Chapter 212 Creating a Prosperous World
As the days passed and the imperial examination for women drew closer, the atmosphere in the capital became more and more tense. Some women studied day and night, some sought advice from famous teachers, and some secretly cried because of family pressure.
Wang Wanru ignored her parents' objection and studied hard day and night. She locked herself in her room and piled books all over her desk.
Seeing how persistent she was, Mr. Wang and Mrs. Wang were dissatisfied but could do nothing about it.
Zhao Wanqing carefully expressed her thoughts to her parents, but unexpectedly her father, Lord Zhao, remained silent.
Mrs. Zhao said, "My daughter, the officialdom is complicated. How can a girl like you cope with it?"
Zhao Wanqing knelt down and begged, "Father, mother, I sincerely hope to bring honor to our family and to all the women in the world."
Finally, Lord Zhao sighed and said, "Forget it, go ahead, but be careful!"
Zhao Linger cheered, "Sister, I support you!"
……
As the imperial examination approaches, the atmosphere in the capital becomes increasingly tense. Lin Yuxi, Wang Wanru, Zhao Wanqing and other women are making their final sprint.
Finally, the day of the imperial examination arrived. In the examination room, the women wrote furiously, showing their talents.
Lin Yuxi's ideas flowed freely and her writing was brilliant. Wang Wanru was calm and composed and handled the situation with ease. Zhao Wanqing played to her strengths and expounded her views clearly and logically.
After the exam, everyone was anxiously waiting for the announcement of the results.
On this day, the list in the capital was crowded with people.
"Yes! Yes! Miss, you passed the exam!" Xiao Cui excitedly ran back to the house to tell Lin Yuxi.
Lin Yuxi smiled brightly when she heard this.
Wang Wanru also saw her name. She ran home and shouted to her parents, "Dad, Mom, my daughter made the list!" Mr. Wang and Mrs. Wang were surprised, but also proud of their daughter.
Talented and hardworking women such as Zhao Wanqing were also on the list, and their fate was completely changed from then on.
Some of the women who failed to make the list were very disappointed, but others secretly made up their minds to succeed next time.
……
"Call all the talented ladies to the palace to meet the emperor!" As the eunuch's shrill voice rang out, the women who passed the exam entered the palace with nervousness and anticipation.
Lin Yuxi was wearing a simple blue dress, with a graceful figure and a beautiful face, but also with a bit of intelligence and determination. She walked lightly, but in her heart she was thinking about the various possibilities of this meeting with the emperor.
Wang Wanru, who was standing beside him, was wearing gorgeous silk and satin, and her every move showed the shrewdness and confidence of a businessman. Zhao Wanqing, on the other hand, was a little reserved and followed the others closely.
Entering the palace, the emperor sat high on the dragon throne, his majestic eyes sweeping over the women below.
"Everyone, please stand up." The emperor's voice was steady and powerful.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The women thanked in unison.
The emperor's gaze lingered on Lin Yuxi for a moment, and a hint of imperceptible tenderness flashed in his eyes. Lin Yuxi raised her head slightly, and her eyes met the emperor's, and the two smiled at each other tacitly.
This moment of interaction did not attract the attention of others, and only they understood the deep affection between them.
"I am very pleased with the results of this women's imperial examination. You have all demonstrated extraordinary talents. I would like to grant you official positions on the spot. I hope that you will work hard for our dynasty in the future." said the emperor.
"We will definitely live up to your majesty's grace!" the women responded in unison.
The emperor looked at Lin Yuxi and said, "Lin Yuxi, I heard that you are the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. I have seen your answers and found that you have unique insights and careful thinking. I will appoint you as a Hanlin scholar. I hope you can continue to offer advice and suggestions for the development of the country."
Lin Yuxi stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I will do my best to help you."
The emperor then looked at Wang Wanru and said, "Wang Wanru, although you come from a merchant family, you are very talented. I will appoint you as a deputy minister of the Ministry of Revenue to assist in the management of financial affairs."
Wang Wanru was extremely surprised and thanked him immediately: "Your Majesty has trusted me, and I will definitely fulfill my mission."
"Zhao Wanqing, your father is the chief academic officer of my Imperial College. I am very pleased that he can raise such an outstanding daughter like you! I specially confer the title of..." said the emperor.
