Chapter 70: A Grand Discourse at the Imperial Academy, the Heroine Unites Hearts

Chapter 70: A Grand Discourse at the Imperial Academy, the Heroine Wins Hearts

Lin Shiya walked through the morning mist toward the Imperial Academy. The first rays of the rising sun bathed her in gold, yet could not dispel the hint of solemnity between her brows. She knew well that lecturing at the Imperial Academy would not be an easy journey—obstacles would be many and formidable.

Ancient trees lined the road, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, rustling in a way that seemed to warn of an approaching storm. Lin Shiya quietly considered her strategies, every step she took was firm and resolute.

When she arrived at the gates of the Imperial Academy, she found a white-haired, stern-faced elder waiting there—the Grand Tutor Zhang himself. Dressed in formal official robes with hands clasped behind his back, his gaze bore an undeniable authority.

“Top Scholar Lin, I have been waiting for you,” Grand Tutor Zhang declared, his tone cold and hard, tightening the hearts of those who heard him. “The Imperial Academy is a place for teaching and nurturing young minds, governed by strict rules. How can a woman like you be allowed to show yourself here?”

Lin Shiya had expected this confrontation. She replied calmly, neither servile nor arrogant, “Grand Tutor Zhang, your words are mistaken. His Majesty himself has decreed that I may lecture here, aiming to broaden the students’ horizons. There is nothing inappropriate in this.”

“Hmph! A woman’s lack of talent is her virtue!” Grand Tutor Zhang sneered, waving his sleeve dismissively. “Since ancient times, the Imperial Academy has been a place for men to learn. For a mere woman to speak grandly here—what a jest!”

“Grand Tutor, what you say may have been true once, but times are changing, and old rules must be renewed,” Lin Shiya replied, meeting his gaze with unyielding strength. “Women too can stand tall and upright. Why should we not be allowed to teach and enlighten others here? Or do you truly believe that only men deserve knowledge and the chance to serve our nation?”

Grand Tutor Zhang was rendered speechless by her words, his neck stiff, face reddening with indignation, yet he found no argument to rebut her. Just then, a flippant voice rose from the crowd.

“Calm yourself, Grand Tutor. Top Scholar Lin is new here; it’s only natural she doesn’t know the rules!” Out stepped a resplendently dressed young nobleman, fanning himself languidly. This was Young Master Song, a scion of power and privilege, notorious for flaunting his status.

His gaze was laced with mockery, and when he looked at Lin Shiya, it brimmed with disdain. Lin Shiya instantly perceived his hostility—he was clearly here to cause trouble at someone’s behest.

She shot Young Master Song a cold glance, ignoring his provocation, and turned back to Grand Tutor Zhang with steady resolve. “Grand Tutor, the imperial decree has been issued. Today, I must enter the lecture hall, and I hope you will not stand in my way.”

Without another word, she strode toward the lecture hall. Grand Tutor Zhang and Young Master Song tried to stop her, but her figure had already disappeared through the doorway.

Suddenly, a deep male voice sounded from within, “Since this is an imperial command to lecture, it should be…”

Lin Shiya entered the hall, and was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of solemnity.

The spacious lecture hall was filled with hundreds of students sitting upright, their eyes fixed intently upon her. She felt no trace of nervousness; instead, she walked calmly to the center of the platform and unfurled her scroll.

Her clear, melodious voice echoed through the hall. “Today, I wish to discuss with you all ‘The Art of Governing a Nation.’”

She drew widely from the wisdom of past sages, quoting the classics, weaving together the philosophies of ancient rulers and the evolution of current affairs, speaking with grace and clarity. Her explanations were lucid and insightful; her eloquence flowed like a gentle stream, nourishing the minds of all who listened.

At first, some students eyed her with skepticism or scrutiny, but soon they were captivated by her talent and vision. The atmosphere grew ever more vibrant, like a fire kindled by her words, igniting passion in every heart.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and the lecture drew near its end. Just as everyone was immersed in Lin Shiya’s brilliant discourse, a sudden shrill laugh pierced the calm.

“Hahahaha! How utterly ridiculous!” Young Master Song had somehow found his way into the hall. He swaggered to the front, snapped open his folding fan with a crack, and swept Lin Shiya with a look of contempt. “A woman dares spout nonsense here? What a farce!” His grating laughter cut through the harmony like a blade, instantly shattering the hall’s order.

