Chapter 85
When Li Qingge heard this name, he felt unhappy. She knew that the law of maternal obedience in Goryeo was very strict, and children born to low-status mothers were often deprived of their surnames and inheritance rights. However, she did not expect that this system would be so strict that she could not even inherit her surname. Phantom Slave, Shadow Slave, this name sounds like it means that the royal bloodline is as illusory as a shadow, and ultimately cannot escape the fate of a slave, as lowly as my mother.
This kind of law made Li Qingge angry and dissatisfied. She believes that everyone is equal and should not be discriminated against or oppressed because of their origin and identity. So, her face darkened and she said in a cold tone: "Why do you call yourself slaves? It makes me feel uncomfortable. We in Dayan have abolished the slave system a long time ago, you should know." Her words revealed that An unquestionable majesty and power shocked everyone present.
When the envoy from Korea heard this, his face was immediately filled with smiles. The smile was like a flower blooming in spring, which was both brilliant and a bit flattering. Following Li Qingge's wishes, he responded respectfully and tactfully: "We obeyed my king's will and traveled thousands of miles to pay tribute. Naturally, these two young masters are also one of the precious gifts accompanying us. Since your majesty does not like their names with With the word 'slave' on it, why not give it to him? Let them start over in the land of Great Yan with their new names to show the emperor’s great kindness and magnanimity?”
Hearing this, Li Qingge’s eyes passed over the two brothers gently, and their figures were in the palace lantern. He looked particularly thin under the reflection, but also tall and straight. She said softly: "Okay, from now on, you will be people of Dayan. I give you the surname Li, your elder brother is named Yuqi, and your younger brother is named Yulin. May you be as lucky as Qilin, as noble as jade, and live in my country Find your dignity and glory in the land of fire.”
Su Xiaomei stood next to her, wearing an elegant dress swaying gently in the wind. She smiled and added: "Jade, that is the symbol of a gentleman. It has been a noble thing since ancient times and represents the respect for heaven and earth. Qilin is the auspicious beast of our Dayan. Its appearance always heralds good luck and auspiciousness. The name I gave you is so beautiful and appropriate, so enviable!" Su Xiaomei actually had something left unsaid in her heart, that is, the Li family is a famous family in the Central Plains, and its status is extremely noble, and it is also a member of the Goryeo royal family. A surname, such a gift, is undoubtedly a great improvement to the status of these two brothers.
Because of the strict law of obedience to one's mother, the King of Goryeo disliked the low birth of the two brothers. Not only did he send them as tributes, he also deprived them of their surnames, making them like rootless duckweeds. Li Qingge was very dissatisfied with this. She felt that the more Goryeo despised them, the more she had to give them dignity and let them know that there were still people in this world who were willing to accept them and give them warmth and care. So, she gave them the good luck of the unicorn, the nobility of the jade, and the royal surname, as if to tell them that from now on, you will be the real king, and you will no longer be the one who is laughed at. "Slave".
When the Korean envoy heard this, his face changed slightly, as if he had something to say but swallowed it back. He looked up and saw Li Qingge's stern gaze, and his heart tightened, as if he was shocked by an invisible force, and he didn't dare to say anything anymore. So, he turned his head and said sternly to the two brothers: "Why don't you thank me? This is the blessing you have cultivated for several lifetimes, to be appreciated and gifted by the queen!"
The two brothers have been receiving praise since childhood. After all the rolling eyes and ridicules, how could I have ever enjoyed such tenderness and grace? Now that I heard that I had been given such a good name, I was so grateful that I shed tears. They knelt on the ground according to etiquette and kept kowtowing to express their thanks. The sound echoed in the empty hall, which seemed particularly sincere and moving.
"Thank you, Her Majesty the Queen!" Although Yuqi and Yulin's voices were a little choked, they were full of gratitude and determination. They knew that from this moment on, their destiny had changed dramatically.
Seeing this, the Korean envoy said again: "Thanks to your majesty's love, if your majesty does not dislike it, we are willing to let these two brothers stay with your majesty and do some chores such as cleaning to show our sincerity and gratitude." However, But he was secretly thinking that although the two brothers were from a humble background, they were handsome and talented. If they stayed with Li Qingge, they might become Goryeo's pawns in Dayan.
