Chapter 102: Breaking Through Obstacles, Women’s Rights Reforms Achieve Initial Success

Chapter 102: Breaking Through Obstacles—The Initial Success of Women's Rights Reform

As the morning bell had just sounded, the imperial court was already shrouded in solemnity. Civil and military officials lined the hall on both sides, their gazes sharp and penetrating, while the air brimmed with an oppressive tension, like the calm before a storm.

Scholar Zhao, holding his wooden tablet, stepped forward from the ranks first. His face was ashen, his beard and hair bristling, resembling an enraged lion. “Your Majesty,” Zhao’s voice echoed through the hall, carrying a subtle tremor but dominated by righteous severity, “I have a matter to report. Lin Shiya, the newly crowned top scholar, instead of serving the court loyally, has been aggressively promoting women’s rights, undermining the established order. This is a grave betrayal! Such a trend cannot be allowed to continue. I beseech Your Majesty to judge wisely!”

No sooner had he spoken than several officials chimed in, vehemently condemning Lin Shiya’s “heretical” views. Their voices surged like a tidal wave, seemingly intent on drowning her out.

The atmosphere in the court suddenly grew tense; every breath was taken cautiously, as if afraid to touch the taut string of conflict.

Lin Shiya stood before the officials, her posture upright and resolute, like a steadfast pine enduring the harsh winter, unmoved by wind or snow. Her gaze was calm as it swept across the indignant faces before her, a faint, elusive smile curling her lips.

“Scholar Zhao’s words are mistaken,” Lin Shiya spoke softly but clearly, her tone imbued with undeniable power. “The women’s rights I advocate do not seek to overturn the natural order but to grant women more choices and opportunities for development. Scholar Zhao’s vision is short-sighted; he sees only the immediate ripples without perceiving the long river of history. No social system is immutable.”

She surveyed the assembly with steady confidence. “Throughout the ages, women have played indispensable roles in society’s progress. From ancient times to today, women have excelled in various fields; their wisdom and abilities are by no means inferior to men’s. Scholar Zhao speaks of preserving order but forgets that times advance and societies evolve. Clinging blindly to tradition will only halt the nation’s progress.”

Her words rang out like a sharp blade, piercing through the walls erected by Zhao and his allies. By contrasting past and present and appealing to facts, she compelled those wavering officials to reconsider seriously. Her voice was like a refreshing breeze, dissipating the stifling air of the court.

Scholar Zhao’s expression darkened further; he felt his long-held beliefs shaking. The others’ previously loud objections gradually softened as they began to reflect on Lin Shiya’s arguments. A peculiar standoff settled over the hall, as if the calm before a brewing storm.

At that moment, Lin Shiya’s lips curved slightly upward. She stepped forward with greater clarity and resolve in her voice: “Esteemed officials, today I will not only tell you what women can do but also show you what they have already accomplished...”

Taking a deep breath, her voice grew louder. “Do you know that at the West City Women’s Academy, under Master Sun’s leadership, the women not only learn poetry, calligraphy, and etiquette but have also assisted local officials in resolving many disputes among the people? With their unique delicacy and patience, they have defused countless conflicts and restored harmony among neighbors. Are these the deeds of women you claim are ‘confined within the home’? And at the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau, women’s exquisite embroidered silks are sold overseas, bringing considerable revenue to the treasury. Are these the achievements of women you deem ‘talented women are a curse’?”

Her words struck the still waters like stones, rippling through the crowd. Some previously neutral officials began whispering among themselves, their expressions less resolute than before, clearly reconsidering women’s societal roles.

Scholar Zhao’s face turned an ashen green, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He sensed the situation slipping beyond his control, gripping his wooden tablet so tightly that his knuckles whitened. The officials beside him also wore grim faces, having anticipated an easy impeachment, not this formidable resistance from Lin Shiya.

Just then, outside the court, Lady Qian appeared with a crowd of commoners whose cries and shouts crashed like waves against the court’s solemnity.

