Chapter 263 Yinzhu's Wedding
The imperial edict to reform the harem's official system and establish a system of female officials quickly spread throughout the capital and then, even faster, to all corners of the Great Qi.
In teahouses and taverns, in the streets and alleys, almost everyone was talking about this.
"Have you heard? The Emperor and Empress have issued a decree to hold examinations for female officials!"
"I've heard so much about it! The imperial edict clearly states that any woman from a respectable family who is literate, skilled in arts and crafts, and of good character, regardless of whether she is a commoner or... or whatever her social status is, can take the exam!"
A failed scholar, dressed in a worn-out Confucian robe, excitedly gestured to his tablemate. He had a younger sister who was quite good at mathematics, but due to their family's poverty, her future was bleak. Now, however, he seemed to see a glimmer of hope.
"Her Majesty the Empress is truly kind-hearted, a living Bodhisattva!"
A woman carrying a vegetable basket wiped her eyes. "My daughter is so skillful and good at embroidery. I used to think that finding a good husband would be a blessing, but now she even has the opportunity to take the imperial examination and become an official, bringing glory to our family?"
"Indeed! This is not only about selecting talent for the palace, but also about opening up a new path for women all over the world! The Emperor and Empress's actions are of immeasurable merit!"
Especially for women from the lower classes who possess talent but are unable to utilize it due to their background or gender, this imperial edict was nothing less than a ray of dawn piercing through the darkness.
Many families dug out their dusty books and began urging their daughters to learn to read and understand principles.
For the first time, a flame of hope ignited in the eyes of some young girls who could only rely on their fathers and brothers and wait to get married.
The reputation of Narcissus as a virtuous ruler reached new heights with this popular and benevolent policy.
The praise of "the Empress's benevolence" and "the Empress's wisdom" spread among the people, and her prestige even slightly surpassed that of some officials in the court.
Fifty miles outside the capital, a bustling inn stands beside the official road.
Marquis Yuan Chiyu, who had just finished a year of training at the border and was returning to the capital to report on his duties, was sitting by the window.
Beside him sat a young girl dressed as a man, yet whose bright and lively eyes could not be hidden. She was Shui Xiu, who had secretly slipped away to the border to broaden her horizons, only to be caught red-handed by him and "escorted" back to the capital.
Shui Xiu poked at the rice in her bowl listlessly, but her ears were perked up as she listened to the excited conversation of several women wearing face masks at the next table.
"Sister Zhang, are you going to take the exam for the female official position? My father has already agreed to let me give it a try!"
"Of course I'll go! Her Majesty the Empress has set such a precedent for us women. If we don't try, wouldn't we be letting her down? I've been studying at home these past few days!"
"I heard that if you pass the exam, you'll receive a rank and salary, and you'll even be able to move around the palace and see the world! Her Majesty the Empress is truly our benefactor..."
Hearing the women's undisguised admiration and gratitude for their older sister, Shui Xiu felt honored and a sense of pride welled up in her heart.
She couldn't help but nudge Yuan Chiyu, who was wearing a wide-brimmed cloak to deliberately conceal his face and figure, with her elbow, lowering her voice and speaking with a hint of smugness.
"Did you hear that? Look how amazing my sister is! One imperial decree made so many people happy! I'm going to study hard for the exam too, become a female official, and make my sister proud!"
Yuan Chiyu raised his head, and from the shadow of his cloak, his face, weathered by the winds and sands of the borderlands, became even more handsome and rugged.
He glanced at Shui Xiu, noticing her bright, dreamy eyes, and gave a light scoff, seemingly unintentionally offering a reminder:
"The imperial edict states that female officials must be unmarried women. Moreover, for the first three years after selection, they must devote themselves to their duties and are not allowed to marry."
Shui Xiu, oblivious to the probing in his words, nodded vigorously: "I know! I understand the rules. Anyway, I'm still young, so I'm not in a hurry to get married."
“My sister said that a woman’s foundation for success lies not only in marriage, but also in her ability to stand on her own two feet…”
She kept repeating what Narcissus had taught her.
Yuan Chiyu felt a strange unease as she listened, and interrupted her with a cold laugh: "Yes, your elder sister also said that your family only accepts live-in sons-in-law."
His tone carried a hint of sourness that he himself was unaware of.
Shui Xiu was completely unaware of his true feelings, and instead thought he had a really good memory, so she casually replied, "Huh? You remember it so clearly."
These words were like a spark, instantly igniting Yuan Chiyu's hidden, awkward thoughts.
Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, he abruptly turned his face away, his voice deliberately turning cold, tinged with a hint of defiance: "Who remembers! This general has been busy with military affairs and has long forgotten!"
But the slight redness at the base of his ears betrayed his true emotions.
