Chapter 309 She will be the first to do this.
Chapter 309 She will be the first to do this.
However, some old-fashioned and stubborn ministers looked worried and uneasy.
They worry that women's suffrage will disrupt the traditional order and bring instability.
In their minds, the imperial court has always been a man's domain, and women's participation in politics is unprecedented, which is undoubtedly a huge shock to the traditional order.
Then an elderly minister with white hair bowed slightly and said with full disapproval in his tone, "Your Majesty's move is probably inappropriate! There has never been a precedent for women participating in politics. Wouldn't this disrupt the order of the court?"
Upon hearing this, other ministers who disagreed with the move also began to refute it.
An elderly minister with a serious expression then said, “Your Majesty, women should stay in the inner quarters and manage household affairs. Now that they are participating in politics, it is a violation of ancient teachings. If this sets a precedent, it will be difficult for future generations to correct.”
Another senior official shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, matters of state have been decided by men. Women are gentle and weak and are not capable of shouldering great responsibilities. If they are allowed to participate in politics, I fear they will ruin the country's affairs."
Another senior official said with concern, "Your Majesty, women's participation in politics will inevitably cause much controversy. Moreover, the affairs of the court are complex and ever-changing, and women may find it difficult to cope. This will bring unnecessary trouble to the country."
A thin, elderly minister stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the laws of our ancestors cannot be abandoned. It is against tradition for women to enter the court. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."
Then another minister said in a somber tone, "Your Majesty, women participating in politics can easily lead to suspicions of interference in government affairs by the empress dowager. To ensure the stability of the country, this risky move must not be taken."
The last minister also spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, even if the Crown Princess has some talent, she must not break the rules. Women participating in politics is by no means a blessing for the country."
These words were spoken.
Many of the women present felt very uncomfortable.
The Empress, Consort Li, Consort Min, and Consort Liang all stared at the ministers with hostile eyes.
However, as women in the imperial harem, they were not allowed to interfere in politics.
So even if I felt uncomfortable, I could only endure it.
As for the Seventh Princess and the Ninth Princess, Xie Zhiyi wanted to refute them.
However, since they were women, they felt that if they stood up to refute the argument, they would be seen as biased, so they remained silent.
But it doesn't matter, they are confident that many ministers will speak up to refute them.
Therefore, just when those old-fashioned ministers insisted that women should not participate in politics and there was much discussion.
A young and ambitious minister was the first to step forward.
Lingyan looked and was surprised to see that it was Xie Zhiyi's brother.
His eyes shone brightly, and his words were impassioned: "Fellow seniors, in this day and age, how can we continue to bind talents with old rules? Crown Princess Lingyan has displayed extraordinary strategies in battle, and her achievements are as clear as the sun and moon. If she is excluded from the court because of her gender, it would be a great loss to the country."
Immediately afterwards, another young minister stepped forward.
Lingyan looked up and saw that it was Meng Huai'an.
He said loudly, "Seniors, in ancient times there was Hua Mulan who joined the army in place of her father, and today there is the Crown Princess who has made contributions to the country. The abilities of women should not be underestimated. Since the Crown Princess has the talent to save the world, why can't she enter the court to participate in politics?"
Then a middle-aged, composed minister also spoke up in agreement.
Lingyan looked up and saw that it was Xie Zhiyi's father, Lord Xie.
He stepped forward and solemnly said, “My lords, the country is in dire need of talent. We should judge heroes by their abilities, not by their gender. The Crown Princess’s wisdom is sufficient to handle the affairs of the court.”
Another middle-aged minister nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, the Crown Princess's abilities during this campaign are admirable. Women participating in politics is certainly feasible."
This person is also an acquaintance, Minister Yu of the Ministry of Justice.
Then, a young civil official raised his arm and shouted: "Seniors, do not be stubborn. The Crown Princess's abilities are obvious to all. Allowing her to participate in the government is a move that conforms to the times."
Lingyan didn't know this person and wasn't familiar with him.
