We have to say, Minister Dong has a unique talent for understanding and anticipating the Emperor's intentions.
The Emperor is determined to establish the female examination to select female officials, and the inaugural exam is particularly important. This time's acceptance rate sets a precedent for future female exams.
One out of five is indeed much better than the men's ratio of one out of twenty. However, there have been very few women who have studied since childhood. Even fewer actually register at the Ministry of Rites and enter the examination hall. From this perspective, one out of five seems quite appropriate.
Sure enough, after Minister Dong presented twenty selected exam papers at Zhaohai Palace, Jiang Shaohua smiled and praised, "Minister Dong handles things efficiently."
Minister Dong responded solemnly, "I am deeply indebted to the Emperor. Relieving the Emperor of worries is my duty."
