Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 217 The Great Family of Weishan
At this moment, the young scholar had completely lost his composure, his expression incredibly unpleasant. Seeing that he couldn't even withstand a single word from her, Jiu Que had completely lost interest in him. She boarded her carriage and headed towards the discussion meeting. As she rose higher in rank, she would encounter more and more people like him; they weren't worth her time.

A moment later, the carriage arrived at the Qingtan Association. From afar, a large crowd could be seen. In the past, most of the people who gathered to watch the excitement were ordinary people. Today, however, there were so many scholars dressed in literary attire.

Many others arrived in carriages like Jiu Que, including a considerable number of officials. However, these carriages were parked in secluded spots, and no one showed themselves. It seems that this Grand Scholar's influence is quite strong, though it's also possible that the Second Prince acted as a go-between.

A high platform had been erected to house the discussion. Jiu Que arrived at just the right time; as soon as his carriage came to a stop, he saw an elderly man in his sixties walk steadily onto the platform. He was dressed in a white scholar's robe, and his hair and beard were already white. His face showed compassion for humanity, and he had the appearance of a sage.

As the renowned scholar Yu stepped onto the stage, the surrounding literati and scholars erupted in cheers. Yu smiled and waved to the crowd. The crowd quickly quieted down, and Yu began his lecture. To be honest, Jiu Que wasn't very knowledgeable about these subjects; he could only sense that the scholar was eloquent, fluent, and clear-headed, captivating the literati below.

After a full half hour, the great scholar finally stopped, and it was time for the scholars and literati who had been watching to come up on stage and ask their questions.

The onlookers below seemed to hold the great Confucian scholar in high esteem, and one after another they went up to ask their questions. The scholar was clearly highly learned; none of the questions could stump him, and he earned even more respect from the crowd. Even Jiu Que couldn't help but nod in approval. At this moment, Chunyu Shuang arrived with Bai Yi Chun, boarded Jiu Que's carriage, and couldn't help but admire him.

Bai Yichun had been busy organizing the tribute goods a few days ago and hadn't had a chance to meet with them, but today he finally had time to come over.

"Although I know nothing about academics, I can tell that the old man lecturing up there is really quite impressive. The scholars and students I've passed along the way have been full of praise for him."

"Indeed, I've heard a lot about it too. I heard that this great scholar has had a lot of misfortunes. He lost his daughter in middle age, and just a few days ago he almost lost his only granddaughter. Under such circumstances, he was still able to pick himself up, cheer up, and perform perfectly. That's truly remarkable."

Compared to Baiyi Chun's simple praise, Chunyu's words carried a different meaning.

Upon hearing this, Jiu Que curled the corners of his lips.

"This person is indeed very knowledgeable."

As for the rest, Jiu Que refrained from commenting, since she didn't know this person very well.

As time passed, fewer and fewer people went up on stage, and the discussion seemed poised to end perfectly. But just then, out of the corner of her eye, Jiu Que noticed a carriage speeding towards them. The carriage stopped right next to her own, so Jiu Que could clearly see an old man and a young man struggling to their feet step out.

The younger woman looked to be only eighteen or nineteen years old. Despite her young age, she was terribly weak, and a silk handkerchief was tightly wrapped around her neck. As for the older woman, she had a dignified air about her, with an ebony hairpin in her hair, and she forcefully prevented the young woman from getting off the carriage.

Jiu Que didn't recognize the old woman at first, but as she walked straight toward the platform, more and more scholars and students around her recognized this imposing old woman.

"Isn't this Yu Daru's wife, the renowned lady of Weishan? I've heard that her calligraphy and painting are both exceptional, and she and Yu Daru are a loving and harmonious couple, a rare sight indeed. I suppose she's here to support Yu Daru this time?"

"I've also heard of the renowned painter from Weishan. I was fortunate enough to see her painting 'A Drop in the Ocean,' and the solitary and profound artistic conception it conveyed was simply breathtaking. It's truly outstanding..."

"And her running script is like flowing clouds and water, unrestrained and natural, yet still smooth and refined. She is truly a master of calligraphy and painting in this era."

"What's the use of all this talk? I think the most outstanding thing about this Weishan family is that they raised such a virtuous and loyal daughter. Back then, the only daughter of the Weishan family followed her husband shortly after giving birth to their child. Isn't that worthy of praise?"

"This..." Amidst a chorus of praise, a different voice suddenly appeared, inevitably attracting the attention of those around. However, after hearing what he said, everyone felt that something seemed amiss, something strange.

Is it possible that the calligraphy and painting of the great masters of Weishan are not as good as the virtuous and chaste daughter they raised?

But now the court advocates for women's chastity and virtue, and to object to this would seem to contradict the court's original intentions...

What should we do? Everyone opened their mouths, but could only remain silent.

As Wei Shan walked among these people, she naturally heard the mixed opinions, but she didn't care at all. At this moment, all she could think about was the man standing on the high platform who frowned slightly when he saw her—her husband of over forty years.

She finally stood on the high platform.

Many in the crowd admired the calligraphy and paintings of the Weishan master, and were inevitably excited to see her, cheering loudly.

Yu Daru frowned almost imperceptibly, then smiled broadly.

"Madam, what brings you here? Didn't you say you were waiting for me at home? Your lotus seed soup is truly delicious; my mouth is parched now..."

Everyone in Weishan smiled.

"Don't worry, I've been making lotus seed soup for you for over forty years. Practice makes perfect, so you'll be able to enjoy fresh, hot lotus seed soup when you get back."

"Then what brings you here, Madam...?"

“My husband is tirelessly promoting new doctrines. As his wife, it is only natural that I should come and help. Since he is already tired, why don’t I take over?”

"I'm actually not..."

Weishan was now facing the surging crowd below. Although she was over fifty years old, she was still very healthy. She raised her voice and spoke, and everyone below, including Jiuque, could hear her clearly.

"I'm sure there are people who don't know me. I am Li Chengyuan, courtesy name Weishan, from Jiangdong."

Below, students shouted excitedly, unable to contain their emotions.

"Master Weishan, we all know you. Your 'A Drop in the Ocean' is truly outstanding! And your 'Letter of Joy' is so moving, the joy and delight it conveys between the lines is truly touching!"

(End of this chapter)