frightfiction Chapter 314 Objection
Chapter 314 Objection
Cheng Wenwen said, "Since ancient times, any major reform has inevitably gone through bloody storms. But it is these storms that can baptize a brand new era."
"What we need is not only courage and determination, but also wisdom and strategy." Xu Jiaoran said slowly, "We can start with a pilot project in the local areas, allowing women to participate in some local government affairs and accumulate experience. At the same time, we must also strengthen women's education so that they have enough knowledge and ability to cope with the imperial examinations."
After hearing this, Qinglian pondered for a moment and nodded slowly: "This is very reasonable. We can start with local pilot projects and gradually promote them. At the same time, the court should also strengthen its support for women's education so that more women have the opportunity to access knowledge."
Cheng Wenwen took over the conversation: "We can also set up special schools for girls, hire knowledgeable women as teachers, and teach them Confucian classics, poetry, songs, and needlework. This will not only improve girls' cultural literacy, but also make them more competitive in the imperial examinations."
Xu Jiaoran nodded in agreement: "Indeed. We can also encourage women to participate in court affairs and pay attention to government affairs, rather than just guarding their own land at home, so that they can exercise their abilities while helping others. This will not only improve their social status, but also allow them to be better used by the court."
The three of them talked more and more, as if they had seen a new era slowly opening. They knew that this road would be full of thorns and challenges, but they also knew that this was for a better future.
As night fell, the palace garden seemed filled with infinite hope and longing. The three people's eyes were shining with determination. They knew that their choice was right. No matter how difficult the road ahead was, they would persist.
Xu Jiaoran stood up and her soft but firm voice echoed in the garden: "Let the three of us work together for a better future!"
As the words fell, the three of them held each other's hands tightly as if they wanted to pass this determination and courage to each other and the whole world.
The fragrance of flowers and the moonlight in the palace garden that night seemed particularly beautiful, as if cheering for the determination and courage of these three people.
And all this is just the beginning. A brand new era is slowly opening up. In the future, it will get better and better...
……
In the palace of this imperial city, the drums of war in the past have become the echoes of history. General Qinglian's great military exploits have earned him the royal family's praise, gold, silver, jewelry, jade seals and ribbons, all showing the court's great favor. However, before the celebration of the reward was completely over, a new storm was surging in the court.
That was Empress Xu Jiaoran. After being awarded the title of general, she still insisted on attending the court every morning, sitting side by side with Emperor Li Zhen to discuss state affairs.
Her intelligence and wisdom often made the court officials admire her. However, as time went by, this admiration gradually turned into dissatisfaction and objection.
In the court and under the steps, the ministers' discussions were like a continuous drizzle. In the past, when Xu Jiaoran attended court, she was regarded as the empress caring about state affairs and a good wife to the emperor. But now, some people think that the empress is interfering too much in state affairs and undermining the rules and order of the court.
"Although the Queen is the master of the harem, it is not appropriate for her to attend court to discuss state affairs." An old minister said, with a hint of worry and blame in his words.
"Since ancient times, the harem has not been allowed to interfere in government affairs. This is the rule of the court." Another official echoed.
However, Xu Jiaoran was unmoved. She stared at the discussion in the court, with a flash of determination in her eyes. She knew that she did not insist on attending court for personal glory and power. She was loyal to the country and responsible for the people, hoping to do her part for the country.
"My Lords," Xu Jiaoran spoke slowly. Although her voice was not loud, it had a force that could not be ignored. "General Qinglian's military exploits are a blessing to the country and the people. Although I am a woman, I also know the importance of state affairs. If my presence is inappropriate, I would like to hear your Majesty and the Lords' advice."
Although her words were modest, they revealed a firmness and wisdom that should not be underestimated. Emperor Li Zhen looked at her with admiration and respect in his eyes. He knew that Xu Jiaoran did not insist on attending court just for her own glory, but she was sincere for the country.
However, the discussion in the court did not subside. Some officials began to secretly unite and try to prevent Xu Jiaoran from continuing to attend court by various means. They believed that women interfering in politics was a taboo and could easily cause turmoil and chaos in the court.
The disturbance gradually expanded in the court, and some officials even began to put pressure on Emperor Li Zhen, hoping that he would remove Xu Jiaoran's power to attend court.
However, Li Zhen did not express his opinion. He knew Xu Jiaoran's intentions and loyalty, and understood that her persistence was for the benefit of the country and the people. He chose to remain silent, perhaps waiting for a better time to calm the storm.
During this turmoil, Xu Jiaoran still attended court every morning and discussed state affairs with her ministers. Her attitude was firm and calm, as if nothing could shake her determination. However, the turmoil in the court continued, and no one knew when it would calm down.
Before one crisis is over, another crisis arises. Although Xu Jiaoran was criticized, she still tried her best to promote the reform of the imperial examination system.
……
As the imperial examination was being held, a debate about reforming the examination was raging in the court.
Xu Jiaoran, as the queen, sat side by side with the emperor at this moment, examining together this important issue regarding the future development of the country.
"Your Majesty, I believe that nowadays, women's talents are evident in the court and the country, and there is no shortage of talented people in women's academies."
An important official of the Xu family, a member of Xu Jiaoran's clan, bravely stood up and offered his suggestions to the royal family, "So, can you consider reforming the imperial examination system and open a door of equality for women?"
As soon as the words fell, the atmosphere in the palace suddenly changed. Although some court officials were convinced by Xu Jiaoran's wise leadership, the current topic still touched many conservatives with traditional ideas.
"How can a woman enter the court?" an old minister angrily retorted, "Since ancient times, men have been superior to women. How can we go against the will of heaven?"
At this time, a heroic female general Qinglian stepped forward. She was the queen's confidant and a sharp sword on the battlefield. "Am I not a woman?"
She questioned the conservatives, "As a woman, I have also shed blood for this great country. Do women have no right to offer advice and suggestions for the country?"
As soon as these words came out, the court fell silent. Those conservative court officials were choked by Qinglian's question and were speechless. They were not ignorant people. Qinglian's bravery and wisdom had already been proven on the battlefield.
However, the court officials still opposed it.
"That's different, General Qinglian, don't generalize. Not all women have your talent."
Qinglian sneered and asked, "But if all women in the world could have the same treatment and privileges as men, who knows that hundreds or thousands of years later, women will be inferior to men?"