The ink on the rice paper flowed like a waterfall, dense and numerous. Many officials moved closer and craned their necks to see, observing various calligraphic styles—seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script—all present. Some were vigorous as startled dragons with ink splashing across a thousand miles, some were strong as iron paintings with silver hooks, both bold and graceful, others were gentle and ethereal like raindrops on empty mountains…
They all appeared to be names, no fewer than ten thousand!
“These are all written by female disciples from the academies of this commoner, Brother Mingjing, Brother Shiyu, and several other friends. They hope to participate in imperial examinations like men and serve the nation. Of course, this is only a small portion. Great Zhou has as many good daughters as it has good sons. Moreover, whether one can stand here and guide the nation cannot be achieved merely by taking examinations—one needs the talent of a top scholar, the wisdom of second place, and the strength of third place. If one possesses such talent and wisdom, what difference does it make whether they are male or female?”
“The ancients said: ‘Therefore students need not be inferior to teachers, and teachers need not be more worthy than students. There are those who hear the Way first, and there are specializations in knowledge—that is all.’ How is it not the case now that women need not be inferior to men, and men need not be more worthy than women—it is just the same. Could it be that Great Zhou men fear this examination? Or are you learned gentlemen also timid, only fearing you cannot match those ‘mere women’ you speak of?”
Tingyu held the scroll and turned to smile at the officials.
The court had already fallen completely silent.
Huang Zhongyue, who had been about to lead others in kneeling, remained half-bent, while the several Royalist old ministers who had been remonstrating unto death earlier also looked at each other. In the previous debates, many had argued that not only did they disapprove of this move, but civilian scholars would also oppose it to the end. Who would have expected Tingyu’s sudden arrival? This great Confucian, who could almost represent all scholars under heaven, actually held such an attitude. His words were flawless, his petition magnificent in scope. By the end, further argument would only make men appear inferior to women, leaving people unable to refute anything.
The Quan faction members all looked rather grim, all wondering whether this was the Emperor’s stratagem—deliberately sending the Prime Minister away and finding someone to impersonate the great Confucian Tingyu?!
But if it was impersonation, this person was truly formidable.
Wei Chenghui had been frowning tightly and now spoke very quickly: “The three gentlemen have come at our Emperor’s invitation. Today we have gained more from hearing your words than from reading ten years of poetry and books. Please stay for several more days. When court is finished, this old man also wishes to consult you on some scholarly questions.”
Tingyu seemed to see through his thoughts at a glance. The great Confucian smiled: “You are too kind, sir. How dare mountain folk show off before you? Today this commoner has the honor of seeing this great palace hall and feels overwhelming awe. I only hope to stay in this place of wealth and nobility a little longer. This commoner and two disciples haven’t seen each other for a long time. Since we have the fortune to be here, no matter how long, we should wait for them.”
As he spoke, he gestured invitingly to the two old men beside him, bowed once more to Lian Yu, then stepped aside. His courtesy was perfect.
This statement effectively confirmed his identity, making officials even more surprised. Tingyu was Quan Feitong’s teacher—how had Lian Yu managed to invite this great scholar?
Huang Zhongyue was after all a minister of three reigns. Thinking carefully, he used a deflecting strategy: “Your Majesty, since this matter remains undecided today, why not postpone further discussion? Your Majesty can also consider it more carefully.”
At this moment, though opponents were fewer than before, immediately more than ten ministers followed in agreement, including several Royalist old ministers. Seeing this, Yan Da and Lian Jie hurriedly stepped forward: “Your Majesty, today’s matter should be resolved today. This isn’t like disasters, military supplies, or provisions that change constantly—why should we choose another day for discussion?”
Xiao’an glared hard at Lian Yue, looking at Lian Yu with some worry.
Everyone knew that today Lian Yu had unexpectedly used Tingyu to suppress this group’s arrogance. If they were allowed to prepare afterward, implementing this later would be difficult!
Unexpectedly, Lian Yu said: “What harm? Let’s postpone discussion then. There’s nothing important today either. With—”
He seemed about to announce the end of court when Mingjing suddenly stepped forward: “Your Majesty, since there are presently no urgent matters, we three have two friends who came from afar admiring Great Zhou women’s examination opportunities. Would Your Majesty be willing to meet them?”
“Why not?” Lian Yu nodded.
Mingjing bowed in thanks, walked outside the hall, and soon brought two men in. The ministers were extremely shocked—what was this about now?
