bullyxtreme Chapter 370 Fucha's End (Part 370)
Chapter 370 Fucha's End (Part 370)
Some ministers even secretly observed the emperor's expression.
However, Hongchang's expression remained unchanged, and he seemed to show no displeasure.
They simply assumed the emperor was deep in thought and as immovable as a mountain.
Hongchang had already made up his mind, but he did not rush to express his opinion at this time.
Instead, he continued to listen to the debates in the court.
The matter of choosing an heir concerns the future of the Qing Dynasty and must be handled with utmost care.
It is necessary to consider the opinions of the court officials and also to balance the power of various factions.
At this time, the debate in the imperial court became increasingly intense.
The ministers who supported making the prince the crown prince emphasized that ancestral rules could not be violated.
They believed that establishing a female heir would undermine the foundation of the nation.
Furthermore, women already enjoy a high status; if they were to be oppressed by an empress in the future...
From now on, will they only be able to be dominated by women?
The ministers who supported Princess Yongding believed that...
The Qing Dynasty is now open-minded, and women are equally capable of shouldering the responsibilities of the nation.
Princesses, being women themselves, naturally desired an even higher status for women.
Many women are now shining brightly in their respective fields.
But many more women still live under the constraints of traditional ideas, immersed in bitterness.
If Princess Yongding is made crown prince, those who oppress and abuse women will have something to fear.
Women's status will also be further elevated.
Hongchang frowned deeply as he watched the two groups arguing fiercely in the court.
Seeing this, Zhang Hude, the chief eunuch standing behind Hongchang,
He hurriedly raised his voice and said, "My lords, please be quiet!"
Zhang Hude's voice was loud and clear, and the court fell silent instantly.
All the ministers looked at Hongchang, awaiting his decision.
Hongchang slightly raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down.
His gaze was sharp as he scanned everyone in the court.
His tone was calm yet authoritative:
"My esteemed ministers, today we discuss the matter of establishing an heir."
This is a major event concerning the future of the Qing Dynasty, and I am very pleased that everyone has expressed their opinions.
However, arguing won't solve the problem.
Hongchang looked at the princes and princesses standing together in the court.
"Who among you do you think is most capable of taking the position of crown prince?"
Yonglian and Yongjue exchanged a glance.
Yonglian spoke first, his tone calm and steady:
"Father, I believe that the position of Crown Prince belongs to my elder sister."
The imperial elder sister was intelligent from a young age, had the world in her heart, and was involved in court affairs.
She possesses exceptional insight into military strategy and is deeply loved by the people. Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, are willing to fully support you.
Yongjue nodded in agreement.
"Father, what my elder brother says is absolutely right. My elder brother, my elder sister, and I were born of the same child."
My elder sister has always been smarter and more hardworking than us.
We should not overlook the talents and contributions of my elder sister just because she is a woman.
Your subject admires Your Majesty and is willing to serve you.
He preferred conquering all directions to being an emperor.
Other princes and princesses also expressed their willingness to support Princess Yongding.
This scene greatly shocked the ministers who supported making the prince the crown prince.
Unexpectedly, the princes and princesses were so united in recommending Princess Yongding.
This is the throne! Is it really that unattractive?
They really couldn't understand it.
Other princes and princesses had different ambitions, such as Yongyue.
Princesses Yonglin and Yongjun
Some wanted to be teachers, some wanted to be doctors, and some were interested in scientific research.
Several princes were not without ambitions to vie for the throne.
But they were all aware of their own limitations; they were born out of wedlock.
She lacked powerful backing and was significantly inferior to Princess Yongding.
Moreover, they grew up under the care of their elder sister and two older brothers.
Although they were of different social classes, the siblings shared a deep bond.
They wouldn't risk their lives for a throne that was unlikely to come their way.
And damage the relationship between siblings
If they really wanted to experience the taste of sitting on the throne, there were still so many unclaimed territories overseas where they could realize their ambitions.
I believe my elder sister will support them then.
The court fell silent for a moment, and everyone looked at Hongchang.
Hongchang smiled with satisfaction, stood up, and said:
"I am very pleased to see you all so harmonious today and so focused on the country."
"Yongding, are you confident that you can shoulder the responsibilities of the crown prince?"
Princess Yongding stepped forward, her voice firm:
"Father, I will do my utmost to live up to your trust and the expectations of the people."
Hongchang nodded and looked around the court:
"My mind is made up. I will make Princess Yongding the Crown Princess."
I believe that under her leadership, our Great Qing Dynasty will surely become even more prosperous and powerful.
At this point, some ministers were still unwilling to accept it.
"Your Majesty, if Princess Yongding becomes the Crown Prince..."
How to choose an heir after that will likely cause further disputes.
Hongchang smiled slightly, having anticipated this question.
"What's there to argue about?"
The child born to the princess is also a descendant of the Aisin Gioro clan, and is recorded in the Imperial Jade Tablet.
From this day forward, I hereby proclaim to the world:
The selection of the crown prince should be based solely on merit and ability, regardless of gender.
Children born in Yongding
Anyone who is intelligent, has a broad vision, and possesses both virtue and talent can succeed to the throne.
I will personally establish the 'Chengqian Academy,' where all members of the imperial family, regardless of gender, will begin their studies at the age of six.
I, together with the Grand Secretariat, the Imperial Clan Court, and the Hanlin Academy, will examine his literary and military talents, as well as his understanding of the people's sentiments and governance.
The term was eighteen years, after which participants would undergo three more stages: court recommendation, court examination, and court debate.
It was made public to all officials and shown to all the people.
Finally, the best candidate was chosen as the crown prince.
In this way, strife will cease, and the nation will endure.
After the words were spoken, the court fell into a deathly silence.
Then erupted a deafening roar of "Long live!"
