Chapter 64064 Women as Teachers

From Baoding Prefecture to Xiajing, one not only has to travel by land, but also by water, which takes at least a month.

This year's imperial examination will start on February 26th. Taking into account the extreme weather and unexpected accidents that may be encountered along the way, it is just right to set off on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

The carriage left Qingyuan County and headed north along the official road.

With a charcoal basin at his feet and a hot water bottle in his hand, Du Qingtang leaned against the carriage, feeling comfortable and lazy.

It is said that when one is warm and well fed, he will think about sex. In a state of extreme relaxation, Du Qingtang recalled his experience of going to Beijing to take the imperial examination in his previous life.

Because of her secret of disguising herself as a man, Du Qingtang dared not get too close to others, fearing that her identity would be exposed and she would suffer the same fate as in her first life.

Du Qingtang went to Beijing to take the imperial examination several times, but he was always alone. He was trembling with fear the whole time and did not dare to sleep too deeply at night for fear that someone would steal his money.

Looking at her present life, she is accompanied by her nephew, servants and guards.

Du Qingtang was no longer hesitant or afraid, and his mood was more peaceful than ever before.

"Uncle Master, have some tea." Yao Jingzhou offered a cup of hot tea and said gently, "It takes more than ten days to get from Qingyuan County to Zhending County. From Zhending County, we can take the waterway, disembark in Shuntian Prefecture a few days later, and then return to the land route. It will take more than ten days to reach Xiajing."

"We will be staying at inns along the way. There will be guards on duty, so you can rest assured and have a good rest."

"My grandfather owns a house in Xiajing, which is only an incense stick's walk away from the Imperial Examination Hall. My uncle and I will live there, and it will be more convenient for us to go back and forth for the exam."

Yao Jingzhou explained his plan in detail, then took out the test paper and said humbly, "I did a few problems last night, and I have some doubts about one of them. I wonder if Uncle Master can help..."

Du Qingtang put down the hot water bottle and took the test book.

"That's the question." Yao Jingzhou tapped the page. "Thank you, uncle."

Du Qingtang said it was okay, and browsed the test questions. After pondering for a moment, he came up with an idea: "You should do this..."

After the explanation, Yao Jingzhou suddenly became enlightened, his eyes brightening. "Thank you, Uncle Master. I have been clinging to my original idea, which led me to a dead end and I couldn't find the answer."

"Once you learn to adapt, many problems can be easily solved." Du Qingtang returned the booklet. "The road is bumpy, and reading in a carriage is bad for your eyes. There's no rush. It's not too late to rest or stay in an inn before reading."

Yao Jingzhou raised his hand to cover his eyes. He did feel a little uncomfortable. "Thank you for reminding me, uncle. I won't read it anymore."

After saying that, he imitated Du Qingtang and leaned against the carriage, closing his eyes to rest.

......

Du Qingtang and his group traveled during the day and stayed in an inn at night. In their free time, they studied and did homework. They were exhausted but also fulfilled.

On the evening of the 28th day of the first lunar month, the group arrived in Zhending County.

That night, I stayed in the inn as usual. After eating and washing up, I studied until 11:00 p.m., then turned off the lights and went to bed.

The next day, Yao Jingzhou ordered his guards to go to the local market to sell the carriage and horses, and obtained 280 taels of silver.

"Although horses can be brought on board, it's still too cumbersome. Rather than spending time and effort caring for them, it's better to buy new ones after arriving in Shuntian Prefecture."

Du Qingtang had no objection.

The land route is bumpy, and so is the water route.

Not only people get seasick, but livestock do too. It is still unknown whether they can reach Shuntian Prefecture alive. It is better to sell them directly and suffer less.

After breakfast, the group headed to the pier.

The boat fare is 300 wen per person, including 200 wen for food and miscellaneous expenses.

After paying the fare and getting on board, Du Qingtang, Yao Jingzhou and the guard chose several connected rooms.

