lcionline Chapter 988 The Little Moons are 10 Years Old! Three Scholars Pass the Imperial Examinations in Janu
Chapter 988 The Little Moons are 10 Years Old! Three Scholars Pass the Imperial Examinations in Janu
This is not just empty talk; she herself was once looked down upon because she was a woman.
She had witnessed countless intelligent women being confined to the inner quarters because of the saying that "a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent," ultimately exhausting their talents and becoming mere breeding machines.
She had also witnessed countless brave women treated as commodities in the midst of war, their fates lower than dust.
With martial arts skills and strategies far surpassing those of men, she fought her way through to the pinnacle of power.
But she knew that one White Dew could not save all the women in the world.
What she needs to change is the deeply ingrained rule of this world.
His Majesty's initiation of the imperial examinations for women was like a lightning bolt tearing through the darkness, giving her true hope.
From that day on, Bai Lu's goal became crystal clear: she wanted to transform the path of women's imperial examinations from a narrow, winding road that could be blocked at any moment into a broad, unshakeable avenue!
She wanted to use Lin Wanzhi's success to prove to the whole world that it was not only feasible for women to serve as officials, but that they could do it even better than men!
Bai Lu's daughter is also very capable.
She also participated in the women's imperial examination in January.
“In January,” Su Mingyue knelt down and straightened the collar of her cloak, her eyes full of expectation, “good news has come from the capital. Your sister Lin Wanzhi has done an excellent job in Qingyang County, and His Majesty has issued an edict to commend her.”
Bai Yiyue's eyes lit up instantly, like stars ignited: "Really? I knew it! Sister Lin's 'On Equal Distribution of Taxes' is so exquisite, it's definitely not just empty talk. She can definitely do it!"
In recent years, Bai Lu showed Bai Yiyue Lin Wanzhi's articles and Su Mingyue's letters, letting her know from a young age that in the distant Jiangnan region, there was an older sister who was practicing an unprecedented path.
“She’s more than just doing a good job,” Su Mingyue said with a smile. “She has become the number one upright official in the land, personally appointed by His Majesty, and is a role model for all women.”
“Role model…” Bai Yiyue repeated the word softly, her small fists unconsciously clenching under her cloak.
From the time she learned to read, her mother hired teachers who included not only great Confucian scholars but also experts in various fields such as mathematics, agriculture, and law.
Her mother's expectations for her were never to become a well-educated and virtuous young lady, but rather to become a... capable minister, a pillar of the nation capable of governing the world.
Just two years ago, Bai Yiyue, at a young age, participated in the imperial examination in Liangzhou Prefecture.
He was the top candidate in the preliminary examination!
Top scorer in the prefectural examination!
The Imperial Examination – and he was the top scorer!
Triple crowned!
A nine-year-old girl, competing against countless adult men, won first place in all three levels of exams with an indisputable absolute advantage!
Her essay was praised by the examiner for possessing both youthful vigor and mature political acumen, and it was widely copied, leaving people in awe.
If she weren't the daughter of the Marquis of Anguo, whose noble status required her to keep a low profile, her reputation as a child prodigy would probably have spread throughout the world long ago.
“Aunt Mingyue,” Bai Yiyue looked up at Su Mingyue with a determined gaze, “Please write back and tell Sister Lin that she is not fighting alone. I am catching up with her.”
"I will definitely take the provincial examination next autumn."
Su Mingyue was startled.
The provincial examination was a truly prestigious test, and those who passed became successful candidates, qualifying them to become officials.
A ten-year-old girl went to participate in the provincial examination?
This is unprecedented in the history of the Great Wu Dynasty!
My mother said, "Roads are made by people walking on them."
"Sister Lin has already paved the way for us through the most difficult part. If we, the later ones, are still timid and hesitant, we will be letting down her sacrifices and contributions."
Bai Yiyue's voice wasn't loud, but it was firm and resounding.
"Sister Lin's background destined her to work within the rules as a capable minister, fighting for the status of women. But her foundation is too shallow, and she is easily hurt by the rules themselves."
“But I am different,” a domineering air that seemed out of place for her age appeared on her small face. “My surname is Bai, and I am the daughter of the Marquis of Anguo.”
"My existence is to be the strongest support for all women who embark on this path."
"In the future, if anyone tries to use the rules to oppress them, I will use my power to protect them!"
"If anyone tries to oppress them with power, I will use... even greater power to crush them!"
Su Mingyue was completely shocked.
Looking at the little girl in front of her, she seemed to see another Marquis of Anguo rising up.
