coobybook Chapter 114 The Storm in the Court
Chapter 114 The Storm in the Court
At night, candlelight flickered in the imperial palace's court, its dim light casting ghostly, swaying shadows on the majestic walls. The massive pillars stood like silent giants, witnessing the fierce conflict about to erupt.
The ministers all looked solemn, and the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was almost suffocating. Some of them had furrowed brows, while others had flickering eyes, as if a fierce struggle was going on within them.
At this time, the conservative ministers stood out in an orderly manner. Every wrinkle on the face of the minister in the lead was engraved with stubbornness and rigidity. He held a joint petition in both hands and said in a voice as loud and resolute as a bell: "Your Majesty, the reform of women is indeed a move that will bring disaster to the country and the people. It must not be allowed! Women are virtuous even if they are not talented. Since ancient times, women should stay in the inner house, support their husbands and raise their children. This is the eternal rule left by our ancestors. How can it be changed so easily? Now Concubine Su dares to disrupt the government order. It is really treasonous!" His voice echoed in the empty court with an unquestionable authority.
Their words were like a huge rock dropped into a calm lake, causing a huge uproar. Some of the other ministers lowered their heads in silence, their brows furrowed, as if in deep thought; some nodded slightly, their eyes revealing their agreement with the conservatives' point of view; and still others looked hesitant, weighing the pros and cons.
Standing nearby, Imperial Concubine Su, dressed in a gorgeous yet dignified palace dress, was graceful yet exuded an unparalleled resolve. Beneath her delicate makeup, her eyes revealed a resolute and confident expression. Facing the ministers' aggressive advances, she showed no sign of backing down.
Noble Concubine Su took a step forward, bowed slightly, and spoke in a clear and powerful voice, "My Lords, listen to me. Women's reform is not about overthrowing tradition, but about adapting to the needs of the times and pursuing national development. Many women are actively responding to the girls' schools established by the public. Their diligence and eagerness to learn have not only improved their own qualities, but also brought harmony to their families and stability to society. Look at those schools: the women recite the classics with clear voices, and the scene of their discussion of knowledge is thriving."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the crowd before continuing, "Furthermore, women practicing medicine have greatly supplemented society's medical resources. They are attentive and more patient with patients. In those clinics, the gentle soothing and meticulous care of female doctors have saved countless lives and restored hope and joy to countless families. Furthermore, women in business, with their meticulous approach to detail, have made businesses more prosperous, with clear accounts and orderly management, generating substantial tax revenue for the country."
Concubine Su paused, took a deep breath, and after glancing around, she spoke with even greater enthusiasm, "I have collected detailed data and numerous successful cases. Women's participation in social affairs has not only not caused chaos, but has instead brought new vitality and opportunities to the country's development. They are like flowers in spring, blooming with brilliant colors and adding a unique landscape to this country."
The court was silent, the ministers lost in deep thought. The emperor sat on the high dragon throne, his expression serious, his gaze deep and solemn, shifting back and forth between the ministers and Concubine Su, his mind like a precise scale, weighing the pros and cons.
Finally, the emperor slowly spoke, his voice steady and firm: "What Concubine Su said makes sense. Times are changing. While the laws of our ancestors are important, we must also adapt to the times and keep pace with the times. The women's reform has achieved remarkable results, and I have decided to support it!"
As soon as the emperor finished speaking, Concubine Su felt relieved and a relieved smile appeared on her face. However, the conservative ministers looked embarrassed. Some shook their heads and sighed, while others bit their lips tightly, but they did not dare to say anything more.
From then on, the women's reform was successfully promoted with the support of the court, opening up a new path for the country's prosperity and development, like a spring breeze blowing across this ancient land.