Chapter 420 Women's Imperial Examination
The story of Qin Jinzhi, covered in tiger's blood, sitting on the coffin platform, and a hundred ghosts chanting a lament for the loyal and virtuous, is known to everyone in the capital.
No one dared to discuss it privately.
But this poem, "The Lament of a Loyal and Virtuous Man," became widely known.
Today, Wu Wenguang read this poem aloud in the main hall in a grand manner.
The main hall was completely silent.
The Crown Prince looked at Wu Wenguang and asked, "What do you mean by that, Lord Wu? Does it mean that anyone who disagrees with Jinzhi taking on this task is a treacherous official?"
Wu Wenguang looked at the Crown Prince and took a deep breath. "Your Highness, you have misunderstood me. This official just said that he wanted someone who could shoulder the responsibility of Jin's literary fortune. So I would like to ask everyone to analyze Commander Qin's poem and see if it can uphold the spirit of the Jin's literati."
Everyone in the main hall kept their eyes down and their minds at ease.
Judging solely from this poem, it is certainly worthy of being called a quatrain.
But the poem's meaning is profound.
Who would dare to comment on this poem in the main hall?
The crown prince was so angry he almost laughed.
At this moment, if anyone dares to criticize Qin Jinzhi's poem "Hate for Loyal and Virtuous People," it would be unacceptable.
What's the difference between that and shouting in public that you don't want to live anymore?
Wu Wenguang looked around and said, “Since no one is speaking, I will speak my mind.”
He straightened his clothes. "Commander Qin, you have eradicated long-standing abuses. In politics and the court, you are fearless of risks and have swift and decisive methods. It is truly a blessing for our Jin state to have such a talent!"
As he spoke, Wu Wenguang paced toward the Crown Prince.
By the time he finished speaking, he was already very close to the crown prince.
He clearly saw the Crown Prince glaring at him.
Wu Wenguang spoke again, "Since I took office in the Ministry of Personnel, I have witnessed the transfer and appointment of officials and I know firsthand how important a good official is to the people. Therefore, this matter must be handled by someone who is upright and incorruptible and will not be swayed by anyone. Commander Qin is such a person. Therefore, I second this proposal and recommend Commander Qin to take over this matter!"
He spoke as he backed away.
The emperor and empress felt somewhat guilty upon hearing Wu Wenguang's words.
Qin Jinzhi touched her nose.
How could Wu Wenguang have the nerve to say such compliments?
On the other side, Leng Wendong's eyes widened. He had thought that Leng Wendong's flattery skills had reached their peak!
Indeed, there are always people more capable than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding.
Leng Wendong quickly stepped forward, "I second that! Commander Qin is a young talent and has set an example for all students in the world. If the Jin state were full of such promising young people, how could the Jin state not become strong!"
Seeing how powerful Qin Jinzhi had become in the court, the Crown Prince felt a surge of murderous intent.
He changed his expression and said with a smile, "What you gentlemen say makes sense, and I also greatly appreciate your words. However, taking on this matter means taking on the imperial examination two years from now. Commander Qin is a pillar of our Jin state, and I am honored to be a part of it. But Commander Qin is still young and inexperienced. Moreover, she is a woman, which makes it inconvenient for her to take on this matter. We need to choose someone else for this task."
The Crown Prince's words sent a chill down everyone's spines.
These days, Qin Jinzhi's actions...
This caused people in the court to overlook her identity as a woman.
Instead, they genuinely treated her as someone in a superior position.
Wei Cha stepped forward again and said, "Your Highness's words resonate deeply with this old minister. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, since Your Highness has brought this up, I have another matter to report!"
The Empress spoke first, "Minister Wei, please speak."
Wei Cha stepped forward and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the imperial examination system is designed to select those with outstanding talent and to choose pillars of the state for Jin. However, the pillars of the state are not limited to men."
The crowd in the hall erupted in uproar.
Then Wei Cha said firmly, "Your subject requests that the imperial examination system also be open to women!"
"Isn't this ridiculous!"
Has Lord Wei lost his mind?
"Women participating in scientific expeditions is unheard of!"
Wei Cha walked to the front of the main hall and stood still.
He pushed his sleeves up and then turned to look at the crowd.
"Why can't women participate in the imperial examinations? Our Jin state is a great and inclusive nation, not bound by those outdated and cumbersome ancient customs. There are countless talented women out there, so what ironclad rule stipulates that women cannot participate in the imperial examinations?"
"Lord Wei, there are many talented women in the capital, but how can they be compared to those who passed the imperial examinations?"
Wei Cha looked at him. "What? These Four Books and Five Classics weren't written by the same person? Men and women don't read the same book?"
"Lord Wei, how did this come up with the Four Books and Five Classics? In this dynasty, most women who can read and write are from noble families. Reading and writing are mainly for future marriage and raising children. Even if they read the same book, how can they be compared to men?"
"absurd!"
Everyone turned around in surprise at the sudden shout.
Then Leng Wendong coughed twice because he had shouted too loudly.
He then immediately said, "Women's literacy is not just for raising children! They can read and write, distinguish right from wrong, and care about world affairs. They are no different from men. If the world had allowed women to participate in the imperial examinations earlier, how could their literary cultivation have been used only for raising children!"
The moment I heard Wei Cha say that the imperial examination would be opened to women.
Leng Wendong's heart was in his throat.
It wasn't nervousness, it was excitement!
"Your subject seconds this proposal!"
Everyone looked in the other direction, and the voice was not Wei Cha's.
Zhao Wuji stepped forward and said, “Women stand in the same world as men. In our powerful Jin Kingdom, women are no longer caged birds confined to their courtyards. Women can also achieve great things. Aren’t there many outstanding women in this hall?”
Everyone looked toward the person in the high position.
The Empress is on the left, and Qin Jinzhi and Cui Ying are beside the Emperor and Empress.
The eight Chidori Guards below.
There was also the only female official among the court officials standing in the main hall.
Su Yue'e.
Another official stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely forbidden! There has never been a precedent in history for women to participate in the imperial examinations. This is overstepping our bounds and an act of usurping power!"
Wei Cha looked at the official and sneered.
"Overstepping your bounds? If you were capable, why would you be afraid of being replaced by a woman?"
A hen crowing at dawn? If you were truly dedicated to the country and its people, what woman would dare to ride on your neck and defecate?
Is this the kind of sour talk that the classics have taught you?
"Upon hearing that a woman wants to participate in the imperial examinations, you say things like 'a hen crowing at dawn.' Are you so afraid? Didn't you earn your official position through your own true talent and learning?"
He immediately pulled out a memorial from his sleeve, this time even bringing pen and ink.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have a report against him. I suspect that his appointment as an official was irregular!"
The official hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I didn't!"
Wei Cha pulled out another memorial, "He was disrespectful to Her Majesty in the main hall! He lost his manners before the palace, I beg Your Majesty to punish him for this grave disrespect!"
The official immediately knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, please forgive me! I absolutely did not do such a thing!"
The Censorate behind him silently noted down Wei Lao's tactics.
They know very little about Elder Wei's abilities!
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