The passenger ship was bustling with people, a mixed crowd, so the room was inevitably dirty and exuded an indescribable strange smell.

However, there are no windows in the interior cabin, and you can't even open the windows for ventilation.

Du Qingtang could only take out the incense prepared by Du Qingju with traditional Chinese medicine. It was originally used to refresh the mind, but now it has another use.

When the incense is lit, wisps of smoke swirl and drift away like gossamer.

Soon, the small room was filled with a slightly bitter aroma.

Du Qingtang asked the guard to fetch some clean water, wiped the bed and table, then took out his pen, ink, and book, sat on the floor, and began to read attentively.

At noon, the servant brought lunch.

The boatman used local ingredients and lunch included a palm-sized carp and a small bowl of fried snails.

Cornus officinalis is added to the snails, which tastes spicy and appetizing.

After finishing a bowl of rice with braised carp and fried snails, Du Qingtang had just put down his chopsticks when there was a knock on the door.

Du Qingtang thought it was Yao Jingzhou, so he got up to open the door, but found a man in his thirties wearing a round-necked robe.

The man bowed and greeted him with a friendly attitude: "Excuse me, brother, are you a juren going to Beijing to take the imperial examination?"

Du Qingtang probably guessed his intention and returned the greeting: "That's right, brother..."

The man smiled and said, "My dear brother, you may not know this. I boarded the ship with you at the same time. Seeing you carrying a bookcase and dressed like a scholar, I boldly guessed that you were a juren going to Beijing to take the imperial examination."

"Besides you and I, there are many other scholars on the boat. It's fate that we meet. Wouldn't it be a pleasure to get together and drink and write poetry?"

"So I thought of you, my dear brother, and came to invite you."

Du Qingtang had originally been interested in understanding his peers' strength, so he naturally didn't want to miss this opportunity: "I'd be delighted."

The man was overjoyed and wanted to take Du Qingtang over immediately.

Du Qingtang said, "I have someone traveling with me. Let me ask him to go with us."

The man clapped his hands and said, "That's great. We can all get to know each other and have company on the way to Beijing."

Du Qingtang first went back to his room to tidy up his clothes, then knocked on Yao Jingzhou's door and explained his purpose.

Yao Jingzhou has traveled around to study in recent years and has made many friends. He would not refuse the man's invitation.

So the three of them walked together from the cabin to the deck.

Looking around, the deck was almost filled with scholars wearing round-necked robes of various colors.

These people stood in the wind, some were reciting poems, some were chatting and laughing. Their literary temperament attracted the attention and praise of passers-by.

"Are these all scholars?"

"They are probably all candidates who went to Beijing to take the imperial examination."

"So he is a juren, no wonder he has such a good temperament."

The man led Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou forward and said in a loud voice: "Everyone, Wu has invited two more candidates."

Everyone stopped talking, laughing or reciting poetry and greeted the two of them warmly.

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou returned the greeting, walked into the crowd with a smile, and quickly became one of the people, treating each other as brothers.

The cold wind on the deck made the corners of people's robes rustle, but it did not affect the enthusiasm of the people at all. They talked to others with burning eyes and passionate tones.

"I heard that the winner of last year's provincial examination was only seventeen years old. Have you ever seen her?"

"Zhu did not take part in the provincial examination last year."

"So does Zhang."

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou stood in the corner, looked at each other, and tacitly did not speak because they did not want to cause trouble.

After asking around, no one was found to have taken the provincial examination in the same year as Du Qingtang.

The man who first asked the question was extremely disappointed. "That Du Jieyuan has already won three first prizes in a row. She's the only one like her in Northern Zhili in the past ten years. She must be incredibly stunning. I was planning to get to know her, but it seems that won't work out."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"When I first heard that the new emperor was seventeen years old, Wang thought it was a rumor."

"I wonder what she'll achieve in the imperial examination. If... she'll be the best in decades!"

