Chapter 39 Empress Xiao Yue

Inside the imperial study, the new emperor and Xie Wei, the Duke of Dingguo, held a secret meeting whose contents remained unknown to anyone else.

No one knows what conditions or threats the new emperor offered, or what bottom line Xie Wei fought for for himself and his family.

All that is known is that when Xie Wei walked out of the palace gate, this once powerful and influential Duke who supported the Xie family no longer seemed to have a straight back, and the sharpness in his eyes was replaced by deep weariness, as if he had aged ten years.

A few days later, the new emperor Xiao Yue, holding the Imperial Seal of the State, officially ascended the throne in the Taiji Hall, becoming the new emperor of the Great Zhao Dynasty and the second female emperor after Empress Yongning.

Shortly after his coronation ceremony, Duke Xie Wei of Dingguo submitted a memorial requesting to retire, citing old age, declining health, and inability to perform official duties.

Empress Xiao Yue gently pleaded with the old minister to stay in the court, her words sincere and showing her respect and reluctance to part with him.

Xie Wei repeatedly declined, and after several rounds of back and forth, saving face for both the emperor and his subject, the empress finally "reluctantly" granted his request.

Several days later, news spread from the palace that the missing fourth prince, Xiao Jin, had finally been found, but due to the shock of the palace coup, his mind was damaged, and he had become somewhat mentally impaired and dull, making it impossible for him to inherit the throne.

The Empress was kind and generous, and bestowed upon her a wealthy fiefdom, allowing the former Empress Dowager, who was now the Empress Dowager, to accompany her to the fiefdom.

On the day she left the capital, the Empress Dowager held the Empress's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably, repeatedly saying, "Your Majesty must take good care of your poor brother." The Empress, with tears in her eyes, repeatedly agreed.

The young former fourth prince, now a prince, was clear-headed and about to say something when the Empress Dowager covered his mouth.

It fully showcases a touching scene of deep sibling affection and filial piety between mother and son.

The historian beside him wrote furiously, recording in detail this deeply moving scene of parting.

The carriage slowly drove away from the capital, carrying the disgraced Empress Dowager and the "foolish" prince recorded in the official records, heading towards a future far from the center of power, a future that was wealthy but no longer possible.

A brand new era slowly unfolded under the rule of Empress Xiao Yue.

Empress Xiao Yue ascended the throne and changed the era name to "Zhaoning," meaning to proclaim to the world that there is peace and tranquility throughout the land.

With the establishment of a new dynasty, everything is renewed.

The first grand court assembly was for recognizing and rewarding those who had contributed to the victory.

In the Golden Palace, the Empress first intended to promote Ling Wei, Shen Qinglan, Su Jingyu and others who had made great contributions in this palace coup and many previous events to positions of real power in the court.

However, this move immediately drew a backlash from conservative forces.

The one who jumped out first was none other than the top scholar from previous years, who was now still serving as a respected but powerless compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

Seeing that Gu Qingyan, who was younger than her, was already highly valued, while Ling Wei and other women were about to rise to the top in one step, the resentment that had been building up in her heart instantly exploded.

"Your Majesty! I think this is inappropriate!" He stepped forward and bowed, his tone seemingly respectful but actually sharp.

"Although Lord Ling, General Shen, and others have made contributions to the country, the selection of officials in our dynasty has always prioritized the imperial examination system. Your sudden rise to high positions without having taken the imperial examination may not be convincing and could discourage the scholars who have spent ten years studying diligently!"

Upon hearing this, several senior officials immediately echoed his sentiments, expressing doubts about women's ability to serve as officials and concerns about breaking with tradition.

On the dragon throne, the Empress's expression remained unchanged, her gaze slightly lowered, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Gu Qingyan, standing in the ranks of civil officials, frowned, while Xie Zhuo, standing in the ranks of military officers, simply lowered his eyes, his face hidden in shadow, making it impossible to discern his emotions.

Ling Wei, standing below, chuckled softly, while Su Jingyu behind her raised an eyebrow with interest, as if she had heard something extremely interesting.

Wan Xiuzhuan almost pointed his finger at him and cursed, "You haven't experienced the fierce competition of the imperial examinations, so why are you recommended for admission?"

I've been waiting to hear you say that, even though I didn't know what to say.

Ling Wei stepped forward, her clear and melodious voice echoing throughout the hall.

“What this gentleman says is absolutely right. Officials do indeed need to be learned and knowledgeable in order to make fair judgments and assist His Majesty.”

Since Your Excellency believes that those who have not undergone the imperial examinations are unfit for important tasks, then this humble subject is willing to follow Your Excellency's advice.”

