RPAGF Chapter 247 Court Debate (2)
Chapter 247 Court Debate (2)
As dawn broke, the atmosphere inside the Golden Palace was heavy. Shi Wanxia, dressed in plain brocade, stood tall and straight in the hall, like a strong bamboo in a strong wind, standing out from the surrounding officials in their crimson and purple robes.
Her proposals to reform commerce and establish girls' schools were now like hot oil poured into cold water, stirring up a storm in the court.
Wang Chong, the Minister of Rites, was the first to speak out. He flicked his sleeves, took a few steps forward, and his fair face flushed red with anger: "Absurd! National affairs have always been decided by us men in the court. You, a woman confined to your chambers, are already violating the proper conduct of a woman by showing your face in public. How dare you presume to comment on national policies? Have you read a few books and become so arrogant that you don't know your place?"
“Our dynasty governs the country with propriety. The Book of Rites says, ‘Women are those who follow men.’ You have openly violated the ancient teachings. How can the court be a place for you to act so recklessly!” He glanced at his colleagues around him, seeking their support. His eyes seemed to say that such a rebellious act deserved everyone’s condemnation.
Minister of War Zhao Xun stepped forward next, his voice booming: "Hmph, which of our civil and military officials did not study diligently for decades and experience the ups and downs of officialdom before gaining the power to participate in politics today? The students of the world are still striving in the imperial examinations, all for the sake of one day being loyal to the emperor and the country."
"You are a mere woman, too weak to even kill a chicken, unable to carry a load, yet you speak so arrogantly. Do you intend to disrupt the order of the court? Just look at the hen crowing at dawn; the lesson of history is not far off. Women interfering in politics will surely bring disaster!"
Having said that, he slammed the tablet in his hand down heavily, making a dull sound, as if to shatter this "absurdity".
Fan Peng, the Minister of Revenue, also stepped forward, patting his round belly, and said indignantly, "Your Majesty, I believe that this woman's words are utterly absurd."
"The national treasury is currently empty, which is precisely the time for us to rack our brains and devise ways to increase revenue and reduce expenditure from the foundations of the country, such as agriculture, sericulture, taxes, and the salt and iron monopolies."
"But she proposed reforming commerce and pursuing speculation and profit. If commerce becomes too rampant, people will become restless, and farmers and workers will be disturbed, which will shake the foundation of the country! Furthermore, establishing girls' schools will not only cost money, but if girls learn to read and write, they may become restless and endanger their families. This trend must not be allowed to continue!"
In an instant, the imperial court erupted in chaos, with ministers clamoring and shouting rebukes one after another.
The Vice Minister of Personnel stroked his beard, shaking his head and saying, "Throughout history, women have been expected to adhere to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. Before marriage, they should learn needlework, etiquette, and be good wives and mothers. This is the proper way. Where do you place the ancestral rules with your behavior?"
"Throughout our dynasty, all the empresses and consorts have assisted the emperor with virtue and wisdom. We have never heard of a woman openly discussing politics. What kind of behavior is this?"
After speaking, he glanced at the throne out of the corner of his eye, as if reminding the emperor not to condone this trend.
The Imperial Censor also stepped forward, his thin face full of coldness: "Women participating in politics is unheard of. If this trend continues, it will surely lead to unrest in the country. Your Majesty, you should prioritize the well-being of the nation and quickly send this woman back home. Do not let her continue to talk nonsense and disturb the peace."
"Moreover, this woman entered the court alone and behaved eccentrically. I fear that she is being manipulated by someone behind the scenes and may be a member of a rebellious faction. We must investigate her!" His words were sharp and piercing, each sentence like a knife, directly targeting Shi Wanxia.
Shi Wanxia glanced at the crowd, neither humble nor arrogant. After the commotion subsided, she parted her lips slightly and said, "My lords, please hear what I have to say."
"Nowadays, commerce is sluggish and people's livelihoods are difficult. Although agriculture and sericulture are fundamental, if commerce prospers, sufficient taxes will fill the granaries, which can help the military and provide disaster relief."
"As for girls' schools, they are not meant to have women enter the court to serve as officials, but rather to enable them to read and write, understand principles, teach their children loyalty and righteousness, and assist their husbands in their virtue. How could they be a source of chaos?"
