Shen Qing paused in the act of patting her back. In her desperation these days, she had overlooked this point. She never thought they would dare to spread such rumors in front of Si Bao.
"Because they're scared."
"Scared?"
Si Bao didn't expect such an answer. Her black grape-like eyes stared roundly at Shen Qing.
Shen Qing explained, "Those who say such things deliberately belittle women. They try to confine women within a framework, expecting them to live according to their wishes because it's beneficial to them."
"They oppress women. They even divide books and knowledge into categories for men and women. Men can read history books and practice martial arts, while women can only read works like Rules for Women and Admonitions for Women. Men can read extensively and travel far and wide, but women can only wait in the backyard for them to return. Then they claim that women are uneducated and inherently inferior."
"Once women reach the same level as them, they will be scared because it means women can live without men, and the lies they've fabricated will be exposed."
"And once a lie is told, more lies are needed to cover it up."
Si Bao was thoroughly confused. These words were a bit too advanced for a four - year - old.
Shen Qing knew that teaching a child couldn't be done overnight, so she changed her way of explanation.
"Si Bao, think about it. If women can't read and write like men but can only learn needlework, won't there be no one competing with them for the top positions in the imperial examinations?"
Si Bao nodded vigorously. She could understand this.
"If women can't go out to earn money, won't the family's expenses rely entirely on men?"
Si Bao nodded again.
"Since everything in the family depends on men, men will naturally be in charge. Women who can't support themselves will naturally be dependent on them."
"But if women can also participate in the imperial examinations, support the family, and engage in politics like men, they will have the same say. Men will no longer be the only decision - makers."
"Actually, they're just afraid of being inferior to women. They're unwilling to be subordinate to women, so they fabricate one lie after another. Their essence is to weaken women."
"Si Bao, mother wants you to remember one thing. Only enemies hope you're weak."
"Only by being strong can you protect yourself from harm."
"Mother, I understand."
Si Bao jumped off Shen Qing's lap. Her chubby face still showed traces of baby fat, but it was filled with determination.
"Those who say I can't be the crown prince hope I'm weak. I'll prove them wrong!"
Shen Qing gave her daughter a big kiss on the cheek. "Then you can't be a brat and refuse to go to the study to practice calligraphy from now on."
Si Bao lowered her head, her voice growing softer. "Yes, mother."
The next day, Shen Qing and Si Bao dressed in the imperial robes of the queen and the crown prince and went to the Golden Hall. It was Si Bao's first time in such a place, but she had accompanied her father to several meetings. Excitement outweighed fear.
Everyone bowed respectfully.
"Long live the queen! Long live! Long live!"
"Long live the crown prince! Long live! Long live!"
"Rise."
Shen Qing's seat was on the lower left of the dragon throne, and there was a small seat on the right for Si Bao.
Throughout history, there had been empresses dowager presiding over court affairs, but they usually did so behind a curtain. However, Shen Qing didn't have a curtain set up.
Firstly, she had the legitimate right to assist in governing, so there was no need for her to hide behind a curtain. Secondly, compared to her, the young crown prince Si Bao was more likely to be bullied. By being more ostentatious, Shen Qing could draw their attention, giving Si Bao more time to grow.
"Those with memorials may present them. If not, the court is adjourned—"
As the voice faded, King Rong stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this is the list of the involved officials and relevant people."
Shen Qing had someone present it. After just one glance, she closed it.
"Attempting to harm the emperor's body is tantamount to treason. Confiscate their properties. The national treasury is empty anyway."
Many in the court thought the punishment was too harsh, but since Lord Zhu had already been dismissed from office and sent home, would they be the next Lord Zhu if they spoke up?
Everyone secretly glanced at King Rong. King Rong felt extremely uncomfortable under their gazes.
"Why are you all looking at me? Do you think the queen's decision is inappropriate?"
Of course it was inappropriate!
Privately, many had secretly cursed the "demonic queen".
Yet, King Rong bowed to her in submission, and the scholars in the Wenyuan Pavilion had no objections. The noble families had also been weakened by the emperor. They didn't have the capital to resist now!
Who would have thought that a princess from a rural background would be so decisive in killing and punishment!
She made decisions and carried them out immediately, just like the emperor!
Shen Qing looked at the silent crowd below. "If you gentlemen have no objections, this matter is settled..."
"I have an objection."
A boot stepped out from the crowd. Everyone looked and saw that it was Yan Peiyu.
Yan Peiyu now held the position of the fourth - rank deputy minister of the Ministry of Revenue. In just four years, he had been promoted from the sixth - rank to the fourth - rank. This was an extremely fast promotion speed even in local areas, let alone in the capital where every position was occupied.
Moreover, he was the leader of the Wenyuan Pavilion and a close official to the emperor.
Even second - rank officials couldn't match his status.
"Oh? What's your objection, Deputy Minister Yan?"
Yan Peiyu bowed. "Your Majesty, I think your decision is inappropriate."
"In what way?"
Shen Qing frowned, looking serious. It seemed that if Yan Peiyu couldn't give a reasonable explanation, she would punish him too.
"Although the involved people are unforgivable, there are many innocent people in their households. They shouldn't be implicated and lose their lives. If Your Majesty insists on this, it may cause fear among the people."
Shen Qing's tone turned cold. "Lord Yan, if we follow your suggestion, the emperor is still in a coma and his life is in danger, while the culprits are let off lightly. Where is the law?"
Yan Peiyu said unhurriedly, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I'm not suggesting to forgive them. Our Jing State has been at war for years, and the population has decreased sharply. It would be a pity to kill them all. The vast land of the Northern Rong is yet to be reclaimed. We might as well send them there to reclaim the wasteland and atone for their sins."
The Northern Rong was a bitter and cold place. It would be a miracle to survive there, let alone cultivate the land.
Yan Peiyu was just as ruthless.
Shen Qing thought for a moment. "Then follow your suggestion. Behead the main culprits, and exile the rest to the northern lands to reclaim the wasteland. They shall never return to the capital."
Reclaiming the wasteland was better than death. At least they had a chance to live.
Sure enough, with this decision, the opposition in the court decreased significantly.
Yan Peiyu dusted off his robe and returned to his seat, hiding his merits and fame.
That's right. This play was deliberately discussed between him and the queen.
The queen never intended to kill them all. She was worried that the court officials would oppose the idea of sending them to reclaim the wasteland, so she first came up with a harsher punishment.
It seemed that this trick really worked!
After the court session, Shen Qing held Si Bao's hand and walked back. Si Bao's little palms were sweating, but her eyes were filled with excitement.
"Mother was so amazing today!"
Shen Qing squatted down and wiped the sweat from her palms with a handkerchief.
"Mother believes that Si Bao will be more amazing than mother in the future."
At this moment, a palace servant ran over. "Your Majesty, Crown Prince. Your Majesty, I've finally found you. The emperor has awakened and is looking for you everywhere."
Shen Qing suspected she had misheard. "What did you say?"
The palace servant stopped, gasping for breath. "The emperor has awakened..."
Before the servant could finish speaking, Shen Qing picked up Si Bao and ran towards the Zichen Palace.