Chapter 650 A Dream of Youth 182
Xie Ning shook his head and said to the emperor, "I know that the court will definitely send officials to take charge of this matter, but the weavers are all women, and it would be more convenient to have one or two female officials to manage them."
That makes sense; sometimes, strict separation between men and women can be used as a weapon.
“We can send female officials from the palace…” But before Lord Zu could finish speaking, Xie Ning looked at them intently.
"Elder Zu's method is not the best. After all, the number of female officials in the palace is limited, and the territory of the Great Zhou is vast. How can so many female officials be sent out at once?"
The emperor looked at Xie Ning, vaguely guessing what was going on, and asked hesitantly, "Then what should we do according to what Young Master Xie thinks?"
"Selection of female officials".
After Xie Ning finished speaking, some people frowned. In fact, they all wanted to oppose the suggestion of having female officials, but Xie Ning had just won the argument, and if they spoke up, they would be at a disadvantage.
Moreover, they didn't know how to refute it for a moment. They couldn't do anything unreasonable. The emperor was watching, and they still had their pride.
Before they could even rack their brains for classic examples to refute Xie Ning, Xie Ning had already set his sights on them—no, wait, on their daughters, granddaughters, and daughters-in-law...
One adult couldn't help but blush and said, "My daughter is getting married, and my wife and daughter-in-law also need to support their husbands, raise their children, and manage household affairs. How can they become female officials?"
Besides, they understand nothing about politics; wouldn't it be a joke for them to become officials?
Xie Ning simply looked back quietly, "Sir, have you truly understood the women in your family?"
They are not only literate, but some women have read just as many books as men, and their insights are no less than theirs. Adults have never really tried to understand them, so how can they make such a judgment?
I am not very knowledgeable, but what do you think of Xie Ning's opinion, sir?
But is she also clueless about politics? Does she only know how to embroider and stay in the backyard to be a wife and mother?
Bah! What are you talking about, young lady? Being a good wife and mother? Aren't you ashamed?
But they dared not refute her, because Xie Ning was indeed quite capable. Not only was she a skilled doctor and able to design various beneficial devices for the people, but her previous remarks also showed that she was not completely ignorant of politics.
Could it be that Xie Wangzhi taught them beforehand?
Everyone glanced at Xie Wangzhi and got a little angry when they saw him standing calmly to the side with his hands down. Didn't he care about his own daughter?
Seeing that no one spoke, Xie Ning turned his attention to the emperor, saying, "I know Your Majesty is eager for talented people. I hope that more people like myself can serve Your Majesty and help you create a prosperous era!"
The emperor cleared his throat and secretly glared at Xie Ning. How could this child be so good at praising others?
He would feel a little embarrassed if he refused.
"Then, let's select female officials, shall we...?"
Seeing that the officials were about to start "advising" again, Xie Ning quickly spoke up, "Just like the students of the world who participate in the imperial examinations, if they are talented, they will be admitted; if they are not talented, they will fail. What do you officials think? Is that fair enough?"
"What woman in the world participates in the imperial examinations?"
"Is there any law in the world that states that women cannot participate in the imperial examinations?" Xie Ning retorted.
This was a loophole, and the adults who were refuting it were shocked, but they quickly calmed down and began to refute Xie Ning by citing classical texts.
The emperor watched with delight as Xie Ning debated with the scholars, then glanced at Xie Wangzhi and quietly asked, "Minister Xie, you don't object?"
Why oppose it?
Xie Wangzhi also stepped back a few steps to watch from the sidelines with the emperor, his eyes filled with pride as he watched Xie Ning fight several elders single-handedly.
"Your Majesty, Xie Ning is my daughter. She brings me glory and is my pride. I am overjoyed and would never object to her."
I have never underestimated the power of women since I was a child. My mother insisted on taking my father out to do business despite the rumors and gossip, which gave me the opportunity to study and go to school.
My mother not only had a good relationship with me, but also made contributions to the court. She grasped the direction of the court's policies and made her own success, but she also contributed to the implementation of the court's policies. The prosperity of commerce brought more wealth and tax revenue to the Great Zhou.
My wife is the same; this weaving workshop was started by my wife, Chen Wanniang, together with her brother-in-law and his wife.
At first, I just wanted to give those displaced women a place to stay when I was in Quanzhou, and later I gradually made it to where it is today.
As for the youngest daughter, Xie Ning, Your Majesty has seen her; she is a clever child and a subject who can serve the country and Your Majesty.
Your Majesty should select talents without being bound by rigid standards.
The emperor pondered, Xie Ning had already made an exception. Since a precedent had been set, why should he continue to be restrained?
Seeing Xie Ning return victorious, the emperor finally nodded, "Then we will select female officials according to the method suggested by Lord Xie."
The autumn wind rises, and the sky is filled with rosy clouds.
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