“Stop the women’s rights reform! Women should stay home and support their husbands!” “Lin Shiya spreads dangerous ideas! She disrupts the natural order!” The clamorous voices grew louder, shaking the ears of the court officials.

Lady Qian stood at the forefront, a smug smile playing on her lips as if victory were assured. Raising both hands, she shouted, “Lin Shiya, see! This is the will of the people! Defy the heavens, and you will reap disaster!” Her words only fueled the crowd’s frenzy, intensifying the tension outside.

Lin Shiya’s lips lifted slightly upon hearing the uproar. She turned to the emperor, bowed respectfully, and said, “Your Majesty, I request permission to leave the palace and meet with the people.”

After a brief pause, the emperor replied slowly, “Permission granted.”

Lin Shiya turned and strode toward the palace gates.

“Wait!” Zhao’s voice came from behind, faintly trembling.

Stepping out into the dazzling sunlight, Lin Shiya squinted slightly. The shouts of the crowd surged like a tide, buzzing in her ears. She drew a deep breath and faced the crowd, descending the steps with steady resolve.

A mingling of sweat and dust hit her senses, causing momentary discomfort.

“Dear elders and neighbors,” Lin Shiya’s voice rang clear and firm, rising above the clamoring crowd, “I understand your fears that women’s rights reform might disrupt family order and the established way. But I want to tell you, this is not the case.”

Pausing, she scanned the anxious faces before her. “Women’s rights reform does not mean women abandoning their families, but rather granting them more choices. If women can read and write, they can better educate their children and assist their husbands in managing households. If women acquire skills, they can contribute to the family’s income and improve life.”

Her sincere and earnest tone fell like gentle rain upon the hearts of the people. Some of those stirred up by Lady Qian began to calm, contemplating Lin Shiya’s words as their worries faded.

Lady Qian’s face darkened to iron. She had not expected Lin Shiya’s persuasive power to so swiftly dismantle her carefully orchestrated attack. Clenching her fists tightly, her nails dug deep into her palms.

Gradually, the crowd dispersed, and Lady Qian’s conspiracy collapsed utterly. Casting a fierce glare at Lin Shiya, she turned away, her retreat filled with bitterness and fury.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the crowd. It was Scholar Zheng, his face flushed red.

“Lin Shiya, cease your misleading words!” Zheng’s voice was sharp and piercing. “Women should stay home and support their husbands. Showing their faces in public is disgraceful! You defy the natural order and are beyond pardon!”

Lin Shiya’s gaze fixed on Zheng. “Scholar Zheng, you preach morality without understanding that times change and society evolves. Women are not mere appendages to men; they have their own ideals and aspirations.”

“Nonsense!” Zheng shouted furiously. “If women learn to read and write, they will become restless and unruly, bringing ruin upon their families!”

The crowd gathered around, intrigued by the debate, forming a circle. The tension thickened; the air felt charged like gunpowder.

Lin Shiya sneered coldly. “Scholar Zheng, what you call natural order is nothing but shackles binding women. You fear women having independent identities, afraid they will no longer depend on men. Your so-called ruin of families is just your fear of losing control over women!”

Zheng was struck to the core by her words. His face reddened further, his lips quivering, unable to respond.

“I…” Zheng pointed at Lin Shiya, his hand trembling, “You…”

Suddenly, crisp footsteps approached from afar, breaking the stalemate.

A clear voice rang out: “Who says women can only support their husbands and raise children?”

Following the sound, all eyes turned to see a group of young women dressed uniformly in teal robes, escorting their gentle-mannered teacher from the West City Women’s Academy, walking steadily toward them.

Their steps were resolute, their gazes clear, like a spring breeze dispersing the tension in the air.

These women were students from the West City Women’s Academy, who had heard of Lin Shiya’s debate outside the court and came voluntarily to lend support.

Though young, they were well-read and perceptive.

Master Sun approached Lin Shiya and smiled gently at Scholar Zheng. “Scholar Zheng, you constantly claim that ‘I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.