The next day, at the first light of dawn, the Feng residence was already bustling with activity.
Today carried extraordinary significance for the Feng family—
It was Feng Zekai’s first court appearance after recovering from his illness, and also Feng Zexuan’s first time meeting the court officials in her true identity.
Inside the main hall, Feng Huai’an stood in a purple court robe, his hair secured beneath a golden crown, his expression solemn.
As the Vice Censor-in-Chief, his authority carried a trace of barely concealed joy.
Feng Zekai had changed into a crimson official robe. Though only a sixth-rank official, he looked energetic and spirited, no longer bearing any sign of his former frailty.
He stood before the mirror adjusting his attire, every movement carrying a scholar’s refined elegance.
“Xuan’er, are you sure you want to dress like this?”
Madam Li looked at her daughter trying on clothes, both amazed and somewhat worried.
“Mother, if I’m returning to my identity as a woman, then naturally I should dress properly.”
Standing before the bronze mirror, Feng Zexuan wore a black princely robe embroidered with dark golden cloud patterns. The belt accentuated her slender waist, perfectly highlighting her tall figure of nearly 178 centimeters.
She had always been exceptionally beautiful, with delicate, picturesque features and determined brows.
Now, dressed in women’s clothing, the heroic aura about her gained a breathtaking kind of beauty.
Her long black hair was tied high, secured with a white jade hairpin, revealing an elegant swan-like neck.
Even Madam Li, herself a woman, stared in a daze.
“How can my daughter be this beautiful…?”
“With sister dressed like this, I’m afraid the jaws of the entire court will drop.”
Feng Zekai walked over and teased her.
“I’d rather they be so shocked they can’t speak.”
Feng Zexuan adjusted her collar.
“Let’s go. It’s time.”
Inside the carriage, the father and his two children discussed Feng Zexuan’s plans for the day.
“Xuan’er, are you really going to bring up the matter of women’s schools in court?”
Feng Huai’an frowned slightly.
“Even though you’re now the Northern Suppression King, there’ll still be huge resistance from those old conservatives…”
A crafty glint flashed through Feng Zexuan’s eyes.
“Father, just watch. I guarantee the opposition today won’t be too loud.”
【After all, those twelve officials personally experienced the ‘blessings of being women’ last night.】
Hearing his daughter’s inner thoughts, Feng Huai’an’s expression instantly became rather colorful.
Feng Zexuan turned to her brother.
“Brother, once court begins, you’ll be my first supporter.”
“Of course.”
Feng Zekai nodded.
“Women pursuing education is only natural. Sister, the fact that you even thought of this is truly a merit beyond measure.”
The carriage stopped before the palace gates.
The moment the three members of the Feng family stepped out, the surroundings fell silent.
Every official’s gaze turned in unison toward the tall and graceful figure.
Heavens!
That woman in the black robe with stunning features…
Could she really be the legendary Northern Suppression King?!
Whispers immediately spread through the crowd.
“My heavens, so this is the Northern Suppression King’s true appearance?”
“This is my first time seeing her in women’s clothing. She’s truly…”
“Look, the one beside her must be the real Feng Zekai, right? He looks exactly like the Prince!”
Among the crowd, several figures were particularly eye-catching.
Vice Minister Zhao’s face was pale, with heavy dark circles under his eyes. Even his steps looked unsteady.
Censor Li looked even worse, his face ashen as he shivered from time to time, as though trapped in some terrifying memory.
And Wang the Ministry Clerk from the Ministry of Revenue—his hands trembled nonstop while he muttered under his breath.
All twelve officials looked exhausted and dispirited, not daring to make eye contact with one another, afraid the others might notice something unusual.
Feng Zexuan walked calmly forward. As she passed by this group of “special care targets,” she paused slightly.
“My lords, did you sleep well last night?”
Her cool voice carried the perfect amount of concern as it drifted through the morning breeze.
Boom!
To the twelve officials, this perfectly ordinary greeting sounded like a thunderclap from a clear sky!
