Chapter 190 190 Girls' School
When the commander of the Three Thousand Battalions came to the palace to report, Emperor Qingyuan was summoning cabinet officials to discuss state affairs.
Everyone watched as Emperor Qingyuan was enraged. He ordered the confiscation of property and the punishment of all nine generations of his family. He discussed government affairs as quickly as possible and slipped away.
"I can't believe there are still some fish that slipped through the net."
"The Duke of Changguo's mansion has been glorious for a hundred years. After the old Duke of Changguo passed away, His Majesty granted special permission for his son to inherit the title. Unfortunately, his descendants failed to live up to their expectations and ultimately ruined the family fortune, resulting in the entire clan being implicated."
"Old Duke Chang worked tirelessly for the Qi family while he was alive, and was still toiling away on official duties before his death. If he knew this, I'm afraid his coffin would burst."
"Actually, if you ask me, all of this is karma."
"What do you mean?"
"A few years ago, I heard from someone that the Duke of Changguo's eldest son was murdered by his second son, and his eldest daughter-in-law, Yao Daru's only daughter, also died a violent death."
"No wonder Yao Daru severed ties with the Duke of Changguo's Mansion over twenty years ago and even raised his grandson by his side. He must have been worried that his only daughter's son would also fall victim to a murderous attack."
"Grandson? Isn't that the child that Yao Daru picked up?"
"It's just a public statement. In the 16th year of the Qingyuan reign, that Young Master Yao was ranked first in the imperial examination and third in the imperial examination. I remember it clearly. His face was about 60% to 70% similar to that of the great scholar Yao."
"So that's how it is! I had no idea!"
"It's just that due to the influence of Yao Daru and the old Duke of Chang, no one dares to speak openly."
Du Qingtang walked at the edge, listening to her colleagues talking about her master's gossip. She did not interrupt them, but was happy to see it happen.
Her senior brothers and sisters, whom she had never met, died tragically. Even if the murderers have been brought to justice and have apologized to them in the underworld, the truth should be revealed to the world.
"The family of Wenyuan Marquis's Mansion are good-for-nothings, but they are quite bold and actually got involved."
"Who made the original wife of the Marquis Wenyuan be a daughter of the Cao family?"
"That couple is truly a match made in heaven. The daughter of the Cao family is ruthless, while the son of Marquis Wenyuan is a coward. His concubine's son was killed by the daughter of the Cao family, but he didn't even dare to say a word, and only knew how to keep the matter quiet."
"A lid fits a pot, but the Marquis Wenyuan must hate the Cao girl so much that he hasn't even celebrated her seventh day of mourning. He sends people to Princess Zhaoyang's residence every day to deliver gifts, as if he can't wait to become Princess Zhaoyang's lover."
"Princess Zhaoyang would be interested in him?"
"That's definitely not possible. His Highness has many concubines at home and is deeply favored by His Majesty. How could he possibly fall for a widower?"
"But then again, Princess Zhaoyang left the capital to recuperate. It seems she hasn't returned for over half a year?"
"I just got back yesterday. When I was off duty, I happened to see Eunuch Yujue going to the Princess's residence to deliver something. There were twenty or thirty of them, all holding precious gifts, including quite a few from overseas countries."
"Rather than Princess Zhaoyang, I'd like to know who the imperial envoy Your Majesty sent to Hanzhong Prefecture is."
The conversation stopped abruptly.
Everyone looked at each other, and saw complete confusion on each other's faces.
The Grand Secretary of Jianji Hall coughed lightly and twirled his beard, saying, "No matter who it is, as long as he can eliminate the black sheep hiding in the court, he will be eliminating harm for the emperor and the people."
The Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion echoed this sentiment, saying with a smile, "The capital of Xia has been incredibly busy these past two days. First, Princess Zhaoyang returned to the capital, and His Majesty sent a reward. Then, the remnants of the Cao family were escorted to the capital, and those who escaped were quarreling and exterminating their clans. I'm guessing it's going to be quite a commotion for a few more days."
Yan Tiande felt emotional in his heart. The imperial guards had confiscated the property of those powerful families, and the national treasury would receive a large sum of money.
But it's really a coincidence, all the excitement happens at the same time...
In a flash, a white light suddenly flashed through Yan Tiande's mind, causing him to gasp and subconsciously look for Du Qingtang's figure.
Du Qingtang was lost in thought, thinking about the unfinished official business, when he suddenly felt a burning gaze falling on him.
When he raised his eyes, he met Yan Tiande's shocked yet meaningful eyes.
"Fortunately, that princess is a woman. Otherwise, with His Majesty's love for her, I'm afraid... she would be the only one who can win."
"That's not necessarily true. He might have died along with Prince Shen and Prince Ning."
