sbdcsierra Chapter 110 The next day
Chapter 110 The next day
Mu Yunxi arrived at the palace and stood in the Imperial Garden, her gaze firm and profound. She wasn't wearing her official uniform today, but a pale blue dress. The hem of her dress swayed gently in the breeze, like the unyielding wind in her heart, forever blowing toward freedom and equality. Her eyes gleamed with a longing for the future, as well as dissatisfaction and challenge with the status quo.
Emperor Qing Zhao's face was serious, and his eyes were sharp as he looked at her. He seemed to be measuring her determination and ability. "Mu Yunxi, do you really think that you can convince those entrenched aristocratic families with your own strength?" Emperor Qing Zhao's voice was low and majestic, and every word was like a hammer hitting Mu Yunxi's heart. Mu Yunxi took a deep breath. She knew that this was a rare opportunity and a huge challenge. "Your Majesty, I know this is not easy, but if we don't try to change, then the future of Zhao State will be dark. I have the confidence and preparation to face all difficulties and challenges."
Emperor Qing Zhao stared at Mu Yunxi in front of him with his deep eyes. After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly, his voice low and majestic: "Mu Yunxi, I have to admit that your courage is truly admirable. However, getting those aristocratic families to accept the idea of debating with the Innovation Academy will probably be no easy task."
Mu Yunxi raised her head slightly, her gaze fixed firmly on Emperor Qing Zhao. Her posture was as straight as a pine tree, and her tone was steady and forceful. "Your Majesty, they will! And by doing this, we are giving them an opportunity. Their goal all along has been to prevent the academy from opening smoothly. The previous rumors died down only a few days ago, and now public opinion is tilting in our favor. I suspect... they must be secretly plotting at this moment, preparing to launch a larger-scale wave of condemnation or other means. Rather than waiting for them to make the first move, forcing us into a passive situation where we have to react hastily, it is better for us to take the initiative! Victory or defeat depends on this battle, and they will definitely accept the challenge. If we continue to drag it out, it will only have a negative impact on the overall development of the situation."
Emperor Qing Zhao frowned upon hearing this and said solemnly, "Mu Yunxi, have you ever considered that perhaps we could use a more subtle strategy to achieve our goals? For example, why not start by targeting the aristocratic families from within..."
Mu Yunxi only glanced at Emperor Qing Zhao briefly, but that brief glance already gave her a clear understanding of his thoughts and intentions. She parted her rosy lips and asked slowly, "Your Majesty, are you planning to engage in a protracted tug-of-war with them?" Her tone was calm, yet upon closer listening, one could detect a hint of undisguised disappointment.
Emperor Qing Zhao stared at Mu Yunxi solemnly and said earnestly, "Mu Yunxi, you must know that you are not alone..."
Mu Yunxi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but her expression remained resolute. She retorted forcefully, "I am aware of this, but Your Majesty, as the saying goes, 'A sharp sword cuts the Gordian knot.' Such procrastination and hesitation are the greatest taboos in military strategy! I doubt Your Majesty is unaware of why these aristocratic families are so strongly resisting the establishment of the Innovation Academy!"
Emperor Qing Zhao was silent for a moment, then he sighed deeply before speaking, "You must think carefully. If we lose, then this Innovation Academy will no longer be able to operate."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunxi straightened up like a pine tree and bowed deeply to Emperor Qing Zhao. Then, standing straight again, with a solemn expression, he said seriously, "Your Majesty, the future of Zhao State needs a vibrant young generation to lead it. In fact, if Your Majesty approves the establishment of the Innovation Academy right now, all current dissenting voices will be considered disobedience to the imperial decree."
Emperor Qing Zhao snorted coldly at her words and said angrily, "Humph! When you arbitrarily decided to establish that so-called Innovation Academy, you didn't even consult me! And now you're asking me to help you with so many matters here and there. That's a nice thought! If you had just let me handle this matter directly, wouldn't it have saved you a lot of trouble?"
Facing Emperor Qing Zhao's rebuke, Mu Yunxi showed no sign of panic. She simply asked calmly, "Then, Your Majesty, if you were the one who founded this academy, would you have agreed to allow women to enroll?"
Emperor Qing Zhao was speechless. He was stumped by the question. He couldn't help but wonder if he would agree to let women study in the academy. After some inner struggle, he had to admit that the answer was no.