Vice Minister Zhao trembled violently, nearly losing his footing.
Censor Li’s face turned deathly pale as those humiliating scenes instantly flooded back into his mind.
They abruptly raised their heads to look at Feng Zexuan.
Her eyes were perfectly clear, as though she had only asked casually, yet they felt those eyes could see straight into their souls.
D-Did she know something?
Could those dreams…
Have been her doing?
A bone-piercing chill shot from the soles of their feet straight to the tops of their heads!
“Th-Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. We are all quite well.”
Vice Minister Zhao forced out a smile uglier than crying.
Censor Li hurriedly nodded as well.
“Y-Your Highness is truly considerate toward your subordinates. We are deeply grateful.”
Feng Zexuan gave a faint nod. The corner of her lips curled into a barely noticeable smile before she continued onward.
Her steps were firm, her spirit soaring.
【System, look at their reactions. Last night’s experience must have been very ‘memorable.’】
【Host, this move of yours was absolutely brilliant! You subdued this bunch of stubborn old men without moving a single soldier!】
The system admired her completely.
Meanwhile, the surrounding officials whispered among themselves.
“What’s wrong with these people? Why do they look at the Northern Suppression King like they’ve seen a ghost?”
“Didn’t you notice? More than a dozen of them look exhausted today. They definitely did something shameful last night.”
“Tsk tsk, the Northern Suppression King only casually greeted them, and they got scared stiff. They absolutely have guilty consciences!”
Inside the Golden Throne Hall, when Xiao Juechen saw Feng Zexuan dressed in women’s clothing, looking heroic and radiant, a flash of amazement crossed his eyes.
This girl truly was even more dazzling in women’s attire than in men’s.
That indomitable aura combined with her exquisite beauty made it impossible to look away.
Even Xiao Juechen, who was long accustomed to beauties, could not help taking a few extra glances.
【Damn, the emperor’s expression… Don’t tell me he’s having ideas about me?】
【No, no. I still want to live my lazy life. I absolutely can’t let the emperor set his sights on me!】
Hearing her thoughts, Xiao Juechen’s mouth twitched.
This girl really does overthink things.
“Rise, my beloved officials.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
After the ministers stood, many eyes still lingered on Feng Zexuan.
“Today, I am very pleased,” Xiao Juechen said.
“Feng Zekai has recovered his health, and now both siblings can serve the court. This is truly a blessing for the dynasty.”
“We congratulate Your Majesty and congratulate Lord Feng Zekai on his recovery!”
The officials voiced their congratulations in unison, and the atmosphere appeared harmonious.
Seeing the timing was right, Feng Zexuan stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to report.”
“Speak.”
Expectation flickered in Xiao Juechen’s eyes. He was very curious about what new trick this girl was about to pull.
“I believe that the women of Great Xia are intelligent, yet few are given the opportunity to study and become literate. That is truly regrettable.”
Feng Zexuan’s voice rang clear and powerful, every word resolute.
“I request permission to establish women’s academies to teach poetry, literature, and proper conduct to women, so that more virtuous and talented women may be cultivated and bring glory to Great Xia!”
The instant those words were spoken, the court fell silent.
Everyone waited eagerly for the spectacle—
A proposal so outrageously unconventional was bound to provoke fierce opposition from the conservative faction.
Feng Zekai was the first to step forward.
“This subject supports His Highness’s proposal. Women pursuing education is a virtuous act and should be strongly encouraged. If Great Xia can nurture more talented and virtuous women, the nation’s fortune will surely prosper!”
Feng Huai’an was unwilling to fall behind.
“I also believe this proposal is excellent. It will improve the morals of Great Xia and bring greater harmony to families. As the saying goes, ‘A mother’s teachings are the foundation of peace under Heaven.’ When women are educated, they can better teach their children.”
Xiao Juechen nodded inwardly, waiting for those ministers who usually loved shouting “A woman’s lack of talent is a virtue” to jump out in opposition.
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