Chapter 211 Heartbeat, Action
The news that the imperial court was going to hold an imperial examination for women spread quickly like a gust of wind, sweeping across every corner of the capital and causing huge waves.
In a corner of the capital, a heated debate is taking place in the wealthy Wang family. The eldest daughter of the Wang family, Wang Wanru, has been extremely intelligent since childhood and is proficient in poetry and songs. On the other hand, her younger brother, Wang Fugui, is a fool who idles away all day long.
"Dad, Mom, the imperial court is now holding an imperial examination for women. This is a chance for my daughter to stand out. I must participate!" Wang Wanru looked determined and clenched her hands.
Mr. Wang frowned and said sternly, "Nonsense! Women should stay at home to take care of their husbands and children. How can you show your face in public?"
Mrs. Wang chimed in, "That's right. Passing the imperial examinations and bringing honor to the family is your brother's business. Why are you, a girl, joining in the fun?"
Wang Wanru was so angry that her face turned red. "Brother? He spends all his time fighting cocks and running errands. He has no knowledge or skills. Do parents still expect him to take the imperial examination? I think my daughter's talent is not inferior to others. Why can't I bring honor to the family?"
Wang Fugui muttered to the side: "Sister, don't bother with this. Even if you can pass the exam, so what? You still have to get married in the end, right?"
A daughter who is married off is like water spilled. In the end, she will still be given to her husband's family as a bargaining chip. How can she still recruit a husband?
Wang Wanru glared at him and said, "Isn't it because you are incompetent? If you were more motivated, why would I worry about this?"
……
Miss Wang was very upset about this matter, while in another official family, the two sisters of the Zhao family were also very excited about the news.
The elder sister, Zhao Wanqing, is dignified, beautiful, well-educated, and always longs for a chance to display her talents, while the younger sister, Zhao Linger, is lively, playful, and eccentric.
"Sister, now we finally have a chance to prove ourselves!" Zhao Linger held Zhao Wanqing's hand and jumped happily.
Zhao Wanqing smiled and nodded, "Yes, but I don't know if the road to the imperial examination is difficult."
"What are you afraid of? Sister, you are so smart, you can definitely do it!" Zhao Linger blinked her big eyes.
Zhao Wanqing was a little worried, because she knew that her parents always hoped that she could marry into a good family and might not support her taking the imperial examination.
……
At the same time, in the streets and alleys of the capital, women from ordinary families were also discussing it enthusiastically.
"I heard that if you pass the imperial examination for women this time, you can become an official in the imperial court. That's great!"
"That's right, we women will have our day!"
"But I don't know how difficult this imperial examination will be. I really have no idea."
"Never mind, it's always a good idea to give it a try!"
……
In a teahouse, several women sat together.
The woman in pink spoke first: "I have been learning to read and write with my father since I was a child. I must try my hand at the imperial examination this time!"
The woman in the green dress then said, "Me too. Even if I fail the exam, my life will not be in vain!"
The woman in yellow clothes clenched her fist and shouted confidently: "I have already started to prepare for my lessons. I must pass the exam this time!"
At this time, the woman in the lavender dress looked worried and said sadly: "My family doesn't agree with me participating. They say that women should get married early. I am so confused now and don't know what to do."
When everyone heard this, they came over to comfort her and encouraged her to fight bravely for her dream. In a teahouse, several women sat together.
……
Inside a palace in the imperial palace, several princesses were sitting together, chattering about the news that their brother, the emperor, had just opened an imperial examination for women.
The third princess clapped her hands excitedly, her face filled with joy: "Oh, my brother actually opened the imperial examination for women. This is an unprecedented good thing! We women can also have a chance to show our talents!"
The fourth princess nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling, "It's a pity that as princesses, we can't participate due to our status." After that, she sighed softly, but soon smiled again, "But it's also happy to see other sisters have such an opportunity."
The fifth princess turned her gaze to the eldest and second princesses and asked curiously, "Eldest and second sisters, you are going to marry to the grassland soon. What do you think about the imperial examination for women?"
The eldest princess laughed heartily, stood up, and crossed her arms: "That's good, although we sisters are married to the grasslands, we can participate in their government affairs and even undermine their power, which can also affect the political situation.
But this is a trail after all!
My royal brother, you can think of launching the imperial examination for women to improve the strength of our country from within. This is a far-sighted move!
It seems that I underestimated my brother before. I didn't expect him to be so open-minded.
Once the imperial examination for women is opened, many women will have the opportunity to display their talents, serve as officials in the court, and make suggestions for the country.
Moreover, women have more delicate minds and look at issues from a different perspective than men. They can definitely bring new ideas and methods to political affairs and make up for previous shortcomings.
This has undoubtedly injected a fresh and powerful force into the country’s governance and development.”
The second princess nodded slightly and took over the conversation and said:
"What the eldest sister said is absolutely right. The promotion of the female imperial examination will also make other countries look at us with new eyes.
In the past, other countries only saw our military power and wealth. Now, we are showing that we value and cultivate talents, regardless of gender. This will undoubtedly enhance our status and influence among other countries. "
The Fifth Princess listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Big Sister, Second Sister, after hearing what you said, I am even more looking forward to the women's imperial examination. I wonder if I can also show my skills in the future."
The eldest princess patted the fifth princess' shoulder gently and said, "Little sister, the second princess and I have already decided where to go, so we can only watch from afar to satisfy our cravings, but you little ones are different.
You still have time!
As long as you have ambition and talent, I believe you are destined to have a place in this era!"
……
In the residence of the Minister of Personnel, Lin Yuxi began to study hard day and night after hearing the news at the gathering with her sisters that day.
"Miss, please take a rest and don't overwork yourself." The maid Xiao Cui said with concern.
Lin Yuxi didn't even raise her head: "Xiao Cui, this is a big matter concerning my future, how can I slack off?"
Lin Yuxi's mother walked into the room and saw her daughter working so hard. She was both relieved and worried: "Xi'er, mother knows that you want to use this imperial examination to avenge your previous shame, let the world see your goodness, and forget about Ye Jin!
But the road to the imperial examination is not easy, not to mention that you are a group of women, and the difficulties you face are multiplied. Are you really sure you want to take this path?"
Lin Yuxi stood up and said firmly: "Mother, I have thought it through very clearly. I am not afraid. I will definitely get good results in the imperial examination!"
Mother Lin looked at Lin Yuxi's determined eyes, sighed, and could only choose to respect and support her.