Zhao Zhi nodded slightly, signaling her to continue.
Lin Wanqing took a deep breath and said loudly, "I believe that education is the foundation of a nation's great undertaking. However, although our Yun Dynasty is prosperous, women's education is inadequate. They are confined to their boudoirs and find it difficult to display their talents, which is a great pity for the country. Therefore, I dare to suggest that we establish a women's academy to broaden the path to talent, so that women can also learn literature and martial arts and serve the country."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the imperial court.
Some of the senior officials looked displeased and whispered among themselves.
"Lord Lin, you are mistaken!" An elderly minister with white hair and beard stepped forward, his tone clearly disdainful. "Women should focus on managing the household and raising children; how can they show their faces in public and dabble in academic matters?"
“That’s absolutely right!” another official chimed in. “Since ancient times, it has been said that a woman’s virtue lies in her lack of talent. Why go to such lengths and disrupt the court?”
Opposition arose one after another, but Lin Wanqing remained unfazed. She knew that the road to reform was never easy, but she also knew that education was the foundation of the country and could not be ignored.
"Your Excellencies are right; women should indeed manage the household and raise children. But times are changing. If our Yun Dynasty is to prosper and flourish, we must broaden the path for talent and not be bound by any particular pattern. Among women, there are also those who are exceptionally talented and have a heart for their country. How can we exclude them because of their gender?"
Lin Wanqing's words were sincere and every sentence made sense.
She looked around, her gaze resolute: "Furthermore, the development of women's education can also promote positive family values and social harmony. Just imagine, if every woman in every household were well-educated and reasonable, wouldn't our Yun Dynasty be even more prosperous and flourishing?"
After listening, Zhao Zhi pondered for a moment, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes. Several months ago, when her brother Cui Shenghe was still in good health, the three of them had discussed in the imperial study the establishment of girls' schools and the possibility of women taking the imperial examinations to enter the court as officials.
This matter was originally planned to be carried out after they found the Imperial Seal, but the elder brother was poisoned and ended up in this state. So the matter was put on hold.
Because of her current difficult situation, Zhao Zhi dared not raise the issue rashly at the morning court session, fearing that it might infringe on the interests of too many people and cause further trouble, as she was overwhelmed with other matters.
But since Lin Wanqing brought this up today, she might as well go with the flow and bring it out into the open.
So she coughed lightly, interrupting the noisy discussion in the court.
"What Minister Lin said is very much in line with my thoughts. The education of women is a matter of the future of the country and should not be taken lightly. As for the specific details of establishing a women's academy, let the Ministry of Rites and relevant departments discuss them together and make sure they are handled properly."
Zhao Zhi's gaze swept over the assembled officials, his tone resolute and unwavering: "My mind is made up. From this day forward, the Ministry of Rites shall establish the Department of Women's Education, dedicated to the education of women. Lin Wanqing, you are exceptionally talented and have lofty aspirations. I hereby appoint you as the Chancellor of the Department of Women's Education, a third-rank official, to oversee all matters concerning women's education. I hope you will live up to my expectations and lead the way in promoting women's learning."
Having said that, she lightly flicked her sleeves and continued, "All ministers of the Ministry of Rites should fully assist Chancellor Lin in planning the important matter of establishing the academy. The selection of the site, the teachers, and the curriculum must all be carefully prepared to ensure that the women's academy becomes a cradle for cultivating pillars of the nation. In addition, I will issue a new decree allowing women to enter the academy and take the imperial examinations. Regardless of gender, they can all enter the court as officials based on their talents and contribute to the affairs of the country."
These words caused an uproar in the court, with some expressing astonishment, some confusion, and some approval.
Zhao Zhi knew that this move would inevitably affect those who had vested interests, but she also knew that only in this way could she usher in an era of lasting peace and ensure the true and enduring strength of the Yun Dynasty.
"I know that this decree will surely draw much criticism. However, what I desire is a world of harmony and equality between men and women. Women also have lofty ambitions and are no less capable than men. As important officials of the court, you should take the rise and fall of the nation as your own responsibility, set aside prejudices, and work together to promote this good cause."
After speaking, Zhao Zhi turned to look at Lin Wanqing, her eyes full of trust and expectation: "Lin Aiqing, you are the writer of this new chapter. I hope that you and I can join hands to create a magnificent picture of women standing tall and proud."
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqing's eyes welled up with tears. She bowed deeply, her voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Your subject Lin Wanqing accepts the imperial decree and expresses her gratitude! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's high expectations, do my utmost to promote women's education, select talents for the country, and serve the court!"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Yun Zhang shouted in a booming voice.
His call to arms was like a stone thrown into a still pond, causing a huge ripple effect. Immediately, two-thirds of the court officials joined in the shouting. The remaining third, who had been observing, saw that the matter was already settled and feared that further opposition would invite retaliation from Yun Zhang, that madman. So they could only follow suit and shout, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Zhao Zhi looked at Yun Zhang thoughtfully. Was he really that supportive of her?
Their eyes met from afar. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she sensed a deep affection in Yunzhang's gaze.
Zhao Zhi thought she had misread it, blinked, and looked over again, but the person had already shifted their gaze elsewhere. In their eyes was the usual disdain and aloofness, like the snow on a high mountain, cold and noble.
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