The Emperor announced his decision and then left, sweeping his sleeves.
Leaving behind a crowd of officials with complex expressions.
The officials dared not challenge the Empress, so they vented their anger and dissatisfaction on Minister Dong. They surrounded Minister Dong in layers, demanding an explanation from him.
Minister Dong, truly a loyal subject of the Empress, did not yield or bow his head even when surrounded by colleagues and subordinates. Instead, he forcefully retorted: "Why are you all so anxious, red-faced and neck-veined?"
"Are you afraid that your descendants will be so incompetent that they won't even compare to boys of humble origin?"
"The Emperor wants to enlighten the people, establish schools exempt from fees, allowing all children of Da Liang to read and write. This is a blessing for all people of Da Liang. How many of them can actually pass the Imperial Examination? What does it concern you? Why are you here stubbornly opposing?"
