Chapter 191 – Norms and Etiquette

Xie Yi was clearly surprised by this sudden outpouring of praise, but having been raised in a position of power since his youth, he was accustomed to maintaining an inscrutable demeanor. He looked deeply at Fang Zijing and instructed, “There’s no need for such formalities; everyone, please sit down. Do any of your excellencies have further questions?”

Xie Yi was taciturn, and few ministers dared to speak freely in front of him on a daily basis. Grand Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet, Ouyang Shen, remained in the capital to manage state affairs, leaving Fang Zijing, who now held the highest rank among the present officials, to lead the round of praise. This livened up the atmosphere among the ministers somewhat.

At this moment, a scholar wearing a seventh-rank blue official robe from the Hanlin Academy stepped forward and bowed. “Your subordinate, Bao Sijin, has a question for the Duke of Linhai.”

Xu Chun found him unfamiliar, but the Hanlin Academy was a prestigious institution, and only scholars could enter the Imperial Cabinet. He did not dare to be disrespectful and returned half a bow with a smile. “Scholar Bao, please enlighten me.”

Bao Sijin said, “Just now, we heard from Duke Wuying and the Duke of Linhai that the cost of hiring a foreign instructor for this academy of nations is about five to six thousand taels of silver per year. The equipment, machines, new-style ships, and military weapons required by the school must all be imported from overseas, which shows how high the costs are. Although each department can support itself now, when averaged out, it takes around five hundred taels of silver to support one student per year. Aside from the imperial family’s noble daughters, the rest are supported by the academy. Is that correct?”

Xu Chun replied, “Yes.”

Bao Sijin continued, “Five hundred taels of silver to support one student, all paid by the academy, should naturally be used to foster pillars of the nation. However, there are many female students admitted into the academy. In order to uphold propriety, separate dormitories for women must be built, which adds additional expenses for female guards, maidservants, and supervisors. May I ask if the five hundred taels spent on educating female students, who cannot hold office and will eventually become good wives and mothers after marriage, is really training the nation’s pillars? Virtue is found in a woman’s lack of talent. Wouldn’t using the money spent on educating these female students to educate more male students be more beneficial to the country?”

Several female principals standing below glared angrily at Bao Sijin.

However, Bao Sijin seemed rather pleased with himself and continued to quote classics. “The Guoyu states: ‘The sovereign lives off tributes, the grandees live off their fiefs, the gentry live off their lands, the commoners live off their labor, the merchants and artisans live off the government, and the servants live off their duties.’ Each has their own duty and place, which is the essence of norms and etiquette, and the orthodox teachings of propriety.”

“The current academy of nations admits large numbers of children from military households, artisan households, merchant households, bureaucratic households, farmers, and female students. If this is promoted throughout the provinces, the farmers won’t stay in the fields, the artisans and merchants won’t remain in the marketplaces, and women won’t stay in their homes. This disrupts the norms and etiquette of propriety. As the saying goes, ‘those who excel in learning shall serve the state.’ If these students and women enter the court, without the teachings of the Six Classics, wouldn’t they disrupt the court? The scholars of the empire would surely be disheartened!”

Before Xu Chun could reply, he saw Guan Wanwan stepping out from behind him, raising her eyebrows and asking, “Guan Wanwan is twenty years old this year. Since I graduated, I have provided free medical consultations every month, treating over ten thousand people and saving countless lives. I am highly regarded in the medical community. Immediately after graduating, I joined the army and went on a long expedition to Silla, treating countless soldiers and officers, earning commendation from the court. I became a female teacher at the academy of nations and have taught one hundred thirty-two apprentices and three direct disciples—both men and women. These doctors, after graduation, will save countless lives.”

“I dare ask this scholar, since you passed the imperial examination, have you ever established even a single military achievement, written a timeless article, saved a single citizen, or earned a single tael of silver for the country?”