"It's true. That person would do anything to get the throne."
Du Qingtang stroked his waist belt gently and smiled slightly.
Yan Tiande's pupils trembled and he looked away blankly, as if he had been frightened by something.
I see!
It's so!
"Master Yan, what's wrong with you?" Seeing Yan Tiande's strange expression and beads of sweat on his forehead, Qi Daxueshi asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Yan Tiande swallowed, and the hot air in his breath filled his throat, burning his vocal cords and making them hoarse and dull. His tone was erratic: "No... Yan is just... I just felt a little hot."
Academician Qi had no doubt: "So you've got a heat stroke. It's not pleasant. Look how pale you are. Go to the Imperial Hospital and get a dose of Huoxiang Zhengqi Powder. Drink it and you'll feel better soon."
Yan Tiande took a deep breath, touched his warm forehead, responded casually, and walked towards the Imperial Hospital with unsteady steps.
He must be really sick, which is why he has such a horrifying idea.
Arriving at the Imperial Hospital, Yan Tiande approached Dean Lan with a solemn expression, as if he had encountered some catastrophic event. "Is there any medicine to treat hysteria?"
Lan Yuanshou: “???”
......
Yan Tiande knew what Du Qingtang had done in Shaoqing Mansion, and he also knew that Emperor Qingyuan condoned all her actions.
Now Princess Zhaoyang and three thousand soldiers returned to the capital one after another. Through the above clues, Yan Tiande easily decoded the truth -
Princess Zhaoyang, the successor chosen by Emperor Qingyuan.
Emperor Qingyuan valued Du Qingtang and allowed her to open a girls' school in Shaoqing Prefecture, hire female workers, and even form a female barracks. Later, he ignored the opposition and agreed to Du Qingtang's proposal to recruit the female bandits in Lijiazhai, open the imperial examinations for women, and give women a place in the court.
All of the above were to pave the way for Princess Zhaoyang to be made the crown prince in the future.
Only when women are present in the court can Princess Zhaoyang ascend the throne smoothly and make all officials and people sincerely serve her as the queen.
Yan Tiande came out of the Imperial Hospital, looked deeply in the direction of the Imperial Study, exhaled, and went to the Cabinet under the scorching sun.
He was a loyal minister and a smart man who knew what to say and what not to say.
His Majesty has his own plans. Before he makes everything public, Yan Tiande has no choice but to keep this shocking secret to himself.
Returning to the cabinet, passing by Du Qingtang's duty room, Yan Tiande thought about the purpose of Emperor Qingyuan's use of her, and couldn't help feeling sad and full of emotion.
Your Majesty is undoubtedly a qualified emperor.
He is kind and loving to his people, decisive and resolute, yet also has the suspicion and cruelty of an emperor.
His Majesty personally promoted Du Qingtang to a high position, making her the most powerful official and a duke. His fundamental purpose was to let her clear the way for Princess Zhaoyang and remove the obstacles on the road to the throne.
There is a vast void under Du Qingtang's feet. As long as His Majesty withdraws the high platforms he built with his own hands, Du Qingtang will fall heavily from the heights, lose his official position, lose his title, and be left with nothing. He will be bullied and trampled upon by others.
Yan Tiande felt sad.
For His Majesty.
Also for Du Qingtang.
"Master Yan."
The clear female voice brought Yan Tiande back to reality from his thoughts. He turned his head and met Du Qingtang's calm eyes.
Yan Tiande's eyes flickered slightly, and after a moment's hesitation, he finally walked into the duty room: "Master Du, what is the important matter that you want to call me for?"
Du Qingtang raised her hand to signal, and after Yan Tiande sat down opposite her, she spoke slowly, "I have been thinking for many days and feel that if Daxia wants to become more prosperous and powerful, it is not enough to just develop the economy and military. We must break the state of ignorance and enlighten the people."
Yan Tiande was a little surprised, but he suppressed his complicated emotions and asked calmly, "What does Lord Du plan to do?"
The most basic way to enlighten the people is to let them receive cultural education, let them read and write, and let them broaden their horizons.
However, in Daxia, only a very small number of people received education, and that was the rigid imperial examination education.
Most of those scholars adhered to the principle of rote learning, reciting books such as the Four Books and the Five Classics over and over again. Even the eight-part essays they wrote had a fixed format, just to pass the imperial examinations and improve their family status. The constraints on their thoughts were very severe.
The vast majority of the remaining people were unable to receive education and were illiterate because they came from poor families and had no money to go to school.
In Du Qingtang's view, poverty is the most fundamental cause of people's low intelligence.
However, achieving comprehensive prosperity is not easy. There are still poor households in modern times, let alone Daxia.
