Chapter 310 She will write her own legend in this male-dominated court.
Chapter 310 She will write her own legend in this male-dominated court.
Therefore, she calmly rose from her seat, her posture elegant yet exuding a firm strength.
She then walked calmly and slowly towards the center of the hall.
Upon seeing this, the ministers who were arguing incessantly all fell silent.
Then Lingyan's gaze slowly swept over the old ministers who questioned her.
A clear and powerful voice rang out: "My lords, I am well aware that you have some concerns about women participating in politics. However, the rise and fall of a nation is not solely the responsibility of men. Although Lingyan is a woman, she also has a heart of loyalty to the emperor and love for the country. In this war, Lingyan has made some contributions to the country with her meager strength, not for fame and fortune, but for the peace of the people and the prosperity of the nation."
She paused briefly before continuing, "Throughout history, although few women have participated in politics, there have been precedents. Moreover, I believe that talent is not limited to men or women, nor is wisdom. His Majesty has granted me permission to enter the court and participate in politics because he sees my abilities and believes that I can offer advice and suggestions for the country, seek the well-being of the people, and do my best for the affairs of the nation."
"Furthermore, the notion that women cannot participate in politics is a constraint imposed by outdated ideas. Throughout history, although women's participation in politics is rare, it is not unprecedented. There was Fu Hao in ancient times, who led troops into battle to protect her country, and her achievements were no less than those of men. She could command thousands of troops on the battlefield and made great contributions to the country. There was also Zhongli Chun in the Warring States period, who, despite her ugly appearance, had foresight and wisdom. She used her wisdom to advise King Xuan of Qi, which led to the great prosperity of Qi. So why can't Lingyan enter the court to participate in politics and offer advice to the country today?"
"Furthermore, the idea that women should stay in the inner quarters and manage household affairs is a prejudice against women in the old era. Talent and wisdom should not be distinguished by gender. In this war, Lingyan defeated the enemy with strategy, reduced casualties, saved resources, and brought victory to the country. If my abilities are denied simply because I am a woman, wouldn't that be unfair? In the court, what is valued should be talent and loyalty, not gender."
"As for the claim that women are weak and incapable of shouldering great responsibilities, that is utter nonsense. I have experienced life-and-death trials on the battlefield and have never retreated in the face of powerful enemies. When dealing with national affairs, I will prioritize the interests of the country and act calmly and decisively. How can I be considered weak? Although the affairs of the court are complex and ever-changing, I am confident that I can meet all challenges with my wisdom and ability."
"Furthermore, women's participation in politics will not necessarily cause much controversy. If the country appoints people based on their talents rather than their gender, the people will see the abilities and value of women. Moreover, my participation in politics is for the prosperity and stability of the country, not for my own personal gain. I will prove with my actions that women can also make outstanding contributions to the country."
"Furthermore, the claim that women's participation in politics could lead to interference in politics by the harem is an unfounded worry. As the Crown Princess, I, Lingyan, am well aware of the proper boundaries and will never overstep the line, nor will I ever do anything that violates the imperial order."
"While the laws of our ancestors are important, we cannot be bound by them. Instead, we should innovate while inheriting them. Times are changing and the needs of the country are constantly evolving. If we follow the old ways and dare not break through, how can the country progress? Women’s participation in politics is not about breaking all the rules, but about contributing to the country within the appropriate scope."
“It would be a loss to the country to exclude talented people simply because of traditional ideas. Women also have the heart to serve the country and can also seek the well-being of the people. Moreover, women’s participation in politics is not about subverting the traditional order, but about serving the country in an appropriate way within the existing framework.”
"Therefore, gentlemen, do not be blinded by old ideas. You should see the sincerity and determination of the Lingyan Pavilion. I believe that in the near future, you will see that women's participation in politics is not a disaster, but a blessing for the country."
Lingyan's words pierced through the prejudices of the old ministers like a sharp sword, leaving them speechless and unable to refute her.
They had to re-evaluate the Crown Princess, and their admiration for her gradually grew.
