Women had been fighting before and after. During the fall of the Ming Dynasty in China in the 17th century there are records of the Mongolian wife of a general fighting as her fort fell, until her arrows ran out and they died. During the Tang Dynasty in the 6th century there was a female general commanded armies. She raised an army, then persuaded other rebel armies to join her and in the end amassed 70000 troops. Her contributions were decisive in her father conquering the realm. A few generations later a Queen not only took power but officially declared herself emperor which is unique in Chinese history. It was thanks to her that the empire kept ascending.
There's no shortage of notable women in Chinese history in spite of the sexism. They saved kingdoms, fought in battle, ruled the realm, secured succession etc. Many women resisted and stood up to power. Sometimes women with children can be the fiercest.
Glass ceilings were being smashed long before Brida's time. Look up the Truong sisters from Vietnam.
As for Brida, she was interesting. They managed to make me change my view of her several times which shows good writing. I did feel they pushed women too much after Edward's sister tried to enthrone her daughter. However, that didn't work out and she really wasn't cut out for that which made it more realistic. Also Lady's Aelswith had an interesting evolution.
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