Chapter 62: Lecturing at the Imperial Academy, Struggling Against Conservative Traditions

Golden sunlight spilled over the ancient red walls and green tiles of the Imperial Academy, the air thick with the scent of scholarly books. Lin Shiya, dressed today in a simple azure robe, held her carefully prepared lecture manuscript in hand, walking briskly toward the academy gates, her brows glowing with confidence.

She looked forward to sowing the seeds of new thought in this venerable institution, her heart filled with anticipation and excitement. Yet, at the academy entrance, a tall figure blocked her path.

Guard Li, clad in iron armor, stood like a gatekeeper before the doors, his expression blank as he barred Lin Shiya’s way, sizing her up with a sweeping gaze.

This unexpected obstruction caused Lin Shiya’s heart to drop slightly, an invisible pressure settling over her. Students passing by stopped to watch, whispering among themselves, their curious stares pricking at her like needles.

She drew a deep breath, striving to remain calm, and replied firmly, “I am Lin Shiya, the newly appointed top scholar. By imperial command, I have come to lecture at the academy—not some idle outsider.”

Guard Li sneered, his face full of disdain. “Top scholar? Hmph. So what if you are? Grand Tutor Zhang’s orders cannot be defied! Without his permission, you won’t set foot in the academy!”

The air grew tense, as if a sword was drawn between them. Lin Shiya’s delicate brows furrowed; her gaze was sharp, anger burning within. She was about to retort when a mocking voice sounded from the crowd.

“Well, isn’t this the new top scholar? What, you’re here to show off your brilliance? Take a look at yourself first—this isn’t a place for the likes of you!” Lin Shiya looked toward the voice and saw a young gentleman in ornate clothes, shaking a folding fan, his face etched with ridicule.

This was Young Master Song, a notorious wastrel in the capital. His appearance only complicated the already tense situation.

Guard Li grew more smug, glancing sidelong at Lin Shiya and speaking with even greater arrogance, “Hear that? Even Young Master Song says so. Best leave now, before you disgrace yourself!”

Lin Shiya clenched her manuscript tightly, knowing well that today’s obstruction was no accident. She looked at Guard Li and said, word by word, “I…”

Drawing a deep breath to quell her anger, she slowly took from her sleeve a golden token, intricately carved with auspicious clouds, gleaming with authority under the sun.

She raised the token high above her head, her voice calm yet commanding: “This is the imperial lecture token, bestowed by His Majesty. To see the token is to see the Emperor! Guard Li, look closely!”

Guard Li’s once arrogant face turned pale; his eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the token in Lin Shiya’s hand, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, his legs weakening.

He stammered, “How… how… how can this be?”

The surrounding students gasped, murmurs rippling through the crowd. Even Young Master Song withdrew his frivolous smile.

Guard Li dared not obstruct further, quickly stepping aside, head bowed, not daring to breathe.

Lin Shiya withdrew the token, not sparing Guard Li a glance, and strode confidently into the academy. Her upright posture was dazzling in the sunlight, her composure and confidence drawing curious glances from the students, the oppressive atmosphere dissolving.

She made her way to the lecture hall, which was already filled with students. Grand Tutor Zhang sat upright atop the dais, his gaze sharp and his expression displeased.

She approached slowly, bowing to Grand Tutor Zhang but saying nothing.

Upon seeing Lin Shiya arrive, Grand Tutor Zhang’s expression grew even more dissatisfied. He let out a heavy grunt, then raised his voice: “Today, I must reiterate—women showing themselves in public, lecturing and teaching, goes against ancestral law! It is a disgrace to morality! Such conduct is utterly rebellious!”

His voice was loud and carried an unquestionable authority, echoing through the hall, prompting murmurs among the students.

The atmosphere became tense; many students nodded in agreement, while others showed concern.

Lin Shiya stood at the center of the hall, steadfast as a rock in the eye of a storm, her gaze unwavering and fearless. She looked around, feeling the pressure, knowing that today’s challenge would not be easy.

“Grand Tutor Zhang, your words are mistaken,” she said softly. Though her voice was not loud, it reached every ear. “I wonder, which sage’s teaching is this ‘ancestral law’ you speak of?”

No sooner had she finished than she felt a sharp gaze fixed upon her.

Her voice rang crisp as jade, silencing Grand Tutor Zhang’s overbearing tone. Unhurried, she continued, “The sages say, ‘As heaven moves forward, the gentleman strives ceaselessly.’ Also, ‘Education knows no class.’ May I ask, Grand Tutor Zhang—is ‘striving ceaselessly’ reserved for men alone? Does ‘education knows no class’ exclude women?”