"Moreover, in my country, women not only hold official positions, but also make significant contributions to the development of our country. You cannot assume that women are inherently weak and incapable of contributing to their country simply because of their gender."
"On the contrary, everyone comes into this world to play a role, and their right to be a human being should not be denied because of their birth or gender."
"If a country wants to prosper in the long run, it must ensure that everyone in that country feels a sense of belonging and identity. Who doesn't understand the importance of national and familial duty? But they also need opportunities!"
Her clear voice echoed in the hall, each word striking at the ingrained convictions of the crowd.
The emperor sat on his dragon throne, silent until now. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze deep as he looked down at the people below, as if trying to see through the turbulent undercurrents to find the true solution to the country's problems. And could Shi Wanxia's sudden stubbornness find a way out in the cracks of this stagnant court?
Shi Wanxia slightly raised her chin, her gaze sharp as she stared directly at the assembled ministers. Before the angry crowd could speak again, she took a few steps forward, her clear voice resounding throughout the court: "My lords, you keep talking about ancient teachings and ancestral rules, but have you ever considered that times have changed!"
With a flick of her long sleeves, she pointed outside the hall, "Look at the streets and alleys today. How many merchants struggle to operate due to the harsh old system? Goods cannot circulate freely, wealth cannot be accumulated, leading to the poverty of the people and the depletion of the national treasury."
"Reforming commerce is precisely to unclog the channels, facilitate the flow of goods, and promote economic prosperity. This is a fundamental measure to strengthen the foundation of the nation. How can it be said to shake the foundation of the country?"
Then, she turned to the minister who impeached the girls' schools, her gaze cold: "As for the girls' schools, you say they waste money and cause unrest in the women's quarters—how short-sighted! If maternal education is lost at home, how can we talk about children's early education?"
"Women who study can understand principles, raise virtuous children, and assist their husbands in discerning right from wrong. This brings immeasurable benefits to both the family and the country. Going back to the empress of our ancestors, she used her talent and learning to assist the founding emperor and create a glorious era. Looking at the common people, how many virtuous women have saved their families from danger with their insight? How can they all be dismissed as useless?"
Upon hearing the Censor-in-Chief mention suspicions of being a rebel, Shi Wanxia's eyebrows furrowed, and she angrily retorted, "Your Excellency, do not make baseless accusations! I am but a woman, devoted to my country and its people, speaking out for their livelihood with utmost sincerity."
"Your Excellency fails to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, good and bad, and arbitrarily convicts people based solely on conjecture. How can such conduct serve as a model for censors, and how can it convince the public?"
After speaking, she stood proudly, waiting for everyone's response. The atmosphere in the court was tense for a moment, but Shi Wanxia's figure appeared even more resolute in the light and shadow of the morning light shining through the window.
Inside the Golden Palace, the atmosphere was tense, with sunlight filtering through the carved window lattices and casting dappled shadows, seemingly adding to the tension amidst the fierce confrontation.
Censor-in-Chief Li was so angry that his beard trembled, his fingertips pointed at Shi Wanxia, his eyes wide open, and veins on his forehead bulging. He was speechless for a moment because of her counterattack.
Having spent decades navigating the treacherous waters of officialdom, how could he accept being outmaneuvered by a woman in front of everyone? Suppressing his anger, he forced out harsh words through gritted teeth: "How dare you! You ignorant woman, who knows nothing of etiquette, moderation, or strategy, dare to attempt to overthrow my Cangling court with your pitiful knowledge? It's like an ant trying to shake a tree—utterly overestimating your own abilities!"
"That's right, a mere child, how dare he spout such nonsense!" Minister Cui of the Ministry of Personnel echoed, stepping forward with a flick of his sleeve, his face filled with condescending disdain.
"We have all studied diligently for ten years and passed the rigorous selection process of the imperial examinations before we were fortunate enough to enter the court as officials, to serve Your Majesty and seek happiness for the people."
"You're just a woman who lives in seclusion and has only read a few books. What worldly experience could you possibly have? What do you know about matters of state and national importance? You're truly a frog in a well!" Her words, sharp as ice and icy, echoed throughout the hall.