The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 107 Su Jingyue Sends the Imperial Examination Book

In the innermost recesses of the Imperial Palace, amidst its splendour, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue, clad in a dazzling palace attire, resembles a fairy from a painting. She and her personal maid, Xiaoru, stroll among towering bookshelves. Here, in the Imperial Library, a vast collection of volumes stretches like an ocean of knowledge, awaiting every thirsty traveller. Their steps are light yet determined, their goal clear: to seek out classics that will enlighten the soul and guide the future.

The profound philosophy of the Analects, like dazzling stars in the night sky, shone brightly, illuminating their path and guiding them to deeply contemplate the true meaning of life. The teachings on self-cultivation and family harmony in the Great Learning flowed like a clear spring, gently brushing away the dust from their souls and helping them understand the true meaning of virtue and self-cultivation. The Records of the Grand Historian, like a magnificent epic, plunged them into the whirlwind of history, allowing them to personally experience the joys and sorrows, the bittersweet experiences of heroes and great figures. The principles of benevolence and righteousness advocated in the Mencius were like a key, unlocking the door to a deeper understanding and appreciation of human nature. The heroes depicted in the Records of the Three Kingdoms and the historical treasures of the Book of Han helped them grasp the weight of history and the profound significance of culture.

As Xiaoru carefully sorted through the heavy tomes, she couldn't help but cast an admiring glance at Su Jingyue. "Your Majesty is truly erudite and knowledgeable. She even knows everything about such important matters as the imperial examination. Here, most women only know needlework and embroidery. How could they possibly have the opportunity to be exposed to such profound knowledge?"

Su Jingyue's lips curled up in a faint smile as she heard this, a strange glint in her eyes. It was as if she had pierced the barriers of time and space, returning to a world she once knew—a world where women held equal status to men, and had the same right to pursue knowledge. There, the imperial examinations served not only as a platform for men to showcase their talents but also as a crucial avenue for women to prove their strength and wisdom. Through the examinations, they could secure official positions and honors, demonstrating their talents and worth.

However, in ancient society, women's status was limited. Unable to participate in the imperial examinations like men, they were confined to the boudoir, learning skills like needlework. This reality left Su Jingyue feeling somewhat helpless, but she didn't give up hope. She believed that over time, women would gradually realize their own value and strive for more rights and opportunities.

Su Jingyue knows that knowledge changes destiny, and that both men and women should have equal access to education. She is determined to use her knowledge to provide greater support and inspiration to those around her. She hopes to break free from the constraints of traditional values and empower women to realize their talents and self-worth in various fields.

"In our place," Su Jingyue began slowly, "there are many subjects in the imperial examinations. There is Chinese, which allows us to appreciate the charm of words; there is mathematics, which cultivates our logical thinking; and English, which is the gateway to the world. By studying these subjects, we not only increase our knowledge and abilities, but also realize our self-worth and life ideals." When she said this, a hint of tenderness and nostalgia flashed in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoru's eyes filled with curiosity and longing. She had never imagined that there were such different places and lifestyles in the world. She couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, what about here? If women take the imperial examination, are they also tested on these books?" Su Jingyue shook her head gently, a hint of regret and helplessness in her eyes. "Of course not. Our imperial examination system here has its own rules and requirements. But no matter what, knowledge is a precious treasure. I hope you can cherish the opportunity before you, study hard, and continue to improve."

After saying this, Su Jingyue personally selected several classic works and gave them to Xiaoru: "Take these books to the Zamp. She is a smart and studious woman. Perhaps these books can bring her some different thoughts and inspirations." Although Xiaoru still had many questions and confusions in her heart, she nodded obediently in agreement when she saw the Queen's arrangement.

After Xiaoru left, Su Jingyue stood alone by the window, gazing out at a sky that didn't belong to her. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions: hope and longing for the future, yet also nostalgia and reluctance for the past. She muttered to herself, "I can only help you so far, Princess Saimu and the King. Your relationship is destined to be a journey filled with challenges and twists and turns. I hope you can overcome these obstacles and find your own happiness and peace." Her voice was gentle yet firm, as if she were offering her most sincere blessings and prayers to a friend far away.

Su Jingyue sighed deeply, a flicker of helplessness and worry in her eyes. Her gaze gradually settled on the neatly arranged pens, inkstone, and paper on the table—the tools she used to express her innermost feelings. She slowly lifted her pen, but the tip hovered in the air for a long moment, as if each word weighed a thousand pounds, making it difficult for her to put pen to paper.

After careful consideration, Su Jingyue finally made up her mind to write down her inner thoughts in a letter and send it to that distant future. Her eyes became firm, and the pen in her hand began to dance on the paper.

"Knowledge has no boundaries, wisdom is universal. Zamp! I hope you can be like a brave sailboat, using books as your driving force and dreams as your direction of sailing, bravely moving forward and charging towards a broader world. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles you encounter ahead, never forget your original belief. Only in this way can you reach the other side of success."

After finishing, Su Jingyue gently blew away the ink on the letter, then carefully folded it into a small and exquisite shape and placed it in a beautiful sachet. She already had a plan in mind: when the time was right, she would give the letter to Xiaoru and instruct her to personally deliver it to the Zamp.

Because she knows that this is not just a simple letter, but her deep attachment to this land and her profound friendship with the people here. At the same time, it is also her silent call for freedom and equality, hoping that this way can arouse more people's attention and thinking.

In the still of night, Su Jingyue strolled alone through the Imperial Gardens. The moonlight shone like water, casting a silver glow across the ground. As she gazed at the bright, clear moon, an inexplicable emotion welled up within her. Perhaps, one day, the women here, like the world she came from, could freely pursue knowledge, bravely express themselves, and become true heroines.

Thinking of this, Su Jingyue couldn't help but reveal a gentle smile, as if she had already seen that a better world was slowly coming towards her.