At this time, Mu Yunxi continued slowly, "I know full well that Your Majesty accepted me not just because of Ayin, but more because of my ability to seek benefits for the State of Zhao. However, the fundamental reason I am willing to sacrifice so much for the State of Zhao is actually because of Ayin. I believe Your Majesty is well aware of this. To be honest, Your Majesty, my hometown in my previous life was a peaceful and prosperous country: there was no war or conflict, and the people had enough food and clothing. It was an era that advocated gender equality, practiced monogamy, and there was no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. Since childhood, I have been raised with this philosophy. In the State of Zhao, I felt the difficulties faced by women and their humbleness..."
After hearing what she said, Emperor Qing Zhao frowned, his eyes slightly closed, and he slowly leaned back in his chair, as if immersed in deep thought. Time passed, and the Imperial Garden was completely silent, with only the occasional chirping of birds. After a long moment, Emperor Qing Zhao finally opened his eyes, a look of confusion and inquiry in his eyes. He asked, "Isn't there a strict separation between men and women in your hometown?"
As soon as he finished speaking, as if he had suddenly realized something important, Emperor Qing Zhao's eyes widened in astonishment, his lips trembling slightly as he said in disbelief, "Could it be...could it be that those novelties you created weren't from books, but things that already existed in your original kingdom? Furthermore, you're not the real Mu Yunxi?"
Facing Emperor Qing Zhao's barrage of questions, Mu Yunxi remained remarkably calm, showing no sign of panic. Her lips curled slightly, and she responded calmly, "Your Majesty, I am indeed Mu Yunxi. As for those objects, I did see them in books, but those are only records from our land. These weapons are no longer used in my homeland, replaced by more advanced and powerful weapons. Unfortunately, with current technology, they are difficult to manufacture."
As for strict separation of men and women, that doesn't exist in our country. Most families here teach men from a young age to respect women. Furthermore, in my opinion, strict separation is about guarding against the heart, not just superficial formalities. We don't throw women into pig cages just because they're bullied by men, nor do we force women to marry violent men to save our reputations. Instead, we rely on sound laws to protect our rights. Judges, ordinary citizens, and even family members, all don't hold such matters in contempt.
"But she's already lost her virginity to that man. If she doesn't marry him, will anyone else want her?" Emperor Qing Zhao asked doubtfully, his brows furrowed. He simply couldn't understand how to handle this situation.
"That's because you can't get married in this era. In our place, there will never be such a ridiculous thing as a victim being forced to marry a rapist. Moreover, in my hometown, people advocate free love. Only when two people are attracted to each other and are in love with each other, will the man go to the woman's house to propose marriage. As for the so-called loss of virginity, if a man truly loves the woman, why would he care about that thin layer of membrane? Our place is different from yours. Some girls don't even know what their husbands look like until they get married!" Mu Yunxi talked about the customs and concepts of her hometown without any concealment.
After hearing this, Emperor Qing Zhao took a long while to finally understand what she meant by "membrane". He felt a burning sensation on his face, and he wanted to slap himself twice. At this moment, he only wanted to make this outspoken girl disappear in front of him as soon as possible, so he quickly said: "Things have come to this point. Since it has already happened, I can't cover it for you. You should go and debate with those aristocratic families yourself. If you can win the debate against them, I will decree the establishment of a new imperial examination based on the disciplines of the Innovation Academy you founded. At that time, anyone who can pass this imperial examination can also enter the court as an official." Mu Yunxi was happy to hear this, when he heard Emperor Qing Zhao say: "But it is only for farming courses. Medical students can go to the Imperial Hospital, and craftsmen can go to the Ministry of Works."
After hearing this, Mu Yunxi was dissatisfied. "Your Majesty, we take from the people and use it for the people. I just want the students of Innovation Academy to shine in all parts of Zhao State. I am happy that you give me an official position, but the benefits of not giving them away will not last long! Many things require inspiration. Where can they find inspiration if you keep them confined to this capital?"
"Did I say to keep them all in the capital? Even if I did, are there enough places for them?" Emperor Qing Zhao refused to admit that he had just wanted to keep them in the capital. "By the way, are those more powerful weapons you mentioned truly impossible to create?" Emperor Qing Zhao asked, unwilling to give up.
Mu Yunxi shook her head: "I don't have that ability anyway."
Emperor Qing Zhao snorted coldly and then said, "I'll give you a man named Li Yifeng. Ask him to find you later. He should be able to help you with the debate."