Chapter 717: Public Display of Love

Lu Qiniang stood in front of those passionate young women.

Facing faces that were either confused, angry, or expectant, Lu Qiniang's voice was clear and powerful:

"Children, I know that there is a fire in your hearts that is eager to burn away all the injustice in the world."

"We are walking on a path that no one has ever walked before. We are all crossing the river by feeling the stones. I cannot guarantee that everything I do is right. If I make a mistake, I am willing to listen to advice and correct it in a timely manner."

"Secondly, I want to tell you something. Lord Xiao is my husband; Prime Minister Zhang is my brother, with whom I grew up. They, along with many knowledgeable people in the court, are supporters and promoters of the women's movement. We shouldn't exclude them simply because of their gender. What we truly seek is a world of equal coexistence, not one where women are superior to men."

Their strength comes from rationality and tolerance, not confrontation and hatred.

"Speaking of love between men and women, as someone who has experienced it, I also want to share my thoughts——"

"A woman's strongest foundation in life is herself. Live openly, be able to take on and let go. Instead of constantly worrying about being let down, it's better to grit your teeth and make yourself stronger. When you're truly strong, you won't be in a hurry to like anyone. I hope that in the future, you will all have the ability to devote yourself to the one you love, be able to be relied upon by others, and have the freedom to turn away at any time."

In fact, don’t be afraid to spend money on men.

That is a kind of ability.

I’m afraid that I won’t be clear-headed and will be fooled.

But when you are truly able to spend money on others, that is when you hold the choice in your own hands.

Treating men the same way men treat women is actually a manifestation of equal rights.

"I've been let down in my life, but I've never complained. I teach my daughter and granddaughter the same thing: You can love bravely, but you must always be self-reliant and strong, and be able to stand up for what you love."

"My husband and I," she said, her tone softening, a genuine smile in her eyes, "have a very good relationship. He is the best choice I have ever made in my life."

Her voice was soft, but every word was firm. "I will not give up my career, and I will never give up on him. He is very important to me. Without him, there would be no Lu Qi Niang you see today."

Over the years, it was Xiao Yan's silent support and firm encouragement that supported her step by step towards a broader world.

He gave her confidence and supported her character.

"What we want is a better world where women can be educated, independent, and able to choose the one they love without hesitation. Even if they make the wrong choice, there are ways to retreat and ways to change."

"There are indeed bad people in this world, but there are ultimately more good people. Among men, there are not only unfaithful ones, but also our fathers, brothers, sons, nephews, and even the lovers we will entrust our lives to in the future... The great things we want to do also require their understanding and support, rather than indiscriminately pushing them all to the opposite side."

"We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied, but we must also never become the kind of person we hate and bully others."

"Our current achievements are far from enough." Lu Qiniang sighed softly. "I've discovered that the women's education and employment programs we previously promoted haven't actually benefited the sisters at the bottom of society. For them, less hard labor, a few acres of land, and freedom from beatings and scolding are life-saving measures. There are always people who instigate: 'What does the glitz and glamour of the rich have to do with you?'"

"You are all good girls standing here, from well-off families, well-educated, and with broad horizons. You are good, very, very good. You should become the cornerstone and pillars of the journey forward."

"Your energy should be used to help more sisters at the bottom of society, instead of focusing on what's happening in my room, and definitely not blindly hating men and provoking confrontation."

"I sincerely hope that you can use your passion to 'see' the silent majority, listen to them, and help them, rather than wasting it on meaningless infighting."

"Let's work together to change what can be changed and become better versions of ourselves. Then, we can earn a real right to choose for all of us."

At this time, Lu Qiniang looked across the crowd and saw Xiao Yan standing quietly in the distance.

She smiled at him, her eyes warm and bright, and continued to speak to the audience -

"You are in your prime, as beautiful as flowers and as pretty as jade. You should enjoy your life, pursue your passions, and bravely pursue the people you like. I have my Marquis, and I sincerely hope that you will meet men as good as him in the future."

In the distance, Xiao Yan's ears turned slightly red, but his eyes were staring back at her without blinking.

Those eyes were as deep as a pool, reflecting her figure clearly, with unconcealable pride, deep and unbreakable love, and complete support.

He nodded slightly, as if saying silently: I've always been here.

In a corner where no one noticed, Zhang Heyao had quietly stood behind the pillar without anyone noticing.

He had rushed over after hearing about this, and was now looking from afar at the radiant and calm Lu Qiniang on the stage.

She has grown up to be so outstanding and has become someone that people look up to. However, in her eyes and heart, there is obviously only room for Xiao Yan, and she even dares to declare it openly in front of everyone.

As I recall, she was even embarrassed to go out with me.

At that time, he also minded...

Zhang Heyao had mixed feelings in his heart, which eventually turned into an almost inaudible sigh and he turned and left quietly.

He knew that he had missed some of the scenery forever.

Upon hearing this, most of the young women in the audience fell into deep thought.

At this time, Si Ya smiled and spoke.

Her voice was soft but clear: "The weather is too hot, sisters, you should all go out soon, be careful not to get sunburned. I also want to go home and eat the cold noodles made by Daddy!"

Everyone was stunned when they heard this, and then looked surprised - Wuwei Hou Xiao Yan, such a cold-faced killer, could actually cook?

Seeing this, Lu Qiniang smiled and joked, "Why are you all looking at me? I'm the roaring lion at home, so even our Marquis has to go down to the kitchen!"

These words caused everyone to burst into laughter, and the previously slightly tense atmosphere also dissipated easily.

"Okay, let's all go. If you have any ideas in the future, come and talk to me. We can talk it out. It's no big deal. But before you do anything, think carefully and don't just believe everything you hear."

"Let's live a good life together. Let all the good people in the world, regardless of gender, live a good life. Let those bad people, regardless of gender, be despised."