"It's okay. It's not too late to ask when we get to Xiajing."

"Brother Qian is absolutely right."

"Look at my memory!" Wu Juren, who had first invited Du Qingtang, slapped his head. "I was so busy chatting with you two brothers that I didn't even ask what your names were."

The people around looked at Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou, obviously wanting to know their names.

Du Qingtang stood with her hands behind her, with clear water and blue sky behind her. The refreshing and pleasant colors could not melt the sharp and cold expression on her face.

She bowed slightly, and her clear voice was carried by the wind, blowing into the ears of everyone present: "I am Yao Jingzhou."

Yao Jingzhou himself: "...???"

Uncle Master, your name is Yao Jingzhou, so what is my name?

Yao Jingzhou has always been steady, but at this moment he was stunned for a moment, staring into the void and speechless.

"So it's Brother Yao." Mr. Wu bowed and looked at Yao Jingzhou. "What's your name, brother?"

Dozens of gazes came from all directions, and Yao Jingzhou felt like a thorn in his back. He pinched his palms and tried his best to control his facial expression and not lose his composure.

"My name is Yao Wenjing."

Mr. Wu hissed, "Are you two brothers?"

“It doesn’t look like it.”

"Maybe one follows the father and the other follows the mother?"

Du Qingtang: “…”

Yao Jingzhou: “…”

Yao Wenjing resisted the urge to hide his face and walk away, and said calmly: "No, we are uncle and nephew."

The relationship between uncle and nephew.

"I see. It was Wu who misunderstood. Please forgive me."

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou were fine with speaking frankly, and after some chatting and joking, they continued with the original topic about "Du Jieyuan".

In the evening, the sunset glow covered the entire deck.

The guests agreed on the next time to meet and then went their separate ways.

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou walked down the deck side by side. Du Qingtang explained softly, "Please don't be offended, Wen Jing. If they knew my name, neither you nor I would be able to study peacefully until we reach Shuntian Prefecture."

Yao Jingzhou didn't look surprised when he heard this. He had obviously guessed it before. "It's okay. It's better than being in constant anxiety day and night."

Du Qingtang smiled. Her nephew was the most considerate.

Such a good person should not die young, and should not die tragically at the hands of that idiot Second Prince.

When the two returned to the room, the servant had already brought them dinner, a bowl of multi-grain porridge and half a bowl of fish offal.

Du Qingtang was silent for a moment and could already anticipate the meals for the next few days.

After dinner, the guards came over to take away the dishes. Du Qingtang lit the oil lamp, ground the ink, spread out the examination booklet, and began to do the questions.

He wrote an article on the interpretation of the classics and an essay in one night, and did not rest until three quarters past midnight.

After taking off my clothes and lying on the bed, the bedding exuded a bitter aroma of traditional Chinese medicine, thanks to Du Qingju's incense.

Du Qingtang felt the slight rocking of the passenger ship as it sailed on the water, and he felt as if he was in a cradle. He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

-

In the following days, the guests often gathered on the deck.

Mr. Wu came to invite Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou, but they both declined.

The first time is to make good connections and understand the strength of your competitors. Going again after that is a waste of time. It is better to stay in the room, read a few more pages of books, and do a few more exercises.

Mr. Wu also noticed that Du Qingtang liked quietness and didn't like to join in the fun, so he had to give up with regret.

On the morning of the sixth day of February, the passenger ship arrived at Shuntian Prefecture.

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou had breakfast at a noodle stall near the pier, while the guards went to the market to buy carriages and horses.

In addition to the carriage for the two of them and the carriage for the luggage, the guards each rode one horse, totaling twenty horses. The horse dealer smiled so hard that his mouth was crooked, and he nodded and bowed to see them off.

After bidding farewell to the scholar who was eating at the noodle stall, the group set off again.

After a twelve-day journey, we finally arrived in Xiajing on the evening of February 18th.

......

