Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 761: Female Official (Part 1)

As soon as Li Ying looked at the list, she understood: "Most of the women on this list are widows, and two have separated from their husbands."

"Exactly," Cui Wenxiu nodded: "Just like I was back then."

Whether widowed or separated, all are women without husbands. Even if they have maternal homes to rely on, it’s still not comparable to earning silver to support themselves.

They are most likely to be persuaded to become female teachers at the academy.

As expected, within a day, three visits were made, and almost all agreed. In a matter of days, meetings with over a dozen families resulted in eight women agreeing to become female teachers.

Li Ying was quite envious: "Our Ye County Women’s Academy has only five female teachers so far. Truly, the Capital City is filled with women well-versed in poetry and books."

To establish the women’s academy, the most challenging part is finding suitable female teachers. Now, with eight female teachers hired, they can really get started.

Cui Wenxiu had been busy for a few days, not feeling the least bit tired, but rather energetic: "I’ve also chosen a location for the academy. Today, I’ll draft the charter and send it into the palace. Once the Emperor approves, we can start posting notices to recruit students. Perhaps, before you leave the Capital City, the women’s academy will be up and running."

Li Ying laughed: "I originally planned to leave in two days. But after what you’ve said, I should stay a while longer until the academy is established before returning to Ye County."

As for her husband and son, they can be put aside for now. In Ye County, there’s plenty of good food and drink, they won’t lack anything.

Cui Wenxiu’s heart warmed; she tightly held Li Ying’s hands: "Sister-in-law, I owe my current circumstances to your shelter back then."

Li Ying chuckled: "Why suddenly these courteous words? Or is it that you’re about to soar high and want to distance yourself from me? Perhaps, in three or five years, I’ll come to the Capital City myself. Then, you’d better take good care of me."

Cui Wenxiu’s eyes glistened slightly, but tears did not fall; she nodded firmly.

...

"Truly an able minister."

Jiang Shaohua flipped through the proposal presented by Cui Wenxiu, smiling with praise.

Cui Wenxiu’s penmanship was so good it could be used as a calligraphy copybook. Looking at it was a pleasure. The content was detailed and practical, clearly showing great effort.

Chen Jinyu, in recent days, was mentoring newcomers, delegating errands and messaging tasks to Lu Zhen and the other two, making things easier for himself. He could now joke with Her Majesty the Empress: "I’d like to have a look too."

Jiang Shaohua handed the proposal to Chen Jinyu with a smile.

Chen Jinyu, having trained in the palace for half a year, became well-versed in the country’s state affairs, with insights and perspectives much broader than before. After reading it, he laughed: "This proposal from Mr. Cui could serve as a template. Try it first in the Capital City, and once the academy is established, directly implement it across Da Liang and every state."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "That’s what I was thinking too."

"On my behalf, go out of the palace once to Mr. Cui’s selected location. Whatever the academy needs, just go ahead and acquire it. Let Mr. Cui write a note and send it to the Ministry of Revenue, directly looking for Minister Ji."

Chen Jinyu accepted the task with a cheerful salute.

When Chen Sheren left the palace, he specifically brought along Lu Zhen.

Li Fangfei was envious in her heart, but she didn’t say a word. Wang Shu proactively spoke up: "Chen Sheren, I’d also like to go out and see the world."

Chen Sheren smiled as he agreed: "Very well, then let Fangfei stay behind to be at the Emperor’s service. You two come with me out of the palace."

Lu Zhen and Wang Shu both responded cheerfully.

Li Fangfei felt regretful in her heart, though she didn’t show it.

If she had known earlier, she should have volunteered shamelessly. She could have had the chance to get out of the palace and broaden her horizons, and perhaps learn how to establish an academy as well.

Now, she could only watch Lu Zhen and Wang Shu leave the palace.

Oh well! The first lesson learned in the officialdom: never be thin-skinned.

Li Fangfei murmured to herself, while she cheerfully went to serve by the Emperor’s side. She served tea, fetched water, ground ink, and laid out paper. Though they seemed like trivial matters, the people she interacted with were all high-ranking courtiers. Even when she conveyed messages to the harem, it was to Jingyang Palace and Ning An Palace, and Imperial Concubine Fan was completely disregarded by the Emperor.

Li Fangfei was meticulous in her work, handling affairs carefully. Jiang Shaohua noticed this and nodded discreetly.

Although Li Fangfei had a strong background, upon reflection, who among those who could come to her side didn’t have support? As long as she focused on her duties, she could certainly be used.

"Go to Jingyang Palace and tell Mr. Zhao that I will visit the Grand Empress Dowager at noon."

Li Fangfei responded and withdrew.

There were many young and beautiful palace attendants. However, most were selected a few years ago, with even the youngest around twenty years old.

The three newly inducted female scholars were all in their teens, fresh and delicate as flower buds. Moreover, they served on royal decree in the palace, entering and exiting Zhaohai Palace and Jinluan Palace, exuding a composed confidence unlike any harem attendant could compare to.

Li Fangfei conveyed the message to Jingyang Palace, and Mr. Zhao was very polite to her: "Please, Mr. Li, relay to the Emperor that the Grand Empress Dowager is waiting to have lunch with him."

At noon, the Emperor set off to Jingyang Palace, with Li Fangfei accompanying him.

In the past, it was always Chen Sheren by his side, but today, there was a new face. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng glanced over and recognized her: "Is this Mrs. Li’s niece?"

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng had wielded power in the palace for years, and no woman saw her without trepidation. Even the court officials felt anxious when faced with the high-ranking, difficult Grand Empress Dowager, let alone Li Fangfei, who was new to the officialdom.

Swept by the Grand Empress Dowager’s glance, Li Fangfei tensed up, instinctively lowering her head, just as Her Majesty’s amused voice whispered in her ear: "Grandmother, this is Li Fangfei, this year’s newly appointed female scholar, now entrusted with Sheren duties."

Newly appointed female scholar.

Imperial Attendant.

Yes, she was an official, not a servant, nor a woman from the palace seeking an audience. There was nothing for her to fear.

Li Fangfei unconsciously straightened her posture and lifted her head.

No wonder she was a girl gracefully nurtured by a noble family, with a poised demeanor. In terms of looks, Li Fangfei was also the most beautiful among the female scholars.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng saw this and felt nothing but an unpleasant churn inside.

The Zheng Family also had outstanding girls, and the two originally chosen to participate in the female examination were in no way inferior to Li Fangfei. Had they taken the exam, with her status, Jiang Shaohua would surely have supported them. The person standing triumphantly in Jingyang Palace as the Imperial Attendant would have been Miss Zheng.

But Duke An was too timid, lacking the courage, and retreated on his own initiative.

She was sulking in the palace, though she had no solution.

"Have Mr. Li step back first, I’d like to speak with you alone." Grand Empress Dowager Zheng didn’t want to see her, so she sent her away.

Li Fangfei bowed and withdrew gracefully.