The reactions varied.

Some remained silent, some shared a common hatred, but most scoffed at it.

"Perhaps you think I'm exaggerating, but let's wait and see."

As she spoke, Qin Zhaowan waved her hand behind her, and the maids, who had already received instructions, immediately distributed the prepared papers.

"This year, the memorials submitted to His Majesty by the border nobles included the policy essays of their daughters. I had them copied down, and these are the ones that are being sent to you now."

Qin Zhaoyue also received a copy and quickly browsed through it.

Three border policies, water management strategies, how to secure the borders and consolidate the foundation? Of the four elements of rites, music, punishments, and governance in the way of an emperor, which is the most urgent?

There are a total of seven articles, some of which are closely related to practical matters, while others are classic essays on the imperial examination system.

Since the Empress Dowager ascended the throne, her reforms to the imperial examination system have gone far beyond simply adding women's examinations and adding a mathematics examination.

The overall theme is to emphasize practical matters, focus on poetry and prose, and downplay classical texts.

The "Ink and Brush Classic" is the most basic and is also the main content of the three examinations for children.

Starting with the provincial examinations, this aspect accounted for only one-tenth, while policy essays accounted for 70% and poetry and prose for 20%.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible to add extra slots at the last minute.

After all, most talented women in the capital did not participate in the imperial examinations, and if it came to a competition of memorizing classic texts, they were no match for ordinary candidates.

However, the situation is completely different if the focus is on policy essays. Those that are relevant to the topic, substantial, and practical are more likely to be on the list.

The influence of scholars and talented women in the literary world led to a flourishing of refined conversation and poetry, which is truly remarkable.

Qin Zhaoyue had a general understanding of the matter and knew that the imperial examinations in the Great Gan Dynasty had not yet developed a fixed eight-legged essay format.

Because of its emphasis on practical application, the "dancing in shackles" writing style did not take shape, but some clues could already be seen in the papers of those who passed the imperial examination.

Well, it's important to have substance, but having a clear format isn't a bad thing.

The correct approach to answering questions is to break down the topic, develop the argument, begin the discussion, elaborate on the details, and conclude.

With less than a month to go before the provincial examination, it would be a good opportunity for the talented women to focus on intensive study and learn the format for answering the questions.

In particular, by emphasizing practice in "solving problems," the chances of achieving a high ranking in the imperial examination are not low.

Looking at the manuscript in her hand, Qin Zhaoyue noticed heavy "formatting" marks, indicating that it had been instructed by an expert.

The border region is remote, and people are not allowed to leave their fiefdoms without imperial decree. It is also an important place for stationing and garrisoning troops. Where did that noblewoman learn such skills from?

Could it be that he possesses extraordinary talent, gleaning insights and summaries from strategic texts on his own?

Furthermore, in the vast grasslands, it would be one thing to write three volumes on border defense, but where did the strategy for water management come from?

Have you ever seen the Yellow River winding through thousands of miles of sand, its waves tossed and turned by the winds from the ends of the earth?

Do you know what the line "Have you not seen the Yellow River's waters come from the sky, rushing to the sea never to return" means?

We've never even seen a vast, misty lake, so where would we get a solution for water management?

Qin Zhaoyue read this section carefully, after all, she had some fresh practical experience.

I discovered that this article wasn't just based on imagination; it covered a wide range of topics, including water management, sand control, dike construction, taxes, and corvée labor.

Is this ghost gone?

She didn't finish reading it; she put it back on the table after only reading half of it.

There's no need to look any further; it's already quite clear.

Guidance from a renowned teacher or writing on behalf of a master are simply two options.

Qin Zhaoyue looked at the group of talented women, wondering how many of them could see through the "general trend".

Her Majesty has made it very clear in this not-so-subtle way that she has reached the limit of her tolerance for these scholar-official families who do not allow their daughters to participate in the imperial examinations.

Entrusting this task to the princess now provides a buffer period.

Knowing His Majesty's temperament, if this matter fails, well...

Obeying orders, participating in the imperial examination this year, and suppressing the Second Princess of Shuofeng and the border nobles, Jian is favored by the emperor and the people. It is no exaggeration to call her a heroine.

If they disobey and severely humiliate the Great Gan Dynasty, wouldn't it be a good opportunity to thoroughly rectify the situation?

Just like war, it's important to have a legitimate reason for fighting.

Qin Zhaoyue briefly put herself in that situation and wondered what she would do.

If they don't sign up and bring shame to the scholarly community, and if they can't openly force someone's daughter to enter officialdom, can't they at least directly punish the father, brothers, and elders?

Is it really that hard to come up with a few reasons without using the imperial examination system as a pretext?

Judging from the previous cases of confiscating property and interrogating criminals, it's unknown how much leverage the Xuanji Guard has.

Either way, it's a win-win situation. My mother is so calculating; the only difference is the time frame.

Qin Zhaoyue sighed inwardly, realizing that she had only understood the strategy after reading it.

What makes her take action? Bullshit, this is a blatant conspiracy.

I can't come, I can't come. Compared to these professional schemers, I'm still too naive.

The only sound in the room was the rustling of documents being turned, but as time passed, many people's faces darkened.

However, it is difficult to discern how many talented women were inspired by others' essays and how many truly grasped the essence of their ideas.

This time, Qin Zhaoyue was very serious, trying to pinpoint the latter type, because this is the kind that truly needs to be guarded against.

Also... have the third and fourth sisters realized this?

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Qin Zhaowan, who was at the head of the table, spoke slowly, "What do you all think?"

Most people had already finished reading, and even those who hadn't put down their manuscripts at this point.

"Your Highness, are these strategies truly from a noblewoman from the borderlands?"

Putting aside other issues, there are quite a few people who have doubts about this.

Qin Zhaoyue excluded those who were interested in this question, because that would mean they had not grasped the true intention.

Qin Zhaowan nodded slightly, "I was also surprised when I received this manuscript."

I hadn't paid attention to this before, so I retrieved the memorials from the border regions over the past five years.

"It turns out that every year, Bian Ting's memorials to the emperor would include some of his children's policy essays, including the one who came to the capital this time."

I have read it carefully, and the level has indeed improved gradually until this year.

In my judgment, if that person doesn't encounter any major problems with the question, they have a very high chance of passing the imperial examination this year, and ranking quite high.

Narrating in a gentle, storytelling style makes it sound quite convincing.

Although these talented women were not allowed to participate in the imperial examinations, there were quite a few people who paid attention to this aspect.

Especially after the imperial examination, they would examine and appreciate the essays of the top scholar and those who ranked highly.

The imperial examinations for men are self-explanatory; as for those for women…

Few admire him, but there are occasional whispers in private that say things like, "If I were to write this, I would definitely do better."

They could naturally tell that the policy essay in their hands was already quite well-written, especially with the Third Prince's personal confirmation.

"The second princess of the Shuofeng Dynasty will also be participating this time."

Although I have not seen his writings, I have heard that he showed remarkable talent from a young age and became a disciple of a great sage.

Time is of the essence, so I will not beat around the bush.

I believe you all know why I have gathered you here today.

I would like to ask, what are people's opinions on His Majesty's implementation of the imperial examination system for women?