Chapter 238 Li Duchang
In the front seat, Zhu Lan had already prepared his thoughts. The topic of this policy essay was very open, and it seemed that it was intended to allow the candidates to speak freely.
Now that we have an idea, we need to plan the length of the article. Since we are discussing the new policy of allowing girls to go to school, we must discuss the importance and significance of this new policy.
However, if this is the main content of the policy paper, it would seem a bit exaggerated and like an attempt to cater to the emperor's wishes. It would be better to be more practical and focus more on the problems that may be encountered in the implementation of the new policy.
For example, according to the existing laws of Daliang, the number of days of vacation for officials each year is fixed. Because the emperor is diligent in his work, these officials do not have many vacations. Even the old officials in the court can only take a maximum of ten days off a year without having their salary deducted.
However, such a rest system is not very friendly to female officials.
After all, this was ancient times, and population was the primary productive force. It was impossible to advocate fewer births and better quality of life, nor was it possible to require female officials not to marry and have children. If an unmarried woman married after becoming an official, and had to handle government affairs with a big belly, it would be too harsh and difficult to reflect the grace of the emperor.
Therefore, Zhu Lan suggested that the pregnancy leave for female officials could be appropriately extended, and they could be allowed to return to work after giving birth to show the court's compassion.
In addition, she also thought of what happened in Qingxi Town. Daliang has a vast territory, and it is inevitable that there are places where the new policy is not fully implemented. Just like the Qingzhu Academy opened by the Lu family, it discriminates against female students. Although she solved the Qingzhu Academy issue, she didn't know how many Qingzhu Academies there were in Daliang now.
It is normal to encounter resistance when implementing new policies. However, if you want to solve the problem, you need to be both firm and flexible.
The strong ones should clearly legislate that if there are academies and schools that discriminate against female students or treat male and female students differently, they should be severely warned. If they refuse to make corrections, the local government should punish them according to the law.
The gentler ones, on the other hand, highlight the deeds of talented female officials and spread them among the people, which quietly and gradually changes people's views on women entering officialdom.
Zhu Lan listed all the areas that could be improved on the paper where he drafted his answers.
After planning and arranging the article, Zhu Lan finally picked up the brush carefully and began to answer formally:
"I have heard that Laozi said: 'Heaven and earth are not benevolent, they treat all things as straw dogs. Sages are not benevolent, they treat the people as straw dogs.' Why is there only a bias between men and women?
Since ancient times, women’s education has been rare. This is not because of the injustice of heaven and earth, but because human affairs have not yet reached the level…”
…
The sun was setting and it was almost time to hand in the paper.
However, except for a few students like Zhu Lan, most people in the Anhe Hall were still writing furiously with sweat on their foreheads.
Zhou Xianqing glanced at Yan Yuze with some embarrassment, "Your Majesty, this..."
"It's okay, let's collect the papers in half an hour." Yan Yuze was very reasonable.
"I am worried that this may be unfair..."
Yan Yuze smiled softly, "Since we are all candidates in the same hall, and the time for submitting the paper is not extended for just one person, how can it be said to be unfair?
Furthermore, today's palace examination had two major policy essay questions, which had never happened before. The extra two hours in the morning were just an estimate by the ministers, and now it seemed that it was indeed a bit hasty.
Most of the students in this hall are still answering questions. If you collect the papers at this time, although you can still rank them, it will be difficult for Your Majesty to truly understand their views on the new policy. Not only will it be a pity, but you may even miss out on some pillars of society, which would be putting the cart before the horse."
Zhou Xianqing nodded without objection. As the minister in charge of supervising the examination appointed by His Majesty himself, the Sixth Prince had the power to handle all matters in the examination room on behalf of the Emperor. The Sixth Prince's opinion was His Majesty's opinion.
At this time, the Anhe Hall was extremely quiet, with only the slightly anxious sound of people grinding ink.
Zhou Xianqing was worried that speaking suddenly would startle them, so he coughed twice before speaking, and then kindly reminded the candidates that the original time for submitting the papers would be postponed by half an hour.
Originally, many candidates thought they could not finish answering the questions. They were so anxious that they were sweating all over and wished they had more hands.
Upon hearing that they could delay submitting their papers, many people felt as if they were pulled out of a drowning state. They silently chanted "Amitabha" in their hearts, expressing their gratitude to the emperor and the court.
Zhu Lan had already finished her answer sheet. She read through her essay carefully several times. After confirming that it was correct, she gently stood up from her seat and spread the paper flat on the table in front of Zhou Xianqing.
Zhou Xianqing nodded to him slightly, indicating that she could leave Anhe Hall.
Zhu Lan bowed and walked out slowly.
Of course, although you can leave Anhe Hall, it is still within the palace after all, and others are not allowed to walk around at will.
As soon as Zhu Lan came out of Anhe Hall, a eunuch led her to a side hall to rest for a while. After all the candidates handed in their papers, everyone was checked again before leaving.
Zhu Lan was following the young eunuch towards the side hall when a man came towards them.
The man was wearing a red official robe and looked to be of a high but not low rank either.
Not knowing which senior official in the court this was, Zhu Lan just glanced at him and then looked away. However, the man's gaze remained on Zhu Lan's face, with some curiosity and scrutiny.
The young eunuch had brought Zhu Lan to the side hall door, "Miss Zhu, please go into the side hall and rest for a while."
"Thank you, eunuch."
Zhu Lan was about to walk inside when he heard another voice calling him from behind.
"This examinee's name is Zhu Lan, and he is the champion of this spring's imperial examination?"
Zhu Lan turned around and looked at the adult who had just passed by him, "I am Zhu Lan, may I know who you are...?"
Li Duchang looked Zhu Lan up and down, "Head of the Honglu Temple, Li Duchang."
"It turns out to be Lord Li. I am honored to be here." Zhu Lan saluted respectfully. However, when he stood up, he found that the other party's eyes were still on his face, and he was looking at him very carefully, as if he wanted to see something through his face.
"……grown ups?"
Zhu Lan subconsciously touched her face. She had clearly wiped her mouth after lunch. Could it be that the ink got on her face?
Li Duchang looked at Zhu Lan's appearance.
Well, he is handsome and well-mannered, with a graceful demeanor and manners, especially his slightly narrow eyebrows, which seem to be hiding their sharpness and as calm as water, making him unforgettable.
Although I have never seen Concubine Lan, since she is favored by His Majesty, I think she must be extremely beautiful.
I guess Your Majesty is paying special attention to Zhu Huiyuan because she bears some resemblance to Concubine Lan?
I have been living a mediocre life in the Honglu Temple for most of my life. I don't know how many incense sticks I have burned in the temple to pray for promotion and rank. As expected, with the blessing of the Bodhisattva, this opportunity to change my destiny has finally come to me.
Li Duchang's expression became slightly excited. He took a step closer, as if he wanted to say something to Zhu Lan, but he heard footsteps coming from nearby.
It turned out that seven or eight more candidates had handed in their papers and left Anhe Hall, heading towards the side hall.
Li Duchang could only swallow his words in disappointment. He just gave Zhu Lan an ambiguous look and turned away.
This operation made Zhu Lan a little confused. Although she was smart, she couldn't figure out what Li Duchang's eyes meant after thinking for a long time.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
