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Shi Yifei wasn't the only one who came to seek refuge. The defeat of the Changjing Gang was a major event that would have shaken the entire Yuezhou region, including Panyu, and also brought the Red Flag Gang to the public's attention. In these turbulent times, there were countless people who felt their talents were not appreciated, or who were simply seeking a living.
There were craftsmen who went bankrupt due to war, accountants who heard about the bank and came to try their luck, scholars who failed the imperial examinations, and countless refugees who left their homes just to find a way to survive.
Such a large influx of foreign population naturally had an impact on the existing structure of Dongning. All workshops were expanding rapidly, reclaiming wasteland, dredging sand and building ships, absorbing people like a whale, making nearby merchants eager to move.
Fortunately, the Red Flag Gang, however abiding by the rules, was no ordinary boat gang. They were powerful maritime tycoons capable of defeating government troops and thwarting bandits. They were rebels who openly bribed their way through the enemy, a traitor that even the government had to turn a blind eye. Who would dare dare to challenge such a powerful enemy? Consequently, even the wealthy and powerful families gave up on the idea of slavery and instead sought to establish connections with the Red Flag Gang and engage in ordinary business.
Of course, the huge changes before our eyes still have a shock to some people, especially those who follow the rules and just want to make a living.
"Brother Chen, you are really here." As soon as he walked in, Wang Xiucai saw the person he was looking for at a glance, and he couldn't help but call out.
This shout made countless people look up. Chen Su, of course, heard it too and quickly raised her hand to silence him. Wang Xiucai was startled and quickly lowered his head. He walked all the way to the table and carefully sat down across from him. The study room has now been renamed the library, expanded by two times, and now has a row of tables and chairs for students to "study on their own". No more shouting in there.
After settling down, Wang Xiucai coughed lightly and lowered his voice, "Brother Chen, have you heard? Seven or eight more lecturers have arrived at the school this time. Although they're all temporary, this is too many. I'm afraid they're planning to expand enrollment!"
It was Chen Su who first mentioned this to Wang Xiucai, who then learned of the school's expansion plans. He then read a great deal of history and devoted himself to teaching students, hoping to soon be accepted into the "fast-track class." His class had already achieved strong results on two placement tests, and while the most outstanding student was a girl, which was a source of some frustration, it was still a step toward promotion. But instead of a promotion, the school had to expand.
Chen Su nodded. "I've heard some news. They're planning to open a school in Dongmen, and then Yang County. Wherever there's a Minsheng Bank, there's a school. It just won't be as grand as Chiqi Primary School."
Their school has now changed its name to "Red Flag Primary School." It's not that they're being so brazen on purpose, but rather that they're located in Donglin Town, and their students are all children of gang members and martyrs, so they need a resounding name. If it were somewhere else, they probably wouldn't dare to be so blatant.
Wang Xiucai was shocked: "Brother Chen, are you really planning to go out and lead the school on your own?"
How could he have known so much without a conscious intent? However, the Red Flag Gang's power was far greater than it had been in the past. The Long Whale Gang's attack had left Wang Xiucai trembling with fear, but now they had decisively defeated them, allowing them to dominate the South China Sea. At this point, shouldn't he have stayed at Red Flag Elementary School, quietly teaching the students and cultivating close relationships with the gang leaders? Why run off and become a miserable little headmaster?
Chen Su chuckled: "Although being an official in Beijing has its advantages, being sent out to become a high-ranking official in a certain area is also a good way out."
This analogy was so apt that Wang Xiucai understood it immediately. Staying at Chiqi Elementary School provided a comfortable living and a central location, but making a name for oneself wasn't easy. If one performed well in an outpost, returning one day for a new position would bring him a completely different status.
However, even so, he didn't have the courage to leave Chiqi Primary School and start over. Mr. Wang sighed deeply, "Brother Chen has great ambitions. I can't compare. I just hope to be hired on the fast track and get a raise."
After sighing, perhaps thinking that this man was about to be assigned to a post outside the capital, Mr. Wang couldn't help muttering, "Brother Chen, have you heard the rumors? It is said that the men who came here this time want to use their wives who can read and write to work. Alas, how can this be tolerated? I don't know who has corrupted the morals. The world is really going downhill..."
This complaint did not win Chen Su's approval. He just said lightly: "The Red Flag Gang is ruled by a female leader. After all, they still need to use a group of women as confidants."
Wang Xiucai was stunned when he heard this, and suddenly a chill ran down his back. Yeah, why hadn't he thought of this? Since their gang leader was a woman, they had to have at least a few women around them. They were scrambling to send people, hoping to plant spies around the gang leader, not to flatter him. This was the true wisdom of a smart person.
Wait, his wife can’t even read or write. Will she lose her future because of this?
