jdhmnovel Chapter 164: Debate with Scholars (2)
Chapter 164: Debate with Scholars (2)
"This is utterly ridiculous! A mere woman, dreaming of becoming an official? Isn't this a joke?"
"That's right, there's no reason for a woman to hold an official position in this world."
"This magistrate is foolish! How can he allow this woman to defile this dignified place?"
"A woman in power is a sign of national chaos!"
Shi Wanxia didn't take the pedantic scholars' vulgar and offensive language to heart at all. After all, this wasn't modern times, and women holding official positions was not tolerated by society.
Shi Wanxia deeply admired the virtues of these scholars. She had long anticipated that they would cause an uproar, but she hadn't expected them to be so eager.
"I'm saying you don't think you're superior to us just because you've read a few books, do you?"
"If Confucius knew that his descendants were all like you, I wonder if the coffin lid would be able to hold him down."
"So what if I'm a woman? Aren't you all born of mothers and fathers? Why do you look down on women so much? Aren't you afraid that you'll dream of Confucius at night and he'll slap your hands?"
"You...you shameless, unfilial woman, outrageous and illogical! A woman like you should be drowned in a pig cage!" A man dressed in coarse cloth glared at him coldly.
Shi Wanxia smiled dismissively, not taking their words to heart.
"What do you mean, 'you'? How did I say something wrong? You pedantic scholars are really just bored and have nothing better to do. You've completely distorted the Confucian classics. If I were Confucius, I would definitely expel you all to save you from this embarrassment."
"How dare you, you vile woman! What do you know? You are not worthy to be compared with us."
"Indeed, this woman is extremely presumptuous."
The scholars present kept talking, becoming more and more enthusiastic as they spoke.
"My lord, please think it over! There has never been a precedent of a woman holding an official position since ancient times."
"Yes! This is against etiquette!"
"Please, sir, send this woman away."
"Please, sir, send this woman away."
Immediately, the scholars bowed and pleaded with the magistrate to expel this nonsensical woman.
Cui Zhihao's face was extremely dark. "How dare you! I have already posted the notice. There is no law in this area that prohibits women from serving as clerks!"
Those scholars were incredibly arrogant, feeling that the magistrate was humiliating them. They angrily stormed out of the hall, uttering harsh words as they left.
“Sir, you are truly confused. How can a woman be an official? Your behavior is outrageous. We will definitely go to the prefectural government to file a complaint against you.”
"Hmph, let's go. This scholar doesn't even want this place. Such a muddle-headed magistrate. How laughable!"
In the main hall, the group of scholars all wore disdainful expressions, scoffing at the magistrate's decision to appoint women to official positions. They considered themselves superior, believing that a woman's virtue lay in her lack of talent, and that she was utterly unworthy to be associated with them.
One of them stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Excellency, this is absolutely unacceptable! How can a woman be an official? This is utterly ridiculous!" The others echoed his sentiments, their words vehement.
The magistrate remained calm as he looked at the group of scholars, but couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
He said slowly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the reason I made this decision is because this woman is indeed talented and capable, and can work for the benefit of the people. I hope that everyone can set aside their prejudices and give her a chance."
However, the scholars wouldn't listen at all. They turned and left, leaving the hall empty except for Cui Zhigao standing there quietly.
Cui Zhihao watched the departing scholars, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He was well aware of their prejudices and narrow-mindedness, but he also understood that change would take time.
Shi Wanxia bowed slightly and said, "Your Excellency, your decision is correct. Although I am a woman, I am sure I can fulfill my duties and make contributions to the people."
Magistrate Cui nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. Shi Wanxia knew that although the road ahead was difficult, she had confidence as long as she had the support of someone like Cui Zhigao.
Cui Zhihao remained composed and gently tapped his finger, deciding that she would officially take office the next day. She nodded slightly, saying she would return home first; the official letter and appointment document would be delivered to her home later. Shi Wanxia immediately bowed and took her leave.
She stepped lightly out of the room. Sunlight bathed her, casting her slender shadow. Her mood, like the clear weather, was bright and cheerful.
Shi Wanxia led Shuyun out of the county government office, and Shuyun remained in a daze for a long time. She never imagined that her sister would become an official; this was unheard of in history. She stood there stunned for a long time, until Shi Wanxia called her repeatedly, before she finally snapped out of her daze.
"Sister, you really became an official?" Shuyun still couldn't believe her eyes.
Shi Wanxia smiled and nodded, "Yes, from now on, you will be the registrar of this county government office."
Shuyun looked at Shi Wanxia, her heart filled with admiration and pride. She knew that her sister had always been talented and ambitious, but because of her gender, she had never had the opportunity to showcase her abilities. Now, her sister finally had her own stage to realize her dreams.
"Sister, you're amazing!" Shuyun said sincerely.
Shi Wanxia patted Shuyun's head and said, "Little sister, you must also study hard and become a useful person to society in the future."
Shuyun nodded vigorously, "Sister, I definitely will!"
Looking into Shu Yun's determined eyes, Shi Wanxia felt a surge of relief. She knew that her younger sister would definitely become an outstanding person.
"Alright, stop being silly. Let's go to the brokerage today and buy some manpower. You have a good eye, so you're in charge of choosing, and I'll be in charge of bargaining."
Shu Yuncai realized, "That's right, Sister Shi is now an official, even if it's just a minor clerk. For us women, that's a first! We should buy some servants to take home, otherwise, it will be beneath our dignity."
Shi Wanxia didn't think that way. She was thinking that the business was getting bigger and bigger, but there were only so many people at home. They couldn't do much even if they worked themselves to death, and besides, she was going to work at the county government office in the future, which would mean one less person at home.
Shi Wanxia led Shuyun into the brokerage, and the brokerage manager immediately greeted them with a smile: "Please come in, sir. We have received a batch of convicted government slaves today, both men and women, and many of them are literate."
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly and followed the shopkeeper into the inner hall. Inside, a group of government slaves stood there, each with a haggard face and eyes revealing fear and helplessness. Shi Wanxia glanced around and her gaze settled on a young woman.
The woman was dressed in tattered clothes, her hair disheveled, but her eyes revealed a resolute determination. Shi Wanxia stepped forward and asked, "Can you read?"
The woman nodded slightly: "Miss, this servant knows a few characters." Shi Wanxia was delighted and turned to the shopkeeper, saying: "I want this woman."
The shopkeeper nodded quickly: "Okay, sir, please wait a moment, I'll go and process the formalities right away." A moment later, the shopkeeper came back with the indenture.
Shi Wanxia took the contract of sale, glanced at it, and then handed it to Shuyun: "You keep it." Shuyun took the contract of sale and carefully put it away.
Shi Wanxia said to the woman, "From now on, you will follow me. I will treat you well." The woman was moved to tears, "Thank you for saving my life, Miss. I am willing to serve you like a slave." Shi Wanxia smiled, "There's no need for that. I'll take you back first."
Looking at these fifteen- or sixteen-year-old children, Shi Wanxia felt a pang of pity. Their eyes were empty and numb, as if they had lost their souls. She could imagine that these children must have suffered a tremendous change and a great blow to become like this.
Shi Wanxia approached the broker and tried to bargain with him, hoping to buy all the children.
She said softly, "Shopkeeper, these children are so young, they have suffered too much. I don't need so many, but I'm a kind-hearted person and can't bear to see these children suffer. Could you give me a discount and buy all seventeen of them?"