Chapter 210 Women's Imperial Examination
The emperor stood up, clasped his hands and said, "I admire your courage, mother. But I have no idea how to implement this."
The Queen Mother slowly stood up, paced back and forth, and said, "We can first set up a small-scale examination to select women with real talents and knowledge, and then observe their performance. If they are competent, we can gradually expand the scale. But the rules must be strict, and we must not let them disrupt the government."
The emperor replied, "What the queen mother said is very true. Then how should we assign official positions to the women who are selected?"
The Queen Mother smiled slightly and said, "You can start with some less important positions that can demonstrate their talents. If there are really outstanding people, you can entrust them with important tasks."
The emperor frowned, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "I am afraid that those women will have bad intentions after entering the court, and will make trouble for state affairs. After all, this matter is of great importance. If there is any mistake, it may shake the foundation of the country."
The Queen Mother snorted and said with a sharp look, "If there are such people with evil intentions, they should be severely punished! But we should not give up because of fear and miss out on good talents. There are also many capable women among them. If they can serve the court, it will be a blessing for the country."
The emperor nodded slightly, and then said tentatively: "Mother, I dare not say that this reform will never be repeated, but it is definitely unprecedented and will definitely go down in history!
As the instigator of this incident, Ye Jin will definitely be written about in great detail. Is this... a little inappropriate?
Or should I use your mother's name to say that you are advising me on behalf of women in the world?
This will not only demonstrate your compassion and generosity, but also make this matter go more smoothly. What do you think, mother?"
The Queen Mother smiled, but her eyes were full of majesty, and said:
"I understand the emperor's filial piety, but the credit should belong to whoever deserves it, and you must not mess around.
In the past, Emperor Taizu even dared to let people record in history the fact that he had been a beggar and had to ask for food in his early years. What is there for us to be shy about?
Just because we are members of the royal family now, we should be more polite and law-abiding!
It is a taboo to steal other people's achievements!"
Hearing the deep warning in the Queen Mother's words, the Emperor nodded respectfully and said:
"Mother, your teachings are very true. I was so obsessed with leaving my name in history that I almost broke the rules!
I will take this as a lesson in the future, always alert myself, never let my mother down, and be a wise and law-abiding monarch! "
After that, the emperor bowed and said, "I will go back and discuss the details with the ministers. I will make sure this matter is handled properly and will not let my mother worry."
The Queen Mother nodded slightly, her expression solemn, and said earnestly: "This matter must be handled with caution, and must not be rushed. It must be considered carefully in all aspects, and no hidden dangers must be left, so as not to disappoint the earnest expectations of women all over the world."
The emperor replied solemnly: "Don't worry, mother. I will remember your instructions and make sure this matter is flawless."
The Queen Mother sighed softly, with a trace of worry in her eyes, "My son, as a ruler, you should put the world first, and you must not miss the big things because of your own selfishness. This matter concerns the fate of many women, you must handle it carefully, and don't let everyone down!"
The emperor's expression was stern, and he said solemnly: "Mother, what you said is absolutely right. I will do my utmost to weigh the pros and cons and will never let this matter have any adverse effects."
The Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction. "I am very pleased that you think so. Remember, listen to the opinions of the ministers, gather wisdom from all quarters, and don't act arbitrarily."
The emperor bowed again and said, "I will follow your mother's instructions. After I return, I will discuss this with the ministers and come up with a comprehensive plan."
The Queen Mother waved her hand and said, "Go ahead, don't let me down."
The emperor turned around and walked away from the empress dowager's palace with firm steps. The empress dowager looked at the emperor's receding back, thinking that the emperor was still not stable enough. Should she find him a queen?
You can't just take advantage of her, right?
……
After the Emperor left the Empress Dowager's chamber, he immediately summoned his ministers and informed them of what he had discussed with the Empress Dowager.
The ministers immediately started talking about it.
Some ministers said: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! Women entering the court is against the ancestral system and will surely cause chaos in the world!"
Some ministers hesitated and said: "If it can be properly controlled, it may inject new vitality into the court."
Minister of Personnel Lin Zhengnan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother's intention is for the sake of the country. As long as we strictly control it, it may not be impossible."
The emperor glanced at everyone and said, "I have made up my mind. Let's try it out as the empress dowager said. If it works, we will make a final decision."
Seeing the emperor's firm attitude, the ministers dared not say anything more.
……
Soon, the news of women taking the imperial examination spread throughout the capital.
The noble ladies from aristocratic families gathered in the garden of the Lin Mansion, chattering about this shocking news.
"This is such a great thing! I have been studying poetry and books since I was young, and finally I have the opportunity to show my talents!" A noble lady said excitedly, with a gleam in her eyes.
Lin Yuxi sat quietly aside, sipping her tea. Her face looked calm, but her mind was filled with thoughts.
"Sister Yuxi, why are you so calm? Aren't you happy?" A noble lady who was familiar with Lin Yuxi came over and asked.
Lin Yuxi gently put down the teacup and smiled: "Of course I am happy, but when I think that all this was caused by Ye Jin, I can't help but feel complicated."
Everyone was silent when they thought of the original scene. Although Ye Jin's counterattack was effective, she, as a woman, actually wanted to marry Lin Yuxi, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. Her evil intentions were rare in the world!
Fortunately, the big mistake has not been made yet, otherwise Sister Lin would be facing a very difficult situation, which is really chilling to think about!
Do all those who work in government have to be so evil-hearted?
I suddenly feel a little timid, what should I do?
Lin Yuxi seemed to see through everyone's thoughts and slowly said, "Officialdom is complicated and people's hearts are hard to predict, but not everyone is malicious. There are also people who truly serve the country and the people. We can't deny everyone because of one person's evil."
She glanced at everyone, her expression solemn: "Besides, now that the emperor is open-minded, he allows us women to have the opportunity to serve in the court. How lucky we are. We should be grateful and move forward bravely, and not be stopped by fear."
After hearing this, the worry on everyone's faces eased a little.
Lin Yuxi continued, "It is our blessing to be born in this dynasty. We have the opportunity to show our talents and contribute to our country. As long as we stick to our hearts and uphold justice, why should we be afraid of the difficulties ahead?"
A noble lady clenched her fist and said firmly: "Sister Yuxi is right, we must work hard and live up to this rare opportunity."
The others nodded, hope and courage rekindled in their eyes, and the garden was filled with a positive atmosphere again.
Lin Yuxi looked at everyone, with the corners of her mouth slightly raised. This dynasty really made people look forward to it.