Chapter 78: Elegant Gathering Debates the Scholars, the Heroine Sets the World Right

Chapter 78: An Elegant Gathering, Defying the Scholars; The Heroine Decides the Fate of the Realm

Night had fallen, and lanterns began to glow one after another. Lin Shiya was well aware that at this gathering of scholars, new strategies of opposition awaited her. Yet her gaze was resolute, without the slightest trace of fear.

She donned a simple, elegant gown. Her steps were light but unwavering as she made her way toward the venue where literary minds had assembled.

The gathering was held at Listening Rain Pavilion, the largest teahouse in the city.

She had not yet entered when she sensed the charged, almost confrontational atmosphere that hung in the air.

Pushing open the intricately carved wooden doors, she was greeted by a hall teeming with people. The scholars clustered in groups of twos and threes, whispering among themselves, while a palpable tension, like the scent of gunpowder, permeated the room.

Lin Shiya’s arrival was like a stone cast into a tranquil lake, instantly sending ripples through the crowd. Every gaze turned toward her—some probing, some hostile, some merely curious.

Maintaining her composure, she walked calmly to the center of the hall and offered the assembly a graceful bow.

“It is an honor to meet you all,” she declared, her voice clear and melodious, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Before the others could respond, an elderly man with a snow-white beard stepped forward. He was none other than Master Wu.

Waving his folding fan, he shook his head in feigned distress, his demeanor one of grave concern.

“Top Scholar Lin, I have a question for you. Might I trouble you for your guidance?”

“Please, Master Wu,” Lin Shiya replied with a serene smile.

“For a thousand years, our imperial examinations have been the foundation of the realm. And now, you propose sweeping reforms. Do you not fear shaking the very roots of our nation, disregarding the legacy of our ancestors?” Master Wu’s words rang out with force and conviction. The surrounding scholars quickly voiced their agreement, and a tidal wave of dissent threatened to overwhelm Lin Shiya.

Yet she remained calm, her gaze sweeping over the assembly, a confident smile curving her lips.

“Master Wu, you are mistaken—” she began, but was abruptly interrupted by a sharp voice from the crowd.

“And what would a mere slip of a girl know about governing a country—”

Lin Shiya’s smile deepened, unyielding yet courteous as she cut off the heckler. “May I ask your name, sir? Or is it only the elders in this hall who are permitted to speak?” Her eyes sparkled as she looked around the room. “Our examinations judge not by birth, but by merit. Have you forgotten that even our late emperor rose from humble origins to ascend the throne by virtue of his talent?”

Her words, each one striking with clarity and strength, left the assembly momentarily speechless.

Master Wu was rendered mute, his face flushing crimson with embarrassment.

Stroking his beard, he tried to recover, grasping at straws. “A woman involving herself in state affairs runs counter to the natural order! You, a female top scholar, parading in public—how indecorous!”

Lin Shiya laughed softly. “Master Wu, the times are changing. Women now stand shoulder to shoulder with men. Why should they not participate in matters of state? I have not come here today to seek power, but for the people and for the future of our nation!” Her stirring words moved many present, especially the younger scholars, whose eyes began to glow with admiration.

Among them, a young gentleman in a blue robe—Young Master Zheng—had been quietly observing Lin Shiya, his heart full of admiration for her. Though he dared not voice his support openly, he was already captivated by her vision.

As Master Wu faltered, the more obstinate scholars began to stir restlessly.

Their expressions darkened as they challenged her with biting words. “You speak of reform, Lin Top Scholar, but how exactly do you intend to put your proposals into practice? Have you considered the consequences should your reforms fail?”

“Yes, yes, Lin Top Scholar, you are young and in a lofty position. It’s easy to be overly ambitious and detached from reality…”

Question after question was fired at Lin Shiya like a relentless volley. The atmosphere grew taut with tension, as if a single spark would set the room ablaze.

Lin Shiya’s brow furrowed slightly, but her resolve only deepened.

She drew a deep breath and was about to reply when a clear voice sounded from the edge of the crowd. “Gentlemen, might I say a word?”

The voice, fresh and sonorous, rang out like a spring flowing through the assembly. All eyes turned toward the newcomer—a tall, elegant figure in a robe of pale moonlight. He radiated a natural nobility, moving with effortless composure and confidence.

