Chapter 170 "I'm not afraid".

As the officials knelt in obeisance, Xiao Qiluo looked up at the emperor at the head of the table. When their eyes met, they knew each other's thoughts.

Don't be afraid. Use what you've learned recently to reason with these old fogies. Let's win them over with virtue. Of course, if there are any who won't listen to reason, you can also use your fists a little.

Looking at the words floating before her eyes, Xiao Qiluo withdrew her gaze, moved her feet, and walked in front of them, appearing as if she were receiving the kneeling obeisance of officials.

Someone noticed this, frowned, and moved aside.

Xiao Qiluo stood in the center, looking down at the kneeling people.

"I want to know, are you dissatisfied with me becoming the crown prince, or are you dissatisfied with me becoming the crown prince as a woman?"

Those people looked at each other in bewilderment. If Xiao Qiluo were a man and the emperor's only child, the choice of crown prince would be beyond doubt. But she just happened to be a woman.

Finally, an old minister spoke up, "Since ancient times, there has never been a woman as the crown prince."

"Since there has never been one before, I shall set this precedent."

"This...this...this is simply unreasonable."

Xiao Qiluo looked at the old prime minister beside her, "Prime Minister Zhu, tell me, who established the laws and principles that this gentleman is talking about?"

"Naturally, it was decided by our ancestors. A princess is a woman, and a married woman at that, which does not conform to the rules set by our ancestors."

Xiao Qiluo laughed and took two steps forward. "I have nothing to do lately, so I looked through the ancestral rules. It does not explicitly state that women cannot inherit the throne. I am also curious, how can you say that the ancestral rules are as you think?"

"Prime Minister Zhu seems to have a bad memory. The Cui family has committed insubordination. I have already divorced my husband and am no longer a married woman. This matter has spread throughout the streets and alleys. Prime Minister Zhu, are you perhaps too old and confused? If you are really not up to the task, you should retire and return to your hometown, giving up this position to the capable."

Prime Minister Zhu ignored Xiao Qiluo, seemingly disdaining to argue with a woman, and turned to bow towards the emperor above, saying, "This matter is too shocking and inappropriate. I urge Your Majesty to consider it carefully."

The emperor looked at his civil and military officials and said directly, "I have only one daughter, and she will carry on her father's legacy."

“But Your Majesty, there has never been a woman to ascend the throne throughout history. Even in common times, if there are no male heirs, they will be adopted from collateral branches. There is no reason for a woman to succeed to the throne.”

Previously, many officials had petitioned the emperor to continue the imperial lineage, and later they petitioned the emperor to appoint a crown prince, but the emperor rejected them all.

They originally thought the emperor was just struggling to decide who to choose as his successor, but they never expected that the person he ultimately chose for the Eastern Palace would be Princess Qiluo.

This is unacceptable to everyone.

Especially those members of the imperial family, who originally thought that the emperor only had one daughter, secretly worked hard to build a good reputation for their children, but who would have thought that the emperor didn't choose any of them.

Despite the rising opposition in the court, the emperor didn't even flinch.

"I intend to have Qiluo do the work. If you do not agree, you may discuss it with Qiluo."

Xiao Qiluo looked at the old ministers and sneered, "Father, I think they are not considering the country and its people at all. They just can't accept a woman becoming emperor and putting you on top of them. If I were a man, even a madman or an idiot, would you accept it?"

"Princess, your statement is rather arbitrary."

"Indeed, our sincerity is as clear as the sun and moon."

"Since you are concerned about my father's empire, why did you advise him to adopt a member of the imperial family when you have me as your daughter? To put it bluntly, it's because you look down on women. You people are truly a waste of your mothers' efforts to give birth to you."

"Princess, watch your words!"

"Why can't you speak out? You all claim to be filial to your mother, yet you look down on your own daughters, believing they cannot carry on the family line. I am truly curious, it is clearly women who bear children, yet you look down on women. What is the reason for this?"

"As the old saying goes, a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. There is always some truth to what our ancestors said."