He was secretly annoyed, wondering why he had such a deep impression of her sister's casual remark.
Shui Xiu's attention was already drawn to the fragrant roast chicken served by the inn's waiter, and she didn't notice his strange behavior.
As she reached for the chicken leg, she seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, Young Master Yuan, how long will you be staying in the capital this time? Sister Yinzhu and Manager Zhou are getting married in a few days. Will you be attending the wedding banquet? I definitely will!"
Yuan Chiyu's original plan was to return to the border immediately after completing his report.
Although life on the frontier is tough, it is also comfortable, far from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
However, listening to Shui Xiu's expectant tone and seeing her glistening lips and bright eyes, he inexplicably swallowed and nodded.
"Hmm... There are no urgent military situations at the border at the moment, so I will... stay for a while."
He was stunned for a moment as soon as he said it.
Why stay?
Just to attend the wedding of a shopkeeper and a palace maid?
He pursed his thin lips, lowered his head somewhat awkwardly, and picked up the teacup to take a sip as a cover-up.
The heat at the tips of my ears seemed to have become more pronounced.
Shui Xiu took it as a yes and happily said "Oh".
Her attention was entirely focused on the delicious roast chicken, and she ate with great relish, completely unaware of the subtle, turbulent emotions churning within the young general beside her.
A few days later, in the capital, the Dengdi Inn, which had once served as one of the free clinics, was now decorated with lanterns and red ribbons, creating a festive atmosphere.
As the innkeeper, Zhou Yan is a kind and righteous man with excellent interpersonal relationships.
In addition, everyone knows that the bride, Yinzhu, is the most favored and trusted female official by the Empress's side. Although the Empress cannot attend the wedding in person due to her status, the Empress's gifts were sent to the inn well in advance and placed in the most conspicuous position...
Not only were there gold, silver and silk, but also a plaque inscribed with the words "A Perfect Match" by the Empress herself.
This honor was enough to make many officials in the capital envious.
Therefore, guests have been coming in droves to offer their congratulations today.
The group included Zhou Yan's friends from the martial arts world, his neighbors, and representatives sent from the palace.
As a close confidante of the Empress, Tinglu, along with Pei Jichuan and several low-ranking palace servants who were on good terms with Yinzhu, arrived early to help with the preparations.
Inside and outside the inn, there was a lively atmosphere filled with people talking and laughing, creating a warm and down-to-earth ambiance.
The auspicious time has arrived, and the sound of gongs and drums fills the air.
Zhou Yan, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, had fully recovered from his injuries and looked even more upright.
His handsome face radiated happiness as he stood in the hall, his gaze fixed intently on the doorway.
Soon, Yinzhu, wearing a red veil and an elaborate wedding dress, slowly walked in, supported by two matchmakers.
She was slender and graceful, with a steady gait. Although her face was not visible, her dignified and serene demeanor was captivating.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth—"
"Second bow to the parents—"
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
As the master of ceremonies chanted the rites, Zhou Yan and Yin Zhu bowed to each other.
At that moment, no words were needed; the reflections in each other's eyes were an eternal promise.
Shui Xiu squeezed to the front of the crowd, looking at the perfect couple on the stage. She felt that although she couldn't see the expression on Yin Zhu's face, the usually quiet and reserved sister was upright and full of the joy of a newlywed.
Looking at Zhou Yan's smile that almost reached his ears, her eyes couldn't help but redden slightly; she was genuinely happy for Yinzhu.
Yuan Chiyu had somehow appeared beside her. Unlike the other guests, he didn't cheer loudly; he simply stood quietly.
His gaze, unconsciously, fell on Shui Xiu's profile several times.
Seeing her eyes slightly reddened with emotion, and her bright, untroubled smile as she clapped and cheered with the crowd, her gaze was complex.
There was a sense of helplessness towards her for being so easily swayed by the emotions of others, and also a quiet tenderness that he himself had not yet explored.
This noisy, simple-minded, sometimes reckless girl, yet vibrant and bright, had somehow cast an overly vivid color into his heart.
The ceremony is complete!
The bride and groom were escorted into their bridal chamber by a crowd of people, and the noise and laughter reached their peak.
The waiters carried out fine wines and delicacies in a line, and the guests toasted each other, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.
Shui Xiu clapped her hands excitedly, her face still flushed when she turned around.
She said to Yuan Chiyu, "That's wonderful! Sister Yinzhu and Manager Zhou, true love has finally come together!"
Looking at her bright smile, Yuan Chiyu felt that the awkwardness in his heart was somewhat diluted by the joyful atmosphere of the room.
He shifted his gaze somewhat awkwardly, letting out a low murmur from his throat: "Mmm."
The slight smile playing on his thin lips ultimately betrayed the unspoken thoughts of his youthful heart...
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