Bao Sijin didn’t expect to be directly confronted by Guan Wanwan, and the emperor above didn’t seem to reprimand her. How could he willingly engage in a verbal sparring match with a woman? But retreating now would be too embarrassing, so he cursed the Duke of Linhai inwardly for allowing a woman to take the lead while his face turned slightly red. Bowing, he said, “The Hanlin scholars are responsible for drafting edicts, historical records, and literary works. They are selected for their prestige and do not handle trivial matters. A female doctor like Madam is indeed very rare… most female students will only marry and bear children…”

Guan Wanwan interrupted, “Out of the forty to fifty female students who graduated from the Fujian Naval Academy’s medical hall and mathematics department, over a dozen are now employed at the academy of nations, teaching and nurturing future generations. The rest of the female students, after marrying, opened medical clinics and treated citizens.”

“Moreover, the overseas trade in Jinhai Fort is led by General Helan’s sister, Miss Helan, who navigates the seas with her fleet, continuously selling our empire’s porcelain, tea, silk, and other goods abroad. Then, she exchanges them for these machines, military weapons, and warships, saving the imperial treasury immeasurable profits.”

“You, as Jinshi scholars, are chosen from ten thousand. After entering the court, you eat the emperor’s rations every day, discussing empty patriotism without contributing to the state. How dare you lament the cost of five hundred taels here?”

“In the past, schools and the imperial examinations were paths for men to advance. Not everyone could pass the exams. Why do you demand that women, once educated, must surpass you men in benefiting the country and the people to deserve the five hundred taels spent on their education?”

Bao Sijin, infuriated and humiliated, glanced at the Duke of Linhai beside him, who seemed to be watching from the sidelines. “Impudence! I asked the Duke of Linhai. You, a woman, have overstepped your bounds and shown disrespect. Asking questions before the sovereign requires proper decorum. How can you be so aggressive and unreasonable!”

Xu Chun chuckled, waved for Guan Wanwan to step back, and asked with a smile, “Scholar Bao, you mentioned earlier that a woman’s virtue lies in lacking talent. May I ask if the ladies in your household are illiterate and uneducated?”

Bao Sijin boasted, “In my Bao family, the women specialize in spinning, weaving, cooking, and needlework. They work tirelessly every day, managing the household frugally and modestly, free of the ostentatious airs of officials’ families.”

Xu Chun smiled. “I was mischievous since childhood, but my grandmother, aunt, and mother—all the senior women in my family—were literate. In the Duke’s residence, from the noble ladies down to the maidservants, all could write and calculate. My brothers and I were taught by our grandmother since childhood. She taught us writing, classics, and the principles of loyalty to the sovereign and patriotism. Unfortunately, my knowledge is average, but my brother passed the imperial examination. I still remember how my grandmother and aunt discussed strategies and problems with my brother when he was preparing for the examination.”

“Not only is this true for my family, but I’ve seen that many noble ladies in the capital are also literate and understand the classics. Only then can they educate their children and ensure the family remains virtuous generation after generation. In ancient times, Yue Fei served the country loyally following his mother’s wishes… Now, there are…”

He looked around and sighed. “Unfortunately, Minister Li Meiyao is absent today. I heard that Minister Li lost his father in his youth and was unable to study. Forced by circumstances, he followed his mother to another family. He never attended a private school. All his extensive knowledge was taught by his mother, leading to the current Minister Li, with his iron will, hatred for evil, and profound learning.”

Laughter filled the meeting hall. Many knew about Li Meiyao’s childhood, how he changed his surname after his mother remarried, and how he restored his original surname after passing the examination. Xu Chun’s words seemed to praise Li Meiyao, but those aware of the enmity between Li Meiyao and the Duke of Linhai couldn’t help but laugh maliciously.

“My words are clumsy, but Minister Li is eloquent and explains things clearly. He should teach you a lesson. How can the continuation of scholarly traditions in distinguished families, the nurturing of children by loving mothers, and the service to society by husbands be considered unequal? Women reading books can achieve the same accomplishments as men outside the home or be devoted wives and mothers inside. Five hundred taels achieves both purposes. I think it’s a profit. Your superficial and ignorant views, your short-sightedness, and your inability to calculate accounts properly are due to your mother failing to teach you to read and count. You should read more and learn about the actions of ancient people.”