The students, who had been listening intently, were startled into silence and confusion. Some exchanged uneasy whispers, others watched with amused anticipation, eager for a spectacle.

Lin Shiya’s brows knitted in anger. To see her painstaking preparations disrupted by this libertine was intolerable. She fixed Young Master Song with an icy stare, sharp as a blade. She was about to retort when she noticed his smug, taunting demeanor, convinced she was powerless to respond and growing even more brazen.

But Lin Shiya suddenly smiled—a calm, confident smile that radiated composure. She glanced around the hall and spoke in a clear voice, “Gentlemen, do you know what it means to be a ‘true gentleman’?”

The hall fell silent; every gaze was drawn to her.

With a gentle smile, Lin Shiya’s eyes swept over the audience, finally settling on Young Master Song. “The Analects say, ‘A gentleman is broad-minded and not partisan; a petty man is partisan but not broad-minded.’ A gentleman is open and upright; a petty man forms cliques and schemes.”

Her words stirred a ripple of hushed discussion. Students glanced at Young Master Song, whose face turned scarlet with humiliation. He fumbled for a defense, “I… I merely spoke the truth…”

“The truth?” Lin Shiya scoffed. “What you call truth is nothing but prejudice and ignorance. I am here by imperial command to nurture talent for the nation. Yet you disrupt the lecture and sow discord—what are your true intentions?”

She pressed him relentlessly, forcing Young Master Song into retreat. Sweat beaded on his brow; his fan fluttered ever faster, but he could not conceal his panic.

“I… I…” He stammered, unable to form a coherent reply.

Seeing his embarrassment, Lin Shiya chose not to pursue the matter further. She turned back to the students. “Remember, ‘A gentleman is composed while a petty man is anxious.’ We must hold ourselves to the standard of a true gentleman, putting the interests of the nation above all else, and never allow ourselves to be deceived by the petty-minded.”

Her words were clear and firm, like spring rain nurturing the hearts of the gathered students. Applause broke out across the hall, and the eyes that turned to Lin Shiya shone with admiration and newfound conviction.

At that moment, Lin Shiya’s gaze wandered over the crowd and seemed to catch a familiar figure. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly, and for an instant, amid the solemnity of the lecture, a gentle warmth suffused the hall.

She coughed lightly to compose herself, then resumed her lecture.

When the session ended, Lin Shiya stepped down from the platform. A student hurried to her, bowing respectfully, “Top Scholar Lin, there is something I do not understand—may I seek your guidance?”

As she prepared to gather her books, a middle-aged scholar rose first, bowing deeply. “Top Scholar Lin, I must confess my prior prejudice. After hearing your words today, I am enlightened at last. A woman’s talent is in no way inferior to a man’s; your insights are truly admirable!” His eyes gleamed with genuine respect.

Several other scholars quickly followed suit. Some were usually stern and reserved instructors, others esteemed elders, yet all now expressed their support of Lin Shiya. They praised her scholarship and unique perspective, their words brimming with admiration, with no trace of their earlier objections.

Lin Shiya felt a wave of warmth rise in her heart as she looked around at all the scholars. The students, too, rose one after another, bowing to her in respect. Even those who had come merely for the spectacle were won over by her talent and character, and now declared their support with sincere hearts.

Standing at the center of the hall, Lin Shiya basked in their reverent gazes, her heart swelling with fulfillment. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, bathing her in radiance. In that moment, she seemed like a proud plum blossom, standing tall in the winter wind, exuding a unique and compelling fragrance.

She smiled gently, returning their bows. “You flatter me. I am merely doing what little I can, hoping only to contribute to our nation and its people.” Her voice was bright and resolute, and everyone present felt the sincerity of her devotion to the country.

Her words fell like a pebble into a tranquil lake, sending ripples that lingered long after in the hearts of all who heard them.

Surrounded by the crowd, Lin Shiya left the Imperial Academy in high spirits. She felt an unprecedented sense of ease and confidence, as if she could already see the dawn of reform for women’s rights, filling her with hope and strength.

But her joy was short-lived.

No sooner had she stepped outside than she was stopped by a group of anxious guards. “Top Scholar Lin, something terrible has happened! Grand Marshal Wang has once again raised fierce objections to your reforms at court. His words were harsh, and I fear…”

Before the guard could finish, Lin Shiya’s expression darkened, her brows knitting as a sharp light flashed in her eyes. She cut him off with a decisive wave, her voice low and resolute, “Prepare a horse at once. I must go to the palace!”