mtl008 Chapter 248 Court Debate (3)
Chapter 248 Court Debate (3)
In an instant, the ministers' rebukes swept over Shi Wanxia like a surging tide, wave after wave.
Those high-ranking officials and nobles who usually prided themselves on being gentlemen and elegant were now blushing, completely disregarding their manners, uttering foul language, and only wanting to devour this "ignorant and arrogant" woman in an instant.
Cui Zhihao stood to the side, his brow furrowed, his heart filled with rage. He looked at his colleagues, who usually spoke eloquently about benevolence and morality, frequently quoting classical texts to demonstrate their gentlemanly demeanor.
But now he's lost his composure like this, ganging up on a defenseless woman and hurling insults at her. Where is the slightest bit of gentlemanly conduct in him? He clenched his fists, his gaze shifting between the crowd and Shi Wanxia, pondering how to end this farce.
Shi Wanxia, however, stood tall in the eye of the storm of public opinion, like a resilient blade of grass in a strong wind, without flinching in the slightest.
Her gaze was cold as she slowly swept over the assembled ministers. After the tidal wave of curses subsided, she parted her lips slightly and said, "My lords, since you consider yourselves to have studied diligently and are well-versed in etiquette, how can you not know the saying 'The ocean is vast because it embraces all rivers'? Although I am a woman, I also care about the fate of the Cangling Kingdom."
“Nowadays, we are surrounded by powerful enemies, the border war is intense, and the domestic economy is in decline and people’s livelihood is difficult. The reform measures I propose are not unfounded ideas, but rather the result of on-site visits and careful consideration.”
She paused, her gaze hardening as she looked directly at Censor-in-Chief Li: "Lord Li, you bear the heavy responsibility of overseeing all officials and rectifying the court. Have you carefully examined the root causes of the many obstacles hindering the implementation of current policies?"
“If the etiquette and laws you speak of are only used to stifle new ideas and suppress those who offer advice, then they are the ones that truly harm the country.”
After saying that, she looked at the Minister of Personnel and said, "Lord Wang, your selection of virtuous and capable officials is naturally to gather talents for the court. But if you reject my useful suggestions because of my status as a woman, how can you convince the talented people of the world to do their best for the court?"
These words, spoken neither servile nor arrogant, struck like a heavy hammer on a drum, and the hall immediately quieted down somewhat.
The ministers looked at each other, some with shame, but a few stubborn ones snorted and turned their heads away, unwilling to look directly at each other.
The emperor sat upright on his dragon throne, silently observing the battle. At this moment, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze deep as he scrutinized Shi Wanxia, as if trying to see through this courageous and insightful woman, or perhaps weighing the pros and cons of her words... No one could immediately know how this court assembly would end.
Then, she turned to the officials who had mocked her for her lack of knowledge, her expression showing no anger, only calmness and determination: "You gentlemen take pride in your years of hard study, but I, too, have spent my days in my boudoir, burning the midnight oil and studying countless classics."
"Although I have never taken the imperial examination, I know that the true path of learning lies not in empty fame, but in practical application. You have studied diligently for more than ten years to enter the court as officials, yet you turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people, clinging to the 'Doctrine of the Mean' in books without knowing how to adapt. How can you be worthy of being called the people's parents and officials?"
Shi Wanxia slightly raised her hands, as if to lift up the weight of the court.
“I am but a weak woman, and I am doing this so that all the people of this world can have a way to survive, and so that the Cangling Kingdom can regain its former glory, not so much as you all say, but to try to overthrow the dynasty. It is you officials who are turning a blind eye and a deaf ear, forming cliques and eliminating dissent, that are truly pushing the court into the abyss.”
Having said that, she stood tall and graceful, her figure like a plum blossom braving the snow, quietly waiting for the crowd to challenge her or ponder her next move. In the court, only Shi Wanxia's voice lingered, its echoes reverberating for a long time.
Inside the Golden Palace, the atmosphere was so oppressive it felt like a storm was about to break. The ministers surrounded Shi Wanxia in the center, and their foul language swept over her wave after wave.
The Vice Minister of Rites blushed and pointed at Shi Wanxia, roaring, "You ignorant and arrogant woman! How dare you act so presumptuously in the imperial court? Get out of here at once!"