Bao Sijin was speechless.

Laughter erupted in the hall.

Bao Sijin, seeing that this topic would implicate Li Meiyao again, hesitated. Li Meiyao was vengeful, and no one dared to provoke him. The Duke of Linhai was stubborn, and they already had a grudge. If he persisted, Li Meiyao might vent his anger on him… Moreover, the emperor hadn’t spoken a word, allowing the Duke of Linhai and the woman to scold him, clearly favoring the Duke of Linhai…

He could only reluctantly bow and say, “Your subject has no more questions.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly. After Bao Sijin retreated, Zhuang Zhizhan suddenly stood up and said, “Your Majesty, I have something to say.”

Xie Yi said, “Everyone, speak freely.”

Zhuang Zhizhan said, “Scholar Bao couldn’t argue with the Duke of Linhai about the accounts just now, but he had a point. Everyone should stay in their rightful place, which is the norm. Nowadays, the academy studies foreign lectures, manufactures foreign machines, but does not learn the classics of our Chinese culture. Ignorant of the Three Bonds and Five Constants, unaware of the sovereign and father, and disrespectful to heaven and earth. Heaven, earth, sovereign, parents, and teachers are the fundamentals of the Three Bonds and Five Constants. If new-style academies flourish, most foreign instructors are missionaries, deceiving the minds and hearts of people. Over time, Western influence may grow, the imperial throne may shift, and the royal authority may weaken. This cannot be ignored.”

“With a heart for the unity of the empire, Your Majesty wants to reform the old school system, eliminate malpractices, and encourage talent. We all understand Your Majesty’s intentions. However, the tools are new, but the people are old. Today, the empire is clear of corruption, the scholars adhere to ancient classics, and the realm is peaceful—it’s a picture of prosperity. The principles of the Three Bonds and Five Constants have been passed down through generations and continue to be followed. They cannot be changed arbitrarily to avoid shaking the foundations of our ancestors.”

As Xu Chun listened, a look of defiance appeared on his face. He stepped forward to debate but saw Xie Yi waving to stop him. Seeing this, Xu Chun could only retreat.

Xie Yi spoke gently to Zhuang Zhizhan, “Despite your youth, you see this clearly. Your insight is remarkable.”

Zhuang Zhizhan kowtowed. “Please forgive me, Your Majesty, for my presumptuous words.”

Then, he noticed the Hanlin scholars and several civil officials had stepped forward and bowed. “Your subject agrees.”

“Your subject also agrees.”

“Your subject agrees. Matters concerning the empire’s stability require careful consideration, Your Majesty.”

Several civil officials knelt down, creating a grand scene. Almost all the Hanlin scholars who accompanied the emperor on this inspection stood up, except for Fan Mucun, who stood quietly in place, his eyes lowered. Meanwhile, Fang Zijing, Lei Ming, and several military officers wore disdainful expressions but remained silent.

Shen Mengzhen watched the young, fair-faced zhuangyuan from the side, full of ambition, believing he had struck upon what emperors throughout history valued most—the imperial power and the empire’s longevity. He thought, Zhuang Zhizhan, you’re still inexperienced. Our emperor holds a theory that negates the need for a sovereign, which would scare you to death. He stopped Xu Chun from speaking to protect him, not to support you. Don’t be too happy too soon.

Wasn’t he trying to imply my student is a rebel? But actually, this student wasn’t cultivated by me. It was obvious that the one above taught him. If Xu Chun is a rebel, that one is the biggest rebel.

Shen Mengzhen began to drift off in thought again.

Xie Yi’s eyelashes drooped, and his expression was indifferent. “I understand. All of you, rise.”

He glanced at Xu Chun, whose eyes burned with indignation and injustice. He sighed inwardly, knowing that Xu Chun didn’t fully understand. His academy not only touched the interests of millions of examination scholars but also truly violated thousands of years of norms and etiquette. The royal authority was built upon the Three Bonds and Five Constants. By disrupting the norms, he naturally touched the divine authority of the emperor.