"Uncle Master, Xiajing City is just ahead."

Du Qingtang opened his eyes, lifted the car curtain and looked forward.

The black city walls are magnificent, thick and solid. The city gates of the same color are tall and majestic, with door panels made of thousand-jin gates, which are the first line of defense separating the inside and outside of the city.

In the middle of the city wall, right above the city gate, there is a plaque with the two characters "Xia Jing" written in a dancing dragon and phoenix style. It was written by Emperor Gaozu himself after he overthrew the rule of the previous tyrant and established the new dynasty.

Du Qingtang looked at Xia Jing who was so close to him, his eyes were dazed.

This place holds many memories of her.

The joy and ambition of passing the imperial examination and wearing the official robe.

The pain and unwillingness to die when one's identity is exposed and trapped in a corner.

After many years and several reincarnations, she returned to this place.

She is still Du Qingtang, but she is no longer the Du Qingtang of the past.

She would never make the same mistake again and become a prey to others.

She wants to be the butcher and take her fate into her own hands.

Yao Jingzhou sighed in his ears: "It has been more than ten years since I left Xiajing. The city walls and gates are still the same, but the soldiers guarding the city have been replaced. Time flies, and things and people are no longer the same."

Du Qingtang looked at Yao Jingzhou, his eyes revealing the tenderness of reminiscence mixed with a flash of resentment.

“Stop!”

The carriage stopped outside the city gate and was strictly inspected by the guards.

After confirming that there were no suspicious people or objects in the carriage, the soldiers guarding the city asked them to show their passes.

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou handed over the travel permits they had brought with them. After checking them, the soldiers returned them with a smile: "So you are Mr. Du and Mr. Yao. I'm sorry for being so rude to you. Please let us pass!"

Du Qingtang lowered the curtain, and the carriage rumbled as it passed through the city gate and drove into the city.

Yao's residence is located in the south of the city, where many officials and wealthy businessmen live.

But if we talk about where the powerful and influential gather, the east side of the city is the place.

The residences of royal princes, high-ranking officials and powerful ministers were all located in the east of the city. Someone once joked that if a tile fell from the east of the city, it might hit a fourth-rank official.

As for the west and north of the city, the houses in these two areas are densely populated and relatively simple, and many civilians live there. The two most bustling markets in Xiajing are also located in the northwest.

"There was a bookstore near Yao's house. When I was young, I often went there to read books. Many years have passed. I wonder if it is still there now."

Du Qingtang drank the tea in his cup and said slowly, "Wen Jing has lived in Xiajing for many years. I believe he has many old friends. Should I visit some of them after he settles down?"

Yao Jingzhou shook his head: "To be honest, Uncle Master, I did have one or two childhood friends, but we've long lost contact, so it's inconvenient for me to visit and bother you."

Furthermore, the person who was friendly with them was Qi Hezhou, so what did it have to do with him, Yao Jingzhou?

"Well, then I'll concentrate on studying for the exam at home."

Du Qingtang took out the cloak and planned to put it on later.

Xiajing is much colder than Qingyuan County. Even in February, when spring comes, the wind is still biting and cold, and it feels like a knife cutting on the face.

The imperial examination is approaching, and I must not catch a cold.

Yao Jingzhou smiled and said, "That's exactly what I meant."

As he was speaking, the carriage stopped and the guard's voice came from outside: "Sir, we're here."

Yao Jingzhou raised his hand: "Uncle Master, please go first."

Du Qingtang put on his cloak and got off the carriage first, followed closely by Yao Jingzhou.

Yao's house is a three-courtyard house.

When Qi Changqing was studying at Qingyuan Academy, he fell in love with Yao Xuan's only daughter Yao Mingzhu at first sight. After unremitting efforts, he finally won the beauty.

This house was part of Yao Mingzhu's dowry.

