Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 417: Pursuing Knowledge (4)

Last year, Jiang Shaohua asked Chen Jinyu to write two letters on her behalf. One was sent to the Qinghe Cui Family, and the other to Cui Wenxiu’s husband’s family.

The Commandery Princess intervened, and the Cui Family did not dare to show any negligence, nor could the Meng Family keep both children. After some negotiations, the Meng Family retained the son and sent the daughter back to Cui Wenxiu.

This outcome, though imperfect, somewhat comforted Cui Wenxiu’s maternal instincts.

In this world, people value sons highly. The Meng Family’s actions can’t be said wrong. Jiang Shaohua asked Cui Wenxiu, "Do you still want your son?"

Tears welled up in Cui Wenxiu’s eyes, and she softly said, "The Meng Family is a large clan; they will not mistreat my son. When he grows up, I will visit him again."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, "Very well. You should settle down with your daughter in Ye County, nurture her well. When you become successful, your son will naturally acknowledge you. Perhaps by then, the Meng Family will shamelessly beg you to take him back."

Can a woman also achieve success?

In other places, maybe not, but in Nanyang County, it is possible.

When the academy in Ye County expands and gains an illustrious reputation, truly becoming Da Liang’s foremost women’s academy, Cui Wenxiu will also become an indispensable part of this grand history.

Cui Wenxiu felt a surge of pride, "The Commandery Princess is right. I also look forward to that day arriving soon."

...

For Lu Ruohua, the upcoming days were fresh and exciting.

She lived in the backyard of the county government in Ye County, attended by two matrons and four maids taking care of her daily needs. Every morning she took a carriage with Mr. Li and Mr. Cui to the academy for lessons. At noon, she dined with her classmates, and returned in the evening.

"Sister, I’m the youngest in Class A. The oldest of them is thirteen, and even the originally youngest was ten. As soon as I arrived, I became the youngest and the best performing in my studies."

Lately, Lu Ruohua spent quite a lot of time with Jiang Shaohua, and she chatted merrily like a chirping sparrow whenever she saw Jiang Shaohua.

Previously at home, she spent every day with her older brother Lu Ying. Lu Ying was a quiet person and not very talkative. Moreover, the differences between boys and girls meant different interests. Now, suddenly having so many classmates and companions made her extremely happy, as did having the twin sons of Mr. Li and Mr. Cui’s daughter as playmates when back at the county government.

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "I remember, the most outstanding student in Class A was Lu Zhen."

Lu Ruohua proudly raised her head, "Yes, it’s true. But now that I’m here, I will definitely surpass her."

Jiang Shaohua was amused and patted Lu Ruohua on the head, "Don’t boast too soon. The academy has a monthly assessment, and it’s those results that speak for themselves. You’ll know then."

Lu Ruohua confidently said, "When I get first place, I’ll send a letter to Sister."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled and agreed, "If you make it to the top three, there are rewards."

Lu Ruohua smiled sweetly, revealing her charming little dimples.

The next day, Lu Ruohua eagerly announced, "Sister, today two more girls arrived at the academy. One is from the Ma Family in Biyang County, and the other from the Tang Family in Xi’e County."

Indeed, there is never a shortage of smart people in this world. The Ma Family from Biyang and the Tang Family from Xi’e acted quickly, sending their daughters to study in such a short time. The girls were about Lu Ruohua’s age, perfect to be her classmates.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, "Soon, you’ll have more and more classmates. They will surround you, trying to please you in every way. What will you do then?"

Lu Ruohua thought seriously, "They will try to please me because I am the younger sister of the Commandery Princess of Nanyang. I must strive even harder in my studies and get top marks. That will make them genuinely respect me."

She has ambition.

Jiang Shaohua laughed and patted Lu Ruohua’s head again, "As long as you understand this. But don’t say it out loud. Regardless of the reason, having others treat you well is a good thing. The saddest thing is having no value for others to flatter or use."

Lu Ruohua blinked her big eyes, clearly not quite understanding.

She’s still just a child!

Jiang Shaohua laughed again.

...

Jiang Shaohua stayed in Ye County for half a month. During that time, people continued to send their daughters or granddaughters to the academy in Ye County. Having come, they naturally had to shamelessly request a meeting with the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua saw one or two from prominent families, like those from the Ma Family and the Tang Family. As for those who temporarily offered no contributions to Nanyang County, there was no need to show them any face.

As a result, some departed with pride and satisfaction, some were anxious and uneasy, while others brazenly sought out County Magistrate Cui to plead for help.

County Magistrate Cui whispered to his wife Li Ying, "The Commandery Princess deeply understands human nature; her way of managing subordinates truly commands respect."

Indeed.

Li Ying laughed, "I am full of admiration for the Commandery Princess. Since Lu Ruohua came to the academy in Ye County, almost every prominent family in Nanyang County has followed suit. Just yesterday, I received a letter from over in Jingzhou. There are people from Jingzhou who also wish to send their daughters here to study."

The influence of Nanyang County has already spread throughout Jingzhou and continues to expand northward.

"Perhaps one day, our academy in Ye County will truly become Da Liang’s foremost women’s academy," County Magistrate Cui said, filled with excitement. "Men’s private academies are everywhere; we are the first to establish a women’s academy."

Li Ying’s eyes gleamed, "If in the future I have more renown than you, would you feel downhearted?"

That indeed was a good question.

County Magistrate Cui was taken aback, then seriously pondered for a moment, "I wouldn’t feel downhearted; I would be proud of you. Besides, I need to do my job well, and develop Ye County into Da Liang’s foremost county. Otherwise, how would I be worthy of being your husband?"

Li Ying laughed, playfully spat at her husband, and leaned into his embrace.

The couple shared a tender moment, whispering softly, "Our second son is five now; he can start attending the academy too."

"Yes, we both are quite busy, and with no one to watch over our second son at home, it’s better to send him to school."

Their eldest son, seven years old, was sent to the academy last year, commuting every day in a carriage with his mother.

Li Ying remarked carefully, "Previously, my cousin and I shared the same carriage. Now, Miss Lu will be going to the academy as well. With both our eldest and second sons, it won’t be as convenient. We should prepare another carriage for my cousin!"

County Magistrate Cui was indifferent, "Miss Lu is only eight, and our eldest son is seven. At this age, they don’t understand the difference between boys and girls. We can address it in a year or two."

Li Ying glared at him, "This is to show the Commandery Princess. Otherwise, we might invite gossip, and the Commandery Princess might be displeased."

They had no aspirations of social climbing, so they had to be especially cautious in their actions. There are always troublemakers in the world.

County Magistrate Cui finally understood and nodded, "Let’s go with your decision on this."