Chapter 159: Palace Intrigues and Romantic Tangles

Chapter 159: Palace Intrigues and Romantic Tangles

Having attended to her affairs within the palace, Li Ai returned to the Marquis Yongyi's residence. The household was now a picture of tranquility; Li Ai's decision to take up residence in the palace had made her stance abundantly clear, dissuading the majority of those with ulterior motives. Following the emperor's own declaration, even the remnants of such ambitions were utterly extinguished.

Forewarned by Li Ai, Marquis Yongyi and his wife abstained from their evening meal, opting to wait for his return so they could all dine together.

After finishing the evening meal, Marquis Yongyi took the initiative to speak: "Regarding the matter of selection mentioned by His Majesty?"

Li Ai cast a glance at his unmarried siblings, "They can all give it a try."

Li Heng's eyes sparkled. "Second Brother, what do you think of me?" Ever since he heard about this matter in the afternoon, he had been pondering over it. Now, he finally found an opportunity to speak up.

Yet, Li Ai didn't respond immediately. Li Heng was fifteen this year, an age considered most suitable. He was indeed willing to consent, but...

"Second Son, if you find him suitable, let him go," said Fifth Master Li Kuo of Marquis Yongyi's Manor. "Forget about the notion of the eldest son inheriting the family's legacy; he takes after me, neither excelling in literature nor martial arts. This opportunity to venture overseas might just be the path that suits him."

Li Heng's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Father, you truly agree?"

Li Kuo: "With your grandfather and grandmother present, would I go back on my word?"

Upon hearing this, Li Heng bared her teeth in a nervous smile.

Li Ai's gaze fell upon Li Yu. "Aren't you always saying that you miss your Second Sister-in-law? Why are you silent now?"

Li Yu was taken aback at first, then her eyes sparkled. "Second Brother, c-can I go too?" As a woman, could she really pursue education overseas?

Li Ai replied, "Why not? You're of the right age and can read and write."

Wu opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Li Yu leaped with joy, then her eyes started to dart around. "Erm, Second Brother, about the Four Books and Five Classics... actually, you know..."

Li Ai couldn't help but smile at Li Yu's guilty expression. "Don't worry, I know all about it. They don't teach such things overseas."

Li Yu was surprised. "But how did you, Second Brother, find out?"

A hint of smugness appeared on Li Ai's face. "Your second sister-in-law told me."

Li Yu's eyes widened. "She actually betrayed me."

Li Luo chuckled. "Do you even need your second sister-in-law to expose you? Everyone in the family knows what's going on with you. When has anyone ever seen a fish fall for a tadpole?"

Li Yu flew into a rage, reaching out to tickle Li Luo's armpit. "That's ancient history from hundreds of years ago."

The others in the room, witnessing their playful sibling banter, couldn't help but chuckle softly to themselves.

Marquis Yongyi remarked, "Is Yu'er truly considering attending? There are only one hundred spots available, and every household in the capital will surely vie for them." After all, Li Yu was still a young lady.

Li Ai was utterly confident. "Yes, even if I don't end up being chosen, I can always ask General Ning for help. With such a massive ship, it would be effortless to bring someone along."

Madam Hou couldn't help but grumble, "Yuyer is already of marriageable age, and she shows no interest in finding a husband. Her mother's gentle reminders might have helped, but look what you've done—she's run away. You just keep spoiling her." Yet, her tone was filled with fondness.

Li Ai chuckled, not engaging in the conversation.

As Marquis Yongyi had foretold, in the contest for these hundred coveted spots, officials throughout the capital indeed pulled out all the stops. One would claim another's child lacked insight, while another retorted with accusations of feeble study skills, thereby elegantly illustrating the age-old drama of one actor leaving the stage only for another to promptly take their place.

Meng Yuan glanced at the list presented to him, while overhearing his colleague's invitation to join them for dinner that evening at the Reflective Delights Pavilion: "I'm sorry, I have plans tonight."