Later, Qi Changqing died of poisoning, Yao Mingzhu hanged herself, and Yao Xuan, an old man, sent his son away. He suppressed his grief and attacked the Duke of Changguo's Mansion, took away Yao Mingzhu's body and buried it in the Yao family's ancestral tomb.

In addition, Yao Xuan also took away the eldest grandson of the wife, Qi Hezhou, and Yao Mingzhu's generous dowry.

The year Yao Jingzhou came of age, Yao Xuan gave him this house.

After opening the courtyard door, his mother's voice and smile reappeared before his eyes. Yao Jingzhou clenched the key in his hand, took a deep breath, and said with his back to Du Qingtang, "I'll live in the third courtyard, and Uncle Master can live in the second courtyard, okay?"

Du Qingtang seemed not to notice the trembling in his voice and walked into Yao's house with a normal expression: "Okay."

The servant delivered the two people's luggage to their respective residences and then left on his own accord.

Du Qingtang put the books on the bookshelf, put the clothes in the cupboard, lit a candle, sat under the lamp and opened the collection of wrong questions.

She has been working day and night these days, focusing only on studying and doing exercises. She has accumulated a lot of wrong questions and plans to sort them out tonight and consolidate and review them in two days.

When I was halfway through tidying up, the servant came and knocked on the door.

"Mr. Du, my young master asks you to move to the dining room."

"knew."

Du Qingtang put down his brush and followed the servant to the dining room.

Yao Jingzhou was already in the dining room. Seeing her coming, he said softly, "I've just arrived in Xiajing, and many things haven't been prepared yet. The food is simple, so please don't be offended, uncle."

Du Qingtang glanced at the three dishes and one soup on the table and sat down calmly: "It's already very good."

Yao Jingzhou felt relieved and said, "Uncle Master, I plan to go to the bookstore tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?"

Du Qingtang nodded: "Go."

After dinner, Yao Jingzhou said, "You've been traveling a lot for the past month. I've asked someone to prepare some hot water. Uncle Master, please rest early."

Du Qingtang agreed and walked with Yao Jingzhou for a while. The former returned to the second courtyard, while the latter went to the third courtyard.

Take a comfortable hot bath and have a good night's sleep.

......

The next day, Du Qingtang slept until he woke up naturally, and it was already bright outside the window.

On the other hand, Yao Jingzhou returned to his hometown and thought about the past grudges. He tossed and turned all night and got up before dawn to practice sword in the third courtyard until the servant came to tell him that Master Du had gotten up.

Yao Jingzhou took a shower, changed his clothes, had breakfast with Du Qingtang, and went to the bookstore he remembered.

After walking for about an incense stick's time, the four words "Mo Yun Shu Si" came into view.

Yao Jingzhou was quite surprised and said with a smile: "I didn't expect it to still be there."

When you walk into the bookstore, even the furnishings and the placement of the bookshelves are exactly the same as they were back then, and the owner standing behind the counter is also the same person.

Du Qingtang walked around the bookstore and bought two question books.

When paying, the shopkeeper looked at Yao Jingzhou intently and said, "Young Master, you look familiar."

Yao Jingzhou admitted frankly: "I often visited here when I was young."

The shopkeeper tried hard to recall, his tone tinged with uncertainty: "Are you Mr. Qi?"

Yao Jingzhou remained calm and said, "You're mistaken. My last name is Yao."

The shopkeeper apologized repeatedly and accepted the money for the books from the two men: "Goodbye, gentlemen."

Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou walked out of the bookstore side by side, turned west and went home.

Just at this moment, a luxurious-looking carriage came towards them.

A gust of wind blew up the curtains of the carriage, and the woman in gorgeous clothes inside the carriage became dimly visible.

As they passed each other, a handkerchief rolled out of the car window.

The gears of fate began to turn.

In her previous life, Du Qingtang picked up this handkerchief, and Qi Heming's cousin Xue Yishu fell in love with her at first sight. After several entanglements, she became so annoyed that she asked to be sent away.

