allonlinenovel Chapter 159: Fierce Debate in the Court
Chapter 159: Fierce Debate in the Court
The morning sun filtered through the palace's carved window lattices, scattering dappled gold across the court. Yet, this dazzling light failed to dispel the tense atmosphere that seemed almost tangible. In the morning, the ministers whispered to each other, their discussions unceasing, the cacophony filling the magnificent hall.
"The concubine's initiative to divorce is a violation of ethical ethics and a violation of public morals. This must never be allowed!" An elderly, conservative minister was the first to speak. He wore intricately embroidered court robes, his graying beard trembling slightly with his passionate words. His face flushed with anger, his hands clenched into fists, veins bulging in his forehead as he shouted, "Since ancient times, it has been natural for women to remain faithful to their husbands. Now that the concubine has dared to file for divorce, this is a blasphemy against ethical ethics. If this precedent is set, it will inevitably lead to social disorder and moral degradation!"
"I second the motion!" another minister chimed in. He was a burly man, his eyes betraying a resolute defense of traditional ethics. His brow furrowed, his face a mixture of seriousness and anger. "The laws of our ancestors cannot be changed. Women should follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues and fulfill their duties. Divorce is absolutely unacceptable. Otherwise, social order will collapse and the country will be in ruins!"
However, some ministers held different views.
"Times are changing, and we should adapt. If a woman encounters unhappiness in her marriage, why shouldn't she have the right to make her own choices?" a young, promising, and relatively open-minded minister stepped forward. Dressed in simple yet dignified court attire, he gazed fearlessly at his opponents with a resolute gaze. His tone was filled with hope for change and a pursuit of fairness and justice: "With society developing and open-mindedness opening up, we can no longer constrain women with outdated notions. We should give them greater respect and autonomy, allowing them to pursue their own happiness."
"Exactly. We can't simply cling to the old system. We should consider women's feelings and rights. With society now prosperous and cultural exchange frequent, we should learn from other countries' advancements and appropriately reform the old ethical codes." Another minister stepped forward in support. Slender but radiating a refined air, he tilted his head slightly, his expression expressing a firm belief in the new ideals. "Women are human beings too, and their suffering in marriage shouldn't be ignored. Granting them the right to divorce doesn't undermine ethical codes, but rather respects human nature."
The two sides held their own views, arguing endlessly. The atmosphere in the court grew increasingly tense, as if sparks could fly at any moment. Some ministers were so excited that their faces flushed, waving their sleeves and arguing loudly; others were sullen and lost in thought, their fingers tapping lightly on the table; and still others shook their heads and sighed, expressing their concern about the debate.
At that moment, Imperial Concubine Su gracefully entered the court. She was clad in a magnificent palace gown, the phoenix embroidered on her skirt so lifelike it seemed ready to take flight. She wore a golden crown, adorned with pearls and jade, and each step she took radiated dignity and grace. Her face was as calm as water, yet her eyes held an unwavering resolve.
"My dear ministers, please listen to what I have to say." The voice of Concubine Su was clear and powerful, instantly attracting everyone's attention, and the court suddenly became quiet.
"Since ancient times, women have not always been in a subordinate position. Look at Empress Lü of the Han Dynasty. Although she was a woman, she was able to assist in government affairs and stabilize the country. Her wisdom and courage were no less than those of men. After the death of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, she took charge of government affairs and implemented a policy of resting the people, laying the foundation for the rule of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing." Concubine Su looked around at the ministers present with bright eyes, her eyes full of firm belief in the power of women.
"Look at Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. She ascended the throne and created a prosperous era. During her reign, she attached importance to the selection of talents and implemented reforms, which made the country's economy prosperous and its culture flourish. Her talent in governing the country is admirable. Her achievements are enough to prove that women are capable of governing the country and capable of achieving no less than men." Concubine Su became more and more excited as she spoke. Her voice trembled slightly, and her hands unconsciously clenched the silk handkerchief in her hands.
