Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 467 I've Passed the Exam
Why didn't those female scholars want to get married? After all, the families who dared to inquire about marriage did indeed have a young and handsome gentleman of excellent character and appearance. If he wasn't, they wouldn't dare to approach him rashly.

If the female scholars were to answer this question themselves, they would undoubtedly refuse without hesitation. After all, they weren't fools. Once a woman marries, she inevitably faces the responsibilities of bearing children, supporting her in-laws, and caring for her husband. Bearing children alone would consume all their energy. After years of diligent study, blessed by heaven, they finally found an opportunity to enter officialdom and utilize their knowledge; why would they make a mistake on such a matter?

At least for now, they have absolutely no intention of getting married and having children.

After parting ways with Wang Heng, Wang Xiu'e refused a group of stewards who crowded around her and hurried home with a beaming smile. However, before she even entered the house, she heard a commotion and arguing coming from inside. Her expression darkened, and she quickened her pace.

Their little courtyard is usually very quiet, with few people coming over, but now it's bustling with noise.

Just a few days ago, Wang's father had been feeling guilty and short of breath, but now he was quite confident in front of so many people. He knew that his wife wouldn't dare to be disrespectful to him in front of so many people.

"Marriage is a major life event, decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers. I am her biological father, and if I say she should marry me, she has to marry me!"

"The man you're talking about is no good match at all! Master Qiao of Xiqiao is forty-one this year, the same age as you. How can you bear to let your daughter marry someone old enough to be her father?"

“What’s wrong with being older? Older men are more caring. And what’s wrong with Master Qiao? He has considerable private property. Although he has children, they are just two girls, which don’t bother her. Why can’t she marry him? Besides, marriage is a custom and tradition that has existed since ancient times. She is sixteen years old now, in her prime. In two more years, she will be twenty. What good family will want her then? As her mother, don’t you think about her?”

“But Xiu’e wants to be an official. She’s getting married now and will have a child soon. Where will she find the extra energy to pursue an official career?”

"Do you really think your daughter can pass the imperial examination? Do you know who a Jinshi is? They are the reincarnation of the God of Literature from heaven. What can your daughter learn from just two years of secretly studying characters? She should hurry up and get married while she's still young so she can have a good home. Neighbors, you be the judge, am I wrong?"

The neighbors exchanged glances. In the past, they would have certainly supported the prince's father, but now, thinking of the powerful female prince in the court, they were at a loss for words. The matchmaker, sensing the unfavorable situation, rolled her eyes, put her hands on her hips, and swayed away.

"Oh dear, my dear sister, what your husband said isn't without reason. Think about it carefully. Throughout history, countless people have wanted to pass the imperial examinations and become officials, but out of so many people in the country, only a few hundred actually pass! And among them are many who have studied diligently for years. Your daughter is only sixteen this year. Even if she started studying at five, she's only studied for eleven years. Just now, from what I overheard, it seems your daughter isn't studying in a proper school. I only heard a few snippets, so her chances of passing are really slim. My dear sister, please don't be angry. Don't be fooled by that Master Qiao's age; he's wealthy and a kind man in this area. You know, there aren't many people who do business in the capital who are short of money."

Seeing that the Queen Mother was still angry, the matchmaker, who was known for her shrewdness, did not insist on marrying Wang Xiu'e. Instead, she changed her approach, after all, she was there to arrange a marriage, not to make enemies.

"Under normal circumstances, given Master Qiao's family background, he probably wouldn't have considered your daughter. But times have changed. Now, both men and women have the opportunity to become officials. However, Master Qiao has also said that he's not naturally inclined to study. He wants to find a clever and quick-witted woman to raise some well-educated children. Besides, this marriage wasn't arranged by Master Qiao; it was your husband who came to us. Master Qiao is a considerate man, and he thought it best to come and ask for the parties' opinions. A family with a daughter is sought after by many. If you really don't want to, no one will force you. After all, this is the capital, a place where reason prevails."

Hearing this long string of words, Wang's mother frowned, at a loss for words. Logically and morally, that Master Qiao hadn't done anything wrong; it was her damned husband who had used her daughter to exchange for money. Did he think she didn't know his cunning? But what should she do now? A matchmaking meeting was supposed to be a very private matter, and even if it didn't work out, it wouldn't be publicized to avoid ruining their reputations. But Wang's father had made a scene, attracting the attention of the surrounding neighbors and announcing the matchmaking meeting in public. Wasn't this ruining her daughter's reputation?

Just as the Queen Mother was getting anxious, Wang Heng walked in from outside with a frosty expression.

"Mother, I'm back."

Seeing her daughter's indifferent expression, Ms. Wang immediately knew that she had probably witnessed the whole farce. She sighed helplessly, not knowing what to do.

Wang's father was initially a little scared when he saw Wang Xiu'e, but after glancing at the neighbors filling the courtyard, his courage surged up. And then, glancing back, he saw his precious son lying in the house. He was determined to marry Wang Xiu'e off today, or else how could this family survive?!
"You're back just in time. I've arranged a marriage for you. The weather is perfect now, clear and crisp, neither too hot nor too cold—it's the perfect time for a wedding. Get ready and get married."

Wang Xiu'e was too lazy to say those useless things to her father, so she simply stated her position.

"I have passed the imperial examination and will soon be going to the palace to meet His Majesty."

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Wang exclaimed in shock and nearly collapsed to the ground. How could this be? How could his daughter have really passed the imperial examination? That was a literary star descended from heaven!

Not only him, but also the surrounding neighbors were incredulous, and a buzz of discussion immediately broke out.

Even the matchmaker's expression was rather unpleasant. Having seen much of the world, she could certainly see the flaws in today's marriage. However, she was only doing it for money, and as long as the parents agreed, and given that Master Qiao was indeed a good man, she hadn't done anything entirely against her conscience. Nevertheless, she still needed to give this newly appointed scholar an explanation for what had happened today…

Just as she was thinking about it, Wang Xiue turned to her politely.

"Since Father did not obtain my consent, this marriage is of course off. Please ask the matchmaker to go back and tell Master Qiao the whole story, and wish Master Qiao to find a good wife soon."