While in exile, Du Qingtang met her superior, Qi Heming. Her identity was accidentally exposed and she was imprisoned in a small courtyard.

In order to eliminate this trouble, Madam Qi told Xue Yishu that she was a woman.

Xue Yishu turned from love to hate, and together with Qi Ping, forced her to drink a pot of poisoned wine.

This time, Du Qingtang did not look back but strode forward.

-

But last August, Du Qingtang discovered that Du Qingmei was acting abnormally and secretly warned Guo Qian.

In the end, Guo Qian was still afraid of his brother-in-law Du Qingtang, and became more and more considerate to Du Qingmei. The couple lived in harmony and loved each other deeply.

On the other hand, the three sisters Lan, Zhu and Ju also persevered in comforting Du Qingmei and often invited her out for fun.

With her husband being gentle and considerate, and her sister's care, Du Qingmei gradually came to terms with it and stopped being so stubborn.

"You are right. The fate of children has already been determined. There is no point in being anxious. It is better to let nature take its course. Maybe it will come one day."

Lan, Zhu and Ju looked at each other quietly and breathed a sigh of relief.

After half a year, the fifth sister finally returned to normal!

Du Qingzhu smiled brightly and took Du Qingmei's arm. "Fifth sister, I won't go to the shop today. How about we go to the literary club and teach the girls to read and write?"

Du Qingju was taking a day off today and would not be attending the clinic. Upon hearing this, she agreed, "I was planning to go too. Let's go together."

Du Qingmei naturally agreed and turned to look at her sixth sister with an inquiring look.

Du Qinglan snorted softly, "Of course I go there every day. Unlike some people, who become devastated by a few words from others and even forget their ideals."

Du Qingmei was filled with shame and lowered her attitude to the lowest level: "It's my fault. I won't do it again."

Du Qinglan raised her chin and said, "Since you are so sincere, I reluctantly forgive you."

The four sisters looked at each other and burst out laughing.

When we arrived at the Qiongying English Society, many women had already arrived early.

They gathered in groups of three or five, practicing calligraphy or discussing their reading experiences, seriously and attentively.

Du Qingmei looked around and asked, "Where's Xiaoxue?"

If she remembered correctly, Zhang Xiaoxue should have arrived by now.

Du Qinglan said, "She hasn't been here for four or five days. Maybe something happened at home."

Zhang Xiaoxue's family is poor, and her parents favor boys over girls. They have to do a lot of farm work every day. Sometimes they are too busy to handle it and may be absent for several days in a row. Everyone has long been used to it.

Du Qingmei nodded and asked no more questions.

At this time, everyone noticed her arrival, and they were immediately delighted and put down what they were doing to greet her.

"Sister Mei, you are finally here."

"Sister Lan said you had something to do. It's been almost half a year now. We sisters have been looking forward to seeing you day and night. Finally, you are here."

Du Qingmei met everyone's concerned eyes, feeling even more ashamed. She promised repeatedly, "I will definitely come every day from now on."

The girls cheered and smiled.

As we were chatting, a man and a woman walked in.

Both of them had gray hair and dark skin, and the corners of their eyes and foreheads were full of traces of time and suffering.

After coming in, he didn't say anything, just looked around and looked up and down at the girls in the literary club.

The girls felt uncomfortable when they looked at them in their cloudy eyes. They stepped back inconspicuously, looking at them cautiously.

Du Qingmei frowned and asked softly, "Who are you two?"

The woman rolled her eyes and said in a hoarse voice, "Is this the Qiong English Club?"

Du Qingmei nodded: "Yes, that's right..."

Before he could finish his words, the man took a quick step forward and kicked over the tables and chairs, scattering books and pens all over the floor.

The woman refused to give in and grabbed the chair and started smashing it.

Ink splattered everywhere and the literary club was in a mess.

"What are you doing?"

"Stop it! Or I'll call the police!"