The two men following Shiyu were in their thirties or forties. One was tall and robust with a slight mustache, his face angular and square, masculine and upright. The other was handsome and refined, clean-shaven with a fair complexion. Both wore brocade robes with silk sashes. Compared to the plain-looking Mingjing and Shiyu, they were far more distinguished and clearly either wealthy or noble at first glance.
“Lord Luo, years ago this official served as envoy to your country. After parting for so many years, I never expected to reunite here today. I failed to welcome you properly—please forgive me, Lord Luo.” At this moment, Minister of Personnel Liang Yida stepped forward, quite surprised as he greeted the second man.
The fair-faced man Luo Zijun quickly smiled back: “Minister Liang, what are you saying? You’re too courteous. It’s our honor to pay respects to Great Zhou’s sovereign today.”
Liang Yida looked at Lian Yu with confusion, speaking somewhat fearfully: “Your Majesty, envoys from Jin have arrived—why weren’t we notified to prepare a welcome?”
“Oh? I also didn’t know the gentlemen brought guests, and important officials from neighboring countries at that.” Lian Yu’s tone rose slightly, seemingly genuinely unaware.
But officials’ hearts were in turmoil—was His Majesty truly unaware? Through introductions by Liang Yida and Mingjing, it turned out the Luo-surnamed man was Jin Kingdom’s Hanlin Academy Editor Luo Zijun, while the mustached man had an even greater background—he was actually Chu Kingdom’s Grand Secretary Shi Shoujing.
Chu Kingdom was hostile to Wei Kingdom. The two were strong enemies. In the Mochou case, Lian Yu had allied with Miao. If Chu and Wei went to war in the future, he would definitely not assist Chu. Who would have thought Chu would send envoys to Zhou today?!
One wave had not settled when another arose. At this moment, officials’ suspicions reached the extreme.
Luo and Shi also paid respects to Lian Yu. After the formalities, they stated their purpose.
It turned out Mingjing had considerable friendship with scholars from many countries, maintaining correspondence. When he mentioned Great Zhou’s plan to hold women’s imperial examinations, both found it incredible and reported it to their sovereigns. They were then ordered to come to Zhou to observe Great Zhou’s policies and measures regarding women taking examinations, then return to report in detail.
In their words, both appeared greatly excited.
But Lian Yu hesitated slightly before speaking: “I fear you two have made this trip in vain. This decree is still under deliberation in our country and has not been implemented.”
Both men were stunned. After a long moment, Shi Shoujing laughed first, saying to Luo Zijun: “Brother Luo, you lost. I said this women’s examination thing couldn’t possibly succeed.”
Though his eyes carried laughter, they clearly also concealed a trace of arrogance.
The three men Tingyu and others first changed expressions. Mingjing lowered his voice: “Scholar Shi, please watch your words. This is within Great Zhou’s borders—you should respect our Emperor.”
Shi Shoujing waved his hand dismissively: “Brother Ming, how dare I not respect Great Zhou’s sovereign? It’s just that women taking examinations is absurd. Even if Great Zhou women are more intelligent than women of other countries, how dare Great Zhou risk universal condemnation? Besides, Great Zhou has many promiscuous women—wasn’t there a case involving the Wei Crown Prince before?”
Though he said he dared not disrespect Great Zhou’s sovereign, his words carried complete arrogance and wild insolence. All officials were both shocked and angry!
Everyone knew Chu and Wei were at odds. This Chu scholar, using Mingjing’s introduction at this crucial moment, was definitely seeking revenge for the Zhou-Wei alliance. That Luo Zijun sighed: “Brother Shi speaks too heavily. Women taking examinations is indeed absurd, but since you chose the negative position first in our wager, I had no choice but to give an affirmative answer.”
“But saying Great Zhou women are promiscuous greatly exceeds propriety. Won’t you quickly kowtow to the Zhou sovereign and admit your error?” He tried to persuade.
Shi Shoujing sneered: “Even if they are promiscuous, to insist there are top scholar talents among women who can surpass men—isn’t this too laughable? It’s nothing but wanting to use this to enhance Great Zhou women’s reputation!”
Officials could no longer restrain themselves. Even though Luo Zijun seemed to maintain some courtesy, his single word “absurd” was ultimately hard to bear, while Shi Shoujing’s words and actions—how could anyone swallow this insult!
Yan Da shouted sternly: “Scholar Shi, if you dare speak wildly again, don’t blame our country for disregarding relations between our nations and detaining you.”
