bookcurios Chapter 162 Academic Debate
Chapter 162 Academic Debate
In the early morning, sunlight, like a veil, gently shimmers across the vermilion gates and slate-gray roof tiles of the university. Birds sing cheerfully in the branches, their crisp chirping blending with the murmur of students reading throughout the university, creating a vibrant scene. However, beneath this seemingly beautiful atmosphere lies a shocking injustice and urgent challenges.
The women's classroom was located in a remote, desolate corner of the university, dimly lit like the afterglow of dusk. The books were not only so old they looked as if they had seen a millennium, but also so few and far between, like an oasis in the desert. The lecturers were absent-minded, their demeanor perfunctory, their pace hurried, as if the women's thirst for knowledge were merely an insignificant farce. Compared to the spacious, bright, palace-like classrooms where the men studied, compared to the mountains of rich and diverse books, compared to the teachers' meticulous instruction and generous sharing of their knowledge, the women's situation seemed particularly miserable and destitute, the educational gap akin to an insurmountable chasm.
"Why is it so difficult for us women to acquire knowledge? We're all pursuing education, but why are we treated so differently? We are human beings with flesh and blood, thoughts and souls, so why are we looked down upon so harshly?" a woman named Liu Qin said indignantly. Her bright eyes burned with dissatisfaction and a desire for change. Her clenched fists trembled slightly with anger, and her voice was filled with grievance and resentment.
"That's right. We too have the right to pursue knowledge and shouldn't be ignored like this. We too have brilliant minds, lofty ambitions, and a curiosity about the world. Why aren't we given a chance?" The women around him echoed, their faces filled with helplessness and grievance. Some frowned, tears glistening in their eyes, betraying suppressed pain; some bit their lips, filled with resentment, a struggle against fate; some clutched the corners of their clothes, their bodies trembling slightly, a roar of inner anger.
There were also fierce disagreements among scholars in the academy regarding the methods and content of women's education.
In a spacious conference hall at the academy, scholars gathered together, the atmosphere as solemn as the calm before a storm. An elderly scholar, dressed in a simple, traditional gown, gently stroked his graying beard, stubbornly clinging to traditional values. With a firm gaze and a serious tone, he said, "Women's virtue lies in their lack of talent. Teaching them a few words and a basic understanding of womanly virtues and etiquette is sufficient. Excessive learning will only make them restless and violate the code of conduct for women. Forcing them to study is like asking birds to dive or fish to fly; it goes against the laws of nature."
"That's wrong!" A young scholar suddenly stood up. He had a handsome face, his eyes filled with a commitment to new ideas and dissatisfaction with traditional ones. "Times are progressing, society is developing. Women, like men, possess intelligent minds and a thirst for knowledge. They should receive a comprehensive and in-depth education to showcase their talents and wisdom and contribute to the country and society. Women can compose poetry, so why can't they showcase their talents in the halls of literature? Women are good at budgeting, so why can't they be successful in the business world? Women can distinguish right from wrong, so why can't they make decisions in the political arena?" His voice trembled with excitement, and he gestured vigorously in the air with his hands.
The debate raged, each holding its own view. The atmosphere within the academy grew tense. Some scholars, faces red and ears raging, argued loudly, their voices threatening to burst through the roof. Others bowed their heads in thought, silently weighing the two sides' arguments, beads of sweat rolling down their foreheads. Still others shook their heads and sighed, deeply troubled by the debate, as if their world was about to collapse.
After hearing about the situation in the academy, Concubine Su decided to intervene.
She came to the academy in person. That day, Concubine Su was wearing a gorgeous lavender dress embroidered with exquisite patterns. Her hair was tied up high and her hairpins swayed gently, making her look noble and dignified.
Concubine Su summoned scholars from all walks of life to the lecture hall of the academy.
"Today, I invite you all here to discuss the issue of women's education." Concubine Su's voice was gentle but firm, and her eyes revealed her determination to solve the problem.
The debate began and scholars expressed their views one after another in heated discussions.
The elderly scholar frowned and spoke in a resonant voice, "Since ancient times, women's duties have been to support their husbands, raise children, and manage the household. Learning is not essential for them. Excessive pursuit will only cause them to lose their true nature and forget their duties. Women should stay in their boudoirs, embroidering and weaving. Reading and learning will only make them arrogant and unruly."
The young scholar refused to yield. With a gleaming gaze, he retorted, "Times are changing. We cannot simply cling to the past. Today, women are demonstrating extraordinary potential in all fields. Education should treat them equally, giving them ample opportunities to develop, so that their talents can be fully utilized. Women can heal illnesses and save lives, so why can't they become miraculous healers? Women can invent and create, so why can't they become pioneers in advancing science and technology? Women can teach and educate, so why can't they become teachers who nurture outstanding talent?"
As the debate deepened, viewpoints clashed fiercely. Some scholars spoke passionately, like warriors charging into battle; some analyzed calmly, like far-sighted military strategists; some quoted from classics, like learned scholars; and some applied practical experience, like wise men with insight into the world.
Concubine Su listened attentively to everyone's speech, her emotions evolving. At first, she frowned slightly, puzzled by the opinions expressed. Then, her eyes betrayed dissatisfaction, anger at the discriminatory remarks against women. Then, she fell into deep thought, trying to find the key to a solution. Finally, her gaze became resolute, her mind resolved.
Finally, she stood up.
"Everyone has their reasons, but I believe that education should not discriminate based on gender. Women, too, have the right to pursue knowledge and realize their own self-worth. We should increase investment in women's education, innovate educational methods, and provide them with the same opportunities as men." Concubine Su's words were resounding, like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring ripples. The scholars present were plunged into deep thought, and they began to re-evaluate their own views.
After an in-depth discussion, the scholars finally reached a consensus.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. We should work together to change this situation."
Subsequently, the academy began to reform. Bright windows were added to the women's classrooms to allow for ample light inside. A large number of new books were purchased to enrich the women's reading resources. More knowledgeable and experienced teachers were invited to teach the women. New courses such as poetry, arithmetic, and astronomy were also introduced to meet the women's diverse knowledge needs.
Women studied even harder in the academy. They rose early in the morning to study diligently, their clear voices a challenge to fate. They lit lamps at night to review their lessons, their dim lights a glimmer of hope. They explored with one another, striving for common progress, their passionate debates sparking wisdom. They displayed talent and perseverance no less than men. Some excelled in poetry, others in arithmetic reasoning, and still others in their curiosity and exploration of astronomy and geography.
In the school, male and female students make progress together, the sound of reading becomes louder, and it is full of hope and vitality.
This move by Concubine Su opened a new chapter for women's education and brought greater prosperity to the entire institution.