Chapter 73: The Dawn of Civil Service Reform, as the Heroine Breaks Through Barriers

Chapter 73: The Dawn of Examination Reform, the Heroine Breaks the Ice

The first light of morning filtered through the thin mist, bathing the ancient streets of the capital in a gentle glow.

Lin Shiya was dressed in a crimson official robe, the jade belt at her waist drawn tight, accentuating her upright posture and heroic bearing. She was fully aware that this journey would not be easy, yet her steps remained resolute as she made her way toward the Ministry of Rites. Each stride seemed to tread upon the currents of history itself, carrying with it an unwavering determination to abolish the old and establish the new.

Within the grand hall of the Ministry, the atmosphere was heavy with tension.

Officials whispered amongst themselves, their gazes fixed upon this newly crowned top scholar—some curious, some skeptical, others outright contemptuous.

An invisible pressure hung in the air, like a vast net enveloping the entire hall.

Lin Shiya walked with her head held high to the center of the hall, her gaze sweeping calmly over the assembly, tranquil as still water.

“Your humble servant, Lin Shiya, greets the esteemed ministers,” her voice rang out, clear and unwavering, echoing through the hall.

“Scholar Lin, for what purpose have you come today?” Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Rites spoke coldly, his tone laced with interrogation.

Lin Shiya offered a slight smile and retrieved a memorial from her sleeve. “I am here today to discuss the matter of civil service examination reform.”

No sooner had her words fallen than the hall erupted with commotion.

Minister Zhao’s face darkened, and he slammed the table in fury. “Insolence! The civil service examinations are the foundation of our dynasty. How dare you propose to alter them at will! The laws of our ancestors are not to be changed. Who are you—a mere slip of a girl—to presume to discuss state policy?”

His rebuke was fierce, spittle nearly reaching Lin Shiya’s face.

Other officials quickly joined in, berating Lin Shiya as arrogant and ignorant, accusing her of disrupting the court’s order.

In an instant, the entire hall was in uproar, filled with voices of opposition and doubt.

Yet Lin Shiya’s expression remained unchanged amid the barrage of criticism. She listened quietly, her eyes resolute, like a reef standing firm in the midst of a storm.

“Minister Zhao,” Lin Shiya responded calmly, “the laws of our ancestors are not immutable. The times are changing, and so must the examination system, if it is to suit new circumstances…”

“Nonsense!” Minister Zhao cut her off with a furious shout. “The examination system has functioned for hundreds of years. Who are you to speak so lightly of it? You show no respect for your elders or the court!”

“Minister Zhao, you—” Lin Shiya began to retort, but a young official suddenly stepped forward. “I believe Scholar Lin’s words are not without merit…”

“Zheng!” Minister Zhao shot him a glare. “You are but a mere licentiate—how dare you interject!”

“Minister Zhao, I—” Zheng wanted to continue, but upon receiving another sharp look from Minister Zhao, he dared not utter another word.

Watching this exchange, Lin Shiya sighed inwardly.

She knew that the path of examination reform would inevitably be strewn with thorns.

But she would not give up. With her intelligence and courage, she would break through this ice and open a new path for women across the land.

“Minister Zhao,” Lin Shiya’s voice rose again, now with a tone of undeniable resolve, “reform of the examinations is imperative…”

A shrill voice suddenly interrupted: “Scholar Lin, you are but a woman. What right have you to speak of examination reform?” Licentiate Qian sneered, “Do you wish for women to participate as well? Absurd!”

His words sparked another uproar in the hall, the looks cast upon Lin Shiya growing ever more complicated.

Lin Shiya fixed Licentiate Qian with a cold, mocking smile. “Licentiate Qian, are you so agitated because you fear that if women are allowed to compete, they might outshine you?”

Without haste, she produced another scroll from her sleeve and unrolled it. “Gentlemen, this is a record of candidates admitted through the examinations over the past ten years. The proportion of successful candidates from humble backgrounds has declined year by year, while those from noble families occupy the majority of places. If this continues, will the selection of talent not become the exclusive privilege of the aristocracy?”

She paused, her voice growing ever clearer and more forceful. “Examination reform is not some whimsical notion, but a necessity for the lasting peace of our realm and the selection of true talent! My proposed reforms do not seek to overthrow the old system, but to perfect it, to make it fairer and more just, so that more capable individuals may serve the nation!”

Lin Shiya articulated the necessity and specifics of her reform with clarity, citing historical precedents and solid data, her reasoning both thorough and persuasive.

Some younger officials, initially hesitant about reform, now began to reconsider in earnest. Their subdued discussions were tinged with admiration and approval.

Even Minister Zhao, so staunch in his opposition, was visibly moved. His brow furrowed, fingers drumming lightly on the table, his expression wavering with uncertainty.

The oppressive atmosphere began to dissipate, as if a fresh breeze had swept through the hall, bringing with it hope and vitality.

Just then, Licentiate Qian hurried in.

Clad in blue robes, his face gaunt and eyes sharp with cunning, he entered to find Lin Shiya speaking with eloquence and saw his own face darken.