Zhao Wanqing was so excited that she almost cried. She knelt down to thank him: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am willing to sacrifice my life for you."
Afterwards, the emperor granted official positions to other women one by one.
After the appointment, the emperor said: "I hope you can shine in your respective positions and create a prosperous era for our dynasty."
"Your Majesty, I will follow your instructions!"
At this time, Lin Yuxi stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say."
The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, motioning for her to continue.
Lin Yuxi said: "The female imperial examination is an unprecedented move. Your Majesty has opened the door to official careers for women all over the world. But I think that if you want to give more women the opportunity to display their talents, you need to invest more in education so that women can receive the same education as men."
The emperor's eyes flashed with appreciation, "Lord Lin, what you said is very true. I will consider this matter."
Wang Wanru also said: "Your Majesty, I think women can also make a difference in business. If women are given more business opportunities and policy support, they will definitely add wealth to the country."
The emperor nodded and said, "These suggestions are very good. I will order the relevant officials to discuss them."
After retiring from court, the emperor left Lin Yuxi alone.
"Xixi, long time no see!" The emperor walked to Lin Yuxi and said softly.
Lin Yuxi smiled slightly, "Minghui, I didn't expect that you would be the emperor in this life. It's really unexpected! How is it, is it wonderful to be the emperor?"
Shen Minghui gently took Lin Yuxi's hand, his eyes full of tenderness, "It is beautiful, but the tediousness and responsibilities involved are suffocating. But you, you can actually win the top prize in the women's imperial examination, you are worthy of being my Xixi."
Lin Yuxi winked playfully, "Of course, don't you see whose wife I am? But this imperial examination for women gives many women the opportunity to display their talents."
Shen Minghui nodded, with a look of appreciation on his face, "It was your father who brought up this matter, and I felt it was a good idea, so I implemented it!"
As for how many plays he acted in order to maintain his character, I won’t go into details, so as not to affect his image in Xixi’s heart.
"Xixi, since I am the emperor in this life, I must create a prosperous era unparalleled in the world!"
Lin Yuxi looked at Shen Minghui's shining eyes, smiled and said, "Minghui, I believe you can do it. I will definitely help you with all my strength."
Shen Minghui held Lin Yuxi's hand tightly and said, "With you by my side, I am full of confidence."
Since then, Shen Minghui and Lin Yuxi have worked together to reform bad policies and recruit talents. Lin Yuxi has won more voice and opportunities for women in the court with her wisdom and talent.
……
A few years later, in the court.
Shen Minghui, wearing a dragon robe, was full of vigor and vitality: "My dear ministers, thanks to our concerted efforts, the country's granaries are now full and overflowing with abundance; the people live and work in peace and contentment, and there is a peaceful scene everywhere; business is prosperous and goods are shipped all over the world.
This prosperous era has already begun to emerge!"
The ministers knelt down and shouted: "Your Majesty is wise, this is a blessing for all the people and a blessing for generations to come!"
Shen Minghui smiled and raised his hand: "This grand scene is due in no small part to Queen Lin Yuxi.
She is not only virtuous and talented, but also cares about the world. She went to dangerous places to comfort the victims, made suggestions for improving agriculture and sericulture, and opened up avenues for women to establish schools. She is virtuous and kind, and a model for the world. She is truly my wise wife and the blessing of the country! "
Looking at the officials of His Highness, Shen Minghui continued to praise:
"All the ministers have done their best, especially the female officials, who are as capable as men and have fully demonstrated their talents in the court, adding color and glory to this prosperous era.
I hope you can all work together to create a great cause for the future, so that this prosperous era will continue uninterrupted and benefit generations to come!"
The officials knelt down again and shouted: "Long live the emperor! We will serve you wholeheartedly until our death!"
There was a solemn and dignified atmosphere in the court. Everyone was excited by the emperor's praise, as if they were injected with chicken blood!
The ministers were filled with excitement and vowed to turn the emperor's praise into motivation. The female officials were even more determined to realize their ambitions and display their talents in this prosperous era.
Everyone is willing to sacrifice their lives to make this glory last forever, to repay the emperor's kindness and to create a story that will be passed down through the ages.