The gathered young people all turned to the third prince with mixed expressions. The girls all looked nervous and excited while most of the boys were uncertain. After a moment they turned to start discussing it among themselves and one of the young men turned to Guangfeng.

“Your Highness, are you certain that’s a good idea? Women are weaker and less intelligent. How can they be expected to…” The youth was cut off by the growling of the tiger at Yuelan’s feet. He turned to look at Byakko and shivered.

“Women are less intelligent?” Yuelan asked, her tone scathing. “Do you think that because women haven’t been allowed to compete with you before? Or is it because you’ve never actually spoken to one? Women are indeed physically weaker than men, but a girl who is skilled in martial arts can still defeat a man who has never trained. As far as mental capacity, women have the same ability as men. Physical differences do not affect the mind. If women are so inferior then why is it that I, as the dragon priestess, outrank every man in this world.” Her green eyes stared at the youth who had spoken and there was not even a hint of softness.

The youth swallowed. “I...Y-Your Highness…”

Guangfeng shrugged. “This prince will not be standing up for you. I was only just able to receive her forgiveness for voicing similar opinions after returning from Zhongshu. What I learned during my time in Kilin is that Yuelan has a better education than I do. Her country has no restrictions based on gender except for excluding women who are currently pregnant from combat. You will never convince her that women are not as capable as men because her entire life has proved that they are just as capable.”

The young men and women in the room turned to look at Yuelan, who gave a slight smile and sat back in her seat again.

“Your highness, are you suggesting that we allow women to become generals and fight in wars as well?” Chang Biming asked, frowning slightly.

“No. That much of a change would be too much too quickly for Longuo,” Guangfeng explained. “However, I see no reason that we cannot open up the ranks of merchants, scholars, and officials to women. Let the most capable person, no matter their gender, become the heir to a family. I believe this will only benefit Longuo.”

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“I agree. My brother is useless and only knows how to fool around and cause heartache to my parents. My father often laments that I was not born a son so that he could name me as the heir.” This time, it was one of the girls who spoke up. “It would not be difficult for me to convince him to support this, or to ask him to convince others close to our family to support it. Your Highness, thank you for being willing to try to give me this opportunity.” She nodded her head to Guangfeng.

“What do you need from us?” One of the young men asked. He glanced at the tiger and Yuelan, then turned his focus back to Guangfeng.

“Some of you are already officials yourselves. Write up a report in support of the idea to submit. I will open the discussion tomorrow and push for officials to research and consider it and then submit reports within a week. I also want you to convince your fathers to support the idea and see if they will convince others as well.”

The children of nobility and officials considered the request and then nodded their heads one by one. It didn’t seem like too difficult of a request.

“Good. If this succeeds you will all be rewarded.” Guangfeng smiled and nodded toward the tea and snacks on the table. “Please enjoy your tea and feel free to discuss it among yourselves. If you have questions for myself or the priestess then feel free to ask.”

Yuelan smiled. “I think I will be leaving early, Guangfeng. I need rest. If they have questions for me you can just have them written down and delivered to my residence. I will write a reply that you can send out.”

Guangfeng stood. “Would you like me to escort you back?”

She shook her head. “Byakko will take me. It might startle the citizens of the capital a bit, but he thinks I need to make sure everyone knows who I am.”

“Then I will visit again when they’ve all passed me their questions for you.” He smiled and briefly touched her hand before releasing it. One thing he had noticed was that people in Kilin were much more affectionate in public. That was something he could try to do for her to make her happy.

Yuelan smiled at him and nodded her head. “I’ll look forward to seeing what they come up with to ask.” She took Guangfeng’s hand as he tried to release hers so he could help her stand up while Byakko got to his feet. “Would you mind helping me get up on Byakko, though?” Since he was being so nice, she figured she could be nice too.

“Of course.” The third prince walked out the door with her and lifted her up onto the white tiger’s back. He watched her leave until she was out of sight and then returned to the discussion going on inside. She was still tired and it looked like coming out for tea had exhausted her, so he wanted to take on as many of the questions that he could and send her those he couldn’t answer on his own.