Chapter 118 - 117: The Substitute Eldest Miss 33

Chapter 118: Chapter 117: The Substitute Eldest Miss 33

"You unfilial son! I’ve been wanting to strike you for a long time! You always look down on women. Our second granddaughter clearly has a talent for medicine, yet you forbade her from attending the women’s Medical Academy. Now the first class of students has graduated, and you still refuse to let her enroll, completely holding her back! And look what’s happened—all eight of your sons got beaten, and it’s all your prejudice that’s to blame!"

As the Old Madam scolded him, she forcefully rapped her cane on the ground. When her anger peaked, she even gave Imperial Censor Liu a whack with it.

Imperial Censor Liu dodged repeatedly while trying to explain, "Mother, your son was foolish before. I just... I never imagined the Empress’s initiative would bring such great benefits."

The Old Madam glared at him. "Foolish? Your foolishness nearly ruined the entire family! That women’s Medical Academy is a benevolent act by the Empress. It gives women a future! But you, you’re just too stubborn and thick-headed to see it."

Imperial Censor Liu lowered his head, not daring to utter a word.

The Old Madam continued, "Go and make the arrangements for your granddaughter immediately. Get her enrolled in the Medical Academy. Don’t ruin her future any further."

Imperial Censor Liu quickly replied, "Please, calm your anger, Mother. Your son will see to it at once."

Only then did the Old Madam lower her cane, saying breathlessly, "If there’s a next time, I’ll see if I don’t break your legs!"

Though he placated her with his words, Imperial Censor Liu had no real intention of enrolling his second daughter.

’She’s already thirteen and about to be presented for marriage prospects. What’s the point of her studying medicine?’

’A woman’s only path should be marriage. If she wastes several years studying medicine, what kind of good family would she be able to marry into?’

「The next day, Imperial Censor Liu attended court.」

While waiting in an antechamber, his colleagues were discussing the graduation of the first class from the women’s Medical Academy.

"My niece studied at the Medical Academy, and now she can diagnose and treat common women’s illnesses. Even people from the neighboring village come to see her. This is truly bringing honor to our ancestors!" a colleague said, his face beaming with pride.

"Isn’t that the truth! It’s the same with my younger sister. Since she returned from her studies, we haven’t needed to call for a physician for the family’s minor aches and fevers. What’s more, the number of suitors at our door is enough to wear down the threshold! Everyone says it’s a blessing to marry such a capable woman," another colleague chimed in with a smile.

"Several of the young women from my clan graduated from the Medical Academy and have now found positions at women’s clinics. Not only can they support themselves, but they also bring glory to the family. Their monthly wages aren’t small either, and it has lightened our household’s financial burden considerably."

"Indeed. In the past, women mostly managed household chores at home. Now that they’ve successfully completed their medical studies, they can not only look after their family’s health but also help the neighbors. Our clan’s reputation in the region has improved quite a bit."

"And another thing—because my daughter excelled at the Medical Academy, she was noticed by the Duchess of Qin and hired as her personal Medical Woman. The position comes with excellent pay and benefits."

"After my niece studied medicine, her personality changed, too. She became so independent and confident, and she interacts with people with such grace and poise. It’s an incredible improvement from how she used to be."

"Exactly. The women’s Medical Academy is truly a fine institution for cultivating talent. It’s just a shame that some people are too stubborn to see its benefits."

As he finished speaking, this colleague shot a meaningful glance at Imperial Censor Liu.

Listening to all this, Imperial Censor Liu’s face alternated between pale and ashen as he cursed himself inwardly for his regret.

During the court session that day, Chu Qingyun also brought this matter up specifically.

"The first class of students from the women’s Medical Academy has now graduated. As per the initial agreement, they are required to return to their hometowns and open clinics. The Empress will provide full financial support, and in the future, these types of women’s medical clinics will all be overseen by dedicated female officials."

Imperial Censor Liu immediately stepped forward to question, "Your Majesty, what could women possibly understand about...?"

Before he could finish, Duke Qin stepped out, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, your subject believes this is an excellent move. It is not at all out of the question for female officials to manage the nation’s women’s medical clinics."

"First, these women have graduated from the Medical Academy, possess professional knowledge, and are competent to handle the management of these clinics;"

"Second, women better understand the needs of other women and can provide more considerate service;"

"Third, allowing women to become officials also demonstrates the benevolence of Your Majesty and the Empress. It sets a new precedent, inspiring more women to strive for self-improvement and contribute to the prosperity of our dynasty;"

"Fourth, this action will raise the status of women, leading to a more harmonious society;"

"And fifth, if managed properly, a nationwide network of women’s medical clinics will be a blessing to the common people, ensuring their health and the nation’s prosperity. I ask Your Majesty to consider this carefully."

Duke Qin had completely cut off everything Imperial Censor Liu wanted to say. He pointed a trembling finger at the Duke, utterly speechless.

Upon hearing Duke Qin’s words, Chu Qingyun was visibly delighted, his voice booming, "The Duke’s words are absolutely right and deeply resonate with Us!" His face was filled with gratification and joy.

Following that, Chu Qingyun asked enthusiastically, "Duke, We have heard that your clan has always produced exceptional individuals. Might there be any suitable women who could contribute to this matter of the women’s medical clinics?"

Duke Qin bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "In response to Your Majesty, there are indeed several intelligent women in my clan. If Your Majesty requires it, your subject will naturally have them serve the court."

Chu Qingyun nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent, excellent. If they can achieve merit, We shall reward them handsomely. After the court session ends today, have the suitable women of your clan go to the Empress for an assessment. Should they succeed, their appointment as female officials is assured."

Imperial Censor Liu stood to the side, his expression growing ever more grim. He silently cursed his misfortune, regretting his earlier stubbornness.

’A female official is still an official. If I had been the first one to stand up and agree just now, wouldn’t that title have fallen to my own daughter?’

Regardless of Imperial Censor Liu’s regrets, Duke Qin’s eldest granddaughter eventually became the director of one of the branches of the women’s medical clinics.

Although she was over twenty years old and already had two sons, this did not stop her from studying diligently at the women’s Medical Academy for three years and graduating with outstanding results.

*

As Chu Yuzhe grew older day by day, he reached the age of seven, and Ji Xiaosong still hadn’t had a second child. At this point, even he was starting to panic.

He found a moment during lunch with Ji Xiaosong to voice his thoughts.

"Mother Empress, can you have a few more little brothers and sisters?"

"Why?"

Ji Xiaosong neither refused nor agreed, instead asking for his reasoning.

Chu Yuzhe blinked his eyes and said with a serious expression, "Mother Empress, now that women can also become officials, your child was thinking that if you have more children, they can become accomplished in their studies and contribute to our dynasty, strengthening its might. Besides, your child gets lonely by himself. Having more brothers and sisters for company would bring more joy. And our dynasty is prosperous; having more imperial heirs is a sign of our family’s flourishing."

’The reason Ji Xiaosong hadn’t had another child before was her worry that the path to the throne would be full of turmoil for this son, who was destined to be a great emperor.’

’Besides, she also worried he might not be willing to share her.’

But unexpectedly, Chu Yuzhe had no such thoughts at all.

"What if, in the future, your little brothers and sisters also want to be the Emperor?"