"It is a virtue for a woman to be able to distinguish right from wrong even without talent or learning." This originally meant that it was a virtue for a woman to be able to distinguish right from wrong even without talent or learning. If a woman without talent or learning can distinguish right from wrong, then you men who are well-read in poetry and books keep saying that women are not worthy of reading and writing and should not show their faces in public. You are just afraid that if women become talented or learned, they will suppress you self-righteous men.

The group of men blushed as Xiao Qiluo berated them, but they still comforted themselves, saying that they were men and men who simply disdained to argue with women.

They also felt that Xiao Qiluo's words were clearly sophistry.

She continued to defend herself, repeatedly citing ancient sayings to prove that a woman ascending the throne was against reason, law, and rules.

Listening to those people's eloquent arguments, Xiao Qiluo found it somewhat amusing. "If a woman's clothes are disheveled, you say she is unchaste; if a man's clothes are disheveled, you say he is dashing. You say all sorts of good and bad things. Why don't you listen to what women have to say?"

The leading minister scoffed, “Women should regard their husbands as their heaven, adhere to the three obediences and four virtues, and simply listen to their men. Why say more? If what the princess says is true, then women are far too licentious.”

"That's right, there has never been such a saying since ancient times."

"Just because it has always been this way, does that mean it's right? Just because everyone does it, does that mean it's right? If I were to call you all traitors today and order this to be passed down from generation to generation, would you truly be traitors when everyone agrees with this?"

"Princess, this is just sophistry."

"It's really strange. When I'm trying to reason with you, you don't agree with my theory and just argue back, trying to convince me with your reasoning. But what you're saying now only makes me think that you agree with what I'm saying, but you're just being unreasonable because you can't win the argument."

“Women’s talents can never compare to men’s,” one person said, blushing.

Xiao Qiluo looked at the man and laughed, "Since everyone is unconvinced, why don't we have a contest?"

"How shall the competition be conducted?"

"I have established a girls' school, which admits only women, and I will allow these women to participate in the imperial examinations just like men."

How can this be?

"What, you're already ready to admit defeat before the competition has even begun?"

All eyes fell on the emperor at the head of the table, hoping he would refute Xiao Qiluo's words, but the emperor simply looked at them quietly, without taking sides.

Even with everyone watching, he only said, "I think both sides have a lot to say."

Many veteran officials could not accept this argument. In their view, the fact that the emperor did not support them meant that he still agreed with Princess Qiluo's words.

"Since you gentlemen are so confident about this, why don't you have a contest as Qiluo suggested?"

With things having come to this point, whether they respond or not, they are at a disadvantage.

Seeing that they remained silent, the emperor then made them agree.

An imperial edict was immediately issued, approving Xiao Qiluo's establishment of a girls' school, allowing girls to enroll and participate in the imperial examinations.

When the matter was settled, everyone was still somewhat dazed. It was Prime Minister Zhu who reacted quickly and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is a competition. What if the woman is no match for the man?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. If women are inferior to men, this absurd matter must never be mentioned again."

"What if a woman is on the list? According to you all, then the man can stay at home to take care of his wife and children, while the woman can go out and support the man."

However, some quick-witted individuals stepped forward and said, "While the princess's words are reasonable, the concerns of the other officials may also be valid. However, there has never been a precedent in history for a woman to enter officialdom. Now that we are about to set this precedent, it is not only a matter for us, but also for all the people of the world."

"And what do you want now?"

"Let the people discuss this matter rationally; let's see what the scholars of the world think."

Xiao Qiluo scoffed, "That's not right. Those students are all men. Letting them decide the fate of women is no different from the current situation. What are you all afraid of?"

"Regardless of what the princess says, I believe that reasoning is still very necessary. This matter is of utmost importance, and I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."

"Let's discuss this matter later," the emperor said, waving his hand to dismiss the court.

After leaving the Golden Palace, people who were on good terms with each other gathered together.

Every event in the court today is enough to shock them.