No, perhaps even more terrifying than Marquis Anguo.
Because Bai Lu's power was earned through military exploits, while Bai Yiyue was born at the pinnacle of power!
A mother with unparalleled military prowess, and a daughter with potentially astonishing literary talent.
This is the future that Marquis Bailu of Anguo has planned for all women in the world.
A grand, long-term, and even somewhat crazy plan.
"You will succeed in January," Su Mingyue said sincerely, reaching out to gently hug the small body.
Bai Yiyue reached out her small hand and hugged her back, promising softly but firmly, "I definitely will."
"For my mother, for Sister Lin, and for... all of us in the world who do not want to be confined."
In the distance, the study window was pushed open a crack.
Bai Lu quietly watched the scene in the courtyard, a hint of relief in her eyes.
"Big sister! Aunt Mingyue! You're here!" A clear and lively voice rang out.
A group of elegantly dressed young men and women walked in, chatting and laughing.
Leading the group were two girls who looked almost identical, both around ten years old, with their hair styled in double buns and their large eyes sparkling with cleverness. They were Bai Sanyue and Bai Siyue, the most famous little housekeepers in the Marquis's mansion, who had an amazing talent for accounting and management.
"Third sister, fourth sister." Bai Yiyue revealed a rare smile, her calm temperament softening considerably.
"Big sister! I just heard from Granny Zhang in the kitchen that Mother is in a good mood today and has given us special permission to have hot pot tonight!" Bai Sanyue excitedly ran to Bai Yiyue's side, grabbing her hand and shaking it. "And it's the freshest mutton, just delivered from the Jurchens today!"
Following behind them was a chubby little girl who looked younger than her actual age, wearing a thick brocade jacket, like an adorable glutinous rice ball.
As she walked, she held a piece of osmanthus cake in her hand, her little mouth bulging with food.
In June, she mumbled in agreement, "Yes...yes! Hot pot! And shrimp paste...and tripe!"
Another girl, also ten years old, had a completely different temperament.
She was exceptionally beautiful, the most beautiful of her sisters, with exquisite features, snow-white skin, and every smile and frown exuded a captivating charm.
It's May.
There was also a gentle girl, holding a book, quietly following behind with a gentle smile on her face. She was the second daughter, Bai Eryue, the most quiet and fond of reading.
Walking at the back, with the calmest expression, was Bai Qiyue.
Besides the six Bai sisters, there were also three extraordinary young men in the crowd.
A gentle, jade-like figure, with smiling eyes, followed closely beside Bai Eryue, his gaze full of doting affection.
He is Su Jinyu, the adopted son of Bailu, and he and Eryue have been childhood sweethearts since they were young.
She is already thirteen years old.
A tall, stern-faced man exuding a sharp aura beyond his years was Leng Bingnian, who was about to travel to the capital in September to take the martial arts examination.
She is almost seventeen years old.
The last young man had a handsome face, an elegant demeanor, and wore magnificent clothes, clearly indicating that he came from an extraordinary background.
He was talking quietly with Bai Qiyue, a gentle smile on his face. He was none other than Ximen Liuyun, the heir of the Duke of Liang.
Fourteen years old.
"Big sister," Bai Qiyue stepped forward, "we just went to watch Brother Leng practice martial arts, and his Breaking Formation Spear technique has improved a lot. We've decided to have hot pot later as a way of bidding him farewell in advance."
“Alright.” Bai Yiyue nodded, then looked at the cold-faced young man. “Brother Leng, this trip to the capital is different from the trip to the northern border. The people in the capital are complicated, so be careful in everything you do.”
Leng Bingnian clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice steady: "Alright, Sister Yiyue, I will certainly not fail in my mission."
He has passed all the other military examinations, and only the final examinations, the metropolitan examination and the palace examination, to be held in the capital, remain.
If successful, one can secure a position in the Imperial Guard or the Ministry of War.
"Don't be so serious!" Bai Sanyue grinned and leaned closer. "Bing Nian, let me tell you, we've all prepared prizes for you!"
"If you become the top martial arts champion, I'll give you the most profitable shop in the south of the city as a congratulatory gift!"
Bai Siyue retorted, "I'll give you the silver notes I've saved up too! So you can use them to make some money in the capital!"
Bai Liuyue swallowed the osmanthus cake in her mouth with difficulty and said seriously, "I...I'll share half of my snacks with you!"
Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and even Leng Bingnian, whose face was usually icy, showed a rare hint of a smile.
Su Jinyu said softly to Bai Eryue, "Eryue, it's windy outside, your hands are cold."
