Chapter 77 Asking the Emperor for a Grace
After Li Yuanshu left, Li Yuanzhao spoke directly, "Father, as soon as I heard the news that Minister Lu had been imprisoned, I rushed to the palace."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression changed almost imperceptibly.
He wasn't stupid. The Second Prince's plot to murder the Grand Tutor had caused such a huge uproar; there must have been someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.
He probably guessed that Li Yuanzhao was stirring things up behind the scenes, which is why the situation developed so rapidly.
However, he only felt that Li Yuanzhao was just demanding an explanation for Liu Jinzhang's death, and never suspected that his death was related to her.
In his eyes, although his daughter was somewhat cold-hearted, she was not so cruel as to kill her mentor.
She had no reason to do this, nor would she have such a cruel heart.
"What do you think?" The Emperor's gaze fell on her face, with a hint of scrutiny.
"There are many suspicious points in this matter, and I think..." Li Yuanzhao was about to speak when he was interrupted by the Emperor.
"What's the problem? It's just that Lu Yuandao is incredibly audacious. Out of a momentary grudge, he colluded with assassins to frame the prince. His intentions are despicable!"
Li Yuanzhao understood that his father had already decided on the nature of the case from the bottom of his heart.
There's no point in saying more.
Things don't always go according to her plan. At this moment, the most important thing is not to argue with her father, but to strive for the greatest benefit within the given situation.
She stopped talking at the right moment and changed the subject, "Father is right. I just think that Yuan You is too naive and has been used by villains to this extent."
These words struck a chord with the Emperor.
He has recently come to realize that his son is utterly useless.
Such a small setup was enough to put him in such a predicament.
If this vast country were truly handed over to him in the future, what would become of it?
"If he had half your composure, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation." The Emperor's tone carried a hint of anger at his lack of self-control. "He still needs to be taught a lesson so he won't forget it."
Li Yuanzhao smiled slightly.
Since they couldn't bring down Li Yuanyou immediately, they decided to plant a seed of doubt in their father's heart.
They doubted his abilities and whether he was worthy of their trust.
Li Yuanzhao's tone grew heavier, "But the Grand Tutor is ultimately dead and cannot be brought back to life. Every time I think of this, I am heartbroken. Today, besides paying my respects, I also wish to ask the Emperor for a favor."
The Emperor raised his eyelids slightly. "Speak."
“In fact, before the Grand Tutor’s accident, he sent a servant to deliver a message to me, saying that he was planning to open a girls’ school at the Imperial Academy so that women from all over the country could also enroll and study the classics and history.” Li Yuanzhao lowered his eyes. “At the time, I thought it was just an ordinary suggestion and did not ask for details. I never expected that this would become the Grand Tutor’s last wish.”
As she spoke, she stood up and knelt solemnly before the Emperor. “Your subject dares to beg Your Majesty for mercy and to grant this request. It would be a way to fulfill a wish of the Grand Tutor.”
This is precisely where Li Yuanzhao's wisdom lies.
She would never ask for anything from the Emperor.
Even when she was arguing endlessly with court officials, she always appeared indifferent and unassuming in front of her father, the Emperor.
Such children are always the most pitiful.
Therefore, whenever she made a request, as long as it wasn't too outrageous, the Emperor would generally grant it.
Moreover, there are already female officials serving in the court. Establishing a girls' school on this basis, giving women the opportunity to attend school, is not a shocking event.
This matter was also Liu Jinzhang's last wish, so he had no reason not to agree, both morally and logically.
He nodded and said, "Grand Tutor Liu dedicated his life to the country, and it is indeed fitting that his last wish be fulfilled. So, we will grant your request."
To everyone's surprise, Li Yuanzhao did not get up but remained kneeling on the spot, and continued, "Father, since you have established a girls' school, how can you expect to learn something but not use it?"
The Emperor frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Li Yuanzhao said, "Your Majesty, I would like to request that you jointly establish a special examination for women, so that women throughout the land can take the imperial examinations and enter officialdom to serve the country, just like men."
The Emperor sat up abruptly, his eyes filled with shock.
This matter is somewhat too shocking.
Although there were female officials before, they were ultimately a few exceptions. They were mostly responsible for miscellaneous tasks such as paperwork and etiquette, and never truly touched the core of power.
But what about a special imperial examination for women? This would mean allowing women to enter the court and participate in national affairs through the same examination system as men.
This is an act that completely subverts the established social norms and etiquette of the past thousands of years!
The Emperor's face instantly darkened. "Yuan Zhao, do you know what you're saying? Establishing a special examination for women to select officials? Wouldn't that allow women from all over the country to serve as officials? If this gets out, the entire court will be in an uproar!"
Li Yuanzhao remained kneeling on the ground, but his tone showed no sign of backing down. "Father, I do not see anything wrong with this matter. As you have seen during this time, although Su Qingci is a woman, she is meticulous and her abilities far surpass those of ordinary men. Moreover, I am also a woman, yet I am able to stand in the court and discuss state affairs with the ministers."
She paused, looking intently at him, "Does Father Emperor think that I haven't done well all these years?"
"Of course not," the Emperor retorted without hesitation. "But... how can they compare to you? You are of imperial blood, and have been taught by renowned teachers since childhood. Your temperament and talent are extraordinary. How can you generalize?"
"We are both women, why can't we be compared?"
Li Yuanzhao's eyes were firm: "The world is vast, and there must be many talented women hidden among the common people. Just because they are born women, they are deprived of the opportunity to realize their ambitions. Isn't this a loss for the court?"
She paused, her voice growing more earnest: "The Grand Tutor once said that all talented people in the world, regardless of gender, can become pillars of the nation. Your son wants to establish a girls' school so that they may have the opportunity to study and understand principles; and to establish a special examination for women so that they may have the opportunity to serve the country. This is consistent with Father Emperor's original intention of recruiting talented people. Please think it over carefully, Father Emperor."
The emperor was speechless, unable to utter a rebuttal for a moment.
"This matter... is too important, allow me to think about it some more." In the end, he relented, but did not agree directly. "Get up first, the ground is cold."
"Thank you, Father." Li Yuanzhao stood up, his tone becoming lighter. "Father, actually, I have another piece of good news to report today."
The Emperor was taken aback upon hearing this. "A joyous occasion?"
"Your Majesty's headaches have been a long-standing concern for me. Over the years, I have sent many people to search for renowned doctors throughout the country. Recently, my efforts have finally paid off, and I have found a doctor who specializes in this condition. It is said that he has cured many chronic and stubborn illnesses. I have brought him here to present to Your Majesty."
The timing of these words was extremely skillful.
If one offers a doctor first and then mentions establishing a girls' school and a special course for women, it inevitably raises suspicions of "seeking repayment for a favor" and appears opportunistic.
But nowadays, if one asks for grace first and then offers this filial piety, it becomes purely "being grateful," which is the filial piety of children towards their father.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression softened considerably. "Oh? There is such a capable person? You've put your heart into it."
“It is my duty to share the burdens of my father,” Li Yuanzhao said, lowering his eyes. “The physician is waiting outside the palace right now. If my father is in good spirits today, why not summon him in to take a look?”
The Emperor nodded: "Very well. Summon him in."
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