Then at this time, compulsory education can be put on the agenda.
"I believe the imperial court should establish a six-year compulsory education school, focusing on teaching Chinese, mathematics, and other subjects to cultivate multi-faceted talents who can help Your Majesty and serve the country."
Yan Tiande was completely confused and asked, "What is compulsory education? What is a compound talent?"
"Compulsory education means free education." Du Qingtang paused and continued, "You can understand compound talents as people who are versatile and outstanding in a particular field."
Yan Tiande suddenly realized, but his frown remained unresolved. "Establishing government-run schools in various places, free of charge, would undoubtedly be a huge expense. I'm afraid Your Majesty wouldn't agree."
"I'm unsure whether I can submit this petition to His Majesty, so I'm seeking your opinion, Lord Yan." Du Qingtang changed the subject. "However, there's always a reward for every effort. The talents cultivated by this academy will eventually be employed by the imperial court. It's a sure win."
As he spoke, Du Qingtang handed Yan Tiande a piece of paper: "Yesterday, I simply listed some of the school's regulations. Please take a look and see if they are appropriate."
Yan Tiande took it and looked down -
The huge words "Girls' School" almost blinded his eyes.
Yan Tiande: “…”
Yan Tiande's throat choked, and after a long silence, he finally spoke: "Actually, you don't need to ask for my opinion at all."
Just based on the girls' school, Your Majesty will definitely agree to Du Qingtang's proposal for compulsory education.
Du Qingtang stood up to pour tea, placed a cup next to Yan Tiande, and sat back down calmly: "I know."
Yan Tiande: “?”
"Then why are you asking me?"
Du Qingtang held the teacup and said in a nonsensical but confident tone, "I just want to tell Master Yan that you are right. It is just what you think."
Yan Tiande: “…”
Yan Tiande took a deep breath, put down the rice paper, and said with a forced smile: "Master Du, you always have a way of making people angry to death."
Du Qingtang took a sip of tea but smiled without saying anything.
Yan Tiande's straight pine-like back deflated. He leaned back in his chair and said with a helpless bow, "Please, for the sake of my age, please be merciful and let me go."
He just wanted to retire safely and smoothly from his position as Deputy Prime Minister and live out his days in peace and prosperity. Is this wish difficult to achieve?
Du Qingtang told him through his actions that it was difficult.
"Master Yan, all you need to do is stand up at the most critical moment, just like you did in February, and say a few words on His Highness's behalf." Du Qingtang put down his teacup, stood up, and bowed solemnly. "Seven months have already passed, and I haven't even had the chance to thank you."
"Thank you for your great help that day. If it weren't for you, the officials in the court would not have given up so easily, and everything that followed would not have gone so smoothly."
Yan Tiande stared at Du Qingtang, then sighed for a moment, "So once I've boarded Lord Du's pirate ship, I can never get off again, right?"
Du Qingtang agreed with his words, sat back down, and smiled slightly: "Young lady of your family is also a beneficiary, isn't she?"
Thinking of his two granddaughters who passed the imperial examinations and his granddaughters and nieces who were studying harder and harder, Yan Tiande sighed.
——Ever since he met Du Qingtang, he felt that all the anger in his life had been expended in these few years.
Yan Tiande felt a headache and didn't want to talk. Instead, he picked up the rice paper and read through the words. Finally, he made a pertinent comment: "You can give it a try, but you must be prepared. Those people in the court will definitely not give up."
Du Qingtang lowered his eyes and stared at the dark green tea leaves, as if trying to see a flower. His tone was flat, yet inexplicably revealed a cold indifference.
"I have already completed ninety-eight steps. Only two more steps remain to complete my merit. Those demons and monsters that jump out to block my way must be slain without a single one left alive."
Yan Tiande's eyelids twitched twice, he picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said no more.
"Then I wish Master Du success in advance."
"Thank you for your good wishes."
-
The next day, Du Qingtang mentioned the establishment of a government-run school at the grand court meeting.
Du Qingtang thought that many demons and monsters would jump out to stop him, but unexpectedly, things went unexpectedly smoothly.
"Government-run schools? Compulsory education?" Emperor Qingyuan twirled his jade ring thoughtfully. "Lord Du, please tell me in detail what the situation is."
Du Qingtang bowed in response and spoke slowly.
"Government-run schools are divided into boys' schools and girls' schools. The schools in Xiajing can be Xiasheng School, and the schools in the local areas are branches of Xiasheng School."
"The schools are divided into elementary schools and middle schools. Each school lasts three years. Children can enroll at the age of six and graduate after six years."
"If you want to continue studying at the school after graduation, you need to pay additional tuition and enter the university. After six years, you must leave."