Li Qingge smiled and accepted the proposal. She said: "Okay, then they will join the Royal Dance Company in the future. I believe that with their talent and appearance, they will be able to shine in the dance troupe. "Actually, Li Qingge knew in his heart that these two brothers came with a mission. As tribute men, their status was even lower than that of a marriage princess or a hostage. If they were refused, they might not be able to escape death when they returned. She cherished their talents and looks and didn't want them to die like this, so she decided to keep them. Let them perform in the dance troupe and you can watch them in your free time. Why not?
After hearing this decision, the Korean envoy showed an ambiguous smile on his face. He thought to himself that most powerful people are lustful, whether they are men or women. He probably thought that Li Qingge was afraid that people would say she was lecherous, so he kept these two beautiful boys in the dance troupe, but in fact he had other plans. But no matter what, this mission was finally completed, and he felt very relieved.
However, Li Qingge didn’t think that much. She just felt that since the two brothers came to Dayan, they should be given a chance to start over. As for what kind of people they will become in the future, it depends on their own destiny.
For Goryeo, although the two brothers are descendants of the royal family, they have always been ignored because of their origins. But if they can stay with Li Qingge and be reused, then Goryeo will have an extra guarantee. After all, in a country as powerful as Dayan, it is always a good thing to have someone who can speak.
Although the King of Goryeo didn't like the origins of these two brothers, they were his grandsons after all. If it weren't for the strong deterrent power of the Dayan Navy and the fear that they would become Japan's allies, how could he be willing to send his own grandson as a tribute? However, he would naturally not tell Li Qingge these thoughts. After all, in his opinion, Li Qingge was just a young queen, so how could he understand his difficulties and helplessness?
Fortunately, Li Qingge did not understand the true thoughts of the King of Korea, otherwise he would have laughed at his stupidity. As for Goryeo, a barren land, Li Qingge naturally had nothing to gain. But leaving them as his chess pieces may come in handy in the future. After all, in this complex and ever-changing political arena, more power means more protection.
Speaking of that dog, although it doesn’t bite, it always likes to make a fuss, running around and barking constantly, which makes people upset and makes it difficult to rest. In the past, Japan suffered a great loss because of this. Those seemingly harmless puppies actually disturbed people and affected state affairs. Now, we, Dayan, are much smarter and have learned to borrow the power of others to check and balance foreign enemies. No, the two brothers Li Yuqi and Li Yulin from Korea have become the key players in this chess game.
Li Yuqi and Li Yulin, these two brothers have lived in the shadow of the Goryeo court since childhood. Due to their humble background, they have suffered from cold looks and ridicule. Their arrival was originally a subtle political deal between Dayan and Goryeo, but it unexpectedly opened a new door for the two brothers. They were selected into the dance troupe of the Dayan Royal Family and became one of them. This was both an opportunity and a challenge for them.
When they first joined the dance troupe, Li Yuqi and Li Yulin felt uneasy. They thought this was just a temporary measure, and they might have to serve the legendary Queen Li Qingge one day. When they think of relying on their appearance to please others, their hearts are filled with humiliation and unwillingness. However, when they actually met Li Qingge, they found that the queen was completely different from what they had imagined.
Li Qingge, the queen of Dayan, was wearing a gorgeous dragon robe and a golden crown, and her brows revealed an aura of calmness and self-power. However, when she looked at Li Yuqi and Li Yulin, her eyes revealed an indescribable tenderness and care. She had no other intentions for them, she just admired their talents. This discovery made Li Yuqi and Li Yulin's hearts drop to the ground, but also gave rise to an indescribable complex emotion.
The happy thing is that they don’t have to rely on their looks to please anyone, and can maintain their dignity and integrity; but the sad thing is, why can’t the Queen not be tempted by his handsome appearance? Although they come from humble backgrounds, they also have backbone and do not want to be treated as playthings. However, on the other hand, they have never felt any warmth since they were children. Now that they have met a good master like Li Qingge, their hearts have already fallen, but they still get no response, which is called a tangle.
After joining the dance troupe, Li Yuqi and Li Yulin felt more and more that Li Qingge was a great queen. She not only loves the people and abolishes unreasonable systems, but also advocates equality for everyone. The word "equality" sounded like the sound of nature to them. They thought, if Korea could do this, how could their mother be humiliated? Whenever they think of their mother's tearful eyes, their hearts are filled with endless pain and anger.
