mtl008 Chapter 221 Debate at the County Government Office
Chapter 221 Debate at the County Government Office
The girls' school in Xinyang County has been open for three days, but the voices of opposition have not subsided.
The troublemakers continued to loiter around the girls' school, either gathering crowds to make noise or pointing at the girls who came to study, trying to disrupt the nascent teaching order.
Shi Wanxia frowned, knowing full well that if these trivial matters were allowed to spread, the future of the girls' school would be in jeopardy.
After pondering for a long time, she instructed Xu Mingyi: "Go and post a public notice, and have everyone in the county gather at the entrance of the county government office. I want to explain to everyone in person the benefits of women being literate. If there are any objections, you can raise them here."
Xu Mingyi accepted the order and left. Before long, the magistrate's decision spread throughout the streets and alleys. Supporters spread the news excitedly, thrilled to have such an opportunity for public debate.
Opponents were dissatisfied, believing that this was Shi Wanxia's willful act, and the two sides argued endlessly, as if the entire Xinyang County had been caught in a storm of public opinion.
Inside the Princess's villa, upon hearing this, Shen Yunzheng's lips curled into a mocking smile: "This woman is truly overestimating herself. Does she think she can persuade the entire county on her own? That's utterly delusional."
She had always disliked Shi Wanxia, feeling that Shi Wanxia, a mere county magistrate, always acted out of line. Now, by opening a girls' school, she had further angered many conservatives. In Shen Yunzheng's view, Shi Wanxia would eventually suffer the consequences.
Shen Yanchu, however, had a solemn expression. His mind was not on the disputes over the girls' school, but rather on Shi Wanxia's attitude towards him.
As the Prince of Xiang, he was of noble status and treated Shi Wanxia with utmost sincerity. He even disregarded her lowly status and was willing to provide her with protection and a comfortable life, but Shi Wanxia rejected him without hesitation.
Why is she so resolute? Is being a county magistrate in this remote and impoverished place more appealing than returning to the capital with me to share wealth and glory?
Shen Yanchu muttered to himself, his heart filled with confusion and disappointment. He thought he had explained the situation clearly to Shi Wanxia. Although she could not be his principal wife, he would definitely give her endless favor, but she remained unmoved.
"Fine, let's go see how she plans to handle this situation tomorrow." Shen Yanchu sighed helplessly.
Ye Wenshu, however, was lost in thought. She was filled with admiration and longing for Shi Wanxia. Shi Wanxia debated with people in public, served as a county magistrate as a woman, and boldly established a girls' school. All of this was so dazzling in Ye Wenshu's eyes.
She recalled the teachings she had received since childhood: the idea of "obeying one's father at home and one's husband after marriage" had bound her like shackles, while Shi Wanxia was able to break through these constraints and live so freely and unrestrainedly.
Especially the words Shi Wanxia said when she refused Shen Yanchu: "Brother Shen, thank you for your kindness, but we are just strangers who met by chance. I saved you only out of humanitarianism."
“The difference between us is not just our social status. All I want is a lover who loves and respects me wholeheartedly and supports me in everything I do, not a husband with three wives and four concubines.”
"I received the best education and know the principle of loving yourself before loving others! My teachers also told all women that women can hold up half the sky and transform the country."
"I wonder if Your Highness Prince Xiang understands? You and I are not on the same path, and it is normal that we cannot be together! Miss Ye has a gentle personality and is suitable to be your wife. I also hope that Your Highness can put aside this woman and love her wholeheartedly."
These words deeply moved Ye Wenshu; she had never imagined that a woman could have such thoughts and aspirations. For the past two days, she couldn't help but go to the county government office to get closer to Shi Wanxia and the group of energetic and courageous people around her.
She knew her behavior violated social norms, but she didn't care because she experienced a joy she had never felt before—a pure joy that came from doing what she wanted to do and helping others.
Shen Yanchu's gaze inadvertently swept over Ye Wenshu, noticing that her eyes were somewhat unfocused and she seemed absent-minded. He knew that Ye Wenshu had been frequently visiting Shi Wanxia these past few days, and although he was somewhat displeased, he didn't think much of it.
In his view, Ye Wenshu was gentle and dignified, and the fact that she was already trying to persuade Shi Wanxia before they were even married showed that she was virtuous and kind.
"After we get married, I will definitely treat her well. She is the principal wife, and I will not be stingy with the honor and love she deserves."
Shen Yanchu said to himself inwardly, but deep in his eyes, there was still a trace of lingering affection and resentment for Shi Wanxia.
At the entrance of the county government office, the crowd surged like a tide, and the noise rose and fell. As evening fell, Xia Lian moved lightly and stepped onto the high platform. She was dressed in a plain-colored official robe, but it could not hide the heroic spirit and determination that emanated from her.
After the commotion subsided slightly, she parted her lips slightly, and her voice, as loud as a bell, echoed in the air above the county government office.
"Fellow villagers, I have gathered you all here today for the matter of Xinyang Girls' School. I know that this matter has caused a great uproar in our county, with many controversies and questions. Today, I will speak frankly and make things clear."
Shi Wanxia slowly swept her gaze across the crowd below the stage, neither humble nor arrogant.
Throughout history, many have believed that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent, and that she should remain secluded in her chambers, managing household affairs, supporting her husband, and raising children. But is this truly the right way? No!
She slightly raised her chin, her eyes revealing a sharp glint.
"As you can see, how many intelligent women, despite their talents, are buried in the mundane tasks of daily life because they have not had the opportunity to read and write. Women are also human beings, with emotions and desires, and with a thirst for knowledge and curiosity about the world."
"For women, reading and writing are not for the purpose of gaining fame and fortune, but for understanding principles and cultivating character. Being able to distinguish right from wrong and good from evil can bring harmony to the family and the neighborhood."
“If women are knowledgeable, they will have better methods for teaching their children. In this way, the knowledge can be passed down from generation to generation. Wouldn’t the future of Xinyang be even brighter?” Shi Wanxia paused slightly at this point, as if giving everyone time to think.
"Looking back at the long river of history, there is no shortage of heroines. Mulan joined the army in place of her father, fought bravely on the battlefield, and protected her country. Without her intelligence and perseverance, how could she have accomplished such a feat? Mu Guiying led the army and broke through the Tianmen Formation. Who says that women are inferior to men? These are all role models for women. Because they have knowledge and courage, they were able to shine brightly in a world dominated by men."
"Furthermore, in my Xinyang, if all the women in the family could read and write, learn some skills, such as being good at accounting, needlework, or medicine, they could not only help the family make a living, but also have the ability to save themselves and others in times of disaster or hardship. Wouldn't this be beneficial to both the family and the county?"
Shi Wanxia's voice grew more and more impassioned, and she raised her hands slightly as if embracing this land and everyone.
“I know some villagers are worried that women showing their faces in public violates social norms. However, the essence of social norms is to maintain order and goodness in the world, not to shackle women. It is unwise to hinder progress because of old customs.”
Just then, a burly troublemaker in the crowd shouted, "Women should stay in their proper place and not study! This goes against the rules of our ancestors!"
"What kind of behavior is it for a woman to be literate and show her face in public? How can she serve her parents-in-law and raise her children with peace of mind in the future?" His voice was filled with dissatisfaction and anger, and some troublemakers around him joined in the commotion.