poured her a cup of tea. "I really don't know what I can do for Your Majesty!"
"You're not doing it for me, you're doing it for yourself! I'm more than twenty years older than you. You'll definitely live longer than me. Have you ever thought that if I'm not around, will you still be free?
Grace felt a pang in her heart.
"In this matter, no woman is qualified to stand by and watch. Especially someone like you who has received modern education. So not only do you have to participate, but you also have to do so without hesitation."
Empress Dowager Lu picked up her chopsticks again and leisurely picked up some meat.
Grace finally realized that her instructions from yesterday had been cunningly manipulated by Empress Dowager Lu.
She bit her lip, trying hard not to express her opinion. But she couldn't help it!
"Since His Majesty is now in power, can't he take over what you're doing?" Grace asked.
"Can he take over?" Empress Dowager Lu raised her eyebrows. "He was born a prince, then became the crown prince, and eventually the emperor. He has never experienced the toxic mindset of male superiority and female inferiority. Can I expect him to take over? Unless he finds an empress as capable as me, otherwise, I'd rather rely on the empress!"
Empress Dowager Lu's tone, though not friendly, reminded Grace of her grandmother scolding her for making mistakes while still making her favorite treats.
Love was mixed with annoyance.
Come to think of it, the differences between Empress Dowager Lu and the emperor weren't that serious. After all, a child who is cherished by a loving mother can't be too bad. All the contradictions are just differences in perspective.
This is probably a blessing in disguise.
As long as it doesn't reach the point of disregarding the mother-son relationship, her neck probably won't be in danger anytime soon.
Anyway, what Empress Dowager Lu is trying to do isn't bad. It's not just not bad, it's actually doing good deeds. Grace couldn't find a reason to strongly oppose it.
As she said, social systems are directly related to oneself. Being indifferent now will lead to suffering in the future.
—Well, let's just consider it a contribution to society.
Seeing Empress Dowager Lu put down her cup, she said, "So, as long as the Flower Moon Society can be successfully held, Your Majesty's goal will be achieved, right?"
"In theory, yes. First, we stabilize, then we develop. But it's not easy to stabilize right now. For example, I know there are people who don't want the Flower Moon Society to continue."
"...What makes you say that?"
Empress Dowager Lu looked over from the steaming steam. "Think about it. Those who have benefited from the old system, when they find out they can no longer flaunt their power over women, can't go to the theater and have their feet kissed by actresses, can't go to brothels where even the girls have started choosing clients, and even the brothels are closing down one after another.
"They hit walls everywhere, losing face. When they find out that women have the backing of the imperial decree, they're furious. How could they possibly remain calm and not stir up trouble?"
Grace hesitated. "But everything I've seen and heard today indicates social stability and women being free to pursue careers. I haven't seen anyone causing trouble. How does Your Majesty know?"