However, even though they knew that Li Qingge had a distinguished status and could not be devoted to them, Li Yuqi and Li Yulin were still willing to stay by her side silently. They were willing to give everything for her, even just looking at her smile from a distance was enough to satisfy them. During their days in the dance troupe, they worked hard to practice singing and dancing, hoping only to be praised and recognized by Li Qingge during their performances.
The days passed like this. In his free time, Li Qingge would summon Li Yuqi, Li Yulin and the young people from the dance troupe to perform songs and dances. At this time, the palace was filled with laughter and laughter, and the scene was warm and harmonious. Li Qingge sat on the high dragon chair, looking at the young faces below, his heart filled with relief and joy. She knew that these young people were Dayan's future and hope.
One day, when Li Yuqi and Li Yulin led the young people of the dance troupe to perform the newly learned Hu Xuan dance, a strange sound suddenly sounded in the palace. The voice seemed to come from the sky and was very close at hand, shocking everyone. Li Qingge heard it more clearly. The voice said that the system was prompting her to choose talents to help the country, and she was also rewarded with a bottle of water from the mother river.
The water of Zimu River is the treasure in "Journey to the West"! Drinking it can make you pregnant, and you can have a baby without a man! Li Qingge's eyes lit up when he heard this. She had long vowed not to marry, but she wanted to have a child to accompany her and pass on her legacy. Originally, she planned to wait for medical skills to develop and do artificial insemination, but she didn't expect that she would now have this magical water!
The excitement in Li Qingge's heart was almost more joyful than winning a grand prize. She is a far-sighted queen, thinking only about the future of Great Yan for generations to come. The issue of heirs is naturally the most important thing among all the big things, and the water from the Zimu River is simply the best gift God has given her! It can not only satisfy her desire to be a mother, but also ensure that there will be a successor to Dayan's foundation. This is simply a double happiness!
She quickly ordered her attendants to fetch the bottle of water from the mother river and hold it carefully in her hands. The water is clear and transparent, as if it contains infinite power and hope. Li Qingge looked at the divine water in his hand, filled with gratitude and expectation. She knew that this was not just a bottle of water, but also Dayan’s hope and inheritance for the future.
When the two brothers Li Yuqi and Li Yulin saw the Queen so happy, their hearts were filled with joy and pride. They know that although they are from a humble background, it is their honor and pride to be able to contribute to Dayan's future. So, they worked harder to practice singing and dancing, hoping to contribute more to the prosperity of Dayan in the days to come.
From then on, Li Qingge regarded the bottle of water from the mother river as a treasure and would look at it carefully every day. She looked forward to the day when she could use the power of this divine water to give birth to a healthy and smart child, adding new glory to Dayan's foundation. The two brothers, Li Yuqi and Li Yulin, have always been by her side, silently supporting her, accompanying her, and jointly witnessing Dayan's glory and future.
Under the leadership of Li Qingge, Dayan's national power has become increasingly powerful, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the culture flourishes. And the water from the mother river in the bottle is like a mysterious legend, passed down from generation to generation by the people of Dayan, and it has become an eternal legend in the history of Dayan. As for the two brothers Li Yuqi and Li Yulin, they have also found their own place on the stage of Dayan, using their talents and sweat to make outstanding contributions to Dayan's literary and artistic undertakings. Their names are forever engraved in the history of Dayan.
Unexpectedly, among the generous rewards given by the system, there is actually the water of the legendary Zimu River. This sacred water has only existed in ancient legends and dramas since ancient times. It is said that drinking it can give birth to new life without resorting to the love between men and women in the earthly world. Li Qingge, the empress of the Great Yan Dynasty, is holding this crystal clear bottle of divine water that seems to contain endless vitality in her hands, and her heart is filled with indescribable excitement and expectation.
Her face, already as bright as the bright moon, now bloomed with a smile that was more dazzling than the most gorgeous flowers in spring. In that smile, there was both longing for the future and pride in being a woman who could master such magical power. However, the good times did not last long, and this joy was soon replaced by a trace of worry. She frowned slightly, her bright eyes flashing with uncertainty, as if she was having a silent dialogue with the system in her heart: "Is it true that there won't be any strange reactions after drinking this water? ?”
