Chapter 523 Elite Academy
“Those who dare to establish a girls’ school amidst the opposition of the world are brave; what surprises me most is that she herself is a woman, and it is not easy for her to face such pressure; I ask you, can those who deny her do better than her?”
Under Mr. Xu's questioning, those who had been gossiping lowered their heads.
Xie Xing originally came over to listen, but unexpectedly it seemed like he had witnessed a good show.
He turned his head, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "Manager Wan, you can go up and say a few words, otherwise how can you live up to Old Master Xu's good intentions?"
Wan Qiqi glanced at Xie Xing, walked through the crowd, stopped below the stage, and bowed to Old Xu. "Reading gives people the right to make their own choices, to be worthy of others and unafraid of heaven; to understand the principles of things, to distinguish right from wrong, and to know honor and shame."
This was what Wan Qiqi had always wanted in her heart, and it was also her original idea for establishing a girls' school.
She was never discouraged; she just needed time to process it.
She couldn't act impulsively and make things worse.
The more others want to see her fail, the braver she must be; their ignorance cannot corrupt her...
There may be smooth roads in this world, but they are not the ones she wants to take.
Wan Qiqi's words caused many of the scholars present to lower their heads.
"To understand the principles of things, to distinguish right from wrong, and to know honor and disgrace" sounds simple, but few people can truly put it into practice.
They never imagined that a woman like her would have such views and ideas.
But think about it, it was this woman who changed her infamous reputation and let the world know that women can also run restaurants.
She even pioneered the establishment of girls' schools, something most people wouldn't dare to do.
Her thoughts were on full display for the world.
Xie Xing raised his hand and clapped, seemingly resonating with what he had said.
The people around were gradually drawn in by the applause and joined in.
Old Xu remained calm, seemingly finding it quite ordinary, but his eyes held a hint of appreciation for Wan Qiqi.
He said to Wan Qiqi, "Your idea is very good. I hope you can stick to it."
Wan Qiqi nodded in agreement, "Okay, I will!"
"Only someone who truly cares about everyone would dare to try something so thankless and exhausting." Old Xu glanced at everyone and asked, "May I ask, what did Wan Qiqi do wrong?"
There was complete silence all around; no one had expected Old Xu to speak up for Wan Qiqi like this.
"Reading, wanting to read, that's right, this is a good place." Old Xu looked around the house and said, "Today is the last day of my lectures. I am very pleased that everyone has come out of respect for me. Life is a journey of self-cultivation. We may have doubts, aspirations, or prejudices. When we see someone doing good, we should emulate them; when we see someone doing evil, we should reflect on ourselves. I hope we can all strive together."
With Xu Lao's words finished, the lecture came to a general end.
No one expected that Old Xu would say this at the end.
Some people, moved by Xu Lao's words, went to Wan Qiqi and apologized to her.
Some people felt they hadn't heard enough and wanted to stay a little longer.
Wan Qiqi never expected that today's lecture would end like this, and that it would be a complete end.
Old Master Xu had his personal page help him pack his things, while he sat to the side, sipping the snacks Wan Qiqi had brought and chatting with Xie Xing.
Wan Qiqi walked over and bowed to Old Master Xu.
This was the most proper bow Wan Qiqi had ever performed since she transmigrated.
Old Xu raised his hand, seemingly wanting to stop Wan Qiqi, but in the end he accepted the gesture.
Just then, footsteps could be heard outside.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Fang Ziming, dressed in official robes, hurrying over.
Fang Ziming seemed to realize what he had missed, bowed to Elder Xu, and said with a smile, "Elder Xu, I wanted to come and hear the last lecture, but I was still too late!"
"It's alright. As long as someone is willing to listen, it's alright." Old Xu put the last bite of pastry in his mouth, a bright smile spreading across his face, and said, "The pastry is good."
"Thank you for the compliment!" Wan Qiqi's smile was also radiant.
Chen Yongnian had walked over at some point and stood behind Wan Qiqi, a smile playing on his lips, seemingly unable to contain his joy.
At this moment, Old Xu looked up at Wan Qiqi, as if signaling her to do something.
Wan Qiqi understood, bowed to Fang Ziming, and said, "Lord Fang, I humbly request that you take charge of the girls' school."
Fang Ziming frowned slightly, carefully observing the expressions of those around him, and realized that he had overlooked something important.
"I never imagined that such a small county as Yunhe would have such a woman. She is quite remarkable." Old Xu smiled and stroked his beard.
Seeing that Xie Xing was about to speak, Fang Ziming immediately said, "The matter of the girls' school was a false accusation by others. Now that the matter is over, let's return to normal!"
"Thank you, Lord Fang." Wan Qiqi smiled slightly and said, "Lord Fang, the school does not yet have an official name. Would you be willing to bestow a name upon it?"
She didn't actually want Fang Ziming to bestow a name upon her; she clearly wanted the government to intervene and legitimize the girls' school.
But under the watchful eyes of Old Xu and Xie Xing, Fang Ziming knew that he had no choice but to stop it.
With Elder Xu's words, if this girls' school cultivates talented individuals, it will be a great achievement for him.
He thought for a moment, bowed to Elder Xu, and said, "Elder Xu, may I ask if you could bestow a name upon the school?"
Old Xu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, seemingly lost in thought.
After a long pause, he stroked his beard and asked, "How is Jingjing Academy?"
"The character '菁' implies lush vegetation and also means one in a hundred, which is indeed excellent. Xu Lao should be the one to choose the name." Xie Xing bowed respectfully.
Fang Ziming gave Xie Xing a cold glance, as if to say: You think you're so clever!
Xie Xing remained completely unfazed by Fang Ziming's scrutiny, appearing entirely at ease.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
