The World Returns to Lan

[Full manuscript archived] The instructing matron said: As a woman, one should cultivate feminine virtues, raise children, and assist one's husband. What one should never do is entertain thoughts of leaving the inner chambers. Ye Lanzhuo did not understand: If that is the case, why bother teaching women poetry, literature, and moral etiquette? Wouldn't such talents merely serve as bridal attire? The instructing matron: Naturally, it is to assist one's husband—the husband every woman will have—and to nurture children. Ye Lanzhuo disagreed: If that were truly the case, my mother would not have named me "Zhuo" (meaning "outstanding"). She must have intended for me to achieve great deeds, j...