[Ding! The system's familiar yet indifferent voice sounded in Li Qingge's mind, as if it was a response to her worries, "Host, please rest assured that this water is non-toxic, but pregnancy after drinking it is certain, unless the birthplace spring is found." Water, otherwise no strong medicines such as safflower and aconite in the world can dissolve it. Therefore, please think twice before drinking. Once you become pregnant, there is no way back.”]
After listening to the system's words, Li Qingge smiled softly, and his smile revealed firmness and determination. Giving birth to a child is not only a major event for her, but also her responsibility and responsibility as the empress for the future of the Great Yan Dynasty. She knows very well that once she decides to drink the water from the mother-child river, it means that she will take on the role of a mother. No matter what the future holds, she will be responsible to the end and will never regret having an abortion after getting pregnant. Responsible behavior.
After properly storing the water of the Zimu River, Li Qingge’s thoughts turned back to another task given by the system - selecting talents. For her, this task is not unfamiliar, and it can even be said that she is familiar with it. In modern society, she has witnessed with her own eyes how the power of nine-year compulsory education and imperial examinations can make countries produce talents in large numbers and make their country prosperous. However, in this ancient world, she cannot directly copy the modern model. That requires time, patience, and the acceptance and recognition of the entire society.
Therefore, she decided to temporarily use the ancient imperial examination system to solve the immediate talent shortage problem. The imperial examination system, this ancient system that has been used to select talents for the dynasty since ancient times, now has a little unknown wish hidden in Li Qingge's heart. She knew very well that in this era where men were superior to women, it was almost impossible for women to take the imperial examination. Although the stories of female champions and female explorers in dramas are desirable, they are ultimately just fictitious dreams.
However, in the long river of history, there is really such a female champion, her name is Fu Shanxiang. It was during the turbulent and special period of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom that Fu Shanxiang was able to take part in the imperial examination and win the first prize in one fell swoop thanks to the enlightened policies of the Eastern King Yang Xiuqing. Unfortunately, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was not an orthodox dynasty, and Fu Shanxiang's talents and achievements did not receive due recognition and respect in official history.
Li Qingge, as the empress of the Yan Dynasty, has always been committed to promoting equality between men and women. She looked at the people above the court. Except for Su Xiaomei, the loyal female officer, all the others were men. In her heart, she always hopes that more female compatriots can join this center of power, harmonize the yin and yang in the court, and jointly contribute to the prosperity of the Great Yan Dynasty.
Therefore, during the morning meeting the next day, Li Qingge resolutely decreed the establishment of Enke, and specifically proposed the decision to open separate examinations for men and women. This news, like thunder on the ground, instantly exploded in the court hall. The opposition from the ministers was like a river overflowing, rushing straight to the throne, as if to drown her, the empress, in endless condemnation.
However, Li Qingge was mentally prepared for this. She knew very well that the imperial examination system had been the preserve of men since ancient times. Now that she wanted to break this rule, she would naturally encounter countless obstacles and opposition. But she also knew that only by taking this step bravely could the future of the Great Yan Dynasty be brighter and more glorious. She sat on the high dragon chair, looking firmly at the excited ministers below, and silently said to herself: "No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will do it for the future of Dayan and for equality between men and women. , persevere to the end! "The imperial examination, a system that has carried the dreams of countless scholars since ancient times, has gone through thousands of years of ups and downs and remains as new as ever. Its perseverance and vitality are like the inexhaustible source flowing in the long river of history. However, times are changing, but ideas are like stubborn rocks buried deep in the ground, difficult to shake easily. The suggestion that women take part in the imperial examinations was like a thunderbolt in the ears of the world, shaking people's hearts and minds. The reason is simply that the deep-rooted old traditions and rules are at work. They are like invisible shackles, tightly binding people's thoughts and behaviors.
Li Qingge, the empress of the Great Yan Dynasty, was wearing a dragon robe and sitting in the splendid court, with an undoubted majesty between her brows. Although she felt helpless and unhappy in her heart, she could also deeply understand the concerns and prejudices of the courtiers. After all, how can a thousand-year-old custom be changed overnight?
However, what she did not expect was that the two ministers Liu Yong and Liu Qingping, who usually shared the same goals with her, also opposed this matter. Li Qingge's face couldn't help but darken, and an imperceptible chill flashed through his bright eyes. She looked at Liu Yong and asked in a low voice: "Liu Aiqing, why do you oppose the establishment of female imperial examinations?"