He was none other than Murong Fu, the Emperor of Northern Yan, traveling incognito.

A flicker of surprise passed through Lin Shiya’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

Murong Fu’s arrival injected an unexpected element into the tense gathering. The scholars’ attention shifted from Lin Shiya to this uninvited guest.

“I am but a humble man,” Murong Fu began, “yet I am somewhat familiar with Top Scholar Lin’s proposals. If I may, I would like to address some of the concerns raised here.” His deep, resonant voice carried a persuasive power that commanded respect.

Lin Shiya nodded to him, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She knew this “uninvited guest” would prove a powerful ally.

With Murong Fu’s support, Lin Shiya responded with poise and assurance. She countered each challenge with detailed data and convincing examples from real-world experience, dissecting every aspect of her reform plan with eloquence and clarity.

Her voice rose and fell—at times passionate, at times gentle—like a spring breeze nourishing the hearts of all present.

The skepticism in the scholars’ eyes gradually gave way to astonishment, and then to genuine admiration. Even the most obstinate traditionalists began to set aside their prejudices, contemplating her reform with newfound seriousness.

As for Young Master Zheng, he was now utterly won over by Lin Shiya’s talent and courage. Unable to contain his excitement, he rose and bowed deeply. “Top Scholar Lin, I am in awe! Your insight and daring are a model for all of us!”

His gesture added a touch of warmth to the gathering.

Lin Shiya met his gaze with gratitude, a silent sense of kinship passing between them.

As Lin Shiya’s debate dazzled the assembly, the atmosphere softened. Those who had opposed her at first were now left speechless, lowering their heads in silence.

In that moment, Lin Shiya’s prestige reached its zenith.

When the dust had settled, Murong Fu turned his deep, enigmatic gaze upon Lin Shiya once more.

He spoke slowly, “Top Scholar Lin, there is still one matter I do not understand…” He hesitated, a trace of uncertainty in his expression, and the air grew subtly charged once more.

His words, like a stone cast into a still pond, sent fresh ripples through the hall.

Again, all eyes turned to Lin Shiya, waiting for her answer. A subtle tension filled the room.

“Please, sir, speak your mind,” Lin Shiya replied, her composure unshaken. Her eyes burned with clarity, as if she had already foreseen what was to come.

“My question is this: are your sweeping reforms truly for your own gain, or for the sake of the people?” Murong Fu’s voice was clear and magnetic, each word striking the listeners’ hearts like a morning bell.

At this, the previously eased atmosphere grew taut again. Every eye was fixed on Lin Shiya, awaiting her response.

She lifted her head, gaze unwavering as she looked at each person in turn. A confident smile appeared on her lips.

“Everything I do is for the people, and for the future of our Great Wei,” she declared, her voice ringing out through the vast hall, echoing long after she finished.

Just as her words faded, hurried footsteps sounded from outside. A Ministry of Rites official burst into the room, breathless, clutching a document, his face alight with barely contained excitement.

“Top Scholar Lin, good news! The Minister of Rites has reviewed your reform proposal and deems it feasible. It has received preliminary approval and will soon be submitted to the imperial court!”

A wave of astonishment swept through the hall. Those who had doubted Lin Shiya could not conceal their shock.

After a brief silence, thunderous applause erupted. All eyes now regarded Lin Shiya with admiration and respect.

Standing at the center of the gathering, Lin Shiya basked in the praise and esteem surrounding her. A surge of fulfillment rose within her.

Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, gilding her in a halo of gold.

Her eyes glimmered with tears of joy—tears not only for her triumph, but for the pride of being able to change her times.

Yet victory did not cloud Lin Shiya’s judgment. She knew the reform of the imperial examinations would not be accomplished overnight. The road ahead was long, fraught with uncertainty and challenge.

She gazed out the window at the clear blue sky, as if heralding the dawn of a new era.

“I still have one more question…” Murong Fu spoke again, his eyes deep and penetrating, as if searching Lin Shiya’s very soul.

He rose and approached her, leaning close to whisper in her ear, his voice so low only the two of them could hear: “Who are you, truly?”

Startled, Lin Shiya looked up at him. Murong Fu, seeing her astonishment, merely smiled with inscrutable meaning, then turned and strode out of the gathering.