A stiff smile froze on my colleague's face. "Perhaps another time."

Another colleague asked nonchalantly, "You didn't mention it this morning, did you?"

Meng Yuan nodded. "My brother-in-law sought me out for a matter; I'll be entering the palace shortly."

At this, everyone fell silent.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, Meng Yuan was easily admitted. Upon hearing that Meng Yuan had come to visit, Li Ai promptly arranged his affairs and personally went to greet him partway.

Feeling somewhat puzzled, Li Ai asked, "Big Brother, what's the matter?"

Meng Yuan pondered for a moment. "Have you made a decision about the candidate for your household?"

Li Ai: "In my family, there's a younger sister from my fourth uncle's side and a younger brother from my fifth uncle's."

Meng Yuan: "In my family, I have a younger sister from my second uncle's branch, and a younger brother each from my third and fourth uncles' families."

Li Ai fell silent, waiting for Meng Yuan to continue.

Meng Yuan took a deep breath. "Both our families have chosen girls. The candidates have now reached my hands."

Li Ai said without any surprise, "All the candidates currently in the hands of our eldest brother are males."

Meng Yuan nodded in agreement. As Meng Die's brother who grew up with her and Li Ai, her intimate partner, they both inherently understood her.

It was exceedingly difficult to enter established domains, just as when Meng Die, aware of the profitability of silkworms, had ventured into the oak silkmoth industry. That sector, as she had envisioned, became not only a boon to the nation but also a significant economic source for northern women.

Now, official positions through the imperial examinations were out of reach for women; it would be unrealistic and face enormous resistance to suddenly allow them entry. However, if women could establish a foothold in a new field, they might leverage that position to infiltrate the political arena and other sectors.

Alternatively, even if they couldn't ultimately break into the officialdom, securing a place in a particular domain would greatly improve the status of women.

Meng Yuan lowered his gaze. "Tomorrow, bring your siblings and your wife. I'll join you, and then we will present ourselves before the emperor."

Li Ai: "Audience with the Emperor?"

Meng Yuan smiled. "As the one in charge of this matter, my sister-in-law and your sister-in-law should logically withdraw. However, given the rare opportunity, I have brought them before Your Majesty for Your approval."

Li Ai... He had only intended to use this favor to send his own sister on her way. But Big Brother had bigger plans!

After their discussion, they promptly went their separate ways. The next day, during the minor court session, Meng Yuan stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have a matter to bring to Your attention. Previously, I was honored by Your Majesty's trust in entrusting me with the important task of selection. Now, everything is progressing smoothly. However, both my family and the House of Chang'an have suitable candidates."

Li Ai: "Your Majesty, I have brought them here today, and I dare to ask for Your wise decision."

The emperor didn't hesitate much. "Very well, summon them for an audience."

All the ministers were thinking about what tests the emperor would administer so they could also encourage their own children to study diligently. However, when the five youths were led into the hall, the already serene Diligent Governance Palace fell into an eerie silence.

A few elder officials couldn't resist rubbing their eyes. Had their presbyopia worsened? Why did it seem as if they were seeing young maidens in dresses?

"Mo Yang/Mo Ze/Mo Chun/Li Yu/Li Heng pay their respects to the emperor."

The emperor fell silent too. He looked at the two blossoming young maidens and then at Meng Yuan with his honest demeanor and Li Ai's innocent face. Finally, his gaze returned to the two girls, causing his mind to buzz with confusion.

After the deafening silence, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites ventured to speak, "Scholar Meng, uh... isn't it inappropriate for these two young maidens to be here?"

Meng Yuan looked puzzled. "What's inappropriate about it?"

Seeing Meng Yuan's expression, the old man in the Ministry of Rites was tempted to throw his words back at him. Like a narcissus pretending not to know, didn't he realize the issue himself?