When Liu Yong saw this, although he felt a little uneasy, he still bowed respectfully and replied : "I know that Your Majesty is determined to promote equality between men and women, but the establishment of female imperial examinations really needs careful consideration. I am worried that this move may bring some unforeseen troubles."
Li Qingge frowned slightly when she heard this. She was well aware of Liu Yong's loyalty and prudence, so she patiently listened to him continue. Liu Yong bit the bullet and continued: "The imperial examination has been an important way to select talents since ancient times. It values talent rather than gender. However, in the past, people generally believed that 'a woman's lack of talent is a virtue', which led to women's failure to study. There are very few opportunities. If the imperial examination for women is really opened, then there will probably be only two types of people taking the exam: one is people from wealthy families. The rich ladies of the family, they just learn some words to better manage the housework; the other type is the talented women in the brothels in the past, who attract the literati with their talents. Although they are famous, they are inevitably a little bit aloof. We must treat both situations with caution."
After hearing this, Li Qingge was silent for a moment, thinking secretly. She knows very well that the road to study is full of hardships, especially for women, it is even more difficult. There are many boys from ordinary people's families who cannot go to school because of their poor family background, let alone girls? So, she slowly said: "Since ancient times, there has been a saying that 'literate people are poor but military people are rich'. The road to education does require a lot of money. Therefore, those who can participate in the imperial examination are either rich and noble girls, or those who were in the dust of the past. Outstanding person, Liu Aiqing, your worries, I understand in my heart."
After hearing this, Liu Yong felt a little relieved, and then continued: "Your Majesty, if the daughter of a wealthy family really enters the officialdom through the imperial examination, it will probably cause a lot of problems. There is a strong family power behind them Once their interests are affected by the reform, there is no guarantee that they will not hold a grudge and use the opportunity of the imperial examination to form gangs, which is detrimental to the court."
Liu Qingping also echoed: "Yes. Your Majesty, this matter must be guarded against. This family has always been a hidden danger to the court. If their daughters are allowed to enter the officialdom through the imperial examination, wouldn't it be even more difficult to control?"
After hearing this, Li Qingge raised a faint smile, and there was something in that smile. There is helplessness, but also determination. She replied: "What you are worried about is indeed reasonable. However, the key to the rise and fall of a country lies in talents. The power of women cannot be underestimated. They can also hold up half the sky. How can they be reduced because of past grievances? What about giving up those talented women so easily?”
Speaking of this, Li Qingge's eyes became profound, and she seemed to have traveled through time and space, returning to the era when Wu Zetian and Shangguan Wan'er ruled the world together. She said slowly: "I think back then, Empress Wu Zetian was able to accept Shangguan Wan'er, the granddaughter of the guilty minister Shangguan Yi, and let her become her right-hand assistant, and even let her take charge of the imperial edicts in the palace. This kind of broad-mindedness and magnanimity are really rare in the ages. .I am competing with Wu Zetian today, is it possible? Can’t we tolerate these women who have no fault but have lost the opportunity to make progress due to the decline of their families? In fact, this is a loss for the country.”
What Li Qingge said is both reasonable and reasonable. , every word struck the hearts of the courtiers. After hearing this, they couldn't help but nod in agreement, and their admiration for the empress grew a little more in their hearts. There was silence for a moment in the court hall. Only Li Qingge's firm and powerful voice echoed in the empty hall for a long time.
She continued: "I know that change does not happen overnight. However, we cannot stagnate because we are afraid of change. The women's imperial examination is not only to select talents, but also to break the constraints that restrict women's development. yoke, so that they have I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome many difficulties and usher in a more prosperous era for the Yan Dynasty."
Li Qingge's words are like a warm current. It warmed the hearts of the courtiers. They began to re-examine their ideas and positions, and thought about how to contribute to the women's imperial examination. Li Qingge, on the other hand, was sitting on the high dragon chair, looking into the distance with her firm eyes, as if she had seen the new era belonging to women, slowly approaching her.