"Call the police?" the woman sneered and shrilly, "I didn't report you for corrupting my daughter, but you, the bad guys, filed a complaint first, right?"

"That damned girl Zhang Xiaoxue refused to marry, it's all because of you vixens!"

Zhang Xiaoxue?

The women's faces changed slightly, their hearts in their throats.

Zhang's mother put her hands on her hips, looked like a shrew, and pointed at them and cursed at them.

Zhang's father continued to bang and hammer, looking crazy.

Some people couldn't bear to see the books destroyed and wanted to step forward to stop it, but were stopped by Du Qingzhu.

This couple are both crazy. If the book is sold, they can buy another one. But if someone gets hurt, it will be a waste of time.

From Zhang's mother's abuse, everyone knew why they came to cause trouble.

Last year, Zhang Xiaoxue came of age, and her parents planned to marry her off in exchange for a betrothal gift.

Both parties had agreed on it, but at the last minute the other party went back on their word.

Zhang's father and mother had no choice but to give up and continue looking for other candidates.

But several times in a row, the other party changed his mind at the last minute and refused to take Zhang Xiaoxue as his daughter-in-law.

Zhang's father and mother didn't think much about it. They just thought that Zhang Xiaoxue had bad luck and kept cursing it as bad luck.

Until a few days ago, Zhang Xiaoxue went to the city to sell vegetables as usual.

Zhang's mother suddenly decided to make some clothes for her baby son, so she followed Zhang Xiaoxue into the city.

This trip is going to be a big deal!

She found out that Zhang Xiaoxue had learned to read and write without telling them again!

Zhang's mother was furious. When Zhang Xiaoxue came back in the evening, she beat her up as soon as she entered the door.

During the interrogation, Zhang's mother accidentally learned that the man's regret for the engagement was caused by Zhang Xiaoxue, who deliberately went to the man's house to spread false information, saying how bad she was.

That night, Zhang Xiaoxue was almost beaten to death.

The next day, Zhang's father and mother locked Zhang Xiaoxue at home and threatened not to let her out until she got married. At the same time, they went into the city to inquire about the Qiongying English Society.

Upon learning that the Qiong English Society was composed of a group of girls who read and learned to read every day, Zhang's father and mother stubbornly believed that it was they who had corrupted Zhang Xiaoxue, which led to today's farce.

Meng Qingyan rushed over upon hearing the news, and laughed in anger: "The Qiongying English Society is intended to help girls learn and become self-reliant. How can it be said to harm others?"

Zhang's father knew Meng Qingyan's identity and yelled with his neck stiffened: "This rubbish literary club has harmed so many girls from good families, and yet nothing has happened to them. Isn't it just because you have a county magistrate as your father? But don't forget, the current county magistrate is no longer your father!"

As early as two years ago, Meng Qingyan's father went to the provincial capital to serve as a magistrate because of his outstanding political achievements.

Meng Qingyan did not leave with him.

One reason is that her husband's family is in Qingyuan County, and the most important reason is that there is the Qiongying English Society here which she is unwilling to give up.

Since the establishment of the Qiong English Society, scholars have never stopped criticizing it. It has gone through many ups and downs before it has 238 members today.

Meng Qingyan looked at these members. Her sisters were diligent and studious, helping each other and making progress together. She had never been as happy as she was now.

Qiong English Society has become a part of her life. She cannot give it up, and she cannot tolerate anyone insulting it!

Meng Qingyan's eyes were sharp, and she said sternly: "No! You are wrong!"

"The success of the Qiong English Society today is not due to me alone, nor to my father, but to the 238 women who stick to their original aspirations and have dreams in their hearts!"

"You insulted the Qiong Ying Society, insulted my sisters, and even more so, insulted your daughter!"

Meng Qingyan spoke as she approached step by step.

Zhang's father and mother were frightened by her fierce aura, and they retreated repeatedly with disordered breathing.

Du Qingzhu stood up and said, "According to the laws of Daxia, anyone who illegally sells women against their will shall be punished by death!"

