ebookland Chapter 372 Lü Zhi's Awakening 2
Chapter 372 Lü Zhi's Awakening 2
Chapter 372 Lü Zhi Awakens 2
Lü Zhi's heart felt as if a boulder had been thrown into it, stirring up waves that lingered for a long time. Although she kept denying the absurd idea to herself, a faint voice deep in her mind still murmured: "What if... what if there really is a women's imperial examination? If that happens, could I also have a chance to try my hand?"
Just then, another voice inside her exploded like thunder: "Don't even think about it! Since ancient times, women have been expected to uphold traditional virtues, be good wives and mothers, and manage household affairs. How dare you even attempt to participate in the imperial examinations? You are utterly shameless and rebellious!"
These two voices clashed fiercely in Lü Zhi's heart, plunging her into deep turmoil and struggle. On one hand, she was intelligent and studious from a young age, literate and fluent, and her writing was in no way inferior to that of men. She firmly believed that with her talent, she could surely shine in the imperial examinations. On the other hand, the constraints of traditional etiquette were like heavy shackles, tightly binding her steps that she wanted to break free from them.
Lü Zhi sat there blankly, a strong sense of confusion and helplessness welling up inside her, as if she were in a desolate wilderness shrouded in thick fog, completely lost. Her ears were filled with the cacophony of voices from all sides, each seemingly speaking with conviction, but she was at a loss, unsure of whose advice to follow.
She slowly lowered her head, her gaze fixed on the ground beneath her feet, and she couldn't help but fall into deep self-reflection. Now, in this predicament, she couldn't even decide her own marriage, let alone anything else. Wasn't such a life utterly absurd and laughable?
Looking at her current location—the State of Chu—even men here had no chance to participate in the imperial examinations to gain fame and fortune, let alone a woman like her. As soon as this thought crossed her mind, Lü Zhi felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on her chest, so heavy that she could hardly breathe.
But at that moment, her thoughts drifted involuntarily to the distant Qin Kingdom. What a mysterious and unique country it was! How dare it be the first to establish the imperial examination system, giving ordinary people the opportunity to change their fate through their own efforts? Didn't those nobles worry that the common people would rise through this system, threatening their status and rights? And who exactly was this legendary Princess Jiayang? How could she wield such immense influence?
A series of questions swirled in Lü Zhi's mind, making her increasingly curious about the distant Qin Dynasty and the legendary Princess Jiayang. She couldn't wait to uncover the truth hidden behind the layers of mystery.
Empress Lü had, of course, heard of Princess Jiayang's resounding reputation. She had once casually purchased a soap from Meiyantang, and later learned that this exquisite product was made by Princess Jiayang, which filled her with secret wonder. Upon first using the soap, Lü was immediately captivated by its unique charm, becoming utterly enamored with it. After that, she purchased many more Meiyantang face masks. These masks, when applied to the face, brought a cool and refreshing sensation; after washing them off, her skin became delicate and fair, as if reborn, captivating countless women. Lü herself treasured these masks and soaps, loving them dearly.
Empress Lü found Princess Jiayang truly astonishing! Not only was she capable of great acts of public benefit like papermaking and road construction, but she also meticulously crafted beauty products such as face masks and soaps, which were highly popular among women. Even more incredibly, she dared to intervene in court politics and boldly proposed the imperial examination system. These numerous extraordinary achievements, one after another, made Princess Jiayang appear increasingly mysterious and sublime in Empress Lü's eyes.
It was truly unimaginable that such feats, which even many men could not accomplish, could be achieved so easily by this woman. Thinking of this, Lü Zhi's heart pounded uncontrollably. She pondered to herself: I, Lü Zhi, am by no means an ordinary person. In terms of talent and ability, I may not be inferior to others. So why is it that Princess Jiayang can do things that I cannot achieve?
Lü Zhi clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force. She knew that all she lacked was a chance to change her fate. Perhaps a powerful state like Qin truly possessed some latent potential that could shatter the heavy shackles binding women. However, at this moment, she felt like a blind man touching an elephant, utterly clueless as to where to begin. Lü Zhi fell into deep thought, her mind a tangled mess.
Just then, Chunhua suddenly changed the subject and said, "Miss, Liu Ji is still unconscious. If you are determined not to marry him, you can take this opportunity to discuss it with Master before Liu Ji wakes up. Perhaps after careful consideration, Master will understand your predicament and give up the idea of forcing you to marry Liu Ji!"
Qiu Zhu, who was standing nearby, quickly chimed in, "Yes, Miss. No matter what, you are still the master's most beloved daughter. If you are determined not to marry, I'm sure the master will eventually give in to your wishes."
Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi frowned. Thinking it over carefully, Chunhua and Qiuzhu's words did indeed make sense. In that case, she might as well try to sound out her father's opinion again. If she could successfully annul the marriage, that would be ideal; even if she couldn't, she could always find another way. Having made up her mind, Lü Zhi quickly changed into appropriate clothes and then walked with firm steps straight towards Lü Gong's study. Along the way, she was extremely anxious, unsure of what the outcome would be, but regardless, she was determined to fight for her happiness.
Lü Zhi hurried toward Lü Gong's study and soon arrived at the door. She stopped, straightened her clothes and hair ornaments, and then gently knocked on the closed door with her delicate hand.
A slightly deep voice came from inside the house: "Who is it?"
Lü Zhi took a deep breath and replied softly, "Father, it is I, Zhi'er."
Upon hearing his daughter's voice, Lü Gong responded, "Oh, it's Zhi'er! Come in!"
Lü Zhi slowly pushed open the door, stepped inside, and then carefully closed it again. She looked up, her gaze immediately falling on her father, who was sitting upright at his desk. Lü Zheng was holding a scroll of bamboo slips, engrossed in reading. Lü Zhi dared not be negligent, quickly stepping forward and respectfully bowing deeply to her father. She then said softly, "Father, I have come today to discuss something with you. Do you have time at this moment?"
Upon hearing this, Lü Gong slowly put down the bamboo slips in his hand, raised his head, and looked at Lü Zhi with piercing eyes, asking, "What is it you want? Please speak freely."
Lü Zhi bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and finally mustered up her courage to say, "Father, Zhi'er... Zhi'er wants to annul the engagement."