"My dear Zhang, we will take our leave now. Thank you for your poems and the books you gave me." Li Qingzhao said to Zhang Shixun with a smile.
"Madam Li, you don't have to be polite. Those two poems are just a token of my appreciation. Haha! It's no big deal. You're welcome." Zhang Shixun discovered that Li Qingzhao looked very pretty when she smiled.
"Goodbye, then."
"May I ask where you and your wife live? I'll come visit you later."
"We came to Beijing temporarily to visit relatives and stayed with them temporarily."
Since he was just staying there temporarily and the other person didn't tell him the address, he didn't want to ask any further questions.
"I live in Jinqian Lane. If you have time, please come and visit me."
"Yes!" Li Qingzhao nodded slightly, agreeing.
Zhao Mingcheng's back pain had probably eased, and he couldn't help but be curious. "Why are you so enthusiastic about my wife and me? You're sending me books and inviting me to your house."
"It's nothing. Ever since I read Li Yi'an's poems, I have admired her very much." This is the truth. Li Qingzhao is known as the most talented woman in history. It would be a lie to say that I don't admire her.
"No wonder! No wonder! Haha!" Zhao Mingcheng nodded. Who among those who have read books does not admire Li Qingzhao?
Zhang Shixun hadn't paid much attention to Zhao Mingcheng just now, but now, taking a closer look at him, he saw that he was about forty years old, his face covered in wrinkles, and a few wisps of beard under his chin, giving him the appearance of a typical old scholar. Standing next to Li Qingzhao, the contrast was quite stark, so it wasn't surprising to say that he was Li Qingzhao's father.
As they were talking, Li Shishi arrived.
Zhang Shixun went to greet her, "Oh! It's Madam Li, welcome!"
Li Shishi squatted down and bowed, "Mr. Zhang, you sang those two songs today so well."
"Master-maid, I am humbled to receive your compliments."
Li Qingzhao, who was standing next to her, had already started walking towards the door. When she heard the name Shishi, she stopped and asked, "Are you Li Shishi?"
Li Shishi turned to look at Li Qingzhao and said, "I am Li Shishi. May I ask...?"
"My name is Li Qingzhao."
"Oh! It's Yi An Jushi in person. I'm honored to meet you." Li Shishi hurriedly bowed. She had sung Li Qingzhao's poems before.
"Sister Li, please stand up. I saw your Women's Federation's draft for soliciting opinions when I returned to Tokyo. I was planning to visit you to seek your advice, but I didn't expect to meet you here by chance."
When Li Shishi heard her talk about the Women's Federation, a smile suddenly appeared on her face. "I'm not worthy of your advice. I wonder what advice Sister Li has for you?"
"I have carefully studied the draft and feel that its contents are comprehensive and reflect the aspirations of women everywhere. If implemented, it will benefit all women in the world." Li Qingzhao said this before changing her tone: "Unfortunately, although your initial intentions are good, you may not be able to carry out this good deed."
"Why?"
“I noticed that there is a list attached to the draft opinion.”
"Yes! That's the list of the preparatory committee."
"The Preparatory Committee—that's a rather original name." Li Qingzhao smoothed the strands of hair that drooped from her forehead and continued, "I wonder if Sister Li has noticed—it's full of singers from the brothels..."
"Oh! Sister Li has a prejudice against people like us?" Although Li Shishi still had a smile on her face, she was already a little unhappy in her heart. As a famous prostitute, her humble status was her greatest pain and also a very sensitive topic.
"Sister, you misunderstood. I have no prejudice against you. It's just that if your so-called Women's Federation wants to grow and develop, it can't be limited to just a small circle. I noticed that the draft of the Women's Federation clearly states that the Women's Federation is for women throughout the Song Dynasty. If that's the case, we must absorb women from all walks of life into the core of the Federation... To be frank, with your status, many people will be put off."
Li Shishi was such a clever person that upon hearing this, she immediately understood what Li Qingzhao meant. She knelt down and bowed, saying, "Thank you so much, sister, for reminding me of something I was dreaming of. If it weren't for you, we would still be lost in the fog and not reflect on ourselves. No wonder the draft opinion received so few responses after it was sent out. This is the reason."
Zhang Shixun also understood that Li Qingzhao's words hit the nail on the head.
The status of Li Shishi and others was very low in that era, basically the same as that of women in brothels.
If a group of people like this established a Women's Federation, not only women from noble families, but even women from ordinary families would not join.
"Sister, please tell me, how can we break the impasse?" Li Shishi invested a lot of energy and enthusiasm in this Women's Federation. When Li Qingzhao poured a basin of cold water on her, her heart was chilled.
Li Qingzhao shook her head. She also had no answer to this question.
Li Shishi's face was pale and she looked at Zhang Shixun for help.
Zhang Shixun laughed.
Li Shishi asked, "What are you laughing at?"
Zhang Shixun did not reply, but instead chanted, "Holding fast to the green mountains, I never let go. My roots are planted in the broken rock. A thousand blows and countless blows leave me unwavering, no matter the winds."
Li Qingzhao couldn't help but clap her hands and praise: "Wow! What a great poem!"
Li Shishi silently repeated the poem several times, her eyes lit up, and she looked up at Zhang Shixun, her eyes full of determination and confidence.
Zhang Shixun smiled at her and encouraged her, "Your purpose in establishing this Women's Federation is to serve the vast majority of women. This is a good deed that benefits both the country and the people. Since it's a good deed, just do it. What does your status matter? Remain firm in your faith, strive to move forward according to your established goals, and continue to do good deeds year after year. I believe that more and more people will follow you, and you will definitely succeed."
Ding Dusai appeared out of nowhere and applauded, "Great! Mr. Zhang said it very well."
"Indeed, since we're doing good deeds, why should we worry about social status? Master Zhang's poem and these words were like a revelation, awakening me as well." Li Qingzhao was also a very open-minded woman. "Sister Li, just go ahead and do it. Don't worry about what others say. I'm currently tied up in worldly affairs and can't get away. If I have the opportunity in the future, I might join your Women's Federation."
Li Shishi and Ding Dusai were delighted when they heard this. Who was Li Qingzhao? She was a famous female poet. If she joined, her contribution to the growth of the Women's Federation would be immeasurable.
Li Shishi said, "Sister, if you can join us, you will be the president of this Women's Federation."
Li Qingzhao shook her head. "Although your intentions are good, I cannot accept it. Your draft for public comment clearly states that the president and vice president of the Women's Federation can only be elected. Is that right or wrong?"
"Yes, sister... Look at me, I forget the rules when I'm happy."
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