"The academy doesn't just teach the Four Books, Five Classics, and Six Arts. Students graduating from the elementary school can choose their own subjects, whether it's the Four Books and Five Classics for the imperial examinations, or music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, agriculture, animal husbandry, and so on."
At this point, Shi Zishan asked, "If the imperial court opens schools and both men and women can attend, then won't there be no one left at academies and private schools?"
Most professors and private school teachers bear the heavy burden of supporting their families. If they have no one to teach, they will lose their source of income, and the food and drink for the whole family will become a problem.
Du Qingtang had anticipated this and readily said, "The professors and students of government-run academies can be incorporated into local schools. As for those private academies and private schools, teachers can be hired to work in the schools and will be collectively referred to as teachers."
"In this way, both boys' and girls' schools had teachers who specialized in teaching the Four Books, Five Classics, and Six Arts."
"Of course, if they don't accept the court's invitation, they can continue to run academies and private schools."
"The school only lasts twelve years. If students want to continue their studies after graduation and are interested in taking the imperial examinations to become officials, they need a place to go."
Shi Zishan then asked, "If someone who has achieved academic success wants to go to a school, which school should he attend?"
Du Qingtang responded fluently: "Tongsheng students can study in middle schools, and scholars and juren students can study in universities. They can be exempted from six years of tuition based on their academic achievements."
Shi Zishan got the answer he wanted, bowed slightly, and motioned Du Qingtang to continue.
Du Qingtang ignored the different looks from the people around him and continued talking about Qiong Ying Literature Society.
"Your Majesty and all the other gentlemen should all know that there is a private society called Qiong Ying Society that specializes in recruiting young women."
Of course all the officials knew it.
Among the 248 female candidates in this special examination, 208 of them were from Qiongwen English Society.
"The school can hire knowledgeable women from the Qiong English Society as teachers to teach some subjects in the girls' school."
"In addition, we can recruit experts from various fields such as medicine, agriculture and animal husbandry to teach students professional knowledge in various subjects."
After saying this, Du Qingtang bowed and said, "The above is my general idea for Xia Sheng Academy."
"Lord Du, you have thought this through very carefully," Emperor Qingyuan praised casually, looking down at the civil and military officials from a high position. "What do you think, my dear ministers?"
Qi Daxueshi was the first to step forward, his eyes sparkling as he spoke in a resounding voice, "I believe this plan is feasible. Xiasheng Academy can cultivate more useful talents for our dynasty. Whether used in the court or among the people, it will be of great benefit and no harm."
Fu Ci: "I second the motion."
Grand Secretary of Zhongji Hall: "I second the motion."
Officials including Cao Xingcan, Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace, and Grand Secretary of Dongke successively expressed their support.
Shi Zishan pondered for a long time, and finally stood up and expressed his opinion: "Master Du's suggestion is very good. Now that the imperial examination is open to women, women should also enjoy the same education as men. This way, it will not appear that one is favored over the other."
Only then did Yan Tiande stand up and say, "I second the motion."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Golden Palace fell into complete silence.
No one seconded the motion and no one opposed it.
Du Qingtang raised his eyebrows slightly and glanced at the civil and military officials behind him.
What's going on?
In the past, as soon as she mentioned the establishment of a girls' school, these people would have jumped out in anger, questioning her, refuting her, spitting and showing their ugly side.
Could it be that a bigger storm is brewing?
Du Qingtang looked back and saw that the officials who were dancing the most happily had sluggish faces and a dreamy expression, and did not seem to be planning anything bad.
Du Qingtang: “…”
Emperor Qingyuan raised his eyebrows imperceptibly, his expression inexplicable. "Since all of you support Lord Du's proposal, I will later issue an imperial decree to establish Xiasheng Schools in Xiajing and various provincial capitals. We will recruit talented teachers, enlighten the people, and cultivate talents for the service of the imperial court and Great Xia."
All the officials said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."
Emperor Qingyuan added, "Since this matter was proposed by Lord Du, I will hand it over to Lord Du for full responsibility."
Du Qingtang bowed and said, "I will follow your majesty's wishes."
......
After the morning court session ended, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci left together.
All the officials watched the two of them leave and began to question each other.
"Why don't you object?"
"You didn't object, did you?"
"So what if we object? Over the past two years, whether it was establishing diplomatic relations with overseas countries or opening the imperial examinations to women, every time there was a huge argument? But what happened in the end? Didn't Du Qingtang always have the upper hand and get everything he wanted? This made you and me look like clowns. Why bother?"
Everyone: “…”
Although Emperor Qingyuan had already left in the dragon carriage, the Hall of Supreme Harmony fell into a dead silence, and even the air was almost stagnant.
It has to be said that these words touched their hearts.
