"This is also a bold idea of mine, and my considerations are naturally not as insightful as those of the Prime Minister. I wonder what the other ministers think?"
Such a response was indeed intriguing. Li Chang'an couldn't help but secretly admire the exquisite acting skills in his heart. His opinion of this person was not just disappointment, but even a bit disgust.
"What the Prime Minister says is absolutely right, just as we all think."
"Your Majesty, please rescind your decree!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
In the imperial court, a group of old men stepped forward to request permission, and the quiet and solemn court was suddenly thrown into chaos. They all talked at once, pointing out the various drawbacks of having a woman attend court to discuss politics, saying that it was against the rules and violated the etiquette set by their ancestors. They were so passionate and their spittle flew everywhere.
When it comes to verbal skills, these old men are all incredibly adept. If they wanted to, they could easily distort the truth with just a few words, and they could also righteously invoke the rules of their ancestors and various historical anecdotes.
Li Chang'an and Feng Beichuan watched this farce quietly, observing the old foxes with their graying hair trying to salvage the situation for the sake of the so-called country and the so-called government, like two outsiders.
"It seems that all of you ministers have some reservations about this matter, so..."
"Your Majesty, I disagree."
Emperor Xingchang had just found an opportunity to descend the steps when he was interrupted. He frowned in displeasure, cursing inwardly which clueless fool dared to interrupt him at such a crucial moment.
The one who came forward to report this time was a military officer, who could be considered a colleague of Li Chang'an. However, the two had never worked together, because Li Chang'an was ordered to go to the northern border area, while this general was stationed on the southern border.
Now that the south is at peace, this man was ordered to return and stand in the imperial court.
Because he feared this man's merits in protecting the country, Emperor Xingchang dared not get angry, so he gestured for him to continue speaking.
"I believe that since the princess is fighting for the country and has made great achievements, she must have great talent and strategy. The other officials' opinion that women should not be involved in politics is because they are afraid that women's kindness will lead them astray from important national affairs. However, a general like the princess who has experienced many battles will naturally not have a one-sided view of politics. Therefore, I believe that Your Majesty's permission is well-deserved for the princess."
Li Chang'an was naturally surprised that someone would stand up for him at this time. He couldn't help but take a closer look at the person's appearance. The more he looked, the more familiar the person seemed. After thinking carefully, he realized that he had met this person a few times before. This person should be called Nie Xiao. As his name suggests, he was brave and good at fighting, and also a righteous person who could distinguish right from wrong.
Thinking this, Li Chang'an couldn't help but admire General Nie more. With his courage, he naturally dared to raise different opinions among a group of people.
Feng Beichuan was also very satisfied with Nie Xiao's performance. Because of his appreciation, Feng Beichuan had donated a considerable sum of money to Nie Xiao as military pay. The two had some relationship, so it was partly because of Feng Beichuan's influence that Nie Xiao spoke up for Li Chang'an.
After all, who in the capital didn't know that the Regent had a crush on the princess and had proposed to her multiple times?
The ministers who held opposing views clearly did not expect that someone would dare to oppose them, but they were afraid of the other party's military status, since words alone could not defeat a real battle.
Emperor Xingchang couldn't help but feel puzzled, wondering why Nie Xiao would speak up for Li Chang'an out of the blue.
Could it be that these two have secretly colluded together?
As soon as this terrible thought came to mind, Emperor Xingchang felt the veins on his forehead throbbing. If this was really the case, then these two were most likely plotting a rebellion, and their intentions were utterly despicable!
"Is there anyone else who shares General Nie's opinion?"
Upon hearing this, several more military officers stepped forward, expressing their agreement to allow Li Chang'an to enter the court. These people were not trying to curry favor with anyone; they were simply acting from a fair and impartial standpoint and genuinely felt that this eldest princess of Shengnan was a woman worthy of respect.
This situation put Emperor Xingchang in a difficult position, and his gaze involuntarily turned to Bai Yuanshan, whose face was solemn.
Their eyes met, and Bai Yuanshan, as if suddenly receiving some instruction, stepped forward and said loudly, "My opinion remains unchanged: I firmly disagree with women's participation in politics!"
The situation suddenly became tense, and in the blink of an eye, the court was divided into two factions. One faction, led by Bai Yuanshan, consisted of ministers who disagreed with allowing Li Chang'an to enter the court and participate in government affairs. The other faction, led by Nie Xiao, was mainly composed of military generals.
How could Bai Yuanshan, a seasoned old fox who had been in the court for so long, not see through the emperor's thoughts? So, relying on the emperor's support and the fact that he had a large number of men, he was not afraid of those mere dozen or so military officers. He simply did not believe that these people would dare to make a move in the court.
As the person involved, Li Chang'an felt a bit of a headache. In this situation, it seemed inappropriate for her to say anything, so she remained silent from beginning to end, but still observed the expressions of everyone present without making a sound.
"Prime Minister, you keep saying you're thinking of the country, but in my opinion, you're just being selfish. Are you afraid that your position in court will be shaken, which is why you're so hostile to Her Highness the Princess!"
One of the military officers was so annoyed by the nagging of these old men who were all bound by rules and etiquette that he pointed at Bai Yuanshan's nose and started berating him.
When Bai Yuanshan saw that this person had so bluntly revealed his own ulterior motives, he was furious. Wasn't this clearly portraying him as a narrow-minded and petty person?
Even if that's really the case, in front of so many people, as the prime minister of the country, shouldn't he have some dignity?
"Don't make false accusations! In my opinion, you people have probably been conspiring to rebel all along!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present shut their mouths. Rebellion was a crime that could implicate nine generations of one's family. Even if one had the greatest courage, one had to avoid suspicion.
"Prime Minister, you must speak with evidence, otherwise, wouldn't His Highness charge you with false accusation?"
Feng Beichuan stared directly at Bai Yuanshan with his beautiful, starry eyes, his gaze filled with cold light. His tone remained as calm as ever, yet he still left Bai speechless.
Although he was several generations older than Feng Beichuan, the pressure emanating from the other party still made Bai Yuanshan's palms sweat profusely.
Evidence? Where did he get any evidence? It's all just his own speculation!
"In that case, Your Highness, shouldn't you punish this person as I suggested? It would serve as a warning and make some people get rid of those impure thoughts in their hearts as soon as possible."
Feng Beichuan then turned his gaze to Li Chang'an, his words carrying a hint of sarcasm.
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