Chapter 1403 - 1316: Freedom and Joy (Part 3)

The people around laughed heartily and teased, "You’re dreaming, such a good daughter, would they let her go? This is an official position personally granted by His Majesty, with unlimited future prospects. Who would refuse? I think they’re just saying it casually."

Xie Xiangrong also looked at Father Xie and Mother Xie, asking, "Is it just a casual saying, Father and Mother?"

Father Xie worriedly said, "We still have to return to Yangxia, how can you be an official in Luoyang?"

Mother Xie remembered and quickly responded, "Yes, both your father and I can’t bear to part with you, especially since you’re not young anymore, and should be considering marriage and starting a family."

The people around them now understood; this couple was truly planning to reject their child entering officialdom.

They were shocked and advised, "Brother, quickly persuade your wife. Times have changed, starting a family is important, but so is establishing a career. Why not let your daughter first become an official, and then get engaged and married? Many female officials in the court are also single."

"Not only female officials, but male officials are also single. Isn’t this perfect? Why rush to get engaged and married now?"

"Indeed, even His Majesty is married, while also managing such a large country. Your daughter’s marriage wouldn’t affect her becoming an official."

"Brother, the world has stabilized, why restrict your daughter from venturing out? One must be broad-minded and farsighted. Daughters are just as vital as sons, and children shouldn’t be hindered by such small-minded prejudices."

Everyone tried to persuade them.

Father Xie and Mother Xie couldn’t get a word in, nor could they offer any defense, their faces flushing red.

They hadn’t expected Luoyang to be even more progressive than Yangxia, where everyone seemed to approve of women entering officialdom?

Wouldn’t this bring disgrace to the family name?

Finally, Father Xie stomped his foot and said, "Her becoming an official is just to earn a few strings of salary. Our family doesn’t lack money; we can afford to take care of her. We don’t want her to suffer."

Xie Xiangrong immediately replied, "Father, becoming an official is not suffering, nor is it just for those few strings of salary, but for the people, for the country, and for one’s life’s ambitions."

"When His Majesty opened schools, she said she wanted every child in the world to attend school, regardless of gender, to learn literacy, mathematics, and conduct, so they could have a good life in the future. Those who can cultivate themselves should strive to order their family; those who can do so should strive to govern the people and the country. This is the essence of studying." Xie Xiangrong said, "I am fortunate to be born to my parents, having no worries about food and clothing, and having learned so much. I believe I’ve accomplished half the cultivation, now comes ordering the family and governing the people."

She gracefully bowed and said, "Father, Mother, please allow your daughter to honor you by earning her own money through her skills, rather than taking money from you to honor you."

Bystanders, filled with admiration, praised, "Brother, you have a good daughter."

Even the woman carrying the load from before softened her tone, pulling Mother Xie aside and saying, "Sister-in-law, being able to raise such a good daughter shows that you are indeed good; I must have misunderstood you earlier."

Father Xie and Mother Xie felt elated from the compliments and suddenly felt that their daughter’s entry into officialdom wasn’t bad at all amidst the praises.

Beigong Tuanyuan had already bandaged her shoulder. She was merely grazed by a spear, breaking the skin, and just the one gush of blood, but it had already stopped.

With medicine applied and careful attention, there wouldn’t even be a scar.

Upon returning, Beigong Tuanyuan cast her eyes on the corner and heard Xie Xiangrong’s words, unable to help telling Zhao Erlang, "I like this girl."

Zhao Erlang proudly said, "She’s my master’s niece."

Beigong Tuanyuan, with shining eyes, said, "I also like the words she spoke; it’s the first time I’ve heard such."

Zhao Erlang grew even more proud, "That’s my sister who said it."

Seeing they got along well, Mrs. Wang quietly breathed a sigh of relief, turning to Mrs. Beigong and saying, "What a wave of relief, I was scared to death just now."

Mrs. Beigong laughed, "The Empress Dowager need not worry, getting hurt during sparring is usual. Tuanyuan often got tested by her father at home, and was often injured, this spear from Prince Qin was considered light on her."

Thus, Mrs. Beigong genuinely didn’t take it to heart.

Years ago, she took her daughter to herd, teaching her to drive off wolves and escape when encountering them; it wasn’t uncommon for her to practice on horseback, and falling was a frequent occurrence.

She wasn’t afraid of Beigong Tuanyuan getting hurt from sparring; she feared more that, after marriage, she wouldn’t live freely or happily.

Children from the grasslands are used to freedom and dread being confined in a small space, and now is the best time when women can be officials. Her Tuanyuan has the ability and the ambition, why be trapped in the inner chamber because of marriage?

Prince Qin’s acceptance of women serving in the military even after marriage could not be better.

Mrs. Beigong was very satisfied with this marriage arrangement.