Chapter 71: Debating Right and Wrong at Court, the Heroine Holds Fast to Her Heart

Chapter 71: Debating Truth in the Court, The Heroine Keeps Her Heart

Lin Shiya listened to the guard’s words. Though countless emotions surged within her, her expression remained as calm as ever. She stepped over the tall threshold of the Imperial Academy, her stride resolute, as if every step marked a pivotal moment in time.

The sky above the court was gloomy, foreshadowing the tense confrontation ahead. A chilly wind brushed her cheek, carrying the sting of early winter, yet it sharpened her clarity of mind. An irrepressible fire burned in her chest, but it did not cloud her reason. Instead, it became an invisible force, propelling her forward.

Lin Shiya drew a deep breath; the air in her lungs transformed into an unyielding backbone of steel. Shortly, she arrived outside the court. The guards had already prepared her horse. She mounted swiftly, the sound of hooves echoing crisply through the empty streets. The horse galloped, carrying her toward the palace at full speed.

Along the route, citizens paused to witness the proud bearing of the newly appointed top scholar, their voices rising in praise. Yet Lin Shiya’s thoughts had long since arrived at the court.

At last, she stood before the grand gates of the court. The heavy bronze doors slowly opened, and the commotion inside grew clearer.

Lord Wang's voice thundered through the hall, piercing layers of curtains to reach her ears. He spoke at length, listing countless reasons to oppose her reform measures. His expression was stern; his words carried an irrefutable authority, as if each syllable became a sharpened blade, aimed directly at her proposals.

The court’s atmosphere was taut and stifling; the officials held their breath, all awaiting the outbreak of this storm.

Lin Shiya stepped slowly into the hall, her pace unhurried but unwavering. Her gaze was as cold and sharp as a blade, seeming to cut through all falsehoods. Her arrival undeniably introduced a new variable to the debate.

Lord Wang’s eyes swept over Lin Shiya; his lips curled in a dismissive smile. His tone was severe, his voice resounding like a great bell throughout the court: “Top Scholar Lin, your proposal for women’s rights reform not only violates the ancestral laws but threatens the very foundation of our dynasty. How dare you stand before these officials and attempt to push such absurd measures?”

Lin Shiya smiled faintly, her eyes radiating unwavering resolve. She slowly raised the memorial in her hand, her voice clear and forceful, piercing every corner of the hall: “Lord Wang, I have heard your words. But I believe women are not incapable; they too can serve the nation with their strength. The ancestral laws are important, yet if we do not adapt with the times, how can we answer the needs of a new era?”

Her words had barely fallen when the tension in the hall deepened.

The officials exchanged varied glances—some supportive, some skeptical—but all were struck by the force of her argument. Lin Shiya had long prepared herself for this moment. She took another deep breath, lifted her head, and met Lord Wang’s sharp gaze, ready for the next, fiercer round.

Lin Shiya remained composed, her voice crisp and powerful, echoing through the gilded hall: “Lord Wang speaks of ancestral laws, which I dare not disrespect. Yet, in the face of changing times, the dilemmas our dynasty faces cannot be solved by rigid tradition. Women possess talents that can shape the world; why confine them to the inner chambers? My reforms for women’s rights are not whimsical, but the product of numerous trials and repeated verification.”

As she spoke, she drew several dossiers from her sleeve and presented them to the emperor. “These are the data from pilot regions, with successful cases of women participating in governance and commerce. I ask Your Majesty to judge.”

The emperor accepted the dossiers, leafing through them with attentive nods. Other ministers passed them among themselves; those who once sided with Lord Wang now murmured thoughtfully, their expressions tinged with consideration.

Lord Wang’s face darkened; he had thought to easily suppress Lin Shiya, but she was well prepared. It felt as though he had punched into cotton—forceful, but futile.