This is also the reason why they never spoke out in opposition.
From the moment Du Qingtang opened his mouth, they already knew the ending.
If that's the case, why waste more time talking about it?
......
On the other side, Fu Ci sighed deeply, "Today's morning court went unexpectedly smoothly."
Du Qingtang also had a serious expression on his face, not giving any conspiracy theories: "They must be planning something bad, and are planning to do something big in one go."
Fu Ci touched his chin and said, "We need to arrange all matters concerning Xia Sheng Academy before they do anything bad."
Du Qingtang did not comment. After returning to the cabinet, he began to deal with matters related to Xia Sheng Academy.
After all, it involves the merger of official academies and schools. It requires not only building schools, but also recruiting students and teachers. It is a huge project that cannot be completed in three or two months.
-
On that day, Emperor Qingyuan drafted an edict to announce to the world that the court would implement six years of compulsory education and open the Xiasheng School.
The first people to receive the news were naturally the people living in Xiajing City.
Regardless of gender, age or status, everyone ran around to tell each other and celebrated.
"My eldest and second brother are both smart children. Whenever they see the books in the hands of the old scholar next door, their eyes shine brighter than the glass lamp. Unfortunately, our family is poor and has no money to support their education. Now, the court has set up a school and allows children to study for free. I will send them there tomorrow. I will feel better if they can study."
"It's the same for everyone. Books and pens, ink, paper, and inkstones are too expensive. If we really send them to a private school, our whole family will be left with nothing."
"It is said that this matter was first proposed by Duke Wen. She is such a kind person. Not only does she ensure that we have enough food to eat, but she also provides the children with education and books to read. I will never be able to repay this kindness in my lifetime."
"The people of Shaoqing Prefecture gave Duke Wen an umbrella of all people before she left, and they also built a longevity temple for her. We don't have that much power, so why not pray for Duke Wen in front of the Bodhisattva every morning and evening, hoping that she will be safe and healthy, and everything will go well for her, and that everything she does will go smoothly."
"That's a good idea. Tomorrow morning I'll go to Lingyan Temple and ask for a Bodhisattva."
"Count me in."
"And me."
......
It took Du Qingtang three or four hours to finally hand over all the matters of Xia Sheng Academy, and then he began to deal with the mountain of official business.
By the time she finished the last document, an hour and a half had passed before her shift ended.
Du Qingtang rubbed his slightly sore wrist, left the cabinet in the night, and drove a tricycle back to Duke Wen's Mansion.
The night was dark, Du Qingtang sat in the carriage, staring at the road ahead with sharp and calm eyes.
The shops on both sides of the street disappeared into darkness, and along with the sidewalk barriers, they quickly receded.
In June, traffic rules, finalized after numerous discussions among cabinet officials, came into effect.
The so-called traffic rules were not as complicated as those of modern times. In addition to some basic regulations, the Ministry of Works also formed a construction team to install sidewalk barriers on dozens of streets in Xiajing City, and painted sidewalks on the cement ground with special paints. They also arranged yamen runners to direct traffic to avoid traffic accidents to the greatest extent.
Today, construction teams have traveled to various parts of Daxia to install sidewalk barriers and draw crosswalks.
With these, streets everywhere will be more orderly, and it can greatly prevent the situation where playboys ride horses and kill people in the street.
Du Qingtang withdrew his gaze from the isolation fence and arrived at Duke Wen's Mansion without any obstruction.
Meng Fang was still waiting at the old position, wearing a blue-gray robe, almost blending in with the stone lion behind him.
"Master." Du Qingtang opened the car door and Meng Fang came forward to greet him. "The ladies are waiting for you in the dining room."
A hint of surprise flashed in Du Qingtang's eyes. It was almost midnight. Usually they would have gone back to rest early, so why were they still waiting today?
Du Qingtang's thoughts were racing, and he had some vague guesses, but he didn't show it on his face. He responded lightly and strode towards the dining room.
When they arrived at the dining room, not only were there several sisters who lived in Duke Wen's mansion, but also Du Qinglan, who lived outside with Gu Tai and Gu Yajun.
As soon as Du Qingtang entered the room, Du Qinglan couldn't wait to wave at him: "Xianyu, come quickly, Sixth Sister has something to ask you."
"Tell me, what's the matter?" Du Qingtang washed his hands after entering the room and asked with his back to everyone.
Du Qinglan: "Does the girls' school accept female teachers?"
Gu Yajun: "Can I go to school?"
Although the court announced the establishment of the school to the world, it did not provide detailed information.
Since there was plenty of time, Du Qingtang told his family the details.
Du Qingju's eyes lit up and the corners of her mouth curled up: "So, can I also be a teacher in the girls' school?"
