The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

An Lingrong nodded thoughtfully.

According to the Qing Dynasty Code, female criminals, except for those convicted of adultery or capital crimes, were to be taken into custody by their husbands or their families and neighbors, rather than imprisoned. This meant that women were not legally considered independent individuals, but rather the private property of their husbands or male elders.

During the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties, Chinese women enjoyed a relatively high social status. Women of this period were not only able to access the streets and alleys but also participate in various social activities. Divorce and remarriage were common, and society was relatively tolerant of this.

However, with the rise and development of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, a Confucian theoretical system that emphasized "preserving the principles of Heaven and eliminating human desires" gradually emerged. This theory was originally a complete philosophical system aimed at the overall moral norms of society, not specifically targeting women.

However, the concepts emphasized in it, such as "Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues" and "Starving to death is a small matter, but losing one's chastity is a big matter", have been particularly strengthened and applied to women in practice.

By the Yuan Dynasty, Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism was established as the official doctrine and its influence further expanded.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the social influence of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism reached its peak, and restrictions on women became increasingly strict.

Women were required to strictly adhere to the "Three Obediences and Four Virtues," and society began to promote the idea that "a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent." Women's activities were strictly confined to the home. The prevalence of chastity arches and the widespread practice of foot binding became concrete manifestations of women's oppression.

This change caused a sharp drop in the social status of Chinese women, and their previously relatively free living conditions were completely changed. Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism was therefore regarded as an important tool for traditional society to oppress women.

It is worth noting that this change was not the original intention of the Neo-Confucianists, but rather the result of a complete set of philosophical theories being one-sidedly strengthened and distorted in their application under specific historical conditions.

An Lingrong tapped her fingertips lightly on the bluestone tabletop. After a moment, she suddenly raised her eyes and said, "What if... the court allowed women to live independently?"

Sun Heyin's eyes instantly lit up with astonishing brilliance: "If that were really possible..." Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, "More than half of the sisters on this flower boat would be gone!"

"Yes!" An Lingrong nodded slightly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes, "I'll take care of this."

"What?!" Shen Yunfei stood up suddenly. "How can a weak woman like you handle such a big thing?"

Sun Heyin looked at An Lingrong in confusion - this person doesn't know your identity?

An Lingrong nodded almost imperceptibly, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips.

"They are all miserable people. Now that we know about this, we naturally have to find a way to solve it. It's not just for them, it's a good thing for all women in the world."

Shen Yunfei, however, was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing non-stop. "I know this is a good thing, but is household registration reform a joke? Are you just going to agree to it so lightly?"

He scratched his head and pondered, "Should...should I ask my father for help? But he's a military commander and can't handle household registration matters!"

He suddenly slapped his forehead, his eyes lighting up: "Right! You can find my eldest brother." He lost his temper mid-sentence and looked at the two of them awkwardly: "But don't get your hopes up too much. This matter involves too many things. I can't guarantee it..."

An Lingrong finally couldn't help but chuckle, "Did I say I'd let you do it?"

"If you don't let me do it, who else can you let me do it?" Shen Yunfei looked bewildered. "Don't you know my identity?"

"I know." An Lingrong peeled a chestnut slowly, a hint of mischief flashing in her eyes.

"Who else can you find besides our Shen family!"

An Lingrong gave him a meaningful look, the corners of her lips curled up slightly: "Of course I'm looking for someone from your Shen family."

Of course, Shen Meizhuang has to be found for this matter - now that she is the empress dowager, isn't it perfectly legitimate for her to work for the welfare of women all over the world?

Shen Yunfei spread his hands helplessly: "That's it!"

He slapped his forehead in annoyance, "Let me think about how to talk to my eldest brother..."

After parting with Sun Heyin, An Lingrong and Shen Yunfei walked towards the inn one after the other.

On the bluestone road, Shen Yunfei frequently stole glances at An Lingrong's profile, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

"Just say it if you have something to say." An Lingrong said without turning her head.

Shen Yun took a few quick steps to stand shoulder to shoulder with An Lingrong, mumbling, "Cousin, you know the status of our Shen family now, but my father has repeatedly told us to keep a low profile and not to publicize it..."

"So?" An Lingrong continued walking, her tone flat.

"I will definitely do my best to handle this matter today..." Shen Yunfei rubbed his hands nervously, "But from now on... cousin, you have to be more cautious and don't agree to everything easily."

After he finished speaking, he carefully observed An Lingrong's expression. Although she was only a distant relative, he always felt that she had an inexplicable majesty.

Upon hearing this, An Lingrong rolled her eyes and quickened her pace to leave him behind.

Liu Zhu behind him covered her mouth and laughed.

Shen Yunfei stood there in a daze, scratching his head for a long time before chasing after her: "Cousin! I'm doing this for your own good!"

After returning to the inn, An Lingrong immediately spread out her pen and ink and began to write a letter.

This account took up more than ten pages. In addition to the household registration reform, she also described Sun Heyin's recent situation and what had happened in the past few days in detail.

Liu Zhu's arms were sore from grinding ink.

After writing the big words "I miss you", An Lingrong folded the letter and picked up a few dried jasmine petals from the table and put them into the envelope.

Liu Zhu took the letter, opened the window and looked out.

At this moment, a secret guard appeared in front of the window hanging upside down.

Liu Zhu was no longer surprised. She handed him the letter and said, "Hurry!"

"As ordered!"

The man took the letter and put it in his arms. He rolled over and landed lightly on the ground. In a few breaths, he disappeared without a trace.

In the room on the other side, the candle wick popped and burst into sparks.

Shen Yunfei bit the pen hard, and four or five paper balls rolled onto the blue brick floor in front of the table.

By the time he finally finished writing the letter, it was already dawn. He simply didn't want to sleep and went to the post station with the letter.

When he came back after sending the letter, he also bought a few baskets of freshly cooked soup dumplings.

In the next room, An Lingrong had finished washing and was putting on makeup.

Shen Yunfei put the buns on the table and yawned: "Cousin, eat quickly, it's still hot!"

Seeing that the dark circles under his eyes were about to fall to the ground, An Lingrong jokingly said, "Do you really have to compete with the national treasure for your job?"

"what?"

"Nothing, nothing!" An Lingren suppressed his smile: "I made an appointment with Ah Yin to go out for a walk today, you don't have to follow me, go back and rest!"

"No, no, you are all women, it's inconvenient without men around, I can still hold on."

Seeing that he insisted, An Lingrong said no more and sat at the table to start eating buns.

Picking up the bamboo chopsticks, I gently poked through the thin layer of dough. The golden soup immediately gushed out, forming a small amber lake at the bottom of the dish.

She blew away the hot air gracefully, and while eating, she said, "I wonder which temple in Suzhou City has the most effective marriage fortune sticks? We'll go there and pray later, and you can go get one too."

Hearing this, Shen Yunfei felt that the bun in his hand instantly lost its fragrance. His Adam's apple rolled a few times before he found his voice: "Are you... going there to seek marriage?"

"What kind of marriage am I seeking?" An Lingrong's lips curled up into a smile. "Don't you know? I'm a widow."