Zhang's mother's eyes widened. "What do you mean by human trafficking? When did I ever do that?"

Du Qingzhu argued confidently: "You locked Zhang Xiaoxue up at home and forced her to marry in order to earn a betrothal gift. Isn't that illegal human trafficking?"

"You have violated the laws of Daxia. I can report you to the authorities and have you jailed for life!"

Zhang's father spat and said, "You're talking nonsense! It's her parents' order and the matchmaker's words. She'll marry whoever I tell her to marry!"

Mother Zhang cursed, "You little vixen, you're really nosy. Go ask around and see which girl isn't like this?"

Of course Meng Qingyan knew that there were many women in this world like Zhang Xiaoxue, who were born in families that favored boys over girls, and eventually became tools for making money and giving birth.

So she founded the Qiong English Society to enable more girls to read and write, to develop an independent consciousness, and to learn to resist the injustice of the world.

She believes that a single spark can start a prairie fire.

One day, the Qiong English community will continue to grow and help more women.

"I don't care what happens to other families. You guys are causing trouble here without any reason. Do you really think I'm a soft persimmon that you can manipulate at will?"

"Sister Mei and Sister Lan, please go to the county government office and report this to the authorities. I will definitely send them to jail today."

"For my father's sake, I believe the county magistrate will be willing to show some favor to me and allow the two of them to die quietly in prison."

Meng Qingyan said this with a cold smile.

Du Qingmei and Du Qinglan pretended to go out.

Zhang's father and mother no longer had the arrogance they had before. They were so scared that they turned pale and fell to their knees on the ground.

"Miss Meng, spare my life!"

"Miss Meng, calm down!"

The women looked at each other, their eyes filled with joy.

......

After that, everything fell into place.

Meng Qingyan took people to Zhangjia Village and successfully rescued the injured Zhang Xiaoxue. She also broke off her relationship with the Zhang family.

Meng Qingyan also found a place for Zhang Xiaoxue to live in the county town, and from then on they settled in the city.

When this matter spread, some people felt ashamed, while others admired it sincerely.

“They are so brave!”

"Women should help each other!"

"It's a pity that there is no Qiong English Society in our county, otherwise I would definitely join it."

"Just because our county didn't have one before doesn't mean it won't in the future. Why don't we set up a literary club and invite all the girls in the city to join us and learn to read and write together?"

"Good idea! But what should we name our literary club?"

"Qingyuan County has the Qiong Ying Society, and Zhending County should also have one. By then, Qiong Ying's name will spread throughout the world, and everyone will know that the Qiong Ying Society is exclusively for women and is the support and patronage of all women in the world!"

"Okay! Let's call it Qiong English Club!"

Not only in Zhending County, but also in many places in northern Zhili, Qiongying English societies were established, inviting women to come and study.

At the same time, more and more people in Qingyuan County became aware of the Qiongying English Publishing House.

When they learned that the women in the Qiong English Society were all well-read, they began to hire members to teach their young daughters how to read and write.

Du Qingmei and Du Qinglan are both on the recruitment list, as is Zhang Xiaoxue.

The person who hired Zhang Xiaoxue was not a wealthy businessman in the city, but just a small wealthy family who treated their daughter like a treasure.

In the bright study, Zhang Xiaoxue sat at the head of the table.

The little girl in a pink skirt and a flower-bud hairstyle saluted in a formal manner, her voice full of milk: "Sir, please accept my student's greetings."

Zhang Xiaoxue helped her up: "No need to be polite, get up quickly."

The little girl tilted her head, looking innocent: "Sir, why are you crying?"

Zhang Xiaoxue raised her hand and felt the wetness on her face.

She was stunned, tears in her smile: "I just..."

I just remember that many years ago, a little girl stood on tiptoe on the windowsill of the village school, her eyes full of desire and longing for knowledge.

Many years passed, and her dream came true.