Though he didn’t wish for it, this was not the time to say he didn’t care about the emperor’s power, nor would anyone believe him.

For a thousand years, the imperial examinations were the main path for the empire’s scholars, and scholars of the emperor could not be easily offended. He knew that the new-style academies would inevitably face strong opposition, which was why he brought key officials for this inspection.

This was actually revealing the emperor’s intentions to the key officials. Fortunately, Fang Zijing seemed to understand his intentions and probably guessed something. That was why he deliberately criticized and belittled Xu Chun in public, talking about his unconventional methods. In reality, he saw the shortcomings of this academy, fearing that if something happened in the future, it would be detrimental to Xu Chun. Therefore, he used the emperor’s golden mouth to protect him.

Fang Zijing was naturally biased towards Xu Chun, afraid that he would use Xu Chun as a sharp blade for reform and then discard him, fearing that Xu Chun would suffer the fate of “once the birds are gone, the bow and arrows are hidden.” That was why he deliberately made a grand display of praising the emperor in this setting. He was an old fox well-versed in the ways of the court.

Who would believe that the emperor didn’t value the empire and the ancestors’ legacy? Who would believe that the emperor sincerely loved a minister? He looked at Xu Chun, whose face was full of displeasure but was forcibly suppressing it. He thought that he would have to comfort him tonight. He worked so hard and was suddenly doused with cold water. How could he know the dangers of the court, more treacherous than the depths of the sea? Thinking of this, Xie Yi pondered how to soothe this flustered little cat while maintaining a mysterious expression.

He said slowly, “Currently, the barbarians in the north are eyeing us greedily, and foreign devils roam the seas. The barbarians fear strength but don’t appreciate kindness. Our dynasty’s ships and cannons are inferior to those of the foreigners; we cannot be careless. This is the principle of being prepared for danger in times of peace. The Duke of Linhai is dedicated to serving the country and eager to focus on worldly affairs. Therefore, he is eager to build the nation’s vital tools and cultivate new skilled talent to avoid being constrained by the foreigners in this area. This concerns the livelihood and survival of the country, and his patriotic heart is as bright as the sun and moon. He deserves commendation.”

“When the academy was first built, if we started teaching from the Three-Character Classic and the Thousand-Character Classic, studying the Four Books and Five Classics, and then holding imperial examinations, it would take too long to cultivate talent. Therefore, we focused on practical skills, aiming to quickly build machines, ships, cannons, and military weapons. We had to recruit and educate people without being confined to conventional methods. Today, all of your excellencies have seen that loyalty is the top priority at the academy of nations. Whether it’s the teachers or the students, they are all upright citizens loyal to the sovereign and the country, worthy of great praise.”

“The barbarians have always threatened China since ancient times. What your excellencies have said also makes sense. Our dynasty’s culture is deep-rooted and long-lasting, and we should choose the classics to teach the students, instilling in them respect for propriety and virtue. We cannot glorify foreign customs and boost the morale of the Westerners, diminishing the prestige of our dynasty. Minister Zhang.”

Zhang Wenzheng hurriedly stepped out and bowed. “Your subject is here!”

Xie Yi said slowly, “In the future, when you manage the school, you should pay more attention to teaching the students about propriety in the curriculum arrangement. You must send people to review and attend the foreigners’ lectures and classes, not taking them lightly.”

Zhang Wenzheng hurriedly acknowledged the decree. “Your subject obeys the decree.”

Seeing that the emperor, though speaking kindly to him, had defused his accusation of “shifting the imperial throne and disrupting norms,” openly protecting the Duke of Linhai, Zhuang Zhizhan knew in his heart that the emperor favored capable and diligent officials. If he wanted the emperor to regard him more highly, he would have to achieve something greater than the Duke of Linhai to gain the emperor’s favor.

He wasn’t discouraged for the moment, only bowing along with the other officials in a show of deference. But his heart was filled with a competitive spirit, thinking that one day, he too could establish achievements and be considered a close confidant of the emperor like the Duke of Linhai, receiving the emperor’s special favor against all objections. Only then would it not be in vain for his aspirations of entering the court and ascending the ranks.