Then an older minister slowly spoke up: "Although we adhere to tradition, we should also see the changes of the times. The Crown Princess is indeed very talented. Entering the court and participating in politics can bring benefits to the country."
Lingyan recognized this person; he was the Left Chancellor.
"The Crown Princess's achievements deserve the honor of entering the court to participate in politics."
This is Minister Lu of the Ministry of Works.
"It is not impossible for women to participate in politics; the Crown Princess can serve as a model."
This is the Third Prince.
"Do not let outdated ideas interfere with important national affairs. The Crown Princess is qualified to enter the court."
This is the Ninth Prince.
"His Majesty is wise to grant the Crown Princess permission to participate in politics. We should support this move from the perspective of the overall national interest."
This is Marquis Qingyuan, who is also Little Fatty's grandfather.
"Women's abilities are limitless, and the Crown Princess will surely contribute to the court."
This is the fourth prince.
"Crown Princess Lingyan is truly a pillar of the nation. She should be allowed to enter the court and display her talents."
This is the Fifth Prince.
In an instant, many ministers in the hall stood up to refute those rigid old ministers.
Besides those mentioned above, there were also Zeng Han and Qin Qi, as well as many military generals.
Many other ministers who had not yet spoken also nodded in agreement.
They overwhelmed them in both numbers and momentum.
Seeing this scene, Lingyan was deeply moved and touched.
I never expected that so many people would support and trust her.
Xiao Muyao, He Jingchuan, Lu Yanqing, and Chu Xiyao all showed very pleased smiles upon seeing this.
They did not speak.
The main reason is that they know this is her battlefield, and she will definitely subdue them one by one; she doesn't need them.
She doesn't need them to stand in her way in everything, especially in this matter, which she must win their hearts and minds herself.
Only then could she gain the respect and admiration of all the officials, thus securing her position in the court.
However, those old-fashioned ministers still refused to give up.
An elderly minister with white hair glared angrily and said loudly, "Hmph! You young people only know how to act on a whim, but you do not know the harm of women participating in politics. Since ancient times, the court has been a man's world. Women participating in politics will inevitably disrupt the court."
Another senior official shook his head and said, "Women are fickle and easily swayed by emotions. How can they be entrusted with important state affairs? This is absolutely unacceptable."
Another old minister stroked his beard, his face full of worry, and said: "The laws of our ancestors cannot be abandoned. Women entering the court to participate in politics violates ancient precepts and will surely bring disaster."
"Women should stay at home and not enter the court. If this precedent is set, it will be difficult for future generations to deal with it." Another old minister vehemently opposed this.
“Even if the Crown Princess has made some contributions, the rules must not be broken. Women participating in politics is by no means a blessing for the country,” an old minister said solemnly.
These words sparked another argument between some of the ministers who supported Lingyan and them.
At this moment, the ministers in the hall held differing opinions and argued endlessly.
The entire space was filled with a tense and complex atmosphere.
Everyone's gaze shifted back and forth between Emperor Jingzhao and Lingyan, waiting for the turmoil to develop further.
However, Emperor Jingzhao remained silent throughout, his face expressionless, simply observing from the sidelines.
The Crown Princess sat quietly in her seat, her expression quite indifferent, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking at that moment.
A calm light shone in those bright eyes, as if they had already anticipated this situation.
Her posture remained as upright as a pine tree, and she understood the weight behind the honor bestowed upon her by Emperor Jingzhao.
Faced with the questions and controversies of her ministers, she did not rush to defend herself, but simply watched them argue.
She was well aware that as a woman entering politics, she would inevitably face many difficulties and challenges.
But she was not afraid; instead, a strong fighting spirit surged within her.
And she knew perfectly well that she couldn't possibly refuse.
This will be the catalyst for women to step into the limelight and enter politics.
She will be the first to do this.
It is because of her being the first that there will be a second, a third, and countless other women like her in the future.
Therefore, today, she will surely convince them to accept her participation in government affairs.
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