In the days that followed, with the Empress Dowager's public support for the women's night school and a reversal of public opinion, Su Jinli's school grew in popularity. Not only did women from the capital flock to attend, but even those from surrounding towns heard of the school's reputation and braved the hardships of studying there. The school had to expand once again, and Su Jinli and Jiang Yan were busy arranging courses and arranging teaching staff for the new students. Despite the busy schedule, they felt a sense of accomplishment.
Jiang Yan's "A Study of Women's Literacy in Dajing" detailed the significance of women's literacy for families, society, and even the nation, as well as the experiences and achievements of women's night schools in promoting literacy. When this study was presented to the emperor, it captured his attention. He summoned his ministers for an in-depth discussion on further promoting women's education.
In the court, ministers expressed their opinions. Some conservative ministers, though still skeptical, were forced to compromise in the face of the Empress Dowager's support and the irrefutable evidence of Su Jinli's night school success. Meanwhile, more progressive ministers actively offered suggestions and proposals, including establishing a women's imperial examination system and establishing more women's schools.
Meanwhile, Su Jinli wasn't satisfied with the status quo of night school. She knew that literacy alone wasn't enough to truly change women's lives. So, she set out to enrich the night school curriculum. In addition to the existing foundational courses like literacy, accounting, and contract writing, she also added courses in history, geography, literature, and art, striving to cultivate well-rounded women of the new era.
To ensure the quality of these new courses, Su Jinli traveled extensively, inviting renowned scholars and talented women from across the capital to teach. She personally communicated with these scholars, developing detailed teaching plans tailored to the characteristics and needs of the women. Her efforts significantly improved the teaching quality of the night school, and the students' enthusiasm for learning soared.
As the curriculum becomes increasingly richer, the students in the night school have not only greatly expanded their knowledge, but also experienced profound changes in their thinking. They have begun to express their own ideas and actively participate in discussions on social affairs, showing unprecedented confidence and vitality.
Throughout this journey, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan's relationship deepened as they worked together. They often met at night to discuss the development of the night school and share their thoughts. Jiang Yan always silently supported Su Jinli's every decision and helped her solve problems. Su Jinli also admired Jiang Yan's talent and responsibility. The two encouraged and supported each other, becoming a model couple in the eyes of everyone.
However, the development of women's education was not without its challenges. Despite the support of both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, some stubborn factions remained unwilling to see women's status rise. They were secretly plotting, seeking opportunities to suppress women's night schools once again.
One day, the night school suddenly received an anonymous letter. The letter fiercely accused the night school of being immoral and misleading women, and threatened Su Jinli with immediate closure or extreme measures. Su Jinli read the malicious letter without the slightest fear. She knew it was merely the last ditch effort of those conservative forces.
Upon learning of this, Jiang Yan immediately went to the Prime Minister's Residence to discuss countermeasures with Su Jinli. They decided to remain constant in the face of change. On the one hand, they would strengthen security measures at the night school to ensure the safety of students and teachers; on the other hand, they would actively collect evidence to expose the ugly actions of those behind the scenes.
Under Jiang Yan's guidance, some covert investigators began to take action. They visited various locations, gathering clues, and gradually discovered that the cause of this incident seemed to be connected to some aristocratic families that had long controlled educational resources. These families were worried that if women received an education, they would break their monopoly on knowledge and threaten their family interests. Therefore, they wanted to stop the development of women's night schools at all costs.
Undeterred by these difficulties, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan decided to take the initiative and use the power of public opinion to counter these conservative forces. Su Jinli organized students to write articles about their experiences and growth in night school, highlighting the positive impact of women's education. These articles were published in major newspapers in Beijing, attracting widespread attention and discussion.
After hearing these true stories, the people came out in support of the girls' night school. They expressed their support for Su Jinli and the night school in various ways. Some spontaneously organized themselves to guard the night school gate, while others petitioned the government, demanding severe punishment for those who attempted to undermine girls' education.
Under pressure from public opinion, the government was forced to investigate. As the investigation deepened, the crimes of those behind the incident gradually surfaced. Upon learning of this, the emperor was furious and ordered severe punishment for those responsible. He also reiterated his unwavering support for women's education.
After this incident, the girls' night school not only did not fall, but it also strengthened the faith of Su Jinli and Jiang Yan. They understood that although the road of girls' education was full of ups and downs, as long as they persevered, they would surely usher in a bright future.
Over time, the influence of women's night schools grew, becoming a model for women's education during the Dajing Dynasty. Through night school, more and more women transformed their lives, leaving home and demonstrating their talents and abilities in various fields. Some became outstanding teachers, passing on their knowledge to more women; some entered the business world, becoming elites; and some participated in philanthropy, contributing to social development.
Su Jinli and Jiang Yan's names have been etched in history for their remarkable contributions to women's education. Their love story, like the cause of women's education they promoted, has become a beloved tale, inspiring generations to tirelessly pursue equality and knowledge.
On a sunny day, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan strolled hand in hand in the garden of the night school. Seeing the students studying diligently in the classroom, their hearts were filled with satisfaction and pride.
"Jinli, look, all this is the result of our hard work." Jiang Yan looked at Su Jinli with a smile, his eyes full of love.
"Yes, although it has been difficult along the way, it's all worth it." Su Jinli leaned lightly on Jiang Yan's shoulder, feeling his warmth.
"In the future, we still have a long way to go, and there are more women waiting for us to help." Jiang Yan held Su Jinli's hand tightly, looking into the distance with a firm gaze.
"Well, no matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together." Su Jinli looked up at Jiang Yan, with a determined light in her eyes.
Their figures stand out tall in the sunlight, and under their careful care, the women's night school, like a thriving sapling, is gradually growing into a towering tree, providing shelter and bringing hope and light to countless women.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