“We of magnificent Great Zhou—how can millions of Great Zhou daughters be slandered by you, a petty scholar?”
“Doesn’t Chu Kingdom have promiscuous people? Great Zhou has women who are promiscuous, but also women of talent. Look at the Empress Dowager, Princess, and Consort Gu in this hall—these people once solved three major cases within the country.”
“Exactly. Does your great Chu have such capable judges of cases? If not, please roll back to your well-bottom land.”
…
“Your Majesty, please allow this minister to arrest and imprison this person!”
After Yan Da, Si Lanfeng, Gao Chaoyi and others spoke successively. Even the previously opposing Royalist old ministers, many neutral faction ministers, and Quan faction ministers were all indignant, stepping forward to memorialize.
The ministers concluded with National Uncle Murong’s stern declaration to “arrest this person.” However, Lian Yu showed no great anger, his eyes even appearing quite gentle.
“Your Majesty—” Officials knelt in appeal.
“All of you rise!” Finally, Lian Yu coldly ordered, then turned with hands behind his back to size up Shi Shoujing and Luo Zijun.
His gaze was steady, like a quiet flowing stream.
Officials couldn’t help but be shocked. Though mindful of relations between the two countries, how could they not fight back now! As Zhou’s sovereign, Lian Yu’s appearance at this moment clearly showed he didn’t intend to compete.
At this time, the Royalist old ministers who had been remonstrating unto death filed out, ready to kneel and memorialize again to punish this Chu minister. Before they could kneel, Lian Yu had already spoken. He smiled slightly, still neither angry nor surprised. His gaze swept over Shi and Luo, yet seemed like the sharpest knife.
“Why are you two gentlemen so hasty to draw conclusions? I said this time might make you two travel in vain, and that this decree is still under deliberation in our country. But I never said we wouldn’t implement this decree—it’s just a matter of sooner or later.”
“But now, since you two guests regard this so highly, to avoid letting you return empty-handed, I hereby decree that three months hence, I will hold the second imperial examination since my enthronement, the first universal imperial examination for all Great Zhou citizens. Throughout the nation, regardless of gender, all may take the examinations!”
“Do any ministers still have objections? Even if you still have concerns, I will forcibly implement this decree!”
His voice was both clear and deep, resounding throughout the entire court hall.
“We ministers respectfully obey our Emperor’s decree!”
In the court hall, except for Huang Zhongyue and Wei Chenghui, everyone knelt down. The two exchanged glances. Huang Zhongyue gritted his teeth and lifted his robes. As Wei Chenghui knelt, he glanced at Lian Yu and indeed saw the coldest smile in his eyes.
False, all false! Wei Chenghui quietly clenched his fists and smiled, knowing full well that Lian Yu’s previous restless anger, his gentleness toward neighboring country guests—all was false, all deliberately performed. This was the real him.
Tingyu and others might also be real, but were these Shi and Luo real or false? But regardless, this show was arranged by him—he wanted no opposing voices left in court!
Why would Quan Feitong be willing to introduce Tingyu to him?
He clenched his fists tighter.
Minister Feng, with women’s examinations now established, not only has Lian Yu achieved his political ideals, but even if your daughter’s identity is revealed to the world, she is innocent!
But whoever laughs last, laughs best, isn’t that right? She is ultimately a member of the Feng family awaiting judgment!
Officials returned Shi Shoujing’s stare, while in Wei Chenghui’s eyes, the seemingly real yet false Shi Shoujing remained arrogant, raising his eyebrows and smiling: “Great Zhou’s Emperor has such spirit, but I wonder how many women will actually pass into the metropolitan examinations?”
The metropolitan examinations came after provincial examinations. Officials were furious. Yan Da was about to speak when, under everyone’s gaze, Aluo walked down. She walked before Tingyu, bowed her head in salute, removed the phoenix hairpin from her head, and suddenly pricked her index finger. Everyone was surprised, but saw her suddenly bend down and write swiftly in regular and running script on the rice paper on the ground.
In an instant, the three characters “Gu Xiluo” appeared like cinnabar, signed amid the splashed ink on the full paper, like red plums in snow.
She quickly inserted the pin back into her hair, turned to kneel before Lian Yu, and said with utmost composure: “Your Majesty, Aluo wishes to be the first woman to take the examinations. To show fairness, I will take them under an assumed name, and here promise to—”
She spoke while facing Shi Shoujing, saying word by word: “Scholar Shi, I guarantee I will definitely advance to the palace examinations and accept the scholar’s inspection. If I cannot achieve this, I voluntarily renounce my consort position and henceforth become an ordinary civilian woman. How is this wager?”
