Chapter 128: Inventory of History

Three days later.

Seaside Building, Villa of Wang in Building No. 1.

During these three days, Gu Shanhe set aside three hours each day to edit the video, and finally finished it.

Gu Shanhe clicked Publish.

【Publish successful, the system has released the host's edited video to the ages of history in the form of a celestial banner inventory】

…

In the skies over the ages, the celestial banner that vanished for three days reappeared, and all emperors and people wondered what would be inventoried this time.

When the golden list of the celestial banner in the sky slowly unfolded, new entries gradually emerged on the list.

【Today we inventory the ten most virtuous empresses in history; those who make the list will receive rewards】

The golden‑light celestial banner returns, and a voice of authority echoes across ten thousand dynasties.

The rulers, ministers and commoners of the ages who have just caught their breath after the suffocating, angry, sorrowful inventory of the Tyrant List,

upon hearing "Virtuous Empress List" and "Rewards for those listed," their taut heartstrings relaxed, and strong anticipation and curiosity surged.

The Tyrant List leaves people feeling oppressed, angry, and wishing iron could become steel.

This Virtuous Empress List should surely be a source of comfort, admiration, and even learning, right?

"Virtuous Empress List? Good, good, good!"

Great Qin, Ying Zheng gave a slight nod, his complexion clearing a bit.

He is naturally wary of harem interference in governance, yet a virtuous empress assisting the ruler and stabilizing the inner court is also a blessing to the nation.

He looked toward the audience, his gaze sweeping over the demure consorts; he had no particular candidate in mind, but if a virtuous empress were chosen, it could benefit Great Qin's destiny.

He only wondered what the standard for a "virtuous empress" was.

"Virtuous empress? Rewards for being listed?"

Great Han, Liu Bang's eyes lit up as he rubbed his hands and smiled brightly at Lv Zhi beside him.

"Empress, look, those on the list get rewards; perhaps…"

Lv Zhi gave him a blank stare, her voice even:

"Your Majesty jokes, my virtue is shallow; I would never covet the title of virtuous empress."

"But Consort Qi, youthful and beautiful, could contend for it."

The cold tone made Liu Bang's neck tighten; he stammered, unable to reply, but muttered inwardly:

If my empress makes the list, what… what would the reward be?

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.

Liu Che was holding Wei Zifu's hand; hearing this, he turned instantly, his eyes blazing at her, his tone firm and a touch proud.

"Zifu, this list will surely bear your name! Your virtue and grace set a model for the world, you bore my crown prince, stabilized the harem, and should be the exemplar of a virtuous empress!"

Wei Zifu smiled gently, leaning lightly on Liu Che's shoulder, and whispered:

"Your Majesty overpraises me; I only wish to serve you wholeheartedly, raise the children. I dare not covet the title of virtuous empress. To remain by your side is my greatest blessing."

Though modest, there was also expectation in her eyes.

Great Tang.

Li Shimin, almost without hesitation, reached out and grasped the hand of Empress Changsun beside him, laughing loudly:

"Guanyin maid, if you don't take this virtuous empress list, who in the world would dare claim the title?"

"You share my heart and virtue, assist state affairs, correct mistakes, practice frugality, love your children, treat consorts kindly; in every way you are a model! This list is made for you!"

Empress Changsun felt a little embarrassed by his words, her cheeks flushing, and whispered, "Er Lang, please don't. The harem must not interfere in governance; I am merely doing my duty."

"There are so many virtuous women in the world; what virtue or ability do I have…"

Yet her heart was warm; her husband's approval pleased her more than any reward.

Wei Zheng stood nearby, unusually not dampening the mood, and stroked his beard before nodding,

"The Empress's benevolence and frugality, constantly urging Your Majesty to favor gentlemen over petty men, accept loyal counsel, reduce labor, truly set the harem's example and mother the world. As for a virtuous empress, she is unquestionably worthy."

Cheng Yaojin also shouted, "Exactly! The Empress treats the families of us old brothers well, never condescending, often helping soldiers' families in need; if that's not a virtuous empress, what is?"

Great Ming.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand grandly and said to Empress Ma beside him:

"Girl! This virtuous empress list definitely includes you!"

"You've come with me from the hard days, helped manage the harem, educate the children, urge me to kill less, treat the people kindly; we could seize this empire, and you deserve most of the credit! If you don't take this virtuous empress title, who will?"