Du Qingtang nodded: "You are the deputy director of the Imperial Hospital. Of course, the academy welcomes a female doctor with excellent medical skills like you."
Du Qingju's eyebrows lit up with joy, and she clapped her hands and said, "That's great! I can first study medicine in the academy for three years, and then go to the Women's Medical Bureau for training for half a year, and then I'll be ready to become a master."
"And me!" Du Qingzhu refused to give in. "Since the girls' school has a cooking class, as the owner of the Food Fragrance Pavilion, I have to show off!"
Du Qingtang smiled, wiped his hands, and sat down: "When the school is completed, we will recruit teachers. You can just go and sign up."
"But let me be frank. I won't give you any backdoors." Du Qingtang looked at Gu Yajun. "The imperial examination for women will officially open next year. Sister Jun should get ready and return home in February to take the county exam."
Gu Yajun nodded, her big dark eyes full of seriousness: "To be honest, aunt, I had already started preparing when the imperial court held the special examination."
"That's right!" Du Qingqi clapped his hands, his eyes, still clear despite being over thirty, overflowing with smiles. "Cheng'er wrote in the afternoon, saying he passed the imperial examination."
Everyone was delighted to hear this and congratulated him one after another.
Du Qingqi and his second brother-in-law couldn't stop laughing, and tiny wrinkles appeared at the corners of their eyes.
Du Qingtang asked, "Do you know the ranking?"
Du Qingqi nodded: "Eighth."
"Not bad." Du Qingtang didn't expect all the younger generation in her family to achieve the same high score as her. In addition to her hard work, her repeated rebirths were also an important factor in her success. "At this level, passing the imperial examination shouldn't be a problem."
Du Qingqi was so excited that the smile on his face never faded.
After everyone had dinner with Du Qingtang, they went their separate ways and went back to rest.
Have a good night's sleep.
......
The next afternoon, after Du Qingtang finished his official business, he went to the research institute as usual to tinker with the large generator.
Who would have thought that as soon as he reached the door, he would be blocked by a crowd of researchers.
Du Qingtang, who was being stared at by the researcher, asked: "...What's wrong?"
"Sir, I heard that the court is going to open a school, and it's the free kind?"
Du Qingtang nodded: "It is true."
"So, is there anything we can do for you?"
Du Qingtang said bluntly: "It really is."
Then he talked about the various subjects offered in the school.
The researchers applauded.
"Your Excellency is wise. Every profession has its own top talent. The court should train more professionals. Only when everyone works together can Daxia become better and stronger."
"When the school recruits teachers, count me as one."
"And me!"
"I'm going too!"
Everyone's face was filled with enthusiastic smiles, and Du Qingtang also smiled.
Everything is moving in the right direction.
And she firmly believes that things will only get better in the future.
-
In September, the news that the imperial court had opened a school spread like a gentle autumn breeze, quickly spreading across every inch of Daxia.
"You can go to school without spending a penny? That's great! I'll send all the girls and boys in my family to school tomorrow!"
"Why would a money-loser like you study? You'd be better off doing some embroidery at home, cooking and washing clothes for the family."
"Bah! This year's top scholar is a woman, and there are over 200 women who have passed the imperial examination and become officials. Any sensible family would try to educate their daughters, but you actually think girls are a waste of money. No wonder your two sons are so fat and look like idiots."
"Ahhh, I'll fight you!"
"Come on, come on! Am I afraid of you?"
Two women, one fat and one thin, rolled up their sleeves and started pulling their hair into flowers on the spot.
Not only did the crowd not try to stop the fight, but they burst into laughter.
In the end, the hair-pulling contest ended with the thin woman winning.
The woman snorted at her defeated opponent, turned her head, and walked away with a proud and arrogant look.
She had to quickly tell her two daughters and one son at home the good news so that they could be happy too.
My family was poor before and had no money to send three children to school.
She and the child's father also thought about selling the old yellow cow in the family. At that time, they had already taken the cow out, but were pulled back by their eldest son.
"Without the cows, who will plow the fields? Daddy's health is not good, so why should I ask you to plow the fields? I can't do it, and neither can my elder sister or younger sister."
The son, who was already twelve years old but shorter than his peers, said nonchalantly, "Actually, I don't really like reading. It's dry and boring."
The two daughters nodded and said, "I don't like reading."
lie.
The woman wiped her tears and ran home in a hurry to tell her family the good news.
The three children's eyes brightened visibly, and the man's sickly face also showed a hint of light.
"Great! We can all read!"
"Originally, my younger sister and I were thinking of going to the Qiong English Club next year to learn how to read and write, and then coming back to teach my older brother."
"Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is wise!"