Her clear gaze swept over every student present, her tone gentle yet powerful: “What I speak of today is not trivial skill, but the great principles of governance. If we cling to distinctions of gender, are we not cutting off the nation’s pillars and talents?”

Her words flowed like a clear spring, gently entering the hearts of the students. She did not confront directly, but skillfully quoted the sages to lead into her topic.

She spoke eloquently, referencing ancient and current times, bringing lofty teachings down to earth. At moments of insight, many nodded in agreement. Some young students gradually became drawn to her innovative perspective.

Grand Tutor Zhang’s face grew darker, his brows tightly knit as he stared intently at Lin Shiya, as if trying to see through her. He had not expected this woman to be so eloquent, leaving him speechless.

The hall, once tense and oppressive, began to lighten as Lin Shiya continued her brilliant lecture. Just then, a harsh voice rang out.

“Hmph, sounds good, but it’s nothing but grandstanding to attract attention!” Young Master Song shook his fan, full of disdain.

Following Adviser Liu’s instructions, he deliberately caused trouble, hoping to embarrass Lin Shiya.

Lin Shiya was not angered; she smiled meaningfully. “Young master, since you doubt my views, why not join me on stage and discuss them together?”

Young Master Song had assumed Lin Shiya would be flustered, but she invited him up instead. He was momentarily stunned, then inwardly sneered—just as he hoped.

He swaggered onto the stage, fan in hand, speaking flippantly, “Very well, let’s see what you have to say.”

Lin Shiya ignored his provocation, instead posing a question: “Young master, in your opinion, what makes a nation strong?”

Young Master Song had expected a more difficult question, and now felt smug. He began to recite “principles of governance” learned from his father, but offered nothing substantial.

Lin Shiya listened quietly, not interrupting. When he finished, she smiled and asked, “You speak well, but you never touch on how to resolve our current predicament. If everyone spoke as you do, content with empty words and ideals, then surely our nation would be in peril?”

Her words struck home like a sharp blade. Young Master Song was silenced, his face flushing red, unable to respond.

The students burst into laughter; Young Master Song was mortified, wishing he could disappear. He slunk off the stage in defeat.

Lin Shiya watched his retreating figure, a subtle smile at the corner of her lips.

She turned and looked again at the eager students below, about to continue her lecture when she caught sight of a figure outside the hall. His lips curled in a meaningful smile, his gaze deep and unfathomable, like an ancient well.

Lin Shiya’s clear voice, like a spring breeze, swept through the academy hall. She dissected the principles of governance with clarity and vigor, each word resounding with conviction.

Her lecture was no longer dull doctrine, but infused with current affairs and her own insights, dispelling confusion and enlightening the students. She referenced classics and drew on wide-ranging examples, alternating between passionate and gentle tones, drawing the students into rapt attention. Even those who had been drowsy now raised their heads to listen with earnestness.

Some scribbled notes furiously, afraid to miss a single word.

Grand Tutor Zhang’s previously gloomy expression grew even darker. Watching the students’ reactions, he burned with anger. He had never imagined the new top scholar could so skillfully win over the hearts of these young minds with only a few words.

He slammed the table, producing a loud crash, hoping to interrupt Lin Shiya’s lecture, but found his voice drowned out by her compelling speech.

The students were not intimidated by Grand Tutor Zhang’s display; instead, they became more absorbed in Lin Shiya’s teaching.

They nodded, their eyes growing bright and hopeful, as if glimpsing the future’s direction.

Some older students gradually let go of their prejudices, seriously considering Lin Shiya’s points. No longer bound by tradition, they strove to accept new ideas.

The atmosphere in the hall became vibrant and full of energy.

Lin Shiya’s lecture was like a sharp blade, piercing the shackles of old thought and opening new doors for the students. Her voice was at times impassioned, at times somber, at times laced with wise humor, and at others full of patriotic concern.

Her words were like seeds, scattered in the students’ hearts, taking root and growing strong.

Just as her lecture reached its peak, a commotion erupted outside the hall.

The noise, like a sudden storm, shattered the tranquility within.

The students listened intently, their faces showing confusion and uncertainty.

“What’s that sound?” a young student whispered, anxiety flickering in his clear eyes.

“Seems to be coming from outside,” another replied, putting down his pen and looking toward the door in puzzlement.

Lin Shiya stopped speaking, her brows knitting.

“Witch! Get out of the academy!”

“We will not allow such a disgraceful person to lecture here!”

“Women should stay home and tend to their husbands and children!”

Hearing these harsh words, Lin Shiya’s heart sank.