When Liu Yong and Liu Qingping heard the words of Queen Qingge, their cheeks were instantly dyed with two red clouds, like the first peach blossoms blooming in spring, with a bit of shyness and respect. They hurriedly bent down and performed a standard courtier's courtesy, with unconcealable excitement in their voices: "Your Majesty, you are so kind and broad-minded, and your mind is as vast as the vast sky. We are so impressed that we are like ants. Look up at the mountains with awe! ”
Queen Qing Ge sits on a high dragon chair, wearing a luxurious phoenix robe that is full of brilliance, complementing her deep and wise eyes, as if she can see into people's hearts. A gentle smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, and her voice was as gentle as jade, but still majestic: "Being a monarch, recognizing talents and tolerating others are indispensable. As the old saying goes, the prime minister's belly can hold a boat, let alone Are you an emperor? If there are really outstanding talents among those wealthy ladies of the past, I will definitely use them. Not only I want them to be able to display their talents, and I want them to be convinced from the bottom of their hearts, to be loyal to me, and to jointly contribute to the prosperity of Dayan."
As soon as these words came out, there was a sudden uproar in the court. With sounds of admiration, the ministers nodded in agreement, their eyes shining with respect and conviction for Her Majesty the Queen. "Her Majesty the Queen is truly wise and powerful, and she cares about the world. We are willing to follow her to the death!" Such voices came and went, echoing in the magnificent hall.
Time flies, and the end of the year is here in a blink of an eye. When the ministers stepped into the treasury, they were surprised to find that the treasury was much fuller than in previous years. Gold, silver, jewelry, food and cloth were piled up in mountains, which was dizzying. When they received the generous year-end rewards, they were even more overjoyed. Their faces were filled with satisfaction and joy, and they wished they could fly home immediately to share this rare happy time with their families.
In this festive atmosphere, except for a few stubborn male chauvinists who are still dissatisfied with Her Majesty the Queen, the rest of the ministers are convinced of Queen Qingge and admire her. The feeling is beyond words. Qingge's prestige was so high that even those ministers who had strongly opposed women's participation in the imperial examinations did not dare to express their objections easily for fear of offending this wise and powerful Queen.
However, Queen Qingge was not complacent about this. She knew that more work would be needed to completely change the face of the country. Before officially issuing the decree to restart the imperial examination, she carefully planned three major events to ensure that the reform of the imperial examination system could proceed smoothly.
The first thing is to reform the content of the imperial examination. Queen Qingge knows that traditional knowledge of classics and history is important, but people’s livelihood and economy are equally indispensable. Therefore, she decided that the imperial examination should not only test the candidates' economic and historical talents, but also focus on their understanding of people's livelihood and economy. People's livelihood and economy account for 60%, and traditional talents and education account for 40%. Only candidates with both talents, knowledge and abilities can become the pillars of the country. This decision undoubtedly provides a stage for those candidates who come from poor backgrounds but have unique insights into people's livelihood and economy to showcase their talents.
The second thing is to reform the selection mechanism of officials. Queen Qingge believes that those who pass the Jinshi exam cannot directly become officials, but must first go to various places for a year of experience as "official candidates". During this year, they will go deep into the grassroots level, understand the sufferings of the people, and hone their practical abilities. After the experience period is over, positions will be determined based on their performance. Especially those who are ranked No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, they will receive even more special treatment. Not only will they be sent to internships in rich places, but the official positions they will be awarded in the future will be higher than those in the second or third class. This kind of system design not only ensures the practical ability of officials, but also encourages candidates to strive for better results.
The third thing is to reflect the concept of equality between men and women. Queen Qingge decided that the imperial examinations would be divided into men and women, with 70% of male Jinshi and 30% of female Jinshi. She knew very well that due to the long-term constraints of feudal ethics, there were not many talented and learned women at that time. Therefore, she deliberately set this ratio to balance the differences between men and women. Although only 30% of the admission quota for female Jinshi candidates is 30%, Queen Qingge estimates that since the number of female candidates is far less than that of males and the competitive pressure is relatively small, the final admission rate may be several times or even ten times that of males.
As soon as the edict was announced, the whole country was in an uproar. Some male students are upset that they are not girls, while others are beginning to re-examine their talents and abilities, hoping to stand out in this fair competition. After all, after ten years of studying hard, although there are many people working hard, the competition is too fierce. The hope of being admitted is very slim, not to mention that now the women's department is also open, and 30% of the places have been allocated. This undoubtedly increases the difficulty for male students.