Even the most stubborn Minister of Rites knelt down, trembling.
With his forehead pressed against the gold brick, he shouted in a hoarse voice:
"Your subject... will obey Your Majesty's decree!"
At this point, Princess Yongding's ascension to the throne was a foregone conclusion.
No matter how unwilling these ministers were, they could only keep quiet.
They dared not anger the emperor, much less dared to remonstrate with him to the death.
In the past, dying for one's principles could earn one the reputation of a "loyal minister," but now it only brings eternal infamy.
The emperor has been on the throne for thirty years, employing both iron-fisted rule and civil administration, and the people in the court have long been worn down by him.
Those old bones who still think of "proving their innocence with their deaths,"
Ten years ago, he famously said, "I don't lack coffins."
There was also the case of his family's scandals being investigated and reported by the "Da Qing Bai Xing Bao" (a local newspaper in Qing Dynasty China) to become widely known.
The ministers had long been thoroughly trained.
Seeing that the ministers had fallen silent, Hongchang formally issued an edict to make Yongding the Crown Princess.
Upon receiving the imperial decree, Princess Yongding knelt down to express her gratitude, displaying dignified composure.
Hongchang walked down the steps and personally helped Yongding up, his eyes full of expectation.
"From now on, you will have to devote yourself to the cause of the Qing Dynasty."
Princess Yongding, with tears in her eyes, said firmly:
"Father, rest assured, your son will certainly not fail in his mission."
When the news reached the inner palace, Empress Liang Wanyi was checking the account books in Kunning Palace.
Hearing the news, I was overjoyed that my precious daughter's wish had come true.
Meanwhile, in the Cining Palace, Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan were enjoying a rare opportunity to watch "Mu Guiying Takes Command".
When they heard something they liked, the two would hum along a few times.
Upon hearing the news that Princess Yongding had been made Crown Princess
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan exchanged a glance, and both showed relieved smiles.
Fucha Peiyun put down her script and sighed:
"This child has been sensible and intelligent since she was a child. Her success today is the result of her own hard work."
Nian Shilan nodded in agreement: "Yes, Yongding is not only talented, but also has a very good character."
It is a blessing for the Qing Dynasty to be able to establish her as the crown prince.
Of course, it's also because you raised the emperor well, making him broad-minded.
That's why the princess is allowed to take the lead, unlike that old man, the late emperor.
They were wary of this and that; how could they tolerate a princess as regent?
Moreover, she has been made crown princess.
Fucha Peiyun nodded, explaining that it was precisely because the chubby orange was inherently suspicious and wary of this and that.
Fucha Peiyun did not interfere much in the affairs of the previous dynasty while he was alive.
I'm afraid of arousing the suspicion of the big fat orange cat, which would put me in a disadvantageous situation.
Now, Hongchang is open-minded and not only allows the princesses to participate in court affairs.
They also actively encouraged them to showcase their talents and improve the status of women, which was truly a blessing for the Qing Dynasty.
The news that Yongding had been made Crown Princess spread like wildfire throughout the Qing Dynasty, and the people were overjoyed.
The topic was hotly debated in every street corner, teahouse, and restaurant.
"Have you heard? The Emperor has made Princess Yongding the Crown Princess!"
This is the first time since the founding of our Great Qing Dynasty!
A vendor selling candied hawthorns excitedly called out to the tailor at the neighboring stall.
The tailor put down the fabric in his hands, smiled, and nodded:
"That's right! My daughter was reading 'The New Admonitions for Women' at school just a few days ago."
It is said that women should be self-reliant and have aspirations for the world.
Princess Yongding is now a living example!
If princesses can become empresses, then our women...
Pursuing a career in government or military service is perfectly legitimate.
Not only among ordinary people, but also in academies and girls' schools across the country, there was a great deal of excitement.
Inside the Capital Women's University, hundreds of young women gathered in the auditorium.
Holding the "Da Qing Bai Xing Bao" (People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty), they read the entire imperial edict aloud in unison.
Their eyes were filled with tears, but their voices were firm:
"The selection of the crown prince should be based solely on merit and ability, regardless of gender..."
There are still those pedantic intellectuals who refuse to accept the status of women.
Still muttering, "A hen crowing at dawn, heaven and earth turned upside down."
But they only dared to mutter a few words, for fear of being caught and punished.
On the newly expanded overseas territory of Java,
Princess Shuhe was standing on the high platform at the port.
Gazing at the rising sun slowly ascending the horizon in the distance.
Beside her stood Li Zhenxuan, dressed in a long robe with his cape fluttering in the wind.
"The message has arrived."
Li Zhenxuan said softly, his tone filled with relief.
Princess Yongding was made Crown Princess.
Shuhe's lips curved slightly upward, her gaze gentle and profound:
"This child has finally taken the step that we never dared to imagine."
She turned to look at the rising city behind her:
On the wide streets, Han Chinese, local indigenous people, and laborers of all races walked side by side;
Long queues formed in front of the newly built clinic;
The sound of reading aloud filled the school, as girls and boys practiced writing together.
Shuhe sighed softly, "From abolishing foot binding and banning chastity arches..."
With the establishment of a female heir apparent today… the Qing Dynasty has truly changed.
Li Zhenxuan held her hand:
"It was you with the Empress Dowager and the princesses."
They gradually pried open this empire.
Now, it's their generation's turn to shoulder the burden.
Their son, Yongpu, stood behind them; the young man was clad in armor and stood tall and elegant.
I was very excited to hear that my most respected sister, Yongding, had been made Crown Princess.
"Mother, Father, when are we going back to the capital?"
Shuhe turned around and saw two bright flames burning in her son's eyes—
That is a unique aspiration of youth, a fearless yearning for the future.
What's the rush?