The next day during morning court, Guangfeng waited for all of the usual business to be taken care of before stepping forward and bowing to the emperor. “Father Emperor, Son has a suggestion that I believe will benefit our country.”

Xiong Lijun nodded and gestured for Guangfeng to speak. “We would like to hear it.”

“I have spent a lot of time with my fiance, Priestess Long Yuelan, and have learned much. There are many women and girls who are highly talented, much like the priestess, but who lack opportunity. Son suggests that for the next week the officials of the court research the ways that our country might benefit from the skills of these women and girls if we allow them to attend school, become scholars and officials, and inherit the titles and properties of their families.” Guangfeng was about to continue, but there was a sudden uproar among the officials.

“Your Majesty, the third prince’s idea is ridiculous! This cannot be allowed! Women are not as capable as men and are too easily swayed by their emotions! How could they be allowed to become officials or scholars? Is His Highness suggesting we allow them on the battlefield as well? We will be laughed at by the other countries!”

More arguments along similar lines were shouted out, refusing to acknowledge what Guangfeng wanted to do. Others spoke up on his behalf, most notably, those families who had capable daughters but either no sons or sons who were too lazy or handicapped.

The emperor raised a hand and the court fell to silence again. “The third prince, Guangfeng, suggested doing research to see how it might affect the country. You also interrupted him and did not allow him to finish.”

Guangfeng gave his father a half bow as the shouts became unhappy grumblings. “Thank you, Father Emperor. Son will finish now.” He turned to the officials. “I do not suggest that women be permitted to become soldiers and generals or take up places on the battlefield. But I have spent time with many women even before meeting Priestess Long. There are many women with capable minds and extraordinary skills comparable to men. Priestess Long comes from a country where she received the same education as the men her age. In fact, her education is even better than my own. I propose the officials take one week to prepare arguments, either for or against this change, and we begin discussions of the change then.”

“Your Highness the third prince, it is well known that your fiance is not from Longuo, but do you truly expect us to believe that she received an education? His majesty has indeed acknowledged that her country exists, but where did this idea that she is a priestess come from? And how can you prove that she did indeed receive such an education?” The official who spoke up was someone who openly supported the first prince, and was secretly in the pocket of the empress.

Guangfeng smiled. “On my way to Zhongshu for Princess Ainuan’s wedding I saw for myself that Miss Long formed a bond with the White Tiger, Byakko. I also heard with my own ears and saw with my own eyes as a dragon appeared and announced the return of a dragon priestess and that the priestess is Long Yuelan. How could there be any doubt? As for proving the quality of her education, she has agreed to answer any questions anyone might have for her herself. Though she has also requested that they be submitted to her in writing. She has been very busy lately and requires rest and time to recover.”

“We have known since Miss Long’s arrival that she would be named the dragon priestess,” the emperor spoke up. “Lord Long is the guardian dragon of the library and had formed a contract with the first dragon priestess who separated the worlds long ago. At Lord Long’s request, We did not say anything to Our officials about who she was. The emperor of Zhongshu has also recognized Miss Long as the dragon priestess and Princess Ainuan and the prince of Zhongshu were the first in a thousand years to receive the blessing of the dragon priestess at their wedding.” The emperor’s eyes hardened and his expression became stern. “Do Our officials doubt Us?”

Several officials swallowed and even paled and all of them knelt before the emperor. “This official does not dare!” they called in unison.

“Good. We agree to Our son’s request. All officials will prepare a report for one week on how allowing women and girls to attend school, become scholars and officials, and inherit their families’ lands and titles will benefit Longuo.” The emperor stood. “You are all dismissed.”

The officials bowed and waited until the emperor was gone before they turned and started to discuss among themselves as they left the court.

Guangfeng smiled and headed for the palace gates. He wanted to go and visit Yuelan, but didn’t want to disturb her rest. Since she needed rest, he would settle for sending her a gift. When he reached his carriage he settled himself inside. “Go to Eight Treasures Shop.”

The driver acknowledged and set off for the third prince’s jewelry store.

The manager of Guangfeng’s jewelry shop quickly ushered Guangfeng right up to the second floor. There were a few madams and daughters of wealthy families there, but Guangfeng ignored them as he browsed for an appropriate gift.

Not far from Guangfeng were the Wu twins and both girls were studying Guangfeng. Wu Yan’s cheeks were slightly flushed as her eyes followed the third prince and her sister, Wu Ying, was watching Wu Yan. After a moment, Wu Ying leaned over and whispered into Wu Yan’s ear.

Wu Yan smiled and walked over to Guangfeng, dipping into a graceful salute. “Greetings, Your Highness the Third Prince. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

Guangfeng frowned and turned to look at who had spoken. “Who are you?”