Wan Li thought of lady Yang's question and reexamined what she learned in the three character classic.
"Teacher Yang, it was stated that one must begin with filial piety and to observe the three principles. Then, one must never compromise the five virtues which are benevolence, duty, propriety, wisdom, and truth. After that… uh… study and after finishing the basics, there is the analects, works of Mencius, the four books and the six classics… and lastly, diligence has merit, play has no advantage."
Lady Yang nodded her head, "Yes… what you said were correct, save for the books you mentioned. Although they were specifically indicated in the three character classic, those books were for men to read."
Wan Li felt confused, so she asked, "Why?"
Lady Yang hummed, "Don't you think that men and women are different?"
"Yes…"
"How so?"
Wan Li thought about it, then said, "The front half of a man's head is bald while a woman has a head full of hair?" she tried tentatively.
Lady Yang covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. "Although that is true, men can also have a head full of hair, but our custom doesn't allow them to. Any other observation?"
Wan Li thought about it more. "The chest area…" then she paused. That was not always true though, even for the height, the voice (because eunuchs have high pitch). "ah… ear piercing?"
"How about their qualities aside from their physical appearance?" Lady Yang hinted.
Wan Li pursed her lips. Then she realized that the eunuchs carry the palanquin while she never saw palace maids do so. "Ah, men are stronger."
Lady Yang nodded her head. Strength. They can start from there. "Correct. As you have realized, aside from physical appearance, men and women have different qualities. Because of these, their capabilities also differ. That's why, even during the distant past, society has already designated roles where each gender was more suited."
Wan Li listened in wonder. What teacher Yang said made perfect sense.
"One must understand that each role is equally important because if one does not adhere to their own role, it would be detrimental to social stability and harmony. With this, it is crucial for each gender to learn and perform their respective duties and obligations to the utmost.
In the book of three character classic, we were taught about our main responsibility as children and even as a human being. We have also somehow been given a preview of what the responsibilities of men were. However, when it came to women specifically, it seems that not much has been said.
Do you agree?" Teacher Yang asked to check if Wan Li was still listening.
Wan Li tried to recall all the words in the book only to realize that teacher Yang was right. She said yes as she nodded her head.
"Indeed, that seems to be the case. However, recall the three principles. Can you enumerate them?"
Wan Li who has memorized them to heart answered, "The three principles are, duty between sovereign and subject, love between father and child, harmony between husband and wife."
Lady Yang smiled. "Very good. Now, the first two are the same for everyone, but the third principle has been specifically addressed to women and this is where the role of women comes in. Since you have already learned most of the characters in the San Bai Qian, from today onwards, we will include the first of the four books for women in our study."
Wan Li beamed. She was praised by teacher Yang and there was even a new book to learn from. Based on how teacher Yang explained it, what's inside the book was not only very interesting but also very important. Excited, she enthusiastically asked, "Teacher Yang, is it that one? May I see it?"
Lady Yang was infected by Wan Li's mood. In truth her explanations were based on her own interpretation. Thus, seeing how much Wan Li was hanging onto each of her word made her feel that she was doing good. Anyhow, she only remembered that she was still carrying the book when Wan Li pointed at it.
"Yes, it is this one. Here, how about you try to read the title and the name of the author?"
Wan Li respectfully received the book. Recognizing the characters, she softly read, "Lessons for women, by Ban Zhao"
Wan Li was about to open the book when teacher Yang pressed her hand on top of the title page to prevent her.
"Before we delve on that book, it is important that we first comprehend what is the essence of being a woman and why it is important that we live by them."
Wan Li gently placed the book 'lessons for women' at the side before straightening herself on her seat in apt attention.
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TBC