“Top Scholar Lin,” Lord Wang pressed, his voice low, “even if the pilot succeeds, you cannot guarantee that full implementation will be trouble-free. Have you considered what risks the dynasty might face if the reforms fail?” His gaze was sly, hoping to lay new obstacles before Lin Shiya.

Lin Shiya frowned slightly, recognizing his deliberate provocation. Yet she remained unflustered, responding calmly: “Lord Wang’s concerns about risk are not without merit…” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the officials. “Regarding risk assessment for the reforms, I have already…”

“His Majesty arrives!” The eunuch’s shrill voice cut her off.

Everyone knelt, proclaiming long life. The emperor seated himself upon the dragon throne, his majestic gaze sweeping the hall and finally settling on Lin Shiya.

“Beloved minister Lin, continue.”

Lin Shiya bowed again, and continued without humiliation or arrogance: “I have already formulated comprehensive risk assessments and countermeasures. Reform is not achieved overnight. We will begin with limited promotion in pilot regions, gather experience, refine the policies, and then gradually expand. A dedicated supervisory body will be established to detect and resolve issues promptly. For potential risks, we have devised multiple contingency plans to ensure reform remains within controllable bounds.”

Her explanation was methodical, each word ringing with conviction, every plan thoughtfully considered.

The ministers nodded in agreement; their previous doubts eased by her rigorous attitude and thorough planning, allowing them to see hope in the reforms. Even some who had previously supported Lord Wang now wavered.

Lord Wang’s face turned ashen. He had not anticipated Lin Shiya’s persistence; his schemes had been thwarted again and again, leaving him filled with resentment and anger.

In a corner of the court, Murong Fu watched Lin Shiya quietly, offering her a warm gaze as if to say, “Do not fear, I am by your side.” Lin Shiya felt his silent support, a warmth rising in her heart. It was as though she had found a lamp in the darkness, and her nerves relaxed somewhat.

The tension in the hall eased ever so slightly from this silent exchange.

Lin Shiya drew another steady breath, continuing: “The path of reform is inevitably fraught with challenges, but we must not halt out of fear. For the prosperity of the nation, for the peace of the people, we must dare to try and innovate.” Her voice was resolute, echoing through the splendid hall, lingering ceaselessly.

Lord Wang snorted coldly, about to retort, but the emperor interrupted him.

“Minister Lin speaks rightly,” the emperor said slowly. “Reform is imperative, but we must proceed with caution. Minister Lin, I entrust you with full authority over this matter. Ensure the smooth progress of the reforms.”

Lin Shiya bowed again, “I accept the decree.”

Lord Wang’s expression worsened; he glared at Lin Shiya, secretly plotting his next move. He stepped toward her, his tone ominous: “Top Scholar Lin, you’d best pray your reforms do not fail, or else—”

His words abruptly ceased; he noticed the emperor watching him with a warning gaze. He could only fall silent, sweeping his sleeves and departing in frustration.

Some previously hesitant officials, seeing the emperor’s support for Lin Shiya, began to publicly endorse the reforms. They approached her, expressing their admiration.

“Top Scholar Lin, your reform plan points our dynasty toward a brighter future!” A young minister stepped forward as well, his tone firm, full of hope for what lay ahead.

Lin Shiya looked gratefully at them all, warmth flooding her heart. She stood tall in the court, her gaze unwavering. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, gilding her in golden light.

She breathed deeply, feeling the hope rising within the court, her heart filled with confidence and pride. Surveying the hall, she met the approving glances of the officials; the mood became lighter.

It was as if she could hear the clarion call of reform ringing in her ears, see a flourishing future beckoning to her.

Yet, in that moment of hope, Lin Shiya’s gaze swept the corner of the court, catching sight of Adviser Liu standing there with a mysterious smile. That smile was cold and sinister, as though concealing unspeakable secrets.

Lin Shiya’s heart sank; a sense of foreboding surged within her. She knew a new scheme was about to unfold.

Adviser Liu silently mouthed toward Lord Wang: “The real show is just beginning.”