“Scholar Lin, your silver tongue is nothing but sophistry to beguile the crowd!” he shrilled. “The civil service examinations are the backbone of our dynasty. How dare you propose changes? You seek to disrupt the court and shake the very foundation of the state!”

He swept his gaze around, noticing signs of wavering among some officials, and seized the moment to fan the flames. “Gentlemen, do not be deceived by her! Women meddling in politics have always been a source of disaster! If women are allowed to take the exams, will not the rooster crow at dawn and the world descend into chaos?”

Licentiate Qian’s words were incendiary, and some officials, previously swayed by Lin Shiya’s arguments, began to hesitate once more.

The hall descended into chaos, a cacophony of voices boiling over like a cauldron.

Lin Shiya, brows knit, regarded Licentiate Qian. She knew the real challenge was only just beginning…

“Licentiate Qian,” her voice rang out again, now edged with chill, “you—”

Her gaze was as sharp as a blade. “Licentiate Qian, you accuse women in government of bringing calamity, yet do you not recall how many heroines in our history contributed to the nation’s stability and the people’s wellbeing? Were they too harbingers of disaster?” Her words came quickly, resonating like a bell. “You belittle women with talk of ‘roosters crowing at dawn,’ yet the true threat to our nation is not women serving the state, but those corrupt and incompetent officials who are the real bane of the people!”

Licentiate Qian, cowed by her forceful presence, flushed and paled by turns, rendered speechless.

Lin Shiya pressed on relentlessly. “Licentiate Qian, your fear of women in the examinations stems from your fear of losing your privileges! You fear that women of humble means, relying on their talent, will surpass and replace you! What you truly fear is fair competition, the loss of your special status!”

Each word struck home like a sword, exposing Licentiate Qian’s vulnerabilities.

Sweat broke out on his brow, his body trembling. No longer able to maintain his former arrogance, he slunk away in silence.

Some officials, previously swayed by Licentiate Qian’s agitation, now began to reconsider the necessity of reform. They whispered among themselves, their gazes toward Lin Shiya tinged with newfound respect and approval.

Her reputation grew quietly within the Ministry of Rites.

Night fell, stars twinkling in the sky.

After finishing her duties, Lin Shiya rubbed her brow wearily.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared at the doorway.

“Shiya,” came Murong Fu’s gentle voice, his tone full of concern.

Lin Shiya looked up to see him standing at the threshold, a warm smile on his face.

She rose to greet him. “What brings you here?”

Murong Fu came to her side, drawing her into his arms. “I heard what transpired today at the Ministry and came to see you.” He stroked her hair tenderly. “You’ve worked hard.”

Leaning into his embrace, she found comfort and support, her tension slowly unwinding.

“It’s all right; everything went as expected.”

Murong Fu gently lifted her chin, gazing at her with deep affection. “I know you’re strong, but you must take care of yourself.”

She smiled softly. “I will.” She lifted her head, her eyes determined. “I will persevere, until the day the reforms succeed.”

Murong Fu nodded. “I believe in you.”

They held each other quietly, drawing warmth and strength from their closeness. The tension of the day dissipated, replaced by a deep tenderness.

Suddenly, soft footsteps broke the calm.

Lin Shiya and Murong Fu exchanged a glance.

“Who’s there?” Murong Fu called out sternly.

A slightly hesitant voice replied, “Scholar Lin… I have something to say…”

Zheng drew a deep breath, his face pale yet his eyes firm. He stepped forward and bowed. “Scholar Lin speaks the truth! Though I am but a minor official, I see well the flaws in our examination system. The path of advancement for those of humble birth grows narrower by the year. If this continues, where will our nation find its pillars? Reform is imperative!” Though his voice was not loud, it carried clearly through the hall, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, sending ripples outward.

Minister Zhao’s face darkened as he shouted, “Zheng, how dare you! To echo this madwoman’s words!”

Zheng met his gaze without flinching. “Minister Zhao, my words are sincere, not arrogant! Do you truly believe that maintaining the status quo serves the nation’s interests?”

His words resounded, causing some wavering officials to reconsider. They murmured among themselves, their gazes shifting between Lin Shiya and Zheng.

A warm current surged in Lin Shiya’s heart, a flame of hope burning bright within her. She knew the seeds of reform had been sown; they would one day break through the earth and grow strong.

Yet things were far from smooth.

Late at night, after finishing her work and preparing to rest, Lin Shiya heard a commotion outside the palace.

She went to the window and saw torches flickering and crowds gathered, with protests echoing in the air.

“Down with examination reform!”

“Women must not meddle in politics!”

“The laws of our ancestors must not be changed!”

Licentiate Qian stood at the center, waving his arms and inciting the crowd with hoarse shouts. His face was flushed, his eyes wild, like a gambler who had lost all reason and was desperately clinging to his vested interests.

Lin Shiya watched the protesting scholars outside, took a deep breath, and turned to Murong Fu. “I’m going out to have a look.”

Murong Fu caught her hand, worry etched on his face. “It’s too dangerous outside—let me go instead.”

Lin Shiya shook her head firmly. “No, I must go.” She gently pulled her hand free and strode resolutely toward the palace gates…