Empress Ma smiled gently, patting Zhu Yuanzhang's hand,

"Zhong Ba, stop saying that; I merely did what was required. The name of virtuous empress is too heavy; I only seek a clear conscience, managing the harem well so you can attend to state affairs peacefully."

Her gaze was clear, not overly eager for an empty title, yet her husband's affirmation brought her comfort.

Zhu Biao, Zhu Di and other princes also nodded, in their hearts the Empress Dowager truly was the most virtuous woman under heaven.

Qing dynasty, during the Kangxi era.

Xuan Ye glanced at the several empresses beside him (the Empress Dowager He Sheri had passed, succeeded by Empress Niu Hulu), and recalled the late Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang (Bu Mubutai), pondering.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang assisted the Shunzhi and Kangxi reigns, weathered turmoil, turned the tide, and her political wisdom and magnanimity might merit a place of honor?

He only wondered whether the celestial banner's selection criteria included the Empress Dowager.

Within each dynasty's harem, hidden currents also surged.

The empresses and consorts all looked forward, hoping their own or their dynasty's empress would be listed and rewarded, while secretly envying potential rivals.

The common folk also enjoyed the novelty; a virtuous empress brings a benevolent ruler, a peaceful harem, allowing the emperor to focus on governance, which benefits the people.

The celestial banner shimmered with flowing colors; after a burst of change, the scene that emerged was not the familiar Central Plains Han dynastic landscape, but a vivid blend of steppe and palace architecture.

Domed yurts and carved‑beam palaces coexisted, with Khitan horse‑archers and Han officials holding tablets standing side by side.

A woman's figure, clad in mixed Khitan and Han dress, wearing a tall crown, her solemn visage showing wisdom, gradually became distinct in the scroll, and her title appeared beside her.

【Ranking of History's Top Ten Wise Empresses, Number Ten——Liao Dynasty's Wise Empress Xiao (Xiao Chuo / Xiao Yan Yan)】

"Liao Dynasty? Empress Xiao?"

An uproar spread among all dynasties, especially the Han-ruled ones; many faces showed surprise, and some even displayed contempt.

"Liao Dynasty? A barbarian dynasty? Does its empress deserve to be called a wise empress? And rank tenth?"

Great Han, Liu Bang first expressed doubt.

He had just been thinking that his own Lü Zhi might make the list, yet the first to appear was a barbarian empress?

Liu Che also furrowed his brows: "Khitan? Merely northern barbarians. What virtue could its empress have? Could it be that this heavenly-screen selection ignores the Hua-Yi distinction?"

He felt his hope that Wei Zifu would make the list slightly dashed.

Ying Zheng's eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not immediately draw a conclusion.

He had conquered the six states, unified script and chariot gauges; he had his view on the Hua-Yi distinction, but placed greater weight on actual talent and achievement.

That the Liao Dynasty's Empress Xiao could be selected as a barbarian empress and rank tenth must have a reason.

Li Shimin was likewise somewhat surprised, but being broad-minded and knowing the Tang's complex relations with surrounding ethnic groups, he did not immediately dismiss it.

He instead said: "Since she made the wise-empress list, she must have outstanding qualities; let's see how the heavenly screen evaluates her."

"Empress Wenming (the Northern Wei Empress Fu) was also non-Han, yet her reforms profoundly influenced the Northern Wei and later generations."

Wei Zheng nodded: "Your Majesty is quite right; whether one is virtuous depends not on birth but on conduct."

"If she truly benefits the people, stabilizes the state, and promotes integration, then she is a wise empress."

Cheng Yaojin muttered: "Liao? Could their empress be a wise empress?"

(Note: Not every dynasty's emperor knows all about previous dynasties, nor have they all read histories thoroughly. Please, you haters, stop spraying me—thanks.)

Great Ming.

Zhu Yuanzhang had no fondness for the "barbarians," and snorted.

"A Tatar empress? How wise could she be? Not helping with burning, killing, and looting would already be good."

Empress Ma said gently: "Chongba, let's first have a look. Since the heavenly screen is making a selection, it surely isn't baseless."

Zhu Di, however, took some interest in the Liao Dynasty, that northern power which once confronted the Northern Song, and watched attentively.