Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

After hearing these words, the ministers began to whisper among themselves and discuss the matter.

Some believed that women participating in the imperial examinations went against tradition and would disrupt social order.

Others, however, thought Lingyan's suggestion made sense and that it was worth a try.

Lingyan felt gratified and delighted as she watched the Ninth Princess and Jiang Muxue argue their case.

Through the two of them, she seemed to see a future woman shining brightly in the imperial court.

Then, she slowly turned her gaze to the other women in the hall.

The women stared intently at the three of them, their eyes gleaming with anticipation and excitement.

The light, like dazzling stars, illuminated the entire hall.

Some women still had tears glistening in their eyes—tears of joy at the release of long-suppressed desires.

Their eyes were filled with longing for the future and hope for changing their fate.

The Seventh Princess, the Eighth Princess, and Xie Zhiyi also looked at the three of them with smiles on their faces.

They were proud of their sisters and excited about the new opportunities that women were about to have.

Seeing this, Lingyan and the other two smiled and nodded at them.

Then, Lingyan turned her gaze to Xiao Muyao as if to ask a question.

Seeing this, Xiao Muyao smiled and nodded firmly at her.

Seeing Xiao Muyao's gesture, Ling Yan's worries instantly vanished.

After all, he was the one who knew Emperor Jingzhao best.

Since he said Emperor Jingzhao would agree, then he would definitely agree.

Then her gaze swept over the women in the hall again, and she saw the determination and longing in their eyes.

Therefore, she must get this matter completed today.

Emperor Jingzhao sat at the head of the table, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone in the hall.

Actually, after his wife made the suggestion, he thought about it briefly and felt that it was feasible.

After all, he already knew about the woman's abilities.

There are many outstanding women in the world, and it would indeed be a loss for the court and the people if their talents were left unused.

Therefore, he strongly agreed with this. After everyone had finished discussing, he said, "The Crown Princess is right. So I have decided to add an extra autumn examination this time, allowing women from all over the country to participate. From now on, women will be allowed to participate in every imperial examination, so as to select virtuous and capable people for the court and work together for the prosperity of the Great Zhao."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent at first, then a series of ripples arose.

Surprisingly, most of the civil and military officials did not object to this; their expressions seemed to indicate their strong approval.

Those officials who had witnessed the Ninth Princess and Jiang Muxue's valiant performance on the battlefield had already gained a new understanding of women's abilities.

They are well aware that when the country needs talent, gender should not be used to restrict the selection of talent.

Therefore, an old minister stepped forward first, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise. In this war against Beili, the achievements of Princess Huguo and Marquis Anguo are obvious to all. There are indeed many talented and ambitious women. If they can be given the opportunity to participate in the imperial examination, they will surely inject new vitality into the court."

Another official nodded in agreement, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe that the Crown Princess's suggestion is a wise one. The country is currently in need of talented people, and only by recruiting more talents can the Great Zhao Dynasty become more prosperous. Women participating in the imperial examinations will not only demonstrate Your Majesty's enlightenment, but also inspire the people of the world to strive for progress."

However, a small number of ministers still looked disapproving.

A conservative minister stepped forward, frowned, and said, "Your Majesty, the imperial examination has always been a path for men. Women participating in the imperial examination goes against tradition and may cause social disorder."

But his voice was quickly drowned out by other voices in favor.

Another official said, "That's not right. Times are changing, and we should keep up with the times. Women's talents should not be overlooked; they can also contribute to the country."

Seeing that the tide had turned and they could no longer influence the overall situation, the small group of dissenting ministers could only helplessly shut their mouths.

And so the matter was settled very simply and quickly.

Lingyan was also very surprised to see this.

I thought this matter would be difficult, requiring a lot of persuasion or other actions to get Emperor Jingzhao's approval, but it turned out to be so easy!

It wasn't just Emperor Jingzhao who agreed so easily; most of the civil and military officials did as well.

That would be perfect.

At this moment, Lingyan, the Ninth Princess, and Jiang Muxue were filled with joy.

That joy was like the blooming flowers in spring, splendid and passionate.

They smiled at each other, their eyes sparkling with victory.

The women in the hall were even more excited, as if they could see a hopeful future ahead.

They hugged each other, sharing their joy.

Some women wept softly, venting their past grievances and helplessness.

Some women excitedly discussed their future plans, their eyes filled with anticipation and expectation.

The atmosphere in the main hall was warm and hopeful at that moment.

Just then, a civil official looked at Lingyan and asked, "I wonder if this imperial examination will be conducted separately for men and women? Men will take the men's exam, and women will take the women's exam?"

Upon hearing this, Ling Yan straightened her back slightly, her gaze firm and bright.

She slowly shook her head and refused, saying, "No need. Treating everyone equally is fine. The purpose of this effort to secure opportunities for women to participate in the imperial examinations is to break down long-standing gender biases. If men and women are separated for the exams, even if a woman becomes the top scholar, some people will still feel it's unfair. What we want is for men and women to compete on an equal footing. Only in this way can we truly see how capable women are and convince them wholeheartedly."

Lingyan paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over the crowd in the hall, and continued, "Women's talents should not be underestimated. They have potential in literature, strategy, governance, and other fields that are no less than that of men. Allowing men and women to compete on the same stage is a true test of women's abilities and the best way to select the most outstanding talents for the Great Zhao. Only in a fair competitive environment can women fully demonstrate their talents."

Her eyes revealed a firm belief, as if declaring to everyone that women are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with men and working together for the future of the country.

"We cannot give women special treatment because of their gender, nor can we restrict their development because of traditional ideas. Only by treating everyone equally can we give women true equal opportunities and allow their talents to be fully developed."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall fell into deep thought.

Some people are also beginning to re-examine their views on women.

Emperor Jingzhao secretly nodded in agreement.

Xie Zhiyi looked at her three radiant friends in the hall, who had brought glory to women all over the world.

She felt that as their friend, she couldn't be inferior.

So she clenched her fists and secretly made up her mind: she must win the imperial examination this time and surpass everyone, especially all the men.

This is to show everyone how capable women are when it comes to studying.

It also brings honor to women all over the world and serves as their role model.

After the matter was settled, Lingyan and the other two returned to their seats.

Everyone started toasting and drinking again, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

The celebration banquet lasted a long time, until night fell, at which point everyone gradually dispersed.