Seeing Wang Xiucai's expression change, Chen Su, considering they had known each other for a long time, still spoke up and said, "I heard there's a girl in your class who's both virtuous and academically excellent. Why don't you take good care of her and push her into the fast-track class? Those leaders who send their daughters to school may have the same idea in mind."
Wang Xiucai finally understood and nodded repeatedly, "I was wrong! Thanks to Brother Chen for pointing it out. If I had taken a wrong step, I would have been in big trouble."
As he spoke, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and suddenly added, "Oh, by the way, my little daughter is almost old enough to go to school. We lecturers all have admission quotas, so we should let her go to school later. But it's not appropriate for her to hang out with the boys. It would be great if there was a girls' school..."
Seeing Mr. Wang's awkward attempt to make up for his loss, Chen Su couldn't help but sigh in her heart. With such an extraordinary woman like Miss Qiu around, who knows what the South China Sea will become in the future?
…
"These days, people from all over the country are recommending their wives and daughters, especially the wealthy families in Panyu. Many of them want their daughters to work in banks or weaving mills..." Tian Yu glanced at Cheng Xi and couldn't help but say, "I know you hired Shi Ziyu's wife because you're trying to pay a huge price for her, but if you do that, those wealthy families will try to get involved with us."
These days, every woman who can read and write comes from a high-class family. Feng, after all, is Shi Yifei's first wife, so she knows everything about him. If it were another woman from a high-class family, who knows how many secrets she would reveal? If she seduced a few more leaders and arranged several marriages, that would be a huge problem.
Facing Tian Yu's complaints, Cheng Xi just smiled and said, "If they don't use women, can't they come up with a solution? They can just replace them with stewards, accountants, or send over a few illegitimate sons."
Seeing that she didn't care at all, Tian Yu's expression suddenly became serious: "That's not the case. If it were a man, he wouldn't ruin his future for the sake of his career. It's common for illegitimate sons to set up their own families. These can be manipulated. But if it's a woman, she will ultimately be loyal to her own family and may have to obey her father and brothers. If she is ordered around by others, it will be a disaster."
Looking at Tian Yu, who was solemn and genuinely worried, Cheng Xi nodded slightly: "In that case, let them teach. Both the women in the workshop and the nursery on the island need manpower. If there are any smart ones, they can come to my side and be my secretary."
It's not unbearable to give him a sinecure like this. After all, this is a place where women mostly live, and since it's a teaching job, there's no way they'll cause any major chaos. However, Tian Yu said, "I know you're interested in hiring someone, but the aristocratic families have to be on guard. The Red Flag Gang has risen and expanded so suddenly, their foundation is ultimately shaky. A poor man suddenly becoming rich will cause chaos. Plus, with that kid Lu Jian controlling the trading floor, if they really shake the leaders, the Red Flag Gang will be doomed."
Was Tian Yu's worry justified? Actually, not really. Whether it was a change of dynasty or a simple rebellion, aristocratic families would always be involved. Some would make advance bets, playing both sides, just to protect the longevity of a family or surname. With the Red Flag Gang, such a situation was even more inevitable. After all, they didn't rebel outright, didn't kill the rich and help the poor, but instead established a monopoly and engaged in a fierce competition with a group of maritime merchants. It would be strange if no one had any thoughts about this.
But Cheng Xi didn't care: "Even if I'm afraid of choking to death, I can't not eat. I established public education, appointed Shi Ziyu as the Fengxian official, and even opened a school in Dongmen, Yang County, all with the intention of rectifying the source. Letting women work and building schools for them is also for the sake of long-term development. Don't forget, whether it's a boy or a girl, the next generation always comes from a woman's belly. A mother who is loyal to the Red Flag Gang is much more important than a group of opportunistic scholars."
Tian Yu was obviously stunned. He really didn't expect Cheng Xi to put her mind on this. However, when he really wanted to refute, he couldn't say anything, because a person can be without a father, but he really can't be without a mother.
After a long pause, he slowly said, "If it's teaching, it's not impossible, but we have to be careful of these noble ladies who have ulterior motives."
Cheng Xi smiled: "No matter how high the door lintel is, how can it compare to freedom? Some caged birds, once they fly out, can't go back."
Just like in the years before the founding of the People's Republic of China, those who graduated from girls' schools were often the most determined revolutionaries, because they knew what kind of situation they would fall into if they did not smash the world.
No matter how gorgeous the shackles are, they are still shackles; no matter how exquisite the cage is, it is still a cage. Once people know what light is and what self is, they will no longer close their eyes or seal their mouths.
She didn't mind promoting these "trends" more widely. Women couldn't take the imperial examinations anyway, so why study Confucian classics, moral articles? It would be better for her to study hard and learn some "unconventional methods".
Looking at the smile on Cheng Xi's face, Tian Yu's heart softened for no reason. These words were probably spoken from the heart.
Hidden away in seclusion, who could have imagined the glory it would have today? Well, one must use those who come to one's door, so one should be more cautious.
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