Her words were sharp, and her rebuttals were all reasonable and well-founded, leaving them speechless.
They were completely silent, their heads slightly bowed, their eyes flashing with complex emotions.
They recalled the deeds of the outstanding women in history listed by Lingyan.
He couldn't help but think to himself that perhaps he was too stubborn in his traditional views and had overlooked the talents of women.
The seriousness on their faces was gradually replaced by a hint of guilt.
Then he realized that he had always insisted that women should not participate in politics simply because he followed ancestral etiquette and gender distinctions, without truly considering the actual needs of the country.
The Crown Princess's performance in this campaign was remarkable.
She defeated the enemy with her strategies and made great contributions to the country. It would be unfair to deny her abilities simply because she was a woman.
Indeed, they were too conservative and failed to see the changes of the times.
So these veteran officials looked at each other, and saw wavering and reflection in each other's eyes.
They realized that their long-held beliefs might actually be wrong.
Lingyan's words were like a beacon, illuminating their minds that had been blinded by old ideas.
Then an old minister slowly raised his head, bowed slightly to Lingyan, and said with emotion, "What the Crown Princess said is very true. We were indeed too stubborn and too insistent on ancestral etiquette and gender distinctions. Now it seems that we were short-sighted and failed to see the talents of women. The Crown Princess's insight has enlightened us."
The other senior officials also nodded in agreement.
Their admiration for Lingyan arose spontaneously, and their prejudices gradually crumbled at this moment.
At this moment, these veteran officials no longer opposed Lingyan's entry into the court to participate in politics, but were instead filled with anticipation.
They hoped that Lingyan could use her wisdom and talent in the imperial court to make greater contributions to the development of the country.
Emperor Jingzhao sat upright on the dragon throne. When he saw Lingyan persuade those stubborn old ministers with her sharp words, his eyes showed a look of satisfaction and appreciation.
He nodded slightly, secretly praising in his heart: He has indeed lived up to my expectations, possessing both courage and wisdom, and being eloquent and persuasive. He is truly a blessing to the country.
Xiao Muyao, He Jingchuan, Lu Yanqing, and Chu Xiyao were also filled with joy and pride.
They already knew she had this ability, and that she could definitely win these people over.
As expected of the person they admire, she is indeed remarkable!
The other officials in the hall were also shocked by Lingyan's performance.
Those officials who had originally supported Lingyan's entry into the court and participation in politics were now even more determined in their stance.
Those ministers who had previously harbored doubts now changed their attitudes, looking at Lingyan with new respect and secretly admiring her.
A new atmosphere permeated the entire hall, and everyone's recognition and expectations of Lingyan reached a new level.
It was in this atmosphere that Emperor Jingzhao looked around at his ministers and said, "You all know the Crown Princess's talent, so I believe that she will be able to work happily with you all and do her best for the Great Zhao."
As Emperor Jingzhao finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall gradually calmed down.
Ling Yan stood in the center of the hall, remaining calm despite the gazes directed at her.
She then straightened her posture, her eyes revealing determination and confidence, and said, "Your Majesty's great favor is truly appreciated. I will do my utmost to share the burdens of the country and Your Majesty."
At this moment, Ling Yan felt a strong sense of mission.
She understood that from this moment on, she would shoulder even greater responsibilities.
She was no longer just a crown princess without real power, but a minister who could attend court and participate in government affairs with other officials, and who had the power to make decisions on important matters of state.
She will write her own legend in this male-dominated court.
Today she has taken this first step, and in the future, many more women will appear in the court.
She looked forward to that day.
Just then, she heard Emperor Jingzhao at the head of the table smile gently and say to her, "Before you went to war, I said that I would hold a celebration banquet for your triumphant return. Look, now I have made that happen for you."
Lingyan smiled and replied, "Thank you, Father. I am very happy and grateful for Your Majesty's kindness."
She was truly, truly grateful for Emperor Jingzhao's reward to her today.
Emperor Jingzhao understood her gratitude upon hearing this, so he smiled and praised her again. Lingyan then slowly took her leave and returned to her seat.
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