His Majesty wishes to establish Princess Qiluo as the Crown Prince.

Princess Qiluo wanted to establish a girls' school so that women from all over the country could participate in the imperial examinations.

"This matter must not set a precedent."

They had a premonition that once this door was opened, things would be beyond their control.

Xiao Qiluo followed quietly behind them. The group was having a heated discussion until a colleague next to them couldn't stand it anymore and coughed heavily twice to remind them. When he turned his head, he saw Princess Qiluo standing behind them.

"Your Highness, Princess."

Xiao Qiluo glanced at them but didn't say anything more. Arguing with them now would be a waste of breath.

Since they had decided to establish a girls' school, they began recruiting female students after completing the preparations.

She said that requiring women to participate in the imperial examinations was no trivial matter, but girls' schools did not only teach the content required for the examinations. The scope of girls' schools was very broad, and all women could attend.

From the moment she had this idea, Xiao Qiluo planned to teach the female students what she had learned.

The Queen Mother is right. Women should be independent and strong. When they have their own abilities, they no longer need to fear what others say.

Women's plight cannot be changed overnight. Women do not necessarily have to face such injustice, nor do they necessarily have to selflessly dedicate themselves to anyone.

Women can also establish their own households and live independently, instead of having to sacrifice themselves without regard to any cost for unkind parents, unfilial children, and heartless husbands.

Why doesn't she take the lead now? Perhaps someone has already thought about it, but someone has to step forward.

When she divorced Cui Fang, she ordered people to spread the word that a woman could divorce a heartless husband.

As a princess, revered by all, she should set an example.

Girls' schools had actually been established, but they were just lacking a proper name.

Women from wealthy families were all literate, but it was impossible for them to take the imperial examinations. What Xiao Qiluo wanted was for girls to learn the same things that boys learned in schools.

This is far from enough. Even women themselves probably wouldn't be able to accept men willingly teaching women the eight-legged essay.

However, the establishment of the girls' school still caused a great deal of reaction.

Besides learning the knowledge required for the imperial examinations, there are other skills that can be learned.

For example, traditional crafts such as medicine, needlework, winemaking, and silkworm raising.

Xiao Qiluo knew in her heart that not everyone could pass the exam; when it came to studying, talent also played a role. Having a skill could also help those unfortunate women support themselves and forge a new path for themselves.

The girls' school was tuition-free; anyone who wanted to learn could enroll. However, once they arrived, they had to study hard, and those who didn't do well wouldn't stay.

She cannot yet do what Master Jiu created for her world, where all students can enroll for free.

But she will definitely support those who are good at studying and are able to continue their education.

The Queen Mother said that this is called a grant, and it's for children who can't go to school because of poverty. The people who do this don't necessarily want anything in return; they just feel a great sense of satisfaction when they see the child they've helped get out of their predicament and have a hopeful future.

The girls' school wasn't decorated very lavishly, unlike ordinary schools. Because it was a public school, and the princess herself served as its headmistress, it always felt somewhat different from other schools.

Ordinary families wouldn't dare send their children over. Even the officials who had just argued with Xiao Qiluo in court only sent their daughters over.

"Princess, it seems like no one is coming." Xingzhi looked at the people standing and watching outside the girls' school.

They were all talking about it, saying all sorts of things.

The beginning is always the hardest, don't be discouraged, your mother is here for you.

Xiao Qiluo smiled and shook her head, saying nothing.

She did not lose heart, and the girls' school now has some students.

She had previously sent a lot of money to the charity, and now she has taken over all the girls from the charity.

The children in the charity hall are all orphans without parents. Whether they study or learn a trade, they can have a way to make a living.

Qiu Yan stood there watching for a while. A group of teenage girls surrounded the princess and played with her.

She walked over after everyone had left.

"This servant greets the princess."

"I have returned the indenture to you."

Qiu Yan lowered her head and didn't speak; she felt guilty.

