Chapter 117 The Substitute Bride 33
Chapter 117 The Substitute Bride 33
"You unfilial son! I've wanted to beat you for a long time! You've always looked down on women. Our second daughter clearly has a talent for medicine, but you wouldn't let her go to the women's medical school. Now that the first batch has graduated, you still won't let her enroll, ruining her life! And now look what's happened, all eight of your sons have been beaten, all because of your prejudice!"
As the old lady cursed, she pounded the ground with her cane. At the height of her anger, she even smacked Imperial Censor Liu with her cane.
Imperial Censor Liu dodged repeatedly, explaining, "Mother, I was confused before. I never imagined that Her Majesty the Empress's actions would bring such great benefits."
The old lady glared at her angrily: "Foolish? Your foolishness almost ruined the whole family! That women's medical school was a benevolent act by Her Majesty the Empress, giving women a way out, but you, with your stubborn mind, can't see the bigger picture."
Imperial Censor Liu lowered his head and dared not utter a sound.
The old lady continued, "Hurry up and make arrangements for your granddaughter. Let her register at the medical school. Don't ruin her future."
Imperial Censor Liu hurriedly replied, "Mother, please calm down. Your son will take care of it right away."
The old lady then stopped using her cane and said, panting heavily, "If there's a next time, I'll break your legs!"
While he gave perfunctory answers, Imperial Censor Liu had no real intention of registering his second legitimate daughter for the imperial examinations.
She's already thirteen years old and about to be married, so why would she want to study medicine?
A woman's only path should be marriage. If she wastes several years studying medicine, what good family can she marry into?
The following day, Imperial Censor Liu went to court.
While waiting in the side hall, the other colleagues were discussing the graduation of the first batch of women's medical students.
“My niece has been studying at the medical school for so long, and now she can treat the common ailments of women. People from neighboring villages even come to her for treatment. This is truly bringing honor to our family!” a colleague said with a proud look on his face.
“That’s right, my younger sister is the same. After she returned from her studies, we don’t need to call a doctor for any minor ailments. Moreover, suitors are practically wearing down our doorstep. Everyone says that marrying such a capable woman is a blessing.” Another colleague chimed in with a smile.
"Several girls in my clan have graduated from medical school and are now able to find jobs at women's clinics. They can not only support themselves but also bring honor to their families. The monthly income is quite substantial, which has greatly reduced the burden on their families."
"Yes, in the past, women mostly stayed at home and did housework. Now that they have studied medicine, they can not only take care of their family's health, but also help their neighbors. Our family's reputation in the area has improved a lot."
"Also, my daughter has been favored by the Duchess of Qin because of her outstanding performance at the medical school. She has been hired as her personal physician with excellent benefits."
"After my niece studied medicine, she became more independent and confident, and she interacted with others in a very graceful manner. She is so much better than before."
"Indeed, this Women's Medical School is indeed a good place to cultivate talents, but unfortunately there are still some stubborn people who cannot see its benefits."
After saying this, the colleague gave Imperial Censor Liu a meaningful look.
Upon hearing these words, Imperial Censor Liu's face turned pale and then red, and he secretly felt annoyed.
During the court meeting that day, Chu Qingyun also spoke about this matter privately.
"The first batch of female medical students have now graduated. According to the original agreement, they are required to return to their hometowns to open clinics. The Empress will provide full financial support, and in the future, these types of female medical clinics will be managed by specially appointed female officials."
Imperial Censor Liu immediately stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, what do women know..."
Before he could finish speaking, the Duke of Qin stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I think this is a wonderful idea. It is not impossible for a woman to serve as an official and manage the national women's medical academy."
"Firstly, these women are graduates of medical schools, possessing professional knowledge and capable of managing medical clinics;"
Secondly, women understand women's needs better and can provide more attentive service;
"Thirdly, appointing women to official positions also demonstrates the benevolence of His Majesty and the Empress, sets a new precedent, and inspires more women to strive for excellence and contribute to the prosperity of our dynasty;"
Fourthly, this move can elevate the status of women and make society more harmonious;
"Fifthly, if managed properly, women's medical clinics will spread throughout the country, benefiting all people, bringing peace and health to the people, and making the country prosperous. I hope Your Majesty will think it over carefully."
The words that Imperial Censor Liu wanted to say were completely shut down by the Duke of Qin. He pointed at the Duke of Qin, trembling, and couldn't say a word.
Upon hearing what the Duke of Qin said, Chu Qingyun was overjoyed and said loudly, "What the Duke said is very true, and it is exactly what I wanted to say!" His face was full of satisfaction and joy.
Then, Chu Qingyun asked with great interest, "Duke, I have heard that your clan has always produced many talented people. I wonder if there are any suitable women who can contribute to the establishment of this women's medical academy?"
The Duke of Qin bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, there are indeed several intelligent women in my clan. If Your Majesty requires them, I will certainly have them serve the court."
Chu Qingyun nodded in satisfaction and said, "Very good, very good. If they can achieve something, I will reward them handsomely. After court today, you shall order suitable women from your clan to go to the Empress for assessment. If they succeed, their appointment as female officials will be assured."
Standing to the side, Imperial Censor Liu's face grew increasingly grim. He inwardly groaned, regretting his stubbornness.
A female official is still an official. If he had been the first to stand up and agree, wouldn't that have meant the title would fall on his own daughter?
No matter how much Imperial Censor Liu regretted it, the eldest granddaughter of the Duke of Qin eventually became the director of one of the branches of the women's medical clinic.
Although she was over twenty years old and had two children, this did not affect her three years of diligent study at the Women's Medical School, from which she graduated with excellent grades.
*
As Chu Yuze grew up day by day, by the time he was seven years old, Ji Xiaosong still hadn't given birth to a second child, and even he started to panic.
He found a time when he was having lunch with Ji Xiaosong and asked her about his thoughts.
"Mother, can you have more younger brothers and sisters?"
"why?"
Ji Xiaosong neither refused nor agreed, but instead asked for the reason.
Chu Yuze blinked and said earnestly, "Mother, nowadays women can also serve as officials. I think that if you have more younger brothers and sisters, they can contribute to our dynasty and enhance its prestige when they achieve success in their studies. Furthermore, I am inevitably lonely on my own, and having more younger brothers and sisters would bring me more joy. Moreover, with our dynasty prospering, more imperial heirs would be a sign of the family's flourishing."
Ji Xiaosong didn't have children before because she was worried that this great emperor would encounter many setbacks on his path to becoming emperor.
Furthermore, he might not accept that he has someone else to share with.
Unexpectedly, Chu Yuze had no such idea at all.
What if your younger siblings also want to be emperor in the future?
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