The news that the Empress Dowager had personally come to the streets to support Su Jinli spread like a gust of wind, instantly spreading to every corner of the capital. The news spread like wings, from the teahouses and taverns in the streets and alleys to the inner corridors of the mansions, and the entire capital was in an uproar.
In the evening, the afterglow shone like gold, tinting the red walls and black tiles of the Prime Minister's residence with a warm hue. Su Jinli, with light yet steady steps, had just entered the gate when she sensed a strange atmosphere within. As she entered the main hall, she was met with an unexpected sight: Liu, accompanied by a group of maids, were kneeling in unison in the hall.
Liu's usually carefully carved face was now full of tear marks, and she was crying like a pear blossom in the rain. When she saw Su Jinli come in, she said in a tearful voice: "Jinli, it's all mother's fault! Mother was blinded by greed and believed the slander of the villain. She even misunderstood your good intention of opening a night school..." Her voice trembled a little, as if she really regretted it.
Su Jinli raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression cold, and slowly leaned against the door frame. While wiping her nails leisurely, she responded slowly: "Oh? Where did you hear this 'good intention' from, Madam Liu? I'm very curious." Her eyes were like torches, staring straight at Liu, as if she wanted to see through her inner hypocrisy.
At this moment, Nanny Zhou, who was standing nearby, saw that the situation was not good and hurriedly kowtowed, her forehead hitting the ground with a dull sound, begging for mercy repeatedly: "Young lady, spare my life! It is this old slave who was confused and blinded by greed. I shouldn't have been so foolish as to go to the Lin Mansion to deliver a message..."
"Lin Mansion?" Su Jinli raised her eyebrows and her eyes instantly became sharp. "So, did Minister Lin's family promise you some benefits that made you work for them so wholeheartedly?" Although her voice was not loud, it was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart.
Liu's body stiffened suddenly, the color draining from her face, leaving her pale as a sheet of paper. At that moment, Prime Minister Su emerged from the inner chamber with a sullen expression, a ledger clutched tightly in his hand. His gaze pierced Liu, and he coldly demanded, "Liu, how did Minister Lin get the ledger of your brother's embezzlement in Jiangnan?"
Hearing this, Liu was struck by a thunderbolt and collapsed to the ground, her eyes filled with fear and despair. Su Jinli saw this and immediately understood that Liu was behind the scenes because the Lin family had something on her.
"Dad," Su Jinli said calmly as she walked forward slowly. "Since Madam Liu has been feeling unwell and restless recently, it would be better to let her go to the family temple to recuperate for a few days, so that she can cultivate her body and mind and calm her mood." Her words seemed concerned, but in fact they contained a sharp edge.
Prime Minister Su sighed as he saw the cold glint in his daughter's eyes, fully aware of the complexity and helplessness behind all this. He nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Fine. Someone, take Madam to Jingxin Nunnery, where she can reflect on her past." With that, several maids and servants stepped forward and half-carried Liu away.
After finishing the backyard business, Su Jinli walked leisurely to Zhixia Hall. The students were sitting together, carefully calculating their tuition fees in their ledgers. Seeing Su Jinli enter, they all stood up, their eyes filled with respect and enthusiasm.
"Miss Su," the embroiderer said with a smile, stepping forward and handing over a cloth bag. "This is the snack money we all pooled together. We bought some food. Please try it."
Su Jinli gently took the cloth bag and opened it, revealing several coarse-grained buns. Though made with ordinary ingredients, they were steamed to a snowy white, exuding a faint wheat aroma. Looking at the buns, Su Jinli's thoughts drifted back to her past life. Back then, she'd been living in dire straits, struggling to even afford a bite of these ordinary buns.
"Thank you, everyone." Su Jinli's eyes were slightly red. She picked up a steamed bun, took a bite, and said slowly, "It's so sweet." These two simple words were full of her gratitude to the students and her emotion for the hardships she had experienced in the past.
At that moment, Jiang Yan's servant hurried over again, carrying a letter and a sheaf of papers. The servant respectfully handed them to Su Jinli, saying, "Miss Su, this is from my master. The letter says that the street slogans have been compiled into a book and presented to the Empress Dowager. Also attached is the draft of Minister Lin's impeachment memorial against you. The master said it's worth reading as a joke."
Su Jinli gently unfolded the letter, and familiar handwriting caught her eye: "The street slogans have been compiled into a book and submitted to the Empress Dowager for her perusal. Also attached is the draft of Minister Lin's impeachment memorial, which can be used as a joke." Then, she flipped open the stack of papers and saw Jiang Yan's neat, elegant small calligraphy, meticulously transcribing the comments of the people on the street: "Miss Su is more reliable than a man in teaching her to read," "Lord Lin, why don't you stop your son from visiting brothels instead of meddling in other people's business?" Su Jinli couldn't help but laugh at these words. The people's simple yet sharp words were like a resounding slap in the face to those who had attempted to slander her.
The laughter gradually died down, and Su Jinli suddenly turned around and asked Lingge: "Lingge, do you know what Jiang Zhuangyuan is doing tonight?"
Lingge was slightly startled, secretly glanced at Su Jinli's expression, and answered cautiously: "I heard that she is compiling the "Dajing Women's Literacy Test" and said that she will present it to the emperor after it is completed."
Su Jinli said nothing, quietly breaking the steamed bun in her hand into small pieces and gently placing them on the windowsill to feed the chirping sparrows. The setting sun's rays filtered through the window lattice, casting a golden veil over her hair, creating a dreamlike scene. At that moment, a warm and fulfilling feeling filled a corner of her heart. This feeling was a mixture of gratitude for the students' sincere friendship, comfort for Jiang Yan's silent support, and a hopeful confidence in the future of women's education.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