"Furthermore, many women suffer in marriage, but are unable to escape due to the constraints of ethics and eventually die of depression. Aren't the tears and despair of those women who have suffered their entire lives due to arranged marriages enough to make us reflect on this outdated ethics?" Tears flashed in Concubine Su's eyes, and her voice was full of sympathy for the unfortunate fate of the women.
The opposition ministers' faces darkened as they listened to Concubine Su's words. Some gnashed their teeth and glared at her; others avoided her gaze, not daring to meet her gaze, seemingly contemplating a rebuttal but unable to find the words to speak forcefully.
"Your Majesty, women should have the right to choose their own marriages. This is not only a respect for them, but also a reflection of social progress. If we keep sticking to the old ways, how can the country prosper and how can the people live and work in peace?" Concubine Su looked at the emperor, her eyes full of expectation and pleading, her eyes slightly red.
The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, lost in deep thought. He wore a bright yellow robe embroidered with nine golden dragons, a majestic presence. His gaze drifted between Concubine Su and the ministers, his fingers tapping the throne's armrests as he weighed the pros and cons of traditional ethics against the changing times, and the impact of this decision on national stability and public opinion.
The court was completely silent, everyone awaiting the Emperor's final decision. Time seemed to freeze, and every moment seemed to stretch so long.
Finally, the emperor slowly spoke: "What Concubine Su said makes sense. I have decided to support women's independent choice. I hope that all women in the world can get what they want." The emperor's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in the court.
After hearing this, the opposition ministers fell into deep thought. Some sighed deeply, as if all their strength had drained away; others lowered their heads and bit their lips, as if they were still unwilling to accept the situation; and some stood there with pale faces, not knowing what to do.
The ministers who supported the reform were delighted and exchanged gratified glances with one another. Some even nodded slightly to express their appreciation for the emperor's decision.
When Concubine Su heard the emperor's decision, a relieved smile finally appeared on her face. She bowed slightly and saluted the emperor, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your wisdom."
This heated court debate concluded successfully amidst tension and anticipation. However, it was only the beginning. The collision of new ideas and traditions will undoubtedly trigger further reforms and reflections in this country.
In the days that followed, this decision caused an uproar both inside and outside the palace. Some conservative families and forces expressed dissatisfaction with the emperor's decision, discussing it privately and even trying to unite to put pressure on the emperor.
Among the women, when they heard the news, some were ecstatic and full of hope for the future; others were skeptical, worried that it was just a false joy.
Concubine Su knew that there was still a long way to go before women could truly have the right to make their own choices, so she decided to use her influence in the palace to further promote relevant reforms and publicity.
She summoned ministers and palace maids who supported women's rights to discuss specific measures. "We must not only ensure the emperor's decision is implemented, but also make more people understand and accept this concept," said Concubine Su.
They decided to hold lectures and events in the palace to educate the palace maids on the importance of choosing their own marriages and related legal knowledge. At the same time, Concubine Su also wrote articles herself, elaborating on the rationality and necessity of women's rights, and disseminated them through various channels.
During this process, Concubine Su encountered many difficulties and resistance. Some palace maids were afraid of being punished and did not dare to participate in the activities. Some ministers ridiculed her actions and thought she was making trouble out of nothing.
But Concubine Su did not back down, she firmly believed that her efforts would bring about change. With her persistence, more and more people began to support her action.
At the same time, some positive changes were also taking place among the people. Inspired by Concubine Su's story, some insightful individuals began promoting the concept of women's rights in their hometowns. Some women bravely came forward to share their unhappy experiences in marriage, calling for greater respect and the right to choose.
Over time, the idea of women choosing their own marriages has gradually taken root. Although there are still various problems and challenges in this process, people have begun to realize that women's rights cannot be ignored and that social progress requires giving women more equality and freedom.
And because of her bravery and persistence, Concubine Su became a heroine in people's minds, and her name will be forever engraved in the history of this era.