The Ministry of Revenue official standing nearby also shouted, "A mere woman presumptuously discussing state affairs is utterly absurd! Do not disrupt the order of the court!"
Those angry shouts echoed throughout the palace, seemingly trying to extinguish the flames of dissent completely.
Standing to the side, Cui Zhihao was filled with rage at the sight. These colleagues, who usually spoke of benevolence and morality and considered themselves gentlemen, were behaving so crudely and uncouthly, showing no trace of the refined manners of scholars.
He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. Before His Majesty could speak, he suddenly stood up, his tall figure like a wall, resolutely blocking Shi Wanxia's way.
Upon seeing this, Shi Wanxia was startled. She knew that Cui Zhihao's protection would likely bring her a lot of trouble, and she was about to speak up to dissuade him.
But then she saw Cui Zhihao turn around and smile gently at her. His smile was like the warm spring sun, dispelling the gloom in her heart. He gently shook his head, signaling her not to speak and to rest assured.
Choi Ji-ho turned around, faced the assembled ministers, took a deep breath, and said loudly, "Your Excellencies are all role models and seniors for us, but if I may be so bold, your actions today have been quite biased."
He bowed slightly and then said, "Since ancient times, our dynasty has been accustomed to confining women to the inner quarters, preventing them from displaying their talents and limiting their knowledge. But is this truly beneficial to the country and its people?"
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. Some were about to speak in protest, but Choi Ji-ho stopped them with a raised hand.
"His Majesty,"
Cui Zhihao turned to the throne, knelt down and kowtowed, "Miss Shi's identity is special, as you also know, she is not a citizen of my Cangling Kingdom."
"In her hometown, no matter how far away they are, if their people are bullied by other countries, the whole nation will fight for them. Such a united and protective country is a force to be reckoned with."
An uproar erupted in the hall, with ministers whispering amongst themselves, their expressions varied.
Cui Zhihao did not stop there, and continued, "Although Miss Shi is an orphan, her hometown has never abandoned her and has allowed her to attend school to learn to read and write. Because of this, she knows many skills and knowledge that we do not know."
"Your Majesty, you have also investigated in secret. She has greatly promoted agriculture and commerce in Xinyang. The exquisite glasswork is her work. Even the current Minister of Works is probably amazed by it."
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to the Minister of Works, who looked ashamed and lowered his head slightly.
"Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to reconsider,"
Cui Zhihao touched his forehead to the ground, his voice firm, "We absolutely cannot touch this girl. If we act rashly, and if the country behind her supports her, how will Cangling continue? Even if you all have doubts, can we afford to bear this unknown risk?"
For a moment, the court fell into a deathly silence, and the ministers felt as if a boulder had been thrown into their hearts, causing a thousand waves to surge.
They looked at Shi Wanxia, a lone woman with extraordinary speech and outstanding demeanor. Although she was alone at the moment, the power of the distant country she spoke of loomed over them like a dark cloud, making them dare not underestimate her.
They secretly pondered that if they were to offend such a mysterious woman in the name of momentary impulse, and were to get themselves into trouble, the consequences... no one dared to gamble on this unknown fear.
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, remaining silent, his gaze sweeping over Cui Zhihao and Shi Wanxia with profound intensity, as if weighing the pros and cons, or pondering what kind of fate this sudden change would bring to the Cangling Kingdom.
After a long while, the tightly closed lips moved slightly, but no sound came out. This moment of silence, like the calm before a storm, made everyone's hearts hang in the balance.
The Minister of Rites stared wide-eyed, his face turning pale and then red. His hand, which was stroking his beard, trembled involuntarily. He thought to himself: What Cui Zhihao said makes sense. If we act rashly and really provoke conflict with other countries, the Ministry of Rites will be the first to bear the brunt, and dealing with foreign affairs will be a real problem.
He still tried to sound tough, saying, "Hmph, how can we believe the words of this mere child? Don't be alarmist!" But his confidence was clearly lacking, and his voice sounded somewhat weak.
The Minister of Revenue frowned, repeatedly stroking the jade pendant on his court robe, as if trying to calm his inner turmoil.
He murmured worriedly, "If what Lord Cui says is true, and we harm this woman, not only will it affect our business and cut off our source of income, but if it also triggers war, the national treasury will not be able to support us..."
Thinking of this, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his gaze toward Cui Zhihao held a hint of inquiry and contemplation.