The sun was high in the sky, like a blazing fireball, pouring its light unreservedly onto the streets and alleys of the capital. As time passed, the crowds on the streets grew larger and larger, bustling and lively. Su Jinli, dressed in a light and elegant silk dress, stood firmly on a slightly worn bench, like a conductor about to play the melody of justice. She held a piece of paper high in her hand, and her voice was crisp and powerful, which was particularly clear in the noisy streets: "Dear uncles and aunts, I opened this women's night school not to let women show their faces and flaunt themselves, but I sincerely hope that each of us can live clearly and clearly!"

"Well said!" Aunt Zhang, who was selling tofu, was the first to respond in the crowd. She waved her strong arms, her voice trembling slightly with excitement. "That damn husband of mine always told me that he sold ten kilograms of tofu, but the money he got was pitifully small. Later I found out that he spent all the money on visiting brothels! If I knew how to count and could understand the account books, he would never have fooled me like this!" Aunt Zhang's words were full of resentment and helplessness about her past experiences, which attracted the people around her to nod and empathize with her.

"That's right!" Madam Liu from the embroidery workshop also raised her hand high, her eyes flashing with excitement. "Miss Su taught us how to write the word 'contract', which was really a great help! In the future, when we take on jobs, we won't be afraid of those unscrupulous bosses withholding our wages!" Madam Liu's voice was firm and powerful, as if she was announcing to everyone the power that knowledge had given her.

Just as everyone was voicing their support for Su Jinli and the women's night school, a cousin of Minister Lin, accompanied by several servants, stormed through the crowd. His face brimming with fury, he pointed at Su Jinli and hurled curses, "You're clearly spreading rumors and misleading the public! Women are meant to stay home, take care of their husbands and children, bear children, and cook. Why would you want to study? It's simply against moral principles!"

Su Jinli looked him straight in the eye calmly, and without flinching, asked, "Your wife is illiterate. If she was cheated out of money by the accountant, would you know?"

The cousin was slightly startled, then stiffened his neck and said loudly, "My...my wife doesn't need to worry about the money! I'll take care of these things!"

"Oh?" Su Jinli's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. She calmly took out an account book and waved it in front of everyone. "The account book clearly records that last month you took twenty taels of silver from her jewelry box and turned around to go to the gambling house. What's going on?"

The cousin's face turned pale instantly, as if he had seen a ghost. His eyes widened and he stammered, "You...you're talking nonsense! This is absolutely impossible! You're slandering me!"

"Whether it's nonsense or not, just ask your wife and you'll know." Su Jinli gently put down the account book and turned to face the women gathered around, her eyes sincere and infectious. "Aunts, if you could all read and understand the ins and outs of this, would you still allow your men to fool you like this?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in laughter, the laughter like sharp blades piercing the cousin's face. Shamefully, he turned around and tried to leave the scene. However, Aunt Zhang was quick to act and grabbed his sleeve, shouting, "Don't leave! Call your wife over here, and let's confront her face to face!"

At this stalemate, a steady, rhythmic sound of footsteps suddenly echoed from the street corner. A magnificent sedan chair, carried by eight men, slowly stopped before the crowd. Its exquisite decorations betrayed its unparalleled nobility. The curtains gently parted, revealing the empress dowager's kind and amiable face. Dressed in a gorgeous yet dignified palace dress, her eyes shone with gentleness and concern. She smiled and asked, "Jinli, why is everything so lively here? What's going on?"

Su Jinli was startled and quickly jumped off the bench, bowing respectfully: "Greetings to the Queen Mother, may Her Majesty live a thousand years."

The Queen Mother raised her hand slightly, motioning for her to stand. Her gaze swept across the placards plastered all over the street, and a gratified smile crossed her face. "I heard someone accused you of 'hens crowing at dawn' in the court. I was quite curious, so I came to see what was going on." Then, the Queen Mother slowly turned her gaze towards her cousin, her expression becoming serious. "You just said women shouldn't study?"

The cousin trembled with fear and quickly knelt and kowtowed, his forehead hitting the ground with a thud. His voice trembled as he said, "Your Majesty, this... this is an ancient saying. Since ancient times, a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. Learning to read and write is truly contrary to common sense."

"Hmph!" The Queen Mother snorted softly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. She reached out and picked up a wooden plaque with the words "Literacy is Good" written on it, and slowly said, "I love reading. Back when I was still a concubine, it was thanks to reading and reading that I was able to understand the account books sent by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and see through their tricks of withholding their share of the allowance, preventing them from succeeding. Tell me, isn't it time for a woman like you to study?"

The cousin was so frightened that his face turned pale and he kowtowed even louder, muttering, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! Your Majesty, please forgive me! I am stupid and ignorant. I don't know the limits of my ability. Please forgive me this time!"

The Queen Mother ignored him and turned around, gently holding Su Jinli's hand. Her eyes were filled with admiration and encouragement. "Girl, you've done a really good job running this night school! I'll back you up. If anyone dares to gossip about you again, I'll invite him to the palace and have him read the 'Instructions for Women' carefully, so he can understand the true meaning of truth!"

As the Queen Mother finished her words, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted. The people applauded, their voices echoing like thunder through the streets. Su Jinli gazed at the sincere smile in the Queen Mother's eyes, a wave of warmth welling up in her heart, and her thoughts drifted back to her past life. Back then, she was gravely ill, bedridden, and on the verge of death. The Queen Mother had sent a bowl of precious bird's nest. Back then, she was so frail she didn't even have the energy to express her gratitude. Now, thinking back, she remembered how this dignified and kind old woman had always silently watched over her, offering her silent support and care during her most difficult times.

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