Guo Siyuan smiled gently, her eyes full of gratitude.
"If it weren't for the Empress Dowager, I would probably be doing laundry and cooking at my husband's house now."
As soon as Guo Siyuan finished speaking, several women began to explain the meaning of the painting, leaving Jiang Yu somewhat stunned.
"I...I thank you for this birthday gift."
"Perhaps many people do not understand the significance of the girls' school to us, but the Empress Dowager changed our lives." A woman spoke slowly, her eyes filled with tears.
"Although I failed the exam, I can still work as a teacher when I return to my hometown and teach more women to read." The woman bowed deeply to Jiang Yu, "I can also make a living by copying books."
“Yes,” another woman chimed in. “We can’t thank you enough for where we are today.”
"I only founded the girls' school; it is your own hard work and study that has brought you to where you are today."
Jiang Yu beckoned to the woman who had failed the exam, "Come here to me."
Then, Jiang Yu gently patted the woman's hand, "Things in this world are not always smooth sailing. You need to remember this in the future: no matter what, you must never let go of your current confidence."
Jiang Yu's voice was like a gentle breeze, stirring ripples in everyone's hearts.
"I have come today to bid you farewell."
"I hope to have the opportunity to see you again in the future."
Jiang Yu's smile was exceptionally genuine, but a dense, subtle pain began to throb in her heart.
People who are already struggling are often the ones who are most grateful when they receive help.
Those paintings just now were truly a reflection of the women of Chongqing.
"If one day some of you hold important positions, you will be the sails for thousands of women in the future."
The scene of the imperial decree to establish girls' schools appeared before Jiang Yu's eyes. Several years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the seeds have sprouted, grown lush and green, and remained evergreen all year round.
......
On the way back to the palace, Jiang Yu carefully examined these paintings.
"Her Majesty has been looking at these paintings all the way here, treating them like precious treasures."
With a smile, Ling Mama spoke, and Gu Qingyan immediately stood up and walked over, "Mother, what is the purpose of these paintings?"
After Jiang Yu explained the meaning behind the painting, Gu Qingyan was quiet for a moment. "Mother, these women are all very grateful."
"Speaking of these women, I am reminded of those two eldest daughters of noble families."
Jiang Yu instructed Granny Ling to properly store the paintings, then a thoughtful expression appeared on her face. "Now that the autumn air is crisp and clear, why not hold a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet in the palace?"
"Chrysanthemum appreciation feast?"
"Yes, let's invite those two daughters from noble families in, and also invite the noble ladies from our Dayu. Wouldn't it be wonderful for us to appreciate the flowers and compose some poems together?"
"Mother, you are not yet three months pregnant, and this is the time when you should be resting in bed." Gu Qingyan's face immediately frowned. "Today, when you went to Lingyun Garden to see Father, I pleaded with you for a long time. This chrysanthemum appreciation banquet..."
“Just say I arranged it, and when the time comes, just say I'm not feeling well and your aunt will handle it on my behalf.”
Jiang Yu chuckled, "Several clues point directly to aristocratic families. Sometimes, when we have no leads, we have to stir up trouble and alert them."
"Does Mother intend to..."
Jiang Yu smiled but remained silent upon hearing this. Sometimes, the depth of friendship between ladies is no simpler than the factionalism among court officials.
"I will have Yingzhi take care of it tomorrow."
"No, let Wanji handle it, and do it in the name of Zhaoning Palace from beginning to end."
Jiang Yu's eyes narrowed slightly as she listened to the information Wan Ji handed over. Qin Ke'er and Sun Shu had been quite busy lately, having thoroughly explored the entire capital.
That's interesting.
"We also need to invite Kui Ruo's sworn sister into the palace."
As long as that person is around, trouble is bound to happen.
......
The Pei family of Longyou.
"What is Father doing in the house?" Pei Zhi asked, looking at the closed door with some confusion. "He hasn't come out for almost a month. Is Father feeling unwell?"
"Young Master, the Patriarch is developing a special medicinal powder and has specifically instructed that no one is allowed to disturb him. Judging by the days, the Patriarch will be out soon."
The servant guarding outside the house respectfully said, "The patriarch also said that if anything happens to the Pei family during this period, he will follow the young master's orders."
Although Pei Zhi had some doubts, she nodded and walked out of the courtyard.
“Young Master, the Patriarch has become increasingly fond of developing special medicinal powders in recent years.” Pei Zhi’s maidservant said with a light laugh, “The Patriarch is always in a very good mood after emerging from seclusion, so Young Master doesn’t need to worry.”
That's why I'm worried.
Pei Zhi frowned deeply. "Father has locked himself up for more than half a month this time. There is something I need to discuss with him."
"Young Master, are you referring to the marriage alliance between Miss Qin and Miss Sun in Dayu?"
Pei Zhi remained silent upon hearing this, clearly worried about the matter.
If the Qin or Sun families are allowed to form a marriage alliance with Dayu, then the aristocratic families... the aristocratic families that form the alliance will surely annex other aristocratic families with the help of Dayu, and the Pei family will be in grave danger.
“Azhi, there’s no need to worry.”
A familiar voice rang out, and Pei Zhi turned around in surprise, "Father, you've come out?"
The head of the Pei family held a white porcelain bottle tightly in his hand. "Da Yu will not make peace with aristocratic families through marriage, and the Yu Emperor will certainly not."
Why is Father so certain?
“That Emperor Yu is not a good person. He is young but full of ambition. How could such a person be swayed by love and affection?” The head of the Pei family paused. “Zhi’er, you have lost your composure in this matter.”
"Father is right, I was rash."
"A mere marriage alliance has caused you so much anxiety for the past month. Could it be that you have feelings for that Emperor Yu...?"
“Father, I have no selfish motives whatsoever.”
Seeing Pei Zhi's agitated expression, the head of the Pei family finally felt relieved. "Alright, I was just saying it casually."
After Pei Zhi left, the head of the Pei family looked down at the porcelain bottle in his hand.
"Guards, as usual, deliver this porcelain vase safely out of Longyou."
"Yes, Master."
The head of the Pei family looked up at the sky, exhaled deeply, and a dark light flashed in his eyes.
At the same time, Qin Ke'er and Sun Shu both received invitations to the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet.
"Chrysanthemum appreciation feast?"
Qin Ke'er looked at the gilded invitation in front of her, her expression changing repeatedly. "Since I came to this capital, the Empress Dowager has only summoned me once. I have tried to request an audience several times but to no avail. Now she has invited me to the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet."
"Ke'er, don't say such spiteful things."
Sun Shu pushed open the door and entered. "I heard that Emperor Yu will also be attending this chrysanthemum appreciation banquet. If you don't go, wouldn't you be missing the chance to meet Emperor Yu?"
"So what?"
Qin Ke'er was clearly resentful about being slighted. "Am I, Qin Ke'er, someone who can be summoned and dismissed at will?"
“If my sister doesn’t go, then all the noble ladies of Dayu will go.”
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