coobybook Chapter 220 Xinyang Girls' School
Chapter 220 Xinyang Girls' School
Xinyang County, a small town that has stood silently through the long river of time, is about to experience unprecedented upheavals due to the establishment of a girls' school.
Preparations for the girls' school progressed amidst difficulties. Classroom setup, textbook preparation, student recruitment... every step required everyone's hard work. Looking at the girls' school gradually taking shape, Shi Wanxia was filled with anticipation. She knew this was just the beginning; the road ahead was long, very long...
Shi Wanxia stood in the center of the courtyard, her posture upright, her gaze sweeping firmly over the crowd in front of her.
Her voice was clear and strong: "I wish to establish a girls' school, which aims to enable women to read and understand principles, learn skills, and find their place in this world. However, the choice of teacher has not yet been determined. I hope that you will consider this carefully and lend me a hand."
Upon hearing this, everyone had their own thoughts. Shuyao, Shuqin, Shiqing, and others held positions in the county government and were burdened with official duties;
Qin Xin and Shu Ying were busy with the family business and had little time to spare. Lin Yu was even more overwhelmed with affairs, spinning like a top without stopping.
Shi Wanxia's gaze swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on those sitting quietly. She was waiting, waiting for someone to stand up on their own initiative.
Qiu Xiaomei was the first to break the silence. She was originally a poor peasant girl with a tragic fate. Her parents sold her to a matchmaker just to raise money for her brother's betrothal gifts.
She thought she would be trapped in darkness for the rest of her life, suffering oppression and abuse, but unexpectedly, Shi Wanxia shone into her life like a ray of light.
Not only did they redeem her from servitude, but they also taught her a trade, giving her dignity and hope. Now that girls' schools are being established, this is an unprecedented opportunity; how could she possibly miss it?
"Sister Shi, I am willing to give it a try and do my best for women's education. As a woman, you have opened a window for us girls. We are willing to walk the road ahead together."
Although Qiu Xiaomei's voice trembled slightly, it was filled with unwavering determination.
Immediately afterward, Wu Chang also stood up. He was originally from an official family, the son of the Minister of Works. He was once full of ambition and high aspirations, waiting to follow in his father's footsteps and make great achievements in the court.
However, fate was cruel. His father was convicted of a crime, and overnight, his family was destroyed. He fell from grace and became a government slave, exiled to Xinyang in Youzhou.
If it weren't for Shi Wanxia, he and his younger siblings would probably have perished long ago. The hardships and suffering along the way allowed him to witness Shi Wanxia's gentleness and resilience. Everything she did for the people, like a spark, ignited respect in his heart.
“Miss Shi’s actions, though risky, are of extraordinary significance. I am educated and willing to contribute to women’s education. I also hope that my sister can be like Miss Shi, not bound by worldly constraints. ‘There will be times when the wind and waves will be broken, and the sails will be hoisted to cross the vast sea.’ I believe we will succeed.” Wu Chang’s eyes reflected both his reflections on the past and his expectations for the future.
Wu Shuyuan looked at her brother with a warm yet firm gaze. She had once been a daughter of an official, and although she had experienced many changes, she had found herself amidst adversity.
“As a woman, I also want to live for myself and find the strength to live for more women. I am willing to work hard with Sister Shi. ‘A sword’s sharpness comes from honing, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold.’ I am willing to bloom in this honing.” She said softly, her words, though light, seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight.
In an instant, many people stepped forward. Shi Wanxia looked at them with relief, her heart filled with emotion and gratitude.
She knew all too well that this path was fraught with difficulties; establishing a girls' school challenged societal norms and threatened established interests. But as the people's official in charge, how could Xinyang develop if she couldn't change the outdated ideas in their minds?
This girls' school had no age limit; whether a young girl or a married woman, anyone with a desire to attend could step through its gates. The news spread like wildfire, creating ripples on a calm lake.
Many young women came to register without telling their families, including some who were already married with children. They yearned for knowledge and wanted to change their fate, even if it meant defying societal norms.
However, resistance also followed. The women's parents-in-law and husbands believed that it was against etiquette for women to show their faces in public, and they gathered to cause trouble outside the academy.
Whenever Shi Wanxia heard the news, she would always rush to the scene immediately.
She stood before the troublemakers, her expression calm yet exuding an undeniable authority: "Gentlemen, women are also human beings, with a thirst for knowledge and the right to change their destiny. This women's education is not a monster, but rather a force that can help Xinyang develop better. 'The road ahead is long and arduous, but I will persevere in my pursuit.' I am determined to explore this path of women's education to the very end." She earnestly tried to persuade them to understand.
Amidst all the commotion, Shuyun took on the heavy responsibility of the dean, while Qinglan became the teacher, working with everyone to prepare for the establishment of the girls' school.
Shuyun meticulously planned the girls' school curriculum, which included not only reading and writing but also practical skills such as needlework and accounting. Qinglan, on the other hand, was busy organizing teaching materials, preparing to impart all her knowledge to the students.
Amidst her busy schedule, Shi Wanxia also made time to interact with others. She discussed the future of girls' education with Shuyun and deliberated on teaching methods with Qinglan. In the process, her contact with Wu Chang also increased.
Wu Chang's admiration for Shi Wanxia grew day by day. He often silently assisted her in handling affairs and watched her work hard for the girls' school, which stirred up ripples in his heart.
"Miss Shi, aren't you afraid of offending too many people by being so persistent?" Wu Chang couldn't help but ask.
Shi Wanxia smiled slightly, her eyes filled with determination: "If we give up for fear of offending people, then Xinyang will be forever trapped in old customs. I am willing to bear all the risks for this change. 'What my heart desires, though I die nine times, I will not regret.'"
Wu Chang gazed at her, a strange emotion welling up within him. He knew that this woman was extraordinary; her courage and determination drew him in like a magnet.
The girls' school finally opened after everyone's busy preparations. Shi Wanxia not only had to handle official business at the county government every day, but also had to come to the girls' school from time to time to deal with troublemakers. The Princess also required her to accompany her often, and Wanxia felt exhausted.
That day, Shi Wanxia had just finished handling an urgent case at the county government office when she rushed to the girls' school. She found a group of students gathered together, arguing loudly. She quickly went over and, after understanding the situation, learned that two students had gotten into a fight over a trivial matter and neither would back down.
Shi Wanxia patiently mediated between the two students, helping them understand that classmates should be understanding and tolerant of each other. After some effort, the two students finally shook hands and made peace.
Shi Wanxia breathed a sigh of relief and was about to leave when she was surrounded by a group of students asking her all sorts of questions.
Shi Wanxia answered the students' questions one by one until the sun set before she could finally leave. She dragged her tired body home, only to find Qin Xin and Lin Yu already waiting for her.
Qin Xin and Lin Yu, seeing Wan Xia's condition, said with concern, "You're working so hard, you must take care of yourself." Wan Xia smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, I'm fine."
Shi Wanxia knew that she bore an important responsibility. For the development of the girls' school and for the future of the students, she had to persevere.