"Let's go inside quickly. I've just acquired a rare copy of a book from the previous dynasty. I'll show it to you later."
"Really?" Bai Eryue's eyes lit up, her face full of joy.
Bai Wuyue then pulled Su Mingyue along and asked curiously, "Aunt Mingyue, I heard that the delegation from the Great Stone Kingdom is arriving soon?"
"Which prince is coming this time?"
An unusual light shone in her eyes.
Su Mingyue chuckled and playfully pinched her nose: "You little rascal, you're quite the insider."
"I heard it's the thirteenth prince, Uli."
Bai Wuyue smiled.
Just then, the study door opened.
Bai Lu changed out of her tight-fitting clothes and into a black casual dress with gold trim. She slowly walked down the steps, her gaze sweeping over her children.
"Mother!"
The children immediately stopped playing around, bowed in unison, and even the most lively March and April stopped smiling and stood up straight.
Bai Lu's gaze swept across each child's face, finally settling on her eldest daughter, Bai Yiyue.
“I heard what you said to Mingyue in January.”
"Very good." A faint smile appeared on Bai Lu's lips. "With such ambition, you are indeed worthy of being my daughter, Bai Lu."
"...You still need to learn the art of political maneuvering slowly."
She then looked at Leng Bingnian: "Bingnian, once we arrive in the capital, there's no need to rush to take sides. Stability should be the priority in everything."
"His Majesty's thoughts are more unpredictable than a blizzard in the Northern Barbarians. Your task is to take root, see clearly, and understand."
"I will remember the Marquis's teachings!"
Finally, she looked around at everyone, a rare warmth appearing on her face: "Alright, everyone, stop standing outside. It's freezing cold, come inside. We're having hot pot today."
"Yay! Time for hot pot!" Bai Liuyue was the first to cheer, pulling her sisters along as they ran towards the warm pavilion.
The oppressive atmosphere was instantly swept away.
In the center of the warm pavilion, an enormous, gleaming bronze hot pot had already been set up.
This hot pot is as big as half a table, divided in the middle by a partition in the shape of a yin-yang symbol. One side is a milky white mutton bone broth, with red dates, goji berries and a few pieces of ginseng bubbling inside. The rich and fresh aroma is so enticing that it warms you from head to toe.
On the other side is a bright red, spicy broth, a secret recipe made by the Sichuanese cooks of the Hou family. Dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and various spices float on the thick red oil. The domineering spicy aroma is like an invisible hand, tempting people's mouths and making their tongues water.
The table full of delicacies was not all prepared by the servants.
"June! You stop right there! Don't you dare steal any of the freshly cut lamb rolls!"
A clear, sweet shout rang out, and Bai Sanyue was seen standing with her hands on her hips, glaring angrily at her younger sister.
Meanwhile, the little dumpling named Bai Liuyue was tiptoeing, quickly pinching a paper-thin roll of mutton from a huge plate, and stuffing it into her mouth with lightning speed. Her little face squinted happily with satisfaction.
"I...I didn't steal any food," Bai Liuyue mumbled, her cheeks puffed out, her defense utterly unconvincing. "I was just tasting it for everyone to see if it was salty enough!"
"You've already tasted it eight times!" Bai Siyue popped up from the other side, holding a small abacus in her hand, clicking away as she muttered, "At two qian of silver per roll of mutton, you've already eaten one liang and six qian of silver!"
"That's enough to buy a whole leg of lamb!"
The two sisters sang in unison, making everyone around them laugh.
The mutton was excellent; each slice was so thin it was translucent, and the red and white marbling was clearly visible. Arranged on a blue and white porcelain plate, it resembled blooming crimson roses.
Bai Eryue and Su Jinyu were carefully washing various vegetables together.
Her movements were gentle and focused, as if she were handling a work of art.
Each head of vibrant green vegetable was washed, sorted, and neatly arranged in a bamboo drain basket, a pleasing sight to behold.
“Brother Jinyu, look at this spinach. The leaves are growing so well, doesn’t it look like a little fan?” Bai Eryue held up a spinach, a gentle smile on her face.
Su Jinyu's gaze wasn't on the spinach at all. He looked at Eryue's cheeks, which were slightly flushed from the moisture, and said softly, "It looks very beautiful."
"But no matter how beautiful she is, she can't compare to you."
Bai Eryue blushed, gave him a reproachful look, and continued washing vegetables, but couldn't help but smile.
Bai Qiyue was working with Ximen Liuyun, the heir of the Duke of Liang, preparing ingredients that required skill.