Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 186 Desire to Establish a School

"Alright, I'd also like to say a few words." Shi Wanxia's voice rang out again, pulling everyone's thoughts back.

"From today onwards, we have moved to a new home with more farmland. Shuyun, you should make arrangements so that everyone in the family will work in the fields. We need to not only do business, but also understand farming."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"Also, by the way, if there are any poor families nearby, as long as they are of good character, they can be invited to plant with us. I hope that each of you can forget your former status. Whether you were poor or rich in the past, it is all in the past. I hope that you can regain your confidence. In this world, regardless of gender, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. Don't always think about depending on others."

Shi Wanxia then looked at Shuyun and continued, "By the way, Shuyun, starting today, you can prepare two rooms. Starting today, post a notice that anyone who wants to study and learn to read can come and register. No tuition fees will be charged."

"However, we do not provide accommodation or meals. If parents are worried, they can sit in on the classes, but they must not disrupt the classroom discipline. Anyone who is literate and of good character can work in our workshop, and the wages are one tael of silver per month."

Shuyun immediately agreed, her eyes filled with determination. In her heart, Sister Shi was like a saint, and she had no doubts about any of Sister Shi's requests.

She knew that everything Sister Shi did was for everyone's good, creating a new future for these poor people, a future full of hope. And on this special day, everyone in the Shi family seemed to see a new life slowly unfolding before their eyes, a picture filled with laughter, hard work, growth, and endless warmth.

As Shi Wanxia finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a lively discussion. Excitement and anticipation shone in everyone's eyes; they knew that their new life had truly begun.

Cui Zhihao looked at the girl with confusion. She wanted to start a school, but why didn't she charge tuition? Moreover, although he came from a noble family, he knew that the court wanted to take power back from the noble families.

But he was helpless. The Cui family of Qinghe was a role model for scholars throughout the land. They possessed vast amounts of books, wealth, and mineral resources. It was precisely because of these that these powerful clans remained invincible.

"Miss Shi, let's eat first!" Cui Zhihao felt he should persuade her later to start the business in his name, since he was also from the Qinghe Cui family. Although he wasn't from the first branch, his status was second only to the first branch.

Shi Wanxia quickly gestured for everyone to start eating. During the meal, many children and their families volunteered to perform various skills they were good at. There were performances of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, swordplay, dance, poetry, and dance, making it a lively and festive occasion.

A little boy stepped forward, holding a short sword. His movements were agile, and his swordsmanship was fierce, drawing cheers from the crowd. Then, a little girl began to play the guzheng. Her fingers danced across the strings, producing a beautiful and melodious tune that captivated the audience.

Afterwards, several children performed poetry recitations and dances. Their performances were full of energy and passion, making the atmosphere of the banquet even more lively.

In this joyful atmosphere, Shi Wanxia also felt the warmth and happiness of family. Watching the children's performance, she was filled with joy and emotion. She knew that these children were the future and hope of the family, and their growth and development would determine the rise and fall of the family.

Finally, Shi Wanxia stood up and expressed her gratitude to everyone. She said, "Today, we are gathered here to celebrate this wonderful moment. I hope everyone will cherish this kinship and friendship, and work together to make our family even more prosperous."

Everyone applauded in agreement. On this warm evening, everyone felt the warmth and happiness of family and was filled with confidence and anticipation for the future.

After the banquet, Cui Zhihao called over Miss Shi, wanting to discuss something with her. Seeing this, Shi Wanxia took him to her room. The main hall was in a mess, so she didn't want to bother Shuyun and the others.

Choi Ji-ho stood outside her bedroom, his face flushed. This was far too abrupt, in the dead of night. A man and a woman alone in a room together would damage her reputation; he couldn't possibly do such a thing.

When Shi Wanxia saw that he was standing at the door for a long time without going in, she found it strange. She didn't think much of it and just pulled him inside.

"Sir, please sit down. Let me pour you a cup of tea!"

Cui Zhihao felt uneasy, his eyes darting around nervously, after all, this was a young lady's private room. He considered it and realized it was still very improper, so he quickly rose and bowed.

“Miss Shi, why don’t we go outside to talk? This is, after all, your boudoir. You are still unmarried, and it is very impolite of me to enter here so abruptly.”

Shi Wanxia then realized that she had forgotten about the strict rules in ancient times, which strictly separated men and women. However, Shuyun and the others were busy outside, and besides, it wasn't a big deal, was it? She got up and opened the door, thinking that would make it alright.

"My lord, I'm sorry, but there are many people in my family. Besides, I believe you are a gentleman and would not spread this around. Moreover, so what if it does spread? Let them talk all they want. I have no morals, so I won't be bound by them."

Choi Ji-ho was nearly scared to death by the girl's words. Wait, why is this girl acting so strangely? This concerns her reputation!

"Miss Shi, you mustn't talk nonsense!"

Before he could say anything more, Shi Wanxia interrupted him. "My lord, don't worry. By the way, what do you want to tell me?"

Cui Zhihao then realized what was happening, and sat down helplessly, not daring to look around, only able to stare at Miss Shi.

“Miss Shi, I come from the Cui family of Qinghe, are you aware of that?”

Shi Wanxia didn't understand why he asked that. He was the one who told her! How could she not know?

"I know, you said it yourself. What's wrong?"

Choi Ji-ho didn't know how to begin, so he began to recount what he knew.

“Miss Shi, you may not know this, but today you said you wanted to set up a school. However, a school is not something that can be set up casually.”

Shi Wanxia frowned slightly, looking at Cui Zhihao with a puzzled expression. What did he mean by that?

After a moment's thought, Cui Zhihao explained, "Miss Shi, my Qinghe Cui clan is the head of all clans in the world, and also the head of all scholars. Are you aware of this?"

"The Cui family of Qinghe controls most of the books and wealth in the land. You, young lady, are just a commoner; you should live a simple life! Why bother with all this trouble? Even men who want to establish a school must apply to the prefect, and the school's director must be a scholar who has passed the imperial examinations."

"Although you are a woman, I have made an exception to employ you. However, your path to officialdom will be more difficult than anyone else's. Since ancient times, no woman has ever served as an official. In this small town of Xinyang, you may have the opportunity to realize your ambitions, but you have no chance of being promoted."

Shi Wanxia, ​​however, did not think so. Once she made a decision, she would stick to it to the end. Moreover, she did not aspire to a high-ranking official position, but since she was in that position, she had to fulfill her duties.

"Don't worry, sir, I know what I'm doing. However, I must remind you that pride comes before a fall, while humility brings benefit. Being low-key in your personal life but high-profile in your work is the best long-term strategy."

"Although noble families may have unique ways of establishing themselves in the world, everything is subject to the laws of nature: Heaven dislikes fullness, and humanity dislikes perfection. The moon wanes after it is full, and water overflows when it is full. The law of everything is that prosperity leads to decline, and things will inevitably reverse when they reach their extreme. The best mindset in life is to seek imperfection rather than fullness, not to enjoy all the blessings, but to give some to others, and not to take all the benefits, but to leave some for others."