Tingyu looked at his female disciple and gently nodded. Shi Shoujing and Luo Zijun exchanged glances. Shi Shoujing frowned deeply and after a long time said somberly: “Consort Gu speaks too seriously. Then this humble one will await to witness Your Ladyship’s great talent.”
Aluo smiled slightly and said nothing more, only looking at Lian Yu. Beside them, Lian Yue’s expression was somewhat ugly. Xiao’an glanced at her and nodded slightly.
Lian Yu’s profound gaze lingered on her for a long time. Finally, he lightly raised his eyebrows, and the cold look in his eyes melted away considerably.
Led by Lian Jie, officials all said: “We wish Consort Gu success in the examinations.”
Aluo’s lips slowly curved upward, thinking: Being able to stand beside you like this and support you is my happiest thing.
“Each generation produces talented people—what fine spirit!” One clap, two claps, three claps… Before she could return to his side, someone outside the hall applauded and laughed softly. In an instant, everyone in the hall was astonished—there was yet another group of people?
In their stunned moment, they saw a procession of five or six people slowly walking in.
Leading was a scholar in his forties, followed by today’s absent Quan Feitong, Li Zhaoting, and Chao Huang—two civil and one military official—and finally the Hanlin Academy Grand Secretary Gu Nanguang who had been claiming illness for many days, and Li Huaisu who had also been unseen for many days.
The one applauding was precisely the scholar walking in front. However, though “he” was dressed as a man, no one in court failed to recognize “him”—”he” was the late Emperor’s former favorite consort, Consort Ai, now Dowager Consort Ai, who had been supremely favored in the six palaces during the late Emperor’s lifetime.
Though they didn’t know why this Dowager Consort had suddenly appeared here, officials still hurriedly paid their respects.
After Quan Feitong and others paid respects, Lian Yu stepped forward, smiling and asking without revealing his emotions: “Dowager Consort, it’s been a long time. I have missed you greatly. But today you come here for—”
He spoke and stopped at just the right moment.
“This consort heard from Yue’er that Your Majesty has the intention to promote women’s imperial examination reforms. Ordinarily the inner palace cannot interfere in politics, but this matter is of great importance. Imperial consorts have responsibilities and should also participate, so I came to express my position. I was delayed on the road and came late—Your Majesty should not blame me. Well, greetings to Sister Empress Dowager An. You and I haven’t seen each other for many years either. How are you, sister?” Dowager Consort Ai smiled in reply, then faced Xiao’an and slowly curtsied.
Xiao’an’s brow was like deep masonry, instantly darkening. After a long time, she finally said lightly: “Thank you for your concern, sister. There’s no good or bad—it’s just that old friends are all still here, so I dare not neglect taking care of myself, lest I take a step ahead of others.”
Between the two, another undercurrent arose in the silent court hall. Dowager Consort Ai giggled but didn’t continue reminiscing. She looked at Lian Yu again and smiled: “Your Majesty, it seems the matter of examinations has been settled in court, so there’s no need for this consort to say much.”
“However, this consort encountered an interesting matter on the road that I should tell Your Majesty about.”
“Oh?” Lian Yu now slightly restrained his smile and responded lightly, directly placing his gaze on Quan, Li, and the others.
Officials did likewise. Xiao’an frowned slightly, grasping the hand of Hong Gu who was supporting her. Tingyu, Shi Shoujing, and others also directed their gazes over.
Everyone knew that a Dowager Consort wouldn’t come to court hall just to tell an ordinary interesting story. This matter probably concerned the several people behind her.
From Quan Feitong down, everyone’s expressions were complex and different. Even the usually smiling and gentle Prime Minister’s gaze was now deep and stern, while the usually elegant and neat Gu Nanguang was unkempt and disheveled, appearing excited yet mad. Everyone knew this matter was not simple.
As if an even greater surge was pressing down deeply, everyone felt an indescribable complex feeling rise in their hearts—seeming like nothing yet like shock and fear, making people feel covered by a great stone.
“Li Huaisu, since you came with Dowager Consort Ai, why don’t you explain what happened?” After a period of silence, Lian Yu spoke lightly, pointing directly with certainty.
Suzhen took a deep breath. As always, she swept her robe and knelt before him.
“Your Majesty, this subject has taken on the capital’s Xiushui Village murder case, namely the Gu Shuangcheng case.”