Taking a deep breath, the vice minister felt that all his wit and intelligence were being poured into this moment. "Although I've never sailed, I've heard plenty from others over the years. Those of us who aren't accustomed to boats often suffer from seasickness on our first voyage. Not only that, the food and drink on board are quite meager, making it a severe test of physical endurance. Even grown men can struggle with it, let alone young women who might find it even less suitable."

Meng Yuan suddenly understood. "Vice Minister Lu does have a point. Physical strength is indeed a factor in this selection."

Li Ai spoke leisurely, "Meng Die's ability to cross the vast ocean back then proves that women are more than capable."

Meng Yuan concluded his suggestion with a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, I believe it might be wiser to select youths aged fourteen and above instead of twelve. Moreover, after the selection process, it would be beneficial to entrust them to Prince Chang'an for training. This would not only improve their physical strength but also allow for easy substitution should any prove unsuitable."

Emperor: "Lord Lu does have a valid point. Our previous decision was indeed hasty. I shall follow Lord Meng's suggestion; the selection process will begin at the age of fourteen, and those chosen shall be trained by Changfeng."

Li Ai replied, "Your servant obeys the command."

Minister of Works Su Yuquan commented, "Scholar Meng, even if women possess physical strength, it is still inappropriate! Typically, women are educated in household management and embroidery, with many of them barely literate."

Meng Yuan: "I can't speak for other children, but Meng Yang and Li Yu have been reading and learning characters since they were young."

Su Yuquan: "So what if they know how to read and write? Do you think they can truly grasp the essence of what they're studying?"

Li Ai: "Has Minister Su studied these subjects himself?"

Su Yuquan: "Of course not."

Li Ai shot back without mincing words: "You haven't studied them either. How do you know that Meng Yang and Li Yu can't comprehend it?"

Meng Yuan's voice was calm as he said, "My sister, Meng Die, was the first to believe that there were superior techniques overseas."

Su Yuquan was taken aback.

Meng Yuan: "Your Majesty, I have pondered over this matter thoroughly as well. Eventually, I came to believe that women should also be given the opportunity to learn. This is an entirely new domain. Whether it suits those with a steady disposition or those with boundless imagination, whether it favors those with delicate sentiments or those who are more straightforward, we simply do not know."

"Since there's uncertainty, it's best to prepare for all possibilities. Women often have different perspectives from men. What if a woman proves to be more suitable? It wouldn't just be regretful to miss out; it would also squander considerable time."

The phrase "wasting time" instantly sent a chill down the spine of many. The Great Yi Dynasty had already fallen behind in this entirely new realm; they could least afford to lose any more time now.

The Emperor: "You speak wisely. During the selection, we may also consider including eligible young maidens."

Meng Yuan: "Your servant obeys the command."

Li Ai: "Your Majesty's wisdom shines through. Speaking of learning, I recall a matter. I am not aware of the specific subjects studied abroad, nor do I know what kind of person would be suited for such an endeavor. However, there is one thing I have gleaned from the correspondence with Meng Die — over there, learning not only engages the mind but also requires hands-on experimentation."

With no holds barred, Li Ai launched into his broadside: "Those who study martial arts are somewhat better off, as they at least have to move their hands during practice. Many who pursue the literary arts are pampered by servants who attend to their every need, leaving them with zero practical skills. I'm afraid they truly can't compare to the ladies who skillfully wield embroidery needles on a daily basis. At least those women have steady and dexterous hands." His lips curved into a provoking smile.

After delivering a significant shock, Li Ai proceeded with an even more provocative statement: "Your Majesty, this humble servant believes that it would be appropriate to have an equal ratio of fifty males to fifty females among the hundred youths selected for this endeavor."

The Emperor: ...

Observing Li Ai's righteous demeanor, the ministers all experienced a fleeting illusion, as if they had seen Meng Die standing in the Diligent Governance Hall, boldly expressing her opinions.

Heavens! Indeed, two different personalities cannot emerge from sharing the same bed!