Ling Wei's gaze swept over the top scholar's somewhat stiff face, and she smiled like a sly fox: "—Join the scholars of the land in the special imperial examination that His Majesty is about to hold. Through essays and policy discussions, prove with dignity that women are not without talent or virtue, and can also govern the country and benefit the people!"

Please grant me permission, Your Majesty!

The historian recording the court assembly began writing furiously again:

On [Date] of [Year] [Month] [Day], during the Grand Court Assembly, Wan Hongwen, a compiler at the Hanlin Academy, submitted a memorial requesting the establishment of a special examination for women to enter officialdom.

The government and the public are taking notice...

Wan Xiuzhuan was speechless for a moment, his face turning bright red: "No, Lord Ling, that was not what I meant..."

Ling Wei didn't give him a chance; the stage was already set up, and the performance began.

She turned to the Empress, bowed deeply, and said earnestly, "Your Majesty! Lord Wan is a top scholar in the imperial examinations, and his concerns must represent the sentiments of countless scholars who have studied diligently."

Your Majesty, I believe this matter should be taken seriously. By upholding the fairness of the imperial examination system, we can silence public criticism and ensure the stability of our positions as female officials!

A hint of a smile flashed in the Empress's eyes, and she continued in a majestic voice, "Granted. As you said, Minister Wan, all those under my command, regardless of gender, who possess talent and learning, may participate in the imperial examinations, earn fame and fortune through their abilities, and serve the country."

Preparations for the special imperial examination of the first year of the Zhaoning era shall begin immediately. Women and men shall take the examination together, with identical questions and rules!

The amount of information is overwhelming; the historian's pen is practically sparking: "[...Former Palace Attendant Ling Wei immediately seconded the motion, strongly advocating its merits with earnest words.]"

The Emperor approved it.

This label of pioneering women's special examinations was firmly pinned on Wan Xiuzhuan's head, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

The conservative ministers standing nearby all glared at him angrily, some even rolling their eyes at him and turning away, looking as if they disdained to associate with him.

Wan Xiuzhuan: No... wait, you're kicking me out of the group already?!

Those guys! They even came to freeload off me for lunch yesterday!!

What happened to the promise of two years at the Hanlin Academy and a lifetime of literary pursuits?!

"Your Majesty! How can a woman..." In his haste, Wan Xiuzhuan blurted out the words.

He was halfway through his speech when he suddenly realized that the person sitting on the dragon throne was a woman, and cold sweat instantly soaked through the back of his official robes.

"How can a woman say that? Lord Wan, please finish what you have to say." The Empress was composed and appeared gentle and easy to talk to.

No, no... Wan Xiuzhuan shed tears of sorrow.

They had already learned what kind of person this new emperor was before and after his ascension to the throne.

Before ascending the throne, there were young officials who dared to speak out and remonstrate, saying things like "A hen crowing at dawn brings ruin to the family," and how could a woman rule the world?

And then guess what? The rumored princess, who was supposedly obsessed with love and exceptionally weak, smiled and had them all beheaded.

"I was appointed by the late emperor and also rendered meritorious service in saving the Empress Dowager. Are you trying to disobey the late emperor and take my place in this position by pointing fingers at me?"

A ruthless approach immediately turned the wavering fence-sitters to their side.

Those who are clever could tell from the presence of Shen Wei, Ling Wei, the prince consort, and others that the princess had long been determined to obtain that position.

How stubborn must someone be to provoke her at this time?

When the fourth prince was found, he didn't seem to be mentally challenged.

Some of the older ministers sensed something was wrong, but when they saw Shen Qinglan, the acting commander of the Imperial Guards, standing to one side with a murderous aura, they felt a chill run down their spines and silently shut their mouths.

It's getting cold, and it's easy for drafts to get into your neck.

What a joke! They've worked so hard to reach the highest ranks of officialdom and their families are thriving; there's no need for them to be so pessimistic at this crucial juncture.

Everyone has their own area of ​​expertise; if the imperial physician says someone is mentally unstable, then they really are!

Even the Empress Dowager didn't say anything, so who do they think they are?!

Look how pragmatic the Gu family is.

Without uttering a word, he immediately knelt down and proclaimed, "Long live the Emperor!"

Even more remarkable was Gu Hanlin, whom scholars revered as a god, who quoted extensively from classical texts and brought out Emperor Shengzu and Empress Yongning to debate the classics on his behalf.

He can't win an argument, and in terms of fighting... he's not even worth a single blow. He should just wash up and go to bed.