The woman smiled with tears in her eyes, and choked up as she said, "Your Majesty has given us this opportunity. You three must seize it well. Even if you can't become officials, at least you will have enough food and drink in the future. Wherever you go, people will call you Huang Tongsheng and Huang Xiucai."
"I want to be a high-ranking official, let my parents live in a big house, have servants to serve them every day, and have everything they want!"
"Hey, big brother, why are you interrupting me?"
"It's obviously mine!"
The three siblings were making a fuss. The woman and the man smiled at each other and held each other's hands under the cover of the wooden table.
The palms are rough, but the heart is warm.
Huang Zhaodi was carrying a bamboo basket on her shoulder, which was filled with wild vegetables that were a head taller than her. She walked past the Huang family's door with her head lowered.
The laughter and joyful chatter filled her ears, but there was no fluctuation on Huang Zhaodi's sallow and thin face.
Rather than being expressionless, it's more like being numb.
Huang Zhaodi carried a heavy bamboo basket all the way east and stopped in front of three brick houses side by side.
In the yard, the plump woman Yuan Xiangcao sat on a bench, eating melon seeds. Seeing Huang Zhaodi come back, she gave her a sidelong glance and shrilled, "Why are you back so late? Did you sneak off somewhere to play? Hurry up and cook! Do you want to starve me to death?"
Mrs. Zhang, who was feeding chickens in the corner, snorted unhappily and became increasingly dissatisfied with her second daughter-in-law.
The second son's wife relied on the fact that she gave birth to two sons and has been bullying the Huang family in recent years. She almost climbed over the heads of the old couple and the second son and shit and pissed on them.
But Mrs. Zhang had no way out. The eldest brother died, leaving only Huang Zhaodi, a money-losing girl.
The old couple will have to rely on the second son for support in the future, but the second son is a henpecked man who only listens to Yuan Xiangcao.
Mrs. Zhang was unhappy and glared at Huang Zhaodi: "What are you still standing there for? Get to the kitchen and make dinner!"
Huang Zhaodi pursed her lips and said in a low voice: "Second Aunt, I want to go to school."
Yuan Xiangcao glared at her and said, "What kind of book is a little girl supposed to read?"
Huang Zhaodi clutched the bamboo basket's shoulder straps tightly, her tone almost pleading: "I will study hard, then take the imperial examination and become an official in Xiajing. I will definitely be filial to you in the future."
Before Yuan Xiangcao could speak, Mrs. Zhang laughed first: "With your silly face, I'm afraid you can't even go to school, let alone become an official."
Huang Zhaodi wanted to say something else, but Yuan Xiangcao impatiently picked up her cloth shoes and threw them at her: "If you dare to say another word, I will beat you to death!"
The cloth shoes hit her face, causing a dull pain. Huang Zhaodi lowered her head and went to the kitchen carrying a bamboo basket.
Mrs. Zhang threw the dustpan to the ground and muttered with a pout, "That damn girl is quite arrogant. She doesn't even realize how miserable she is."
Yuan Xiangcao, however, disagreed. Huang Zhaodi looked very similar to her deceased mother, both of them were beauties.
"In three to five years, we'll marry her off. We'll ask for a generous betrothal gift, and at least we'll be able to bring honor to our family and ancestors."
Yuan Xiangcao paused in cracking melon seeds, and suddenly thought of something. She rolled her eyes and looked at Huang Zhaodi in the kitchen, as if she was looking at the pork on the chopping board.
After Huang Zhaodi prepared dinner, Huang Ersheng and his two sons came back from outside.
Yuan Xiangcao called Huang Ersheng to the main hall and whispered in his ear, "Dad, I went to town this morning. There's a rich old landlord who wants to take a concubine. What do you think of Zhaodi?"
Huang Ersheng hesitated: "Zhaodi is only eleven years old, isn't it too early?"
Although he also planned to exchange Huang Zhaodi for a betrothal gift to find a wife for his son, Huang Zhaodi is now as skinny as a monkey, with the same size from front to back. Which man would be interested in her?
Yuan Xiangcao shook her head: "That landlord is different from others. He likes young girls, preferably around ten years old."
Huang Ersheng widened his eyes.
Huang Zhaodi, who was holding a bowl outside the door, also stopped and held her breath.
Yuan Xiangcao was completely clueless and continued chattering, "Zhao Di is the perfect age. If she tidies up, she'll be a pretty girl. Besides, the old landlord said the betrothal gift will be this amount."
"Five taels?"
"Wrong! It's fifty taels!"
Huang Ersheng took a breath of cold air.
Huang Zhaodi left quietly.
......
After dinner, Huang Zhaodi helped Huang Yaozong and Huang Yaozu wash their faces and feet. She was splashed with foot washing water all over her head and body, and went to the kitchen all wet.
