Chapter 136 Women’s Education

After a while, Ah Qing arrived and, after greeting Shu Yuwan, led Zhao Qing Qing away.

Despite the rough attitude of a few eunuchs, Zhao Qing Qing didn’t resist and appeared very compliant. Ah Qing felt puzzled but didn’t dwell on it. After all, she was someone about to die, so there was no need to think too much.

In the evening, after handling Zhao Qing Qing, Ah Qing reported to the emperor.

“Your Majesty, Zhao Qing Qing has passed away.”

The emperor raised his head from the memorial and replied, “Good.”

With Zhao Qing Qing confirmed dead, the emperor set the matter aside. This woman was finally gone. Even though Zhao Qing Qing and her mother came from the same place, he didn’t believe they were similar.

Coming from the same place didn’t mean much; every place had different people.

Since Zhao Qing Qing was no longer of value, there was no need for her to remain in a place that wasn’t hers.

Around the same time, Qing Dai returned to the Kunde Palace and said, “Your Highness, Zhao Qing Qing has passed away.”

Shu Yuwan nodded.

With Zhao Qing Qing’s death, Shu Yuwan felt a sense of emptiness. She kept recalling the words Zhao Qing Qing said before her death!

Women could work outside, whether in labor, business, or even taking the imperial examinations!

After a moment of silence, Shu Yuwan asked, “Qing Dai, do you think our world will eventually become like Zhao Qing Qing’s 21st-century world?”

Qing Dai was greatly impacted but had already decided not to marry. Being with Shu Yuwan, she had status and wealth, and she was a clear-headed person, so she understood things better.

She replied, “Your Highness, perhaps one day it might, but we must consider the present.”

Qing Dai was straightforward in her response, feeling that Shu Yuwan was too fixated on Zhao Qing Qing’s world, even though they didn’t live there.

Thinking about how the courtiers were still blaming her for the emperor’s refusal to select consorts, Shu Yuwan smiled and said, “You’re right.”

After Qing Dai stepped aside, Shu Yuwan continued, “I believe that one day, it will come true.”

She then instructed, “Identify those who spread the most vicious rumors outside about me being a seductive calamity, bring them to me. I know what to do.”

Qing Dai’s eyes lit up as she replied, “Yes.”

Qing Dai had been particularly concerned about this matter. Zhao Qing Qing was of no concern to her; she was just the empress’s prisoner.

However, the reputation of being a seductive calamity was not good. The empress was a legitimate empress, and such a reputation was undesirable.

Qing Dai had been keeping an eye on this matter and quickly identified the ringleaders causing trouble outside.

The next day, Qing Dai came to report to Shu Yuwan, “Your Highness, based on the information from the eldest prince, the leading group is from Wei family. Although it didn’t directly appear, most of those who spoke were Wei Guogong’s former students and acquaintances.”

Shu Yuwan felt a bit helpless. Wei Wushuang had already been appointed as a princess and had entered the temple. Why was the Wei family causing trouble like this?

Thinking about the recent connections she had made, Shu Yuwan had some speculations.

Unexpectedly, helping the Wei family had brought trouble upon herself.

For a moment, Shu Yuwan’s impression of Wei Family worsened.

In the evening, after correcting the memorials, the emperor came to the Kunde Palace to rest.

The couple discussed this matter.

Feeling wronged, Shu Yuwan said, “Your Majesty, look at those people outside. Now they are not blaming you but accusing me of being a seductive calamity!”

The emperor had heard some rumors in the past few days but hadn’t decided how to handle them yet.

Knowing that Shu Yuwan felt wronged, he smiled and said, “It’s my fault. I’ve caused distress to you, my dear.”

With a slightly coquettish tone, Shu Yuwan asked, “How does Your Majesty plan to compensate me?”

Seeing Shu Yuwan like this for the first time, the emperor felt a surge of affection and indulgence, saying, “Whatever you want, my dear.”

Of course, the emperor said this because he knew Shu Yuwan was a very sensible person.

Shu Yuwan smiled and said seriously, “I want to establish a women’s school in the capital.”

Curious, the emperor asked, “Isn’t there already a women’s school in the capital?”

“Yes, but the women’s school I want to establish will be different from the current one in the capital. The current school mainly admits noblewomen and teaches traditional skills like music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and virtues.”

“The women’s school I want to establish will focus on practical skills such as embroidery, culinary arts, medical knowledge, perfumery, and more.”

Seeing the glint in Shu Yuwan’s eyes as she spoke, the emperor asked curiously, “Why do you want to establish such a women’s school?”

With a hint of sadness, Shu Yuwan replied, “It’s for women who have experienced divorce, abandonment, or have nowhere to go. Not all women are as fortunate as I am to have encountered a good husband like Your Majesty.”

Hearing this, the emperor felt a pang of heartache. Since their first meeting, Shu Yuwan had always been calm and composed in front of him. He had thought she didn’t care about such matters.

After considering the feasibility of this matter, the emperor replied, “It’s not a big deal. If you want to do it, go ahead.”

Shu Yuwan was delighted and leaned into the emperor’s embrace, saying, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The emperor gently stroked Shu Yuwan’s soft hair and smiled, “Shu Yuwan, you can do more of these things to build your reputation among the people. False accusations like being a seductive calamity will naturally be dispelled.”

The emperor’s words just now sparked an idea in his mind.

Although it might take some time, the effect would be significant and long-lasting.

By then, he could issue a decree to commend Shu Yuwan, bestow her with a title of virtue and merit, and naturally control public opinion.

As for the constraints of the selection system in the court, it was simply a joke!

In the past, the late emperor faced internal and external threats, needing to navigate relationships with his courtiers. By bringing concubines into the palace, he could influence the courtiers.

However, after years of governance, the court was stable. Before ascending the throne, the late emperor had paved the way for him. If he still needed the harem to balance the courtiers, it would show his incompetence!

After hearing the emperor’s words, Shu Yuwan looked up at him. This was truly him considering her!

A hint of sweetness enveloped Shu Yuwan’s heart.

Regardless of the future, at this moment, she was willing