“I had Donghe given a proper burial and burned her indenture in her name. Qiuyan, live well. Whether you can find them or not, you must live on with their share.”

"Princess."

"Don't cry, take good care of the children."

Qiu Yan looked at Xiao Qiluo and bowed, "This servant will certainly impart all my knowledge to those children."

When the princess sent Qiu Yan to the girls' school, she was still a little confused. The guard named Mo San told her that she would stay in the girls' school and be an enlightenment teacher for those illiterate girls.

The princess also asked Mo San to tell her, "Live well and don't think about anything else."

As I watched the princess leave and turned around, rows of little heads peeked out from the corridor.

Qiu Yan quickly wiped away her tears, "What are you doing hiding there?"

Several children came out and ran towards Qiu Yan, handing her the flowers they had picked. "Teacher Qiu, here you go."

Qiu Yan hugged the children and immediately smiled.

*

The establishment of the girls' school was not only observed by officials, but also by ordinary people, who wanted to see what kind of trouble this princess would cause.

The first students at the girls' school were orphans from the charity school.

The charity wanted to send boys over as well, but Xiao Qiluo refused. Since it was a girls' school, she couldn't make that exception.

Although we can't bring the children over, we can still give them some money and food.

Xiao Qiluo ordered that the girls be brought to the school, and all the children were required to learn to read. Once the older children had learned to read, they could choose to learn a trade or continue their studies as they pleased.

Xiao Qiluo planned to train the children who excelled in their studies to participate in the imperial examinations.

Although it will take a long time, she can wait.

Only by showing those people the results can one have the confidence to confront them.

It was a pity that Master Jiu could not be invited out. She could teach, but she was busy and could not stay at the girls' school all the time. She also personally visited several famous teachers, hoping that they could teach the girls their studies.

"Your Highness, how can a woman participate in the imperial examination? I have never heard of such a thing."

Several teachers in a row did not agree with Xiao Qiluo's idea and rejected it without even thinking about it.

The imperial court was also observing the situation, and it seemed impossible for male teachers to teach at the girls' school.

Xingzhi was also very angry after hearing those comments. "What are those people saying? If women could participate in the imperial examinations just like men, why would the princess need to personally visit those male teachers? There would naturally be no shortage of female teachers then."

"I'm not angry, why are you angry?" Xiao Qiluo laughed.

“This servant was clearly standing up for the princess, so why is the princess criticizing me?”

"How's your calligraphy practice going lately?" Xiao Qiluo changed the subject.

Mentioning this, Xingzhi became even more enthusiastic, "I've learned a lot of characters recently, but my handwriting is a bit ugly, so I need to practice more."

"Then you need to practice more, and when you have free time, practice with other people too."

Just then, the steward of the mansion came to report that the wife of the Imperial Academy Chancellor Chen had sent a visiting card.

This Madam You was the daughter of Dean You of the Mushe Mountain Academy, and Chen Jijiu was her father's student.

Xiao Qiluo opened the visiting card, glanced at it, and then had someone invite Madam You in.

Madam You brought her youngest daughter with her, and her purpose was clear: she wanted to send her youngest daughter to a girls' school.

I heard that Madam You was an extremely rebellious woman in her youth. She disguised herself as a man and studied with a group of men in the academy. Later, her parents arranged for her to marry Chen Jijiu, who is now the chief minister.

Because of this incident, some rumors and gossip inevitably spread.

Xiao Qiluo had some guesses about Madam You's intentions, but she wasn't quite sure.

"Madam You, regarding your daughter's enrollment, you can simply register at the girls' school."

You Lingyi looked at Xiao Qiluo, bowed to her, and then said, "I have heard that the princess is recruiting teachers for the girls' school. I am not talented, but I have been listening to those teachers in the academy since I was a child. I would like to recommend myself as a teacher for the girls' school. Please give me a chance, princess."

"Have you thought this through? The first person to step forward will bear the greatest pressure."

With renewed courage, You Lingyi looked up at Xiao Qiluo with a determined gaze, "I'm not afraid."