However, the restart of the imperial examination system is a good thing after all. Since Queen Dayan ascended the throne, new policies have been introduced one after another. As a legacy of feudal society, the imperial examination system is naturally the first to be reformed. Although the male students were somewhat dissatisfied, they still had more longing and expectations for the future. They believe that under the leadership of Queen Qingge, Dayan will surely usher in a more prosperous era.
The female students were overjoyed that they finally had a chance to show off their talents. Although the number of admissions is limited, they know that as long as they work hard, it is possible to realize their dreams. As a result, they began to study harder, hoping to win a bright future for themselves in this fair competition.
Queen Qingge looked at all this, her heart filled with relief and expectation. She knew that this reform of the imperial examination system was only the first step towards realizing her dream of prosperity in Dayan. In the future, she has more plans and goals that require her and her subjects to work together to achieve them. But she believes that as long as everyone works together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and jointly create a better tomorrow.
In the capital of Dayan Kingdom, the warm spring sun gently falls on the bluestone road, casting a faint golden glow on the ancient city. On both sides of the street, willow silk blows gently, and peach blossoms smile in the spring breeze, creating a vibrant scene. However, behind the blooming flowers, there is hidden the anxiety and confusion in the hearts of countless scholars.
Li Qingge, a famous female official in both the government and the public, was standing in her simple yet elegant study room, staring at the catkins flying outside the window, with mixed feelings in her heart. She knew very well that in the past few years, many scholars had studied hard, but due to the congestion in their official career, their efforts were about to be wasted. And although I am a woman, I am lucky enough to be appreciated by Her Majesty the Queen and be able to occupy a place in the court. But she hopes to share this luck with more people.
While Li Qingge was immersed in thought, a rush of footsteps broke the tranquility of the study. The maid Xiaocui hurried in, her face filled with unconcealable joy: "My lord, your lord! Her Majesty the Queen has decreed that the examinations will be re-opened to select talents!"
When Li Qingge heard this, his heart suddenly shook, as if a warm current poured into his heart, sweeping away the sorrow of those days. She smiled slightly, with a firm light shining in her eyes: "God is really helping me! This undoubtedly rekindled the fire of hope for those who have lofty ideals."
The news quickly spread throughout the capital and even the entire country. Yan country. After hearing this, the men were as anxious as ants on a hot pot. They were eager to pass the imperial examination and realize their ambitions and ideals. The women, on the other hand, were overjoyed, as if celebrating the New Year. They had never thought that the door to the imperial examination would be open to them.
In a bustling market in the capital, the crowds are bustling and lively. In the bookstore, all kinds of imperial examination guidance books were sold out, and there was a long queue at the entrance of the stationery store. People rushed to buy pens, inks, paper and inkstones, for fear of missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In this craze, Li Qingge’s figure is particularly eye-catching. Not only did she personally participate in the reform of the imperial examination system, she also actively advocated equality between men and women, winning 30% of the new imperial examination quotas for women. This move undoubtedly caused an uproar among the government and the opposition.
Some people praise her courage and vision, while others question her motives and purposes. But Li Qingge was unmoved. She knew that this was for the long-term development of the country, to break the shackles of feudal ethics and allow more talents to have the opportunity to display their talents.
As the imperial examination approaches, the entire Dayan Kingdom is immersed in a tense yet hopeful atmosphere. Scholars studied hard day and night, and parents racked their brains and tried every means to create a better learning environment for their children.
Some families even put aside their sons who have repeatedly failed the exams and devote themselves wholeheartedly to the training of their daughters. They understand that as long as there is an official in the family, regardless of whether they are male or female, it is a matter of honoring the ancestors.
Driven by this craze, the education industry in Dayan Kingdom also ushered in unprecedented development. The implementation of nine-year compulsory education has given more children the opportunity to receive education, and the concept of equality between men and women has gradually taken root in the hearts of the people.
At the same time, in the north of the Great Yan Kingdom, the situation in the Qing Kingdom was completely different. The officials of the previous dynasty only occupied their seats but did not do anything, and corruption was endemic. The country is in poverty, and the people are suffering.
Emperor Qianlong was sitting on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed, looking at the dejected officials below, his heart full of helplessness and anger. He knew very well that if this continued, the Qing Dynasty would be destroyed sooner or later.