A Qing princess in the Republican era
From the turn of the new century, the Qing empire has been heralded with ominous impediments one after the other. Their miserable defeat at the boxer rebellion only marked the beginning. Inside the walls of the forbidden city, the power struggle between the emperor and the empress dowager was growing ever intense. Outside the walls, nationalists and revolutionaries were clamoring to overthrow the dynasty. The times have gone tumultuous wherein causes of celebration were fleeting. In 1905, a most welcome news from the inner court came. It has been more than a decade since the emperor married and accepted concubines, but he still did not have a son to inherit the throne. With much anticipation, the emperor looked forward to the birth of a prince. However, much to his disappointment, the child was another daughter. In 1912, despite the edict of abdication being issued, the future of Aisin Gioro Wan Li, once known as Gulun Gongzhu Wan Li or Princess Wan Li of the first rank, was still looking bright. Bound by an internal verbal agreement between her mother and the new president of the republic of China, she was promised to marry the 3rd son of the president, Yuan Kezhen, upon reaching adulthood. However, not everything goes as planned. With the assassination of the president and the short-lived restoration of the Qing dynasty, Wan Li had to escape the forbidden city. Wan Li was a princess, but she was still a maiden born in imperial China. Growing up, she was mostly educated only with the moral principles and social code of behaviour called the three obediences and four virtues. Her personality was gentle, kind, shy, and meek. Instilled to her were traits and beliefs of an ideal wife leaning on dependency to a powerful and influential husband. How was she to survive without the privilege of her birthright during the extraordinary times of the republican era? -- This novel will have at least 3 major arcs. (Yes, I have written that far… at least inside my head. Haha!) 1. Wan Li's childhood in the palace/ forbidden city (qing dynasty until early republican era) Age: 0-12 2. After Wan Li escapes the Forbidden city (early republican era/ Warlord era) Age: 12-16 3. Wan Li in Shanghai. (Republican/ Warlord era) Age 16 onwards — What to expect? This novel will have romance, a lot of it later on but it doesn’t revolve entirely on that. There will be politics. Very necessary as it’s what propels the story forward. Character growth, definitely. For the better or the worse, all there but remember each character would be as human as can be. Drama, face slapping, some darkness, adventure, betrayal, all of it will be in this novel. R-18? There will be but definitely not in the early chapters. Oh and this will have a happy ending, though the roads reaching that would be bumpy. — Cover art: the pictures were grabbed from pinterest then edited by me. Important note to readers: Many events in the novel were based from historical facts. Again, many but not all. Some characters were inspired from historical figures. Take note: INSPIRED. Thus, they definitely have different attributes whether looks or personalities. In this regard, please do not assume that they’re one and the same. The characters here were created by me, so if they’re kinda evil or too kind, don’t think that the real historical figure was. Again, though this is historical, it’s still a work of fiction. So a lot of things and reasons leading to certain factual events may have been romanticized by the author (me).
Chapter 15: Exposure II
Lady Yang seeing that the empress dowager is now in a good mood finally thought that it was time to share her input. "However, Niang niang, if nubi may be so bold?"
Ruyi hummed as if to say, carry on.
"Although Wan Li gongzhu is already very good as she is, nubi believes that it would be very beneficial for gongzhu to have more exposure to others." She suggested.
Ruyi also had the same thing in mind, so she did not take offence. Wan Li was barred from exiting the inner court of the forbidden city and although there were still many people who lived inside, their status was either too low, or that she (Ruyi) was not on good terms with them (Particularly the other 5 consorts inside the palace). Aside from that, none of them were her age. Should she get her a study companion? She shook her head. She knew that no one good will be sent over.
Seeing that empress dowager was already seriously considering the matter and somehow being able to guess her concerns, Lady Yang continued.
"Niang niang, Wan Li gongzhu is only going to turn 6 in a few months. Seeing huang shang's attitude towards her earlier…" she trailed. It was only a suggestion and it's up to the dowager to think further.
Although boys and girls need to be segregated in their society, that was only applicable once they turn 7 years old. Before that, they were allowed to play and learn to do sums and other basic things together. The main reason for this was because at age seven, the aims and methods of teaching would be separately defined for each sex.
Ruyi initially thought that Li Shan's attitude, based on the reports and her observation when he comes over, was not very good. In fact, she thought that he was very spoiled. However, seeing how understanding he was towards Wan Li earlier left a good impression. Perhaps the reports were only exaggerated. She never did see Li Shan doing those things, and he was only 5.
If letting the two interact would help her daughter somehow out of her shell, then that would be for the best.
Aside from that, although not imperative, it would be good for Wan Li to have a good relationship with Li Shan.
Still, she doesn't intend to leave it just based on their sole interaction earlier. She needed to further observe and assess Li Shan's attitude. At the same time, she should also slowly prepare and condition her daughter's attitude towards Li Shan. If not, things might backfire.
"How is Wan Li's progress with her studies?" Ruyi asked.
"Niang niang, currently, Wan Li gongzhu can already recognize and write about a thousand characters." Lady Yang answered.
Ruyi thought that the progress was just about right, advanced even. In fact, many women, even those from aristocratic lineages, could not read much more write. In a society where ignorance was considered a woman's virtue, it's not at all surprising.
Ruyi used to believe otherwise. She had once been idealistic, but reality slapped her on the face. Her aunt, the deceased empress dowager Cixui, who used to be her idol held the reins of power for more than three decades and look at where it landed their great imperial Qing.
Then, there was herself. She has been confused by that idealism, and for what? A life filled with regrets and guilt. If only she lived by the Confucian teachings. If only she put into practice what was preached by Ban Zhao, Song Ruoxin, Empress Xu, and Madam Liu, then perhaps she would have lived a life of happiness, peace, and content.
Due to this, she wanted Wan Li to grow up into a virtuous woman. Since she already lost her father, she must, at least, grow up to be a wise and worthy wife, and a good mother. She needs not learn too much save for the three obediences and four virtues.
However, although she now had this maxim, she did not want her daughter to be completely ignorant. She believed that to truly comprehend the doctrine for women, one must be able to read, internalize, and to revisit them when needed. Thus, her daughter must learn how to read and write.
In any case, since she plans on letting Wan Li interact more with Li Shan later, it won't hurt to let Wan Li have a head start on learning about the four disciplines.
With this consideration, Ruyi instructed, "Tomorrow, you can start introducing Wan Li to Ban Zhao's book, lessons for women. Also, later, inform nanny Gui that I want Wan Li to be present during huang di's morning greeting." Then, considering her daughter's disposition, she added, "Ask her to bring Wan Li earlier so that way, she won't be frightened by the usual large retinue."
"Niang niang, nubi understands and shall follow your instructions." Lady Yang acquiesced before bowing and taking her leave.
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TBC