There is a happy inn in the capital.

His gaze swept over the few senior ministers who had spoken out against it earlier: "Your Majesty has witnessed Princess Zoya's abilities firsthand. The Kingdom of Boyu prospered because of her, and our dynasty benefited from her. This shows that a woman's talent is not limited to the inner chambers. This is one aspect of her true talent."

An elderly imperial censor with gray hair and beard couldn't help but say

"Prime Minister Cheng! Princess Zoya is from a foreign royal family, which is an unusual case! Our women have long been confined to their chambers, how can they be compared to her? Moreover, women are gentle and weak, how can they deal with court disputes and local affairs?"

At this moment, Li Lingxiao (who had been promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue), who was standing in the middle to back of the court assembly, could not hold back any longer. He stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and his young face was full of seriousness.

"Your Majesty, Your Excellencies! In my opinion, this is not the case!"

He was eloquent, clearly having been holding back his words for a while.

"My eldest sister is a woman. She has not read many classical books, yet she started from scratch and built a small inn into the 'Happiness' brand that is now spread throughout the north and south, supporting countless employees and benefiting millions of poor people. The resourcefulness, courage, and benevolence she has shown in business are probably unmatched by many men! This is just one example."

He said again

"And then there's General Liang Yuying! A woman, yet she commanded thousands of troops, guarded the capital, quelled rebellions, and protected the emperor. Her military achievements were numerous, and her courage and martial prowess were unmatched in the entire court. These are two examples."

"There's also the Princess of Ning'an, who handed over cotton seeds to the imperial court, preventing soldiers from freezing. She also developed masks during a plague outbreak, reducing casualties. These are three examples."

"There's also Princess Changning who founded the Aiyoutang (Orphanage for the Young), taking in orphans and teaching them to read and write. Miss Ye Bingli is skilled in music and literature, and often goes to Qingde Medical Clinic to play the zither and heal patients..."

"It is evident that there are many hidden talents among the women of our dynasty, but they have simply had few opportunities to display their abilities in the past!"

"My elder sister often says that if women could also read and understand principles, and could also establish themselves in the court and serve the people with their own abilities, then women's lives would naturally be better, and the world would have many more talented people to use!"

"That's the second point. It's urgent—the court needs to broaden the channels for talent and select the virtuous and capable. How can it cut off one arm because of gender?"

As soon as Li Lingxiao finished speaking, Chen Shitou, who had been promoted to the position of Principal of the Ministry of War due to his military merits and hard work, stepped forward with a simple and honest manner. He spoke less eloquently than the previous two, but more directly and forcefully.

"Your Majesty, I also think that what Prime Minister Cheng and Minister Li said makes sense!"

"Your humble servant doesn't have many grand theories, but I've personally witnessed that many of the female accountants and managers at the Happiness Inn are faster at accounting than I am, and they manage things in an orderly manner."

"General Liang's Mulan Army is ruthless in battle, and... back in the village, during busy farming seasons, the aunts and sisters-in-law were all indispensable, holding up half the sky."

"Since women can manage affairs, fight battles, farm, and do accounting, why can't they be officials? I think we should put them to the test and see what they're really made of!"

"As long as one has real skills and can serve the court and the people, what does it matter whether one is male or female? The court can set up examinations and select fairly, with the capable rising and the mediocre falling, isn't that enough?"

Cheng Zhian added in a timely manner

"Lord Li and Lord Chen are quite right. My proposal is not to allow all women to enter the court overnight, but to set thresholds. They must be well-versed in the classics, understand the law, and possess practical knowledge. Only after passing a rigorous examination can they be hired."

"Initially, a few positions could be set up as a trial to observe its effectiveness. This measure could encourage women across the country to strive for education, improve their overall knowledge and understanding, and in the long run, it would be of great benefit to education, family values, and national strength."

"Moreover, with the prosperity of 'Friendly Trade City' and the gradual opening of commercial ports in various places, there is a great deal of complexity in affairs, and there is an urgent need for people who are meticulous and literate. Women may have a unique advantage in this situation."

Xiao Jingyan listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne.

He recalled Princess Zoya of Boyu Kingdom's firm and wise eyes, his sister-in-law Gu Ziying's meticulous management of the royal palace and her assistance to his uncle, the vibrant women like Li Shuchen in the marketplace, and his own thirst for talent at the beginning of his reign.

The dissenting minister wanted to argue further: "Your Majesty! The laws and regulations are strict, and the order of Yin and Yang must be maintained! This matter involves far-reaching issues and may cause public criticism, shaking the very foundation of the nation!"

Xiao Jingyan finally spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable determination.

"What you all say makes sense. However, I have personally witnessed the example of the Kingdom of Boyu cited by Prime Minister Cheng. Women's talents can indeed bring peace to the country. The abilities of women in the common people mentioned by Ministers Li and Chen are also not unfounded. A country is established by talent, and governance is achieved through people. If we stick to old practices, we may regret missing out on some outstanding talents."

He surveyed the assembled officials and slowly spoke.

"The laws of our ancestors were not established to bind the hands and feet of our descendants. My mind is made up. I hereby grant the request of Chancellor Cheng and order the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel to jointly draft detailed rules to establish a system of examinations for women, clearly defining the examination subjects, recruitment duties, and promotion paths."

"The initial number of personnel need not be large. Select the best and give them a trial period in positions such as document compilation, treasury management, and maritime accounting. At the same time, issue a general order to all prefectures and counties to encourage girls to attend school. Charitable institutions and free schools must not refuse to accept girls. This matter will be overseen by Prime Minister Cheng, with Li Lingxiao and Chen Shitou assisting."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Cheng Zhian, Li Lingxiao, Chen Shitou, and the others bowed and accepted the order, their faces filled with excitement.

Although some veteran officials still looked worried, seeing that the emperor was determined and the plan was cautious, they had no choice but to swallow their objections and speak in unison.

"Your Majesty is wise"

The bell rang, signaling the end of the court session. As Li Lingxiao walked out of the main hall, she excitedly caught up with Cheng Zhi'an.

"Prime Minister Cheng! If my elder sister knew this had succeeded, she would be ecstatic!"

Cheng Zhi'an smiled gently, his eyes shining: "This is not the achievement of one person, but an inevitable result of circumstances. The next difficult part is to formulate the detailed rules, which requires careful and thorough consideration."

Chen Shitou chuckled憨厚ly, "Anyway, I think as long as things get done, that's fine! Maybe the government office will be a bit more lively in the future."

Happiness Inn

"Miss! Miss! This is fantastic news!"

Grape practically flew into the backyard of the Happiness Inn, waving a copy of the imperial gazette, still smelling of ink, her face flushed with excitement.

"The imperial court...the imperial court has posted a notice! It says...that women can also participate in the imperial examinations and even become officials! It also encourages women to attend school!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen, who was grooming Li Wanbai, suddenly looked up, his eyes lighting up. He snatched the document and quickly scanned it.

"Women are encouraged to participate in specific official position examinations... women are encouraged to enroll in schools... hahaha! Good! Cheng Zhian is quite something! And my brother, Chen Shitou, well done!"

She excitedly spun around in a circle, making Wanbai dizzy, "It's done! They really got it done!"

She immediately shoved the comb into Grape's hand: "Go quickly! Invite Yuying, Ziying, Changning, and Bingli over! Tell them we have something important to discuss, it's great news!"

In less than an hour, the girls had all gathered in the Three Treasures Hall.

Li Shuchen slammed the official gazette on the table, his eyebrows dancing with excitement: "You all saw it, right? The east wind is blowing! We can't just sit here and wait! I have an idea—"