He closed the door and lay down on the pile of firewood.
The bright moonlight shines on my body through the low window.
Huang Zhaodi looked out the window, at the chastity arch standing on the village road in the distance.
That is her mother's chastity arch.
Six years ago, her father Huang Dasheng accidentally fell to his death while working, and her mother became a widow.
Mrs. Zhang and Yuan Xiangcao strangled her mother to death and announced to the public that her mother died of love.
The county magistrate was deeply moved and bestowed upon her a chastity arch and fifty taels of silver.
Mrs. Zhang used the money to build a brick and tile house, and the second wife also lived a good life where they could eat meat every other day.
Huang Zhaodi had nothing.
There is no bed.
No meat.
No parents.
But she remembered this grudge and secretly vowed that sooner or later she would repay it a hundredfold.
Huang Zhaodi looked at the chastity archway and felt as if she saw her mother.
The Huang family drank her mother's blood and flesh, and now they also want to drink her blood and eat her flesh.
Huang Zhaodi didn't want to be someone's concubine.
Then they can only die.
......
In the second half of the night, Huang Zhaodi climbed out of the kitchen window, went up the mountain, and came back after half an hour.
Huang Zhaodi mixed the thing in her hand with the wild vegetables she picked in the afternoon, lay back down, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The next afternoon, Huang Ersheng and Yuan Xiangcao came back happily and locked Huang Zhaodi in the southwest room where miscellaneous items were stored without any explanation.
"Your second uncle and I have found a good family for you. You can just rest at home for the next two days. You don't have to do anything. Just wait for your husband's family to come and pick you up."
Once they picked someone up, they got the money.
Huang Zhaodi sat in the southwest room, waiting and waiting for a long time, and finally heard a scream.
The screams attracted the villagers, and the village chief found Huang Zhaodi locked in the house, broke the lock and let her out.
Huang Zhaodi glanced at the six people lying on the table, foaming at the mouth and with their eyes open, and she screamed in shock, her eyes rolled back and she fainted.
......
Except for Huang Zhaodi, all six members of the Huang family died after eating poisonous wild vegetables.
The villagers sighed.
"Zhaodi is a miserable child. She lost her father and mother, and now even her last relatives are gone. She has truly become a wild child."
After the Huang family celebrated the seventh day after their death, Huang Zhaodi went to the city and came back to spread the news that she wanted to sell the brick house.
"I found my uncle and I want to go with him."
The village chief's family had too many people to live in, so he bought a brick house.
That night, Huang Zhaodi left Huangjia Village in the dark, carrying a small bag, and her whereabouts have been unknown since then.
......
In mid-October, Xiasheng School was completed and began recruiting teachers and enrolling students.
Huang Zhaodi went to sign up.
When the teacher in charge of registration learned her name, he frowned slightly and said, "Zhao Di is not a good name. Can I give you a new name?"
Huang Zhaodi blinked, her face tense, and her voice barely audible: "Okay."
The teacher pondered for a moment and said: "Fuling, it means precious."
"In my eyes, every girl is an extremely precious treasure."
The beautiful teacher smiled gently, like a pool of spring water, rippling in Huang Zhaodi's heart.
Huang Zhaodi knew that the teacher in front of her was originally a member of the Qiongying English Society and became a teacher at Xiasheng School after passing numerous tests.
Huang Zhaodi originally wanted to go to the Qiongying English Society, but unfortunately Zhang Pozi and Yuan Xiangcao were watching her closely, so she had no chance to go.
"Can I call you Fuling?"
When she was at the Huang family, Huang Zhaodi didn't cry when she was beaten, didn't cry when she was hungry, and didn't cry when she slept on a pile of firewood.
At this moment, she was sobbing and crying, as if she wanted to vent all the grievances she had suffered in the past six years.
From then on, there was no more Huang Zhaodi in the world, only Huang Fuling.
......
On the first day of November, Xia Sheng School officially opened.
At noon on this day, all students, both male and female, wore blue robes, with their long hair tied into buns with wooden hairpins, and saluted in unison.
"The student has met the teacher."
Behind the desk, the teacher, wearing an indigo robe, had a faint smile on her beautiful face and bowed in return.
"Good morning, everyone."
"I am your teacher, Yuan Xue."
Huang Fuling gently stroked the book that exuded the fragrance of ink, a bright smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, her eyes were bright, and full of vigor and vitality.
......
In the 23rd year of the Qingyuan period, fifteen Xiasheng schools were officially established.
There are nearly 10,000 teachers and 150,000 students in the school.
In the girls' school, 60